Getting there

Planes

International and domestic flights from most major hubs touch down at Louis Armstrong International Airport (www.flymsy.com), 20-30 minutes outside of New Orleans proper. From New York, fly with American Airlines (www.aa.com) or Continental Airlines (www.continental.com). Take a taxi to downtown for US$25. Make a grand entrance or exit by private plane at Lakefront Airport (www.lakefrontairport.com), just 10 minutes from downtown.

Boats

The Canal Street Ferry offers daily trips to the West Bank from 6am to 12.15am: it’s a US$1 round-trip for cars, free for pedestrians.

Trains

Catch an Amtrak train at New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal at 1001 Loyola Avenue (www.amtrak.com), with routes to Los Angeles, New York and Chicago. Climb aboard the city’s iconic streetcars to cruise along historic St Charles Avenue (the Canal Street line is more geared to commuters) US$1.25, unlimited day tickets start at US$5 (+1 504 569 2700).

Automobiles

A set of wheels is helpful for heading out of the city limits, or exploring multiple districts. Rent one at the airport, where the major outlets are represented: Budget (+1 504 4671296; www.budget.com), Avis (+1 504 464 9511; www.avis.com).