Page 216 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - New Orleans

214  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Guided Tours
Whether you go by bus, bicycle,
swamp boat, or on foot, guided
tours in and around New Orleans
are led by knowledgeable
licensed guides who can show
you much more than if you
were exploring on your own.
Walking tours in the French
Quarter, Uptown, and Mid-
City neighborhoods cover
themes such as history, jazz,
architecture, cemeteries, and
more. Bicycle tours will take you
through the Faubourg Marigny, Streetcar and heavy traffic on Canal Street
Treme, Mid-City, and Garden Renting a Car Traffic Regulations
District, covering distances of
up to 20 miles (32 km). Narrated To rent a car in New Orleans, Traffic travels on the right side
bus tours service all areas you must be at least 21 years of of the road, and seatbelts are
outside the French Quarter and age, with a valid driver’s license. compulsory for both drivers and
include trips beyond the city Rates may be higher for anyone passengers; children under five
to some beautifully preserved under 25. All agencies require a must travel in a child seat.
18th- and 19th-century major credit card or a large cash You can turn right on a red
plantation homes. The close deposit, a reservation voucher, light unless there are signs to
proximity of bayous and and insurance. In the event of the contrary, but you must
wetlands makes a swamp-boat a breakdown, call the rental come to a stop first. If you see
tour an exciting afternoon firm first. If you are a member a flashing amber light at an
excursion where you can of the AAA (see p217), you intersection, slow down, check
experience the local wildlife. can also contact them for for oncoming traffic, then
Transportation from the city to emergency assistance. proceed with caution. Passing
the boat launch is provided. All rental cars are automatic, (overtaking) is allowed on
Reservations are required for with power brakes and steering, both sides on multi-lane roads,
all but the walking tours. and air-conditioning. Refill the including Interstate highways,
car with gas before returning it, but it is illegal to change lanes
or you will have to pay a service across a solid double yellow or
Driving
charge and inflated gas prices. double white line. If a school
A good public transportation bus stops on a divided highway,
network (see pp212–13) and Road Signs the traffic traveling in the same
short distances between sights direction as the bus must stop
make driving in New Orleans Colorful signs point the way to until the bus moves on; on a
unnecessary. However, a car is the main tourist areas, such as two-way road, traffic in both
convenient if you wish to visit the French Quarter. Street-name directions must stop.
the surrounding country side. signs are affixed to light posts Citywide speed limits are
Driving in the city takes and telephone poles, as are 35 mph (56 km/h) on divided
patience, good skills, good directional signs; how ever, streets and 25 mph (40 km/h)
humor, and the ability to read many are damaged or missing, on non-divided streets, unless
the road and the street signs so it is wise to carry a map. other wise posted. Speeds in
quickly. Be prepared for heavy Large red hexagonal stop signs school zones are limited to
traffic and a severe shortage are posted at inter sections 20 mph (32 km/h) during the
of parking facilities. without traffic lights. hours posted on the signs.

Traffic Signs
Slippery road
A range of different signs offer
information and instructions for
Traffic flows in a single direction
drivers. Speed limits may vary
every few miles, depending on
the conditions of the road and
the amount of traffic. In more
remote areas, drivers must watch
out for wildlife that may stray
onto the roads, especially alligators
Maximum speed Right turn Left turn Stop at and armadillos.
in mph restriction allowed intersection

214-215_EW_New_Orl.indd 214 05/08/16 3:50 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm