Download a larger
JPEG image above
Take an exiciting ride on the streetcar-
an exclusive offering
Mardi Gras is coming- February 24, 2004- Ride on the float during the Zulu
parade on Mardi Gras- another exclusive
Travel to the exotic land of Jazz, Food, Fun and Bourbon Street
NEW
ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, USA
New Orleans Facts:
- Name derivation: for French regent Philippe, Duc d'Orleans
- Founded: 1718; designated capital of Louisiana: 1722; Incorporated:
1805
- Area: 199 square miles of dry land
- Elevation: city ground elevation runs from 5 feet (1.5 m) below
sea level to 17 feet (5.1m) above
- Visitors: approximately 10 million each year
- Population: 1,238,816 (metro statistical area- 1990); 496,958
(New Orleans proper)
- Ethnic Composition: 1990- Black: 61.9%; White: 34.9%; Hispanic:
3.5%; Other:4.2%
- Notable Structures:
> Oldest surviving building is the Ursuline Convent built between 1749
and 1753
> Tallest building in New Orleans is One shell square at 697 feet (219
m) and 51 floors
> The Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans has the longest roof span in
the world with a diameter of 680 feet (207m)
- Water Facts:
> almost half of New Orleans total 363.5 square miles (931 sq km) area
is water
> Lake Pontchartrain is 621 square miles (1590 sq km) in size but nowhere
more than 15 feet (4.5 m) deep
> the Mississippi River is at its widest and deepest in New Orleans at
212 feet (64m) deep and 220 feet (661m) wide
Getting to New Orleans:
Get a map of
the French Quarter above
BY CAR: New Orleans can be reached from the East or West via I-10 into the
Central Business District (CBD); there are several highways from the North
that lead into I-10: in the west, coming from the north I-55 (south) will
lead you to I-10 west; coming from northeast I-59 will lead you to I-10
east
AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION:
New Orleans International Airport is in Kenner about 14 miles (22km) northwest
of the downtown area.
The least expensive means of getting to the city is by the Airport Express-
bus service operated by Louisiana Transit Co. (504-737-9611)- which picks
up/lets off on the second level on the far right as you exit and lets off/picks
up at Elk and Tulane Ave near the Public Library. This currently costs $1.50
one way.
The Airport Shuttle (504-522-3500) leaves the airport every 10 minutes for
all major hotels in downtown and French Quarter as well as the universities.
Taxi service usually costs the current standard rate of $21.00 for two people;
$24 for three people and then $8.00 per each additional person to New Orleans.
Metry Cab: 504-833-1511; United Cab: 524-9606
Of course, limo service is also available: Limousine Livery (504)561-8777;
Touch of Class (504)522-7565
TRAIN SERVICE:
Several Amtrak passenger trains leave from New Orleans weekly, one for Chicago;
and others for Atlanta, Los Angeles, Miami and NYC
Union Passenger Terminal (downtown); 1001 Loyola Ave; (504)528-1631; (800)
872-7245
BUS SERVICE:
Greyhound-Trailways bus service. Transportation Center, Union Passenger
Terminal (as above); (504)525-6075; (800) 231-2222
LOCAL TRANSIT SERVICE:
One of the most economical ways to traverse the city is with a VisiTour
Pass (passport to both streetcars and the RTA bus system). One-day pass
is under $5.00; three-day pass:$8.00
Regular one-way fare with transfer is $1.10; without transfer: $1.00
Express buses and Riverfront streetcar: $1.25
EXACT CHANGE is required
Rates are subject to change; RTA: (504)248-3900
THAT'S ALL FOR NOW
HAVE FUN and DON'T Forget: 
Get
into the real mood of Mardi Gras above
WARNING: the downloaded JPEG image contains adult content
If you are under 21 years, DO NOT click on the above photo
MARDI GRAS
Dates:
2004: February 24
2005: February 8
2006: February 28
2007: February 20
2008: February 5
Guide to New Orleans
