Sure, you come for beignets, crawfish, live Jazz and historic architecture, and the French Quarter certainly packs those points in, with panache. However, New Orleans offers a wealth far beyond the borders of her oldest neighborhood. Ferry across to Algier’s Point (the second oldest neighborhood), take a rambling streetcar through the Garden District, go kayaking in Bayou St. John and peruse the plucky Bywater, where warehouses decorated in street art are flanked by century-old Creole cottages.

Some of the best experiences in this city are the most affordable. There are great hotels for $120/night, and the streetcars are only $1.25 per ride. Get out on the Mississippi River, via the $2 ferry, or visit the Sculpture Garden inside City Park for free. For affordable, delicious dining, the locals will steer you towards a corner store. These iconic outposts at the city’s intersections serve up wax-paper wrapped po-boys, spicy gumbo and fresh crawfish for less than a gallon of gas.

It’s not unusual to find a fine-dining restaurant requiring a jacket and a tie in this city. The locals love to dress up, whether it’s a fedora, a vintage sundress or a full-out costume. Don’t worry if you forgot to pack something polka dot. There are dozens of great vintage shops, colorful consignment outfitters and bespoke suit enclaves that will have you outfitted in minutes. Got invited to a costume party? No fear. Fifi Mahoney’s is a wild wig shop with two locations and extra accessories, like rhinestone tiaras and cat-eye sunglasses.

Louisiana’s Creole and Cajun cuisines are among the top reasons to visit. However, this port city has always been a cultural melting pot. It’s home to one of the nation’s most vibrant Vietnamese communities. The pho and bahn mi sandwiches are excellent on many menus around town. There’s also great Thai cuisine, wonderful Indian options––from cheap-and-cheerful to haute––and a great collection of Mexican, Cantonese and Greek establishments, as well.

For those staying in the French Quarter, parking is nearly impossible, and garages are extremely expensive. Cars are more hassle than happiness here. In the Marigny, the Bywater, the Lower Garden District or Uptown you can find off-street parking, but New Orleans is extremely flat, very walkable and public transport options are far better. They include rideshare, taxis, electric bikes and the famous streetcars. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings, as this city has some crime issues, particularly at night. Walk in groups after dark, keep an eye out for suspicious activity and avoid flashing valuables.