New Orleans Travel Forum

Hi,

Whare are people's thoughts on my friend and I visiting New Orleans this July? Obviously we have heard of the devastation but do not know to what extent the city has been damaged and what sort of a state it is in now. Any insight would be appreciated.

Thank you

I am by no means an expert on New Orleans, but my husband and I visited for the first time just about a year ago. We had some of the same concerns you have regarding the recovery from Katrina. We found that the tourist areas, mainly the French Quarter, where we stayed, were in full operation. I believe there was relatively little damage in those areas. We had a rental car for a couple days - drove out along the river to see some of the old restored plantations - and also to some of the outlying wards of the city, where the destruction was high, and the devestation remains. It was sobering and heartbreaking to see the abandoned homes, knowing that each empty house represents many lives disrupted, possibly forever.

That said, we had a wonderful time in New Orleans ... the food was amazing, as well as the music and all the sights. I am sure the people of the city need and appreciate any tourist dollars that come their way. On the other hand, it is my understanding that mid-summer weather is brutal. Extremely hot and humid.

The tourist areas, like the French Quarter and the Garden District, are in full swing, just not quite as busy. Both of those areas are higher in elevation than the rest of the city and received minimal, if any, damage from Katrina.
Downtown is more desolate than it was pre-Katrina, so you may want to try to stay in the actual French Quarter while there.
Most other stuff has started operating again, so it certainly would not be a problem to go in July, except that it's going to be very hot.

The summer heat is not so much the problem as is the humidity. July is also tropical storm season. The odds of a storm in that area aren't overly high, but I'd make sure you don't lock yourself into non-refundable fares, etc. I'd also have an alternative travel plan just in case. Gary

We spent a week in NO just before Christmas 2008 & had a wonderful time. Hurricane damage is only visible in the non tourist areas of NO not the tourist areas. Life has returned pretty much to normal from a visors point of view. We did a swamp tour which showed the after effects of the hurricane but also the recovery of both the flora & fauna. we hired a car a traveled around Louisiana & could see the rebuilding efforts. The locals are most grateful for visitors returning to their city so they can get on with normal day to day life.
Hope you have a great time.

I'm a frequent visitor to New Orleans, and my last visit was two months ago. The tourist areas (French Quarter, Garden District and Uptown, Marigny) are fine, and the St. Charles Avenue streetcar is back to running the full route, all the way from Canal Street to Riverbend.

The locals are very appreciative of your business. Have a great time!

I am so glad I happened upon this site. I am from New Olreans. It is looking great now especially around the Quarter which is where I assume you will be going. New Orleans East was hit the hardest and is still not looking so great, they have come a long way though. It will be very humid, so hair...beware!! Don't worry about a hurricane coming in July, that won't be an issue. While in the Quarter, don't venture off side streets by yourself, stay on the main streets. As long as there are a lot of people around, you'll be fine. It is pretty safe, but you always have to be careful and aware of your surroundings. Have a great trip!!!