There's never a dull moment in the Big Easy and, for adults, that's always been true. What's changed is that the city has become a whole lot more family friendly - although kids and the easily shocked should still steer clear of the French Quarter during Mardi Gras.
Meanwhile, check these out:
Swamp Tours
Whatever you do, don't miss the chance to go on one of these boat trips through the bayous often led by colorful guides whose families have been there for generations. The ancient oak swamps of Louisiana are one of the most atmospheric places on earth, teeming with wildlife including, of course, gators. In fact, when the writer of this guide took one of these tours, a nervous New Jersey resident asked the guide what the alligators eat. The guide smiled slightly and replied: "Yankees."
Aquarium of the Americas
You don't have to be a kid to feel in awe of the magnificent creatures that surround you as you walk through the acrylic tunnel. Giant stingrays and sharks glide by watching you watching them. It's home to the world's largest collection of penguins, which is cute, and the biggest collection of jellyfish, which isn't.
D-Day Museum
A place that really brings home the sacrifice made by men thousands of miles away in the greatest ever military operation. On Omaha Beach alone, 2,400 American troops lost their lives in the first wave of attack in what was to eventually lead to the overthrow of Hitler and the Nazis. This museum tells the story with a stunning array of pictures, film and taped testimonials.
French Market
It's a bit different from your average shopping mall with a history stretching back nearly 300 years. Despite its old appearance, it's actually been built and re-built a few times over the years as the result of fires, hurricanes and floods. Now it's six blocks that mix a huge flea market with a place for local farmers and fishermen to sell their produce.
Cemetery Tours
Building on land that is mostly below sea level leads to some unusual problems. One is that if you put a coffin six feet under, after a short while it'll float right back up. The New Orleans solution has been to "bury" them above ground. The resulting "Cities of the Dead" are a unique, fascinating if macabre sight. It is worth taking an organized tour to appreciate these strange places in safety.
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