As one of the oldest and most significant American cities, New Orleans is a destination that is brimming with heritage and culture. From the iconic French Quarter to the calm and serene plantations on the outskirts of the city, the New Orleans has an innate ability to invigorate and captivate you. Apart from a tourist destination, NOLA also offers itself as one of the best road-trip destinations in the country. However, driving around the city without any prior knowledge is not an easy task at all. The city has its own set of quirky rules and conditions when it comes to driving. For one, there are not many left turns, and you will be required to make a lot of U-turns. Secondly, the city offers two types of bike lanes, and drivers need to be aware of which one they need to take.
How to Get a Car of Your Own in New Orleans
As a tourist, one of the easiest ways to get a vehicle in the city is by seeking the service of a local car rental company. For instance, with NOLA Rent-a-Car, customers can be equipped with a car of their choice from the moment they step out of the airport terminal. The prices that we offer are also competitive, and for more extended rental periods, we provide free parking right within the French Quarter district. Foreign tourists will have to provide necessary documentation include a valid international driver’s license if they hope to hire a car from a trusted agency such as ourselves.
Tips to Move Around in NOLA
For starters, New Orleans is a city where you can mix and match your itinerary at will. Yes, planning can be helpful, but it will difficult to follow that plan if you are a true explorer. Listed are five things that all NOLA drivers should look out for:
- There are No Left Turns.
- Be aware of neutral grounds aka medians – where there are no turn signals.
- Avoid the crescent city connection during weekdays (8-11 AM & 5-7 PM).
- Look out for streetcars.
Are You Wondering What to do in New Orleans?
First of all, if you are not staying at the French Quarter, plan a drive to the district so as to soak in all its historic architecture. However, don’t be deceived by its façade, the area is always lively, and you can find plenty of Jazz bars that serve good quality food and alcohol. As mentioned, swamp tours and plantation tours are two key activities that you should not miss out on while in the city. However, to access the same, you will need a rental car as they are located towards the periphery of the city.
Conclusion
A lot of people believe that walking around town makes more sense as your experience is enhanced. However, driving is always a better alternative to this or catching public transport for that matter, as they may not always get you to where you want, and moreover, they are also an expensive affair.
