According to forum posts, NOLA Brewing and Urban South Brewery are highly recommended by several travelers for their selection and atmosphere. NOLA Brewing is noted for its wide distribution and availability, while Urban South Brewery is praised for its large, kid-friendly space and variety of games.

Other mentions include Brieux Carre, known for its location near Frenchmen Street and its small, unique setup, and Courtyard Brewing, which travelers have described as having a laid-back vibe and a good selection of guest taps. Port Orleans Brewing Co. is also highlighted for its food offerings, particularly tacos.

For those looking for a comprehensive brewery experience, some travelers recommended taking a tour with Nola Brew Bus, which covers multiple breweries including NOLA, Urban South, Brieux Carré, and Miel Brewery. This is particularly favored by those looking to sample a variety of local beers without the need to plan logistics independently.

According to forum posts, many travelers prefer staying in the French Quarter due to its proximity to major attractions and vibrant nightlife. Hotels like Maison Dupuy and Hotel Monteleone are frequently recommended for their charm and central location. Maison Dupuy, in particular, is noted for being close to bars and live music while still providing a quieter environment compared to more centrally located hotels.

Travelers have called out the importance of amenities such as pools, especially during the hotter months. The Place d'Armes offers larger balconies and competitive rates, making it a favorite among budget-conscious visitors. Hotels like LaMothe House are appreciated for their proximity to Frenchmen Street, known for live music, and offering a more immersive New Orleans experience.

For those seeking a unique or boutique experience, the Hotel Peter and Paul in the Marigny is highlighted for its beautiful setting in a converted church/school complex. This hotel offers a distinctive stay with a good restaurant on-site, providing a different flavor from typical hotel offerings.

According to forum posts, classic New Orleans dishes include gumbo, jambalaya, and red beans and rice. These dishes are often found on menus throughout the city and are considered staples of local cuisine.

Some travelers mentioned distinctly Cajun foods such as alligator, boudin (a rice and meat sausage), and Andouille sausage, which reflect the rich culinary traditions of the region. Restaurants often incorporate these ingredients into their dishes, offering a taste of local flavor.

Travelers have highlighted that fresh seafood is a signature of both Creole and Cajun cuisines. Dishes like broiled crawfish, fried shrimp, and oysters are prevalent and highly recommended for those wanting to experience authentic New Orleans seafood.

For many users, specific restaurants like Coop’s Place, Neyow’s Creole Cafe, and Mr. Ed's Oyster Bar and Fish House are popular for trying these traditional dishes. These spots are noted for their authentic flavors and local popularity.

According to forum posts, Cafe Sbisa is highly recommended for a casual yet enjoyable brunch experience in New Orleans, especially noted for good food and a nice setting. It's advised to make reservations due to its popularity.

Several travelers have mentioned other brunch spots such as Buffa’s, which offers a very local and casual atmosphere with live music, and Tableau, known for its daily brunch and bottomless mimosas. For those looking for a jazz brunch, The Court of Two Sisters is suggested for its daily offerings.

For those visiting during the week, Red Gravy and Atchafalaya are good choices, serving brunch from Wednesday to Monday and Thursday to Monday, respectively, as highlighted by users looking for weekday brunch locations.

Travelers have also called out the diversity in brunch offerings, with places like Palace Cafe, known for its ambiance and breakfast buffet, and French Toast, which provides a more traditional breakfast menu in a casual setting.

According to forum posts, the French Quarter offers a vibrant nightlife scene with a wide range of music clubs, bars, and live performances. Travelers have highlighted Frenchmen Street as a prime destination, featuring venues like Snug Harbor, Spotted Cat, d.b.a., The Maison, and Blue Nile, all known for their lively atmosphere and musical offerings.

Some travelers said that the French Quarter's music scene is diverse, encompassing jazz clubs like the Maison Bourbon, Fritzel’s, and the Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta. These venues are recommended for their good music, drinks, and friendly crowd, making them suitable for solo visitors as well as groups.

For those interested in a structured nightlife experience, there is mention of a tour available through Viator that includes visits to several jazz clubs with a guide who is also a musician. This tour is particularly noted for allowing solo travelers and small groups to enjoy a social and immersive musical experience in the French Quarter.

According to forum posts, New Orleans offers various public transit options including streetcars, buses, and taxis. The St. Charles Avenue Streetcar and the #11 Magazine Street Bus are noted for frequent runs to major districts like the French Quarter and Garden District. Additionally, the RT 202 bus connects the airport to the city center, dropping passengers near major hotels.

Travelers have mentioned that taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. The fixed taxi rate from the airport to the city is $36 plus tip for two passengers, which many find convenient. Ride-sharing services are also praised for their availability, even during early morning hours, making them a reliable option for airport transfers.

For those considering driving outside of New Orleans, some users suggest renting a car for day trips to nearby destinations like plantations or swamp areas, to avoid the high parking costs within the city. Rental locations in central New Orleans generally offer lower rates compared to the airport.

According to forum posts, the French Quarter Festival is a vibrant and crowded event that spans the entire French Quarter area. It features 20 stages of music, with each stage specializing in a different genre, making it a significant event for music lovers.

Travelers have noted that the festival has seen record attendance figures, with over 875,000 people attending in one year. The atmosphere is described as lively and engaging, with music, food, and dancing accessible throughout the entire French Quarter.

Some users recommend visiting the festival during the weekdays like Thursday and Friday when fewer stages are active, but the crowd is more manageable. It's also suggested to bring camp chairs for comfort as seating can be limited, especially around popular stages.

For those seeking a more exclusive experience, VIP access is available for purchase, offering perhaps a more comfortable viewing experience amidst the large crowds.

According to forum posts, first-time visitors to New Orleans during Mardi Gras should be aware of parade schedules and locations. The parades start on January 6th and run through Mardi Gras day, with major parades typically starting two weeks before Mardi Gras. Key parades include the Zulu and Rex Parades, which occur on Mardi Gras day itself.

Some travelers suggested booking accommodations along parade routes for convenient viewing. Hotels like the Courtyard Marriott on St. Charles offer prime parade views. For those interested in grandstand seats, these can provide comfort and a guaranteed spot, though they might be pricey.

Travelers have noted that Mardi Gras in New Orleans is extremely crowded, particularly around key parade routes and Bourbon Street. It's recommended to be prepared for large crowds and to manage expectations regarding mobility and restaurant availability during the festivities.

For safety, users recommend keeping valuables secure, being cautious of pickpockets, and staying aware of your surroundings, especially during night parades. Carrying essentials like water, snacks, and a portable phone charger can also enhance the Mardi Gras experience.