Spring Break is coming up at the end of March, and I'm thinking of going to New Orleans for the first time, and taking Michael to hear some jazz. I know NO is an adult city but he's pretty mature and I would attempt to avoid as much raunchiness as possible. Does anyone have any good travel tips about NO? I'm considering staying at the Lafayette or the Monteleone.

There's plenty for a younger person to enjoy in NO. I'd simply avoid Bourbon Street after 9 PM or so.

I've always stayed at one of the big hotels on the edge of the French Quarter.

Things I'd recommend doing:
1. Walk along the river.
2. Ride the Street Car.
3. Have Beignet's and coffee at Cafe Du Monde on Decatur.
4. If they survuved the floods or have rebuilt, take the ferry across the river and tour the place that builds and stores parade floats.
5. Visit the square several times as things are always changing.
6. Take a carraige ride leaving from the square.

Most of all, use common sense as you would in any city.

Gail, I think you'd have a great time!
1. I second Jeff's recommendation for Cafe Du Monde.
2. Jazz Brunch daily (9-3) at the Court of Two Sisters.
3. Crepes at Petunias
4. If you are very flush, dinner at Commander's Palace in the Garden District.
5. Gray Line Tour..........very interesting of different neighborhoods.
6. Try a muffaletta.......I think that's what those sandwiches are called......I'll bet Cajun can tell for sure.
5. Plantations in the area........Gray Line?
6. Dinner on a Riverboat ... I think "Natchez), with music.
7. Trolley ride.
8. If you two like to cook, you might sign up for a lesson at one of the restaurants or cooking schools. You can google to find. We had friends that did this and loved it!
It does get pretty drunk on the street late in the evening.
We have enjoyed staying at national brand hotels around the edge of the French Quarter....Sheraton, Marriott, etc. Hilton Riverwalk is on the river and not too far from the French Quarter, and it seems that Harrah's now has a hotel...........comps?
Have a great time if you go.........would love a trip report when you return.

I used to go there quite often when I lived in Louisiana. I have not been back since the hurricane. I have two friends that I trust that have been back since then. Both were saddened by the lack of rebuilding they found almost a year ago, but were optimistic with the spirit to rebuild. Both stayed at the Hotel Monteleone. I don't know if it's ready for prime time yet. I would hope there is at least a portion of cleaned up tourist area with historical areas, good eats, and jazz.

Reading all those lists brought back some good memories - Harrah's has opened their own hotel, but they still have the Hilton or DoubleTree as partner hotels - all three a great location close to the RiverWalk, French Quarter and the Aquarium/IMAX complex - another good spot to check out.

I enjoyed the riverboat cruise, especially the stop out at the Battlefield of New Orleans. The St. Charles Streetcar (trolley) is a nice ride through the Garden District, or you can take it all the way out to the zoo. I also took a "swamp bayou" tour that was fascinating. I wish I had spent more time at Cafe du Monde and Jefferson Square - it seemed there was always impromptu jazz in that area.

There are plenty of things you & Michael can enjoy, but you're also right about the adult atmosphere, with some of those adults being downright ugly after a few drinks. I haven't been to New Orleans since the week before Katrina, and I was staying at the Marriott on Canal St courtesy of Harrahs - I walked the 3-4 blocks down to Harrahs & the Riverwalk most of the day and early evening, but the sober crowd seemed to thin out between 8-10 pm, and I felt much better taking a cab even that short distance.

I already decided that if we go, we'll be taking lots of cabs and not venturing out too far around Bourbon Street and the drunks.

I've stared at the Hilton and enjoyed my stay.
Afternoons where the best just walking around riverwalk area. This was all before Katrina, ofcourse.
Spring break might not be the best time to go if your trying to avoid the drunks. Collage kids start drinking early!

The muffuletta IMHO is the one of the world's best sandwiches. I'm drooling just thinking about a hot muff with an ice cold Abita Amber or Turbodog. :p