<p>I am thinking about going there this summer. Is the city ready for tourists? Have anyone been there for vacation since the Katrina?</p>
<p>A word of caution–New Orleans in the summer is literally like walking around in a steam bath. I have lived in warm, humid places my whole life, and N.O. beats them all. It’s like “humid” times 100. You can walk outside, feeling “well, it’s warm but I’m not really uncomfortable” and then within 30 seconds you are damp all over. If you don’t mind this, then go–you’ll have a wonderful time if you can deal with the weather.</p>
<p>The parts of the city that tourists visit (French Quarter, Garden District and Uptown) rebounded nicely some time ago. </p>
<p>S goes to college there so we’ve been to visit many times. It’s a terrific place and I’d highly recommend checking it out. That said, the poster above is absolutely right. The summer heat/humidity is oppressive, similar to Charleston in the summer if you’re familiar with that. Some people do not handle the heat well AT ALL and this factor would simply ruin the vacation for those folks. You should consider this point when making your decision.</p>
<p>If you do go this summer, it’s generally been my experience that August into early September is the worst time–at least in terms of my personal tolerance. (I still love the place though 
)</p>
<p>Agree with all of the above, having been there since Katrina. In fact, the August day just before Katrina arrived was lovely… (ironic smile here), but summer weather would not be New Orleans’ selling point.</p>
<p>If you like it really hot, you’ll be fine. If you can do the trip another season, so much the better.</p>
<p>I hope you go. The city is still wonderful, definitely needs you and will appreciate your visit.</p>
<p>I was there last April. Tourist areas are definitely up and functioning.</p>
<p>I happen to love New Orleans … but not in the summer. The heat and humidity are oppressive. For me that ruins much of what I love about the city. (It’s so much more than Bourbon Street.) So I agree with above posters – put off the trip until October. JMHO.</p>
<p>Just got back from a weekend in NOLA.
If you are planning mainly indoor activities - restaurants, the casino, late night music/clubs - you will be hot but OK. If you want to see other things in the city, summer isn’t the best time.</p>
<p>I know several people who’ve been to New Orleans recently & said it was lots of fun, active, etc.</p>
<p>We went in the (early) summer also – and yes, very, very hot (wear shorts & sleeveless tops!). I don’t mind the heat though, so didn’t care…if it bothers you, though, that might be a consideration.</p>
<p>If you do go, consider W hotel (next to Harrah’s). It is bit different than traditional hotels. For example, out room was shaped as a pentagon rather than rectangle. It attracts fore 30/s crowd. W does not have parking. Other hotels have parking, but you will pay lot-no free parking.</p>
<p>You can beat the system, by getting Harrah’s card and playing on slot machines for 30 mins for a free 24 hr parking.</p>
<p>Another nice hotel is La Pavalion.</p>
<p>Hey i’m from New Orleans! It’s a great place to visit and there’s lots to do. Caution: sunscreen and shorts</p>
<p>Come down and support our economy!</p>
<p>I am an international student heading to University of New Orleans this fall. I heard from people that New Orleans is a vibrant city with lots of things to do. The jazz music and cuisine are integral part of NO.</p>
<p>Since most of you guys know New Orleans quite well, u might have heard of University of New Orleans. I had started the thread a while ago. I’d love to receive your comments about the university as well as New Olreans.</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/511371-university-new-orleans.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-search-selection/511371-university-new-orleans.html</a></p>
<p>We just got back from a visit to my mom, who lives there. Everything’s great for tourists, and if by any chance you can go this week, there is an exhibit at the New Orleans Museum of Art of Georges Rodriques’ work (the Blue Dog paintings). It is the largest collection of his stuff ever on exhibit, and includes his early cajun pieces before the Blue Dog works. This is the last week tho’. It ends this weekend and the museum will be open from 10am Sat until 5pm Sun, so you can go in the middle of the night if you want on Saturday. Ralph’s On the Park is a great restaurant across the street from the City Park location of NOMA, and is run by Ralph Brennan, who also has the Palace Cafe on Canal St., another great place to eat. It’s in the 90’s now and will only get worse, so yes, do think about the heat.</p>
<p>jason - The University of New Orleans is right on Lake Ponchetrain, at the northern edge of New Orleans. It’s in a nice quiet residential area, and the lakeside area outside the levy is parkland with jogging and biking trails. All very nice. However, most New Orleans attractions are on the southern edge of New Orleans, nearer the Mississippi River. So transportation may be an issue. Good luck at your new school!</p>
<p>Oh yes the Blue Dog paintings…</p>