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Experience NOLA

Posted on 2023-01-18 01:11
IAC23

New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA) is home to IAC23 and oh so much more. The official New Orleans Tourism website has curated an incredible amount of useful information that will help you make the most of your time in the city, so be sure to check it out before you arrive and throughout your stay. In addition, here are community-generated lists of things you may want to do and places you may want to go during your visit to NOLA (as well as a list of other online guides to the Big Easy).

Note: all drive/walk times are Google Map estimates starting from the InterContinental New Orleans, our IAC23 venue.

Transportation

Airport Transportation

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is located approximately fifty (50) minutes from the IAC23 venue. There are multiple options for transportation from and to MSY:

  • MSY Airport Shuttle Service: currently $24 one-way, $44 round-trip, and children under 6 ride free; schedule ahead online or call 866-596-2699.
  • Taxis are available at the airport on level 1 and fares run around $36 each way for 1 or 2 people; for 3 or more people the fare is ~$14 each person, each way.
  • KreweCar, Uber, Lyft: choose from 3 ride sharing services to get you from the airport to the hotel and back easily and safely. Note: KreweCar bookings must be made 6 hours in advance.
  • Buses to downtown NOLA are available for $1.50. Note: there are limited departures and all passengers disembark at Elk Place and Canal Street (a 5 min cab ride or 12 min walk to the conference hotel.
  • Learn more about airport transportation options from the NOLA tourism bureau or on the MSY website.

Around the city

From the IAC23 venue, there are numerous options for transportation in and around NOLA:

  • Walking: The Intercontinental hotel is centrally located and within walking distance of many restaurants, cafes, bars, shops and tourist attractions. Bring your most comfortable walking shoes and start counting your steps.
  • Blue Bikes: This bikeshare service is a great way to easily get around town while enjoying the fresh air and getting a bit of exercise. You can pay by the minute or get a monthly pass.
  • GoX Scooters: Similar to the blue bikes, but on scooters. Various pricing options included.
  • Pedicabs: A fun and unique way to get around without having to do any of your own pedal work.
  • New Orleans Regional Transit Authority provides inexpensive buses, streetcars and ferries to get you around town, including the original streetcar line which runs down St Charles Street – right in front of the Intercontinental. Single rides are $1.25 and a selection of Jazzy passes give you multiple rides. Download the app ahead of time for convenient access to a trip planner, mobile payment and real-time information for a seamless ride.
  • City Sightseeing New Orleans Hop On Hop Off City Tour: These bus tours are a great way to get around the city while also learning from knowledgeable tour guides. One-day tickets are $46 with additional multi-day options available and all tickets can be purchased ahead of time or on the same day.
  • KreweCar, Uber, Lyft: Choose from 3 ride sharing services to get you around town easily and safely. Note: KreweCar bookings must be made 6 hours in advance.
  • Taxis
  • Limousines

Eat

  • Cochon: Cajun/Southern, ~4 min drive/~15 min walk
  • Drago’s: Seafood, numerous locations, closest ~4 min drive/~15 min walk; original Metairie (Fat City) location ~15 min drive
  • Camellia Grill: Diner, ~14 min drive
  • Luke: Creole, ~1 minute walk
  • Bearcat CBD: Breakfast/Brunch, ~3 min drive/~10 min walk
  • The Daily Beet: Vegetarian, Breakfast/Brunch, ~3 min drive/~11 min walk
  • Willa Jean: Breakfast/Brunch, Bakery, ~3 min drive/~10 min walk
  • Rouse’s Market: Grocery, ~3 min drive/~9 min walk
  • Jacques-Imo’s: Via streetcar – reservations for large groups – try the Shrimp & Alligator Sausage Cheesecake (it’s like no quiche you’ve tried yet!).
  • Antoine’s Restaurant: Classic New Orleans Restaurant
  • Restaurant guide from the NOLA tourism bureau (duplicates some of the above list)

Drink

Alcohol

  • The Carousel Bar & Lounge: Circus-style merry-go-round bar with live music, ~4 min drive/~8 min walk
  • Bourbon Street: Countless bars & restaurants, ~3 min drive/~8 min walk
  • Cocktail guide from the NOLA tourism bureau (duplicates some of the above list)
  • Ace Hotel: Couple of blocks away. Large, cool lounge and restaurant: Josephine Estelle

Not alcohol

Both

Visit

  • French Quarter: The oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans.
  • Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1 (tour website; must take tour to visit): The oldest in NOLA, many famous graves, ~4 min drive/~8 min walk
  • Southern Food & Beverage Museum: Cooking classes and specialty exhibits including The Museum of the American Cocktail’s New Orleans Collection, La Galerie de l’Absinthe, ~6 min drive/~24 min walk
  • The National WWII Museum: The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that all generations can understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. Through exhibits, multimedia experiences, and thousands of personal accounts, the Museum takes visitors on an immersive tour of World War II in every theater of war.
  • Streetcar ride – St Charles goes through the garden district and past Tulane and Loyola.
  • Red Sash Tours: Cemetery tour guide (Metairie cemetery tour is highly recommended by Carol’s friend)
  • Mardi Gras World: See the floats!
  • NOLA Tour Guy: Self-guided walking tour of the garden district. 
  • St. Louis Cathedral & Jackson Square
  • Preservation Hall
  • New Orleans City Park
  • Audubon Park & Audubon Zoo
  • Steamboat Natchez
  • Things to do from the NOLA tourism bureau (duplicates some of the above list)

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