New Orleans Travel Forum

I always had the romantic notion of New Orleans where musicians are jamming all night and sidewalks filled with people in festive/party mood for most of the night.
Is this still true after Katrina?

New Orleans was my home pre-Katrina but I've been back regularly since -- the most recent was Jazz Fest a couple of weeks ago. Though it's not the same and will essentially never be (simply because history has changed it) it still possesses all the qualities which people have associated with the Big Easy. A lot of the people that have lived there - myself included - would say that this last Jazz Fest was the first time since Katrina that it actually felt "the same". I encourage you to visit New Orleans. You won't be disappointed. If you have a second, take a look at my New Orleans page; a majority of those tips were added as a result of my last trip.

The Quarter/Bourbon Street isn't as active as it used to be, and I noticed there were actually families out there at night when that used to be unheard of.
I agree that you should still go regardless though. If just for the food alone...

Like maestrousmc, I too am a native New Orleanian who moved away prior to Katrina and who has been back afterwards.

In the areas right along the river, which would include the French Quarter, you won't see any physical damage. It's almost like, "Hurricane? What hurricane?" The difference is more subtle, seen in things like less traffic, closed businesses, narrower opening hours and such. In the Quarter and lower Frenchman Street, it's still pretty busy, though somewhat less so than before. Finding a parking spot in and around the Quarter is just as difficult these days as it ever was.

New Orleans is still a great place for music — of all kinds. If you're contemplating a visit, do it. You'll be very, very glad you did.

Graydon is absolutely right. To the traveler and tourist it will look much as it did pre-Katrina. Unless you frequented family-owned businesses before the hurricane you really won't be able to tell a difference. I'm a professional musician and I can tell you one thing: the music is just as lively and the selection is just as diverse. As far as music on the streets? It's still everywhere. Hang out in and around Jackson square. You'll see New Orleans style brass bands most of the times. If your lucky, you'll catch a phenomenal dixieland clarinetist around Royal (sometimes the Cathedral) who plays with a lone bass and her daughter in a stroller.

Unfortunately, I've ALWAYS seen families with small children in the Quarter. And I've always wondered why...

please forgive the typos

i just went last month for the first time since the hurricane and i have to agree that it wasn't AS crowded/crazy and happening as it use to be, but be sure that it was still jumping and wonderful and hopefully as time goes on it will get back to where it was prior.

some businesses in the quarter as still closed but there is definitely enough going on to keep you entertained.

should you go? yes. without a doubt.

i brought my boyfriend for his first time, and without him ever being there before, he fell in love with the city and couldn't imagine what i was talking about in that it wasn't as happening as it use to be.

and this was just in march - there were street performers everywhere, music playing into the night, jazz bands, great food, great times and i have faith that it will just keep getting better.