You can take the evening cruise without dinner for about half the price. A one-way ride takes about 45 minutes. Culture vultures should consider driving out to the New Orleans Museum of Art . This Greek Revival building in City Park has a fine collection of works from the pre-Christian era to the present. The range of French paintings is impressive.
Souvenir stands, antique shops, clothing boutiques and culinary stores pepper the neighborhood.
For creole seasonings and other Louisiana specialties, we like to browse the many stalls in the open-air French Market . The latter also sells Mardi Gras memorabilia and local arts and crafts. If you stop by the Cafe du Monde on Decatur, be sure to pick up some beignet mix and chicory coffee. You ll also find tempting treats in the gift shops connected to museums. Royal Street is famous for fine antique shops and art galleries.