We've said it before, and we will keep saying it: This town was made for walking. Except maybe at the height of the summer months when heat and humidity -- especially humidity -- make you not want to do much of anything except sit gasping in the nearest shade, sipping cool drinks.
This unique-looking city is one of the most beautiful in the country -- yes, still -- and to not stroll through it and marvel at it is a huge loss. Everywhere, you will find gorgeous buildings, each more interesting than the last. The French Quarter and the Garden District have their own distinct appearances, and both are easily manageable on foot.
Forget those reports about Katrina destruction and how the city was "destroyed" or "wiped off the map." Don't get us wrong; the damage was intense and severe. But by some great grace, most of it bypassed the prettiest and more tourist accessible neighborhoods. We were hard-pressed to find any storm-related damage to the following tours. And now, over 2 years later, it's hard to believe anything happened at all.
So put on some good walking shoes, breathe in that river wind and tropical breeze, and take a walk. Go slow -- there's a reason New Orleans is called the Big Easy. Admire the iron lacework on one building and see how it differs from another's. Peek through gateways, particularly in the French Quarter, where simple facades hide exquisite secrets in the form of surprising courtyards with fountains, brickwork, and thick foliage. Gawk at the mighty oaks, some with swaying Spanish moss dripping from their branches, lining the streets. Don't just look at the stops on each tour below; if you're doing things right, there should be plenty to see in between the stops we detail.
Take a stroll along St. John's Bayou, turning at any corner that strikes your fancy. Admittedly, parts of this less-touristed neighborhood did flood, but locals love it here, and the area is blooming again. If you're lucky or if you walk at the right time of day (especially early in the morning), you might have a street or two to yourself. Imagine taking this walk 100 years ago; it would have looked almost exactly the way it does now. At certain times, ghosts seem to flit just out of sight around every corner. But don't get so carried away with daydreams and fantasies that you forget to be aware of your surroundings; these areas should be safe, but be careful all the same.
The following walking tours will give you a nice overview and are perfect for answering the "That looks interesting -- what the heck is it?" kind of questions that arise during a casual stroll. Formal professional walking tours (such as the ones offered by Historic New Orleans Tours; tel. 504/947-2120; www.tourneworleans.com) cover more ground and go into considerably more detail, though they tend to deal only with the French Quarter and the Garden District.
