Car Rental New Orleans links and information. Details on the New Orleans Climate, Transportation and an New Orleans Intro for people who have never visited here before. Car Rental is necessary if travelling outside of down town.

New Orleans Introduction

No U.S. city celebrates indulgence like New Orleans. And often you can smell it -- the unmistakable scent of last night's party on Bourbon Street.

Though residents seem a bit self-conscious of their city's reputation for revelry (and a bit resentful of the tourists who treat New Orleans like an alcoholic theme park), they're part of a place where everything seems to get a lagniappe -- a local term that means "a little something extra."

In New Orleans, the food has more spice and more calories, the music is funkier and ends later, and the local characters are a little more colorful.

In what other U.S. city would a voodoo priestess be buried next to the mayor's family? Or funerals be celebrated with a jazz band and a street dance?

These excesses and peculiarities will enchant anyone with a penchant for the romantic, the spiritual, the beautiful or the unusual -- in fact, they enchant practically everyone.

The proof is in the wide variety of visitors who flock to the city, everyone from music lovers to retirees to youthful adventurers to business conventioneers.

New Orleans Climate

The best months to visit are March and April or October and November. Winter will seem mild to visitors from colder climes, though January temperatures have been known to drop below freezing.

For Mardi Gras (February/March), expect temperatures of 46-65 F/7-18 C. Winter can be rainy.

The best hotel bargains can be found in June, July and August, but be prepared for temperatures at or above 90 F/32 C and humidity of 66% or higher.

Pace your sightseeing if you go at that time, and dress appropriately -- the humidity can be exhausting. Frequent afternoon thunderstorms help cool things down.

New Orleans Transportation

Getting around New Orleans is particularly easy when staying in or near downtown. From there, walking is the best way to get to many of the city's main attractions.

Those who prefer not to walk can take buses, which run all over the city, or streetcars, which run along the riverfront, up St.

Charles Avenue and down part of Carrollton Avenue. If you plan to take any day trips outside the city, a car will be necessary.