Getting to Sylvia's from the airport. Uber or cab will be about the same.
Sylvia is a fantastic host and was welcoming, warm and extremely helpful.
The place is as advertised and has a great bathroom and kitchen along with a sitting room that came in handy.
Don't be surprised if at some point a special local treat is provide- could be a gumbo, could be King Cake or a mound of crawfish.
Sylvia's is 1.9 miles from Café du Monde which takes about 30 minutes on foot. Uber to the French Quarter about $6 takes like 15 minutes.
I suggest you walk from Sylvia's right down to the river, get on the River Walk and head into town that way. If you feel like walking back at night take Royal Street until you get to Desire Street. The Bywater District is pretty tame although crazy stuff could happen anywhere in New Orleans. Never once did we feel threatened or in danger in Bywater day or night.
There are plenty of really great dining options in Bywater. I'm talking really fine, affordable fare.
Breakfast: Elizabeth's at 601 Gallier on the waterfront straight down Desire Street. Great specials. It their regular menu was really super. Get the grits.
The Country Club on Royal and Louisa- they have a pool & a sauna
Dinner: N7 which is 5 minutes walk from Sylvia's on Montegut. Terrific wine list and French/ Japanese fusion cuisine.
Paloma on Louisa, Bacchanal Fine Wine Spirits on Poland. There are plenty more that we didn't get to.
Point is, if you want a taste of the local scene and not the tourist scene you never have to leave the Bywater.
You will go to the French Quarter- the least touristic part of the French Quarter should is Frenchmen St also a quick Uber ride away $6. Better music not as frenetic plus Dat Dog is there- great alligator hotdogs fantastic balcony overlooking the street.
Again, having an attentive host and a safe, calming, well appointed environment added to our entire New Orleans experience, we have Sylvia to thank for that. Happy travels- Nick P/ Vermont