Trolley Route
There is so much to see and do while visiting New Orleans you must take advantage of the Visitor Information Centers. They are official and free. You could spend several hours just taking in the information they provide about New Orleans. Would you like to see a wall sized aerial photograph the New Orleans metropolitan area or watch a short introductory film about the Crescent City? Then visit Basin Street Station Welcome Center. Are you interested in literature and pamphlets on all there is to do while exploring New Orleans? Then stop by the Louisiana Travel Information Center. Are you interested in exhibits, walking tours, films, music performances, folk life and cooking demonstrations and talks by rangers to help you understand the history and culture of New Orleans? Then check out the French Quarter National Park Visitors Center. All locations have friendly travel advisors who want to help you get the most out of your New Orleans visit.
Map of the French Quarter
The French Quarter (original New Orleans) is boardered by the Mississippi River on the South, Canal Street on the West, N. Rampart Street on the North and Esplanade Avenue on the East.
Click on the map of the French Quarter to enlarge.
Basin St Station New Orleans Welcome Center
The Basin St Station Welcome Center should be your first stop when you arrive in New Orleans. Located just outside the French Quarter at 501 Basin St, the Basin St Station is not just a New Orleans Visitor Center but a Visitor Information and Cultural Center wrapped up in one. Basin St Station presents an authentic introduction to New Orleans for locals and visitors alike. The first floor of this building is filled with travel information, travel guides, attraction brochures, historic New Orleans photos, several exhibits, kiosks, a huge satellite map of the region, a scaled model of the French Quarter, a gift shop with souvenirs, sodas and snacks, and lots of New Orleans history. There are also friendly travel counselors that can help you build a custom itinerary filled with things that you want to see and do while in New Orleans. While you are at the Basin St Station take a short break and watch the video �New Orleans: Cultural Crossroads of America�. It plays continuously throughout the day. 
Official Louisiana Travel Information Center * Jackson Square
There is an official Louisiana Travel Information Visitors Center located on Jackson Square at 529 St. Anne Street. There is no one there to sell you anything or scam you. Inside you will find helpful Louisiana State Tourist employees eager to answer your questions and ensure you find the attractions you are looking for. Here you will find a room of travel information such as magazines, travel guides, coupons, and brochures. I believe there hours are 9am - 5pm.
National Park Visitors Center * French Quarter
There is a National Park Visitors Center located in the French Quarter at 419 Decatur Street. Here you will find exhibits, tourist information and travel guides on National Park properties in the New Orleans area such as the Chalmette Battlefield, the Jean Lafitte National Park (Barataria Preserve), and the New Orleans Jazz National Park. They also have exhibits, walking tours, films, music performances, folk life and cooking demonstrations, and talks by rangers to help you understand the history and culture of New Orleans and the Mississippi River Delta. I believe this visitors center is open 7 days a week from 9am � 5pm.
Jazz National Park Visitors Center * French Quarter
Only in New Orleans could there be a National Park for jazz! If you are interested in Jazz music then stop by the New Orleans Jazz National Park Visitors Center at 916 N. Peters Street in the French Market. Here you will find information on Jazz music and history, Jazz music CDs, pamphlets for self guided Jazz History walking tours, and each day the Visitor Center usually offers a world class music experience as well. Park Rangers also give talks about the history of Jazz, the influence of Jazz and about different Jazz legends. The purpose of New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park is to preserve resources and information that are associated with the origins and early development of jazz in New Orleans; Enhance opportunities for visitors to experience and appreciate the sights and sounds of early jazz and the places where early jazz evolved; Interpret the origins, history, and progression of jazz; Promote and assist the education of students in various forms of jazz in order to perpetuate its continued evolution as a true American art form.
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
The New Orleans International Airport is located at 900 Airline Drive in Kenner. This is about 15 miles west of the New Orleans French Quarter off of I-10 (The Airport Exit is 223). The Airport offers free Wi-Fi (wireless Internet service) throughout the airport for traveler�s convenience. The Airport offers a 3,000 space short-term parking garage and a 2,500 space long-term parking garage on site. There are also a couple concession stands throughout the airport and a rental car facility as well. To travel between New Orleans and the New Orleans International Airport visitors have the following three options: Tax Cab, Airport Shuttle, and Airport Limousine.
Airport Shuttle New Orleans
Do you need transportation to and from the airport? Airport Shuttle New Orleans is the Official Ground Transportation Provider for the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. They offer transportation to and from Downtown & Uptown New Orleans Hotels, the French Quarter Hotels, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center & the Cruise Ship Terminals (All about 15-20 miles from airport). Their vans are white with yellowing lettering that says "Airport Shuttle" on its side along with their phone number 522-3500. Beware of impostors! If you do not see 522-3500 on the side of the van, it is not Airport Shuttle New Orleans! For Departure Reservations, please call 504-522-3500 no later than 24 hours prior to your flight. Your advance reservation will ensure your timely departure to the Airport.Helpful New Orleans Travel Information
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ) about New Orleans
Is there parking in the French Quarter?
The French Quarter offers very limited on street parking however if you drive along Decatur Street you will find several parking lots that offer abundant parking at an hourly rate.
How can I do a Superdome Tour?
The Superdome does not give tours any more.
When can I get hot boiled crawfish in New Orleans?
Boiled crawfish are generally available from February until June.
When can I get oysters in New Orleans?
Oysters are safe to eat all year round, but are best during autumn, winter and early spring. Many locals will tell you that during the Christmas season oysters are at their peak. Being the perfect size, firm, and tasting like clean ocean water.
Is it legal to drink on the streets of New Orleans?
Yes, it is legal to drink on the streets of New Orleans seven days a week, twentyfour hours a day, provided your beverage is in a go-cup (plastic container).
