By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com New Orelans Blogger
One of the most famous street cars in America is the St. Charles Street Car. It is 150 years old and is a favorite tourist attraction.
Indeed, it’s a wonderful way to spend a few daylight hours in New Orleans. It treks patiently along beautiful St. Charles Ave., past the stately Old South-style houses, Tulane University and the zoo.
The cars also pass by some of New Orleans’ best bars and run 24 hours a day. So it’s possible to utilize this mechanical wonder to do some local sightseeing PubClub.com style!
Our journey begins just before lunch. Catch it around St. Charles and Canal. In about half an hour, the car will make a 90-degree turn onto Carrolton Ave. This is the first stop (at Riverbend). It’s Camilla’s, which claims to be be the subject of Jimmy Buffet’s “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” It isn’t – it’s this place in Tortola, BVIs, but Jimmy does indeed love Camilla’s cheeseburgers.
This stop should take a couple of hours. While there, walk around the area, then jump back on the car to the end (about 15 more minutes). The rail line just ends, the car stops and all passengers must exit. The conductor then moves to the other end of the car, flips a few seats and viola!, the car is reversed and you’re on your way again.
Tell the conductor you want to stop at Superior Grill. If it’s Wednesday and you time it right (6ish), then you’re golden. If not, don’t worry. The Columns Hotel is only two blocks away. Even closer is the Mayfair. After a couple of cocktails with Ms. Gertie at this true New Orleans dive, get back on the car to Samuel’s. The final stop is the Circle Bar, located at the Robert E. Lee Circle. Read our New Orleans locals bar guide for information on these and other places to get a drink, Or two.
Streetcars run every 15 minutes. At 10, it’s approximately every half hour and from midnight-6 a.m., it’s down to once an hour. If you just miss one, or get tired of waiting, simply go back to the bar. Or, if it’s the end of the night, have the bar call a taxi or use Lyft or Uber. St. Charles Ave., is generally safe, but small groups of inebriated girls should take caution and not wait on a car for more than a few minutes. Drinking is okay while waiting but is not allowed on the street cars.
The New Orleans street cars cost $1.25 per stop, so I suggest getting the $3 day pass (you can download its app here). Exact change is required.
Cheers!
Next Stop on the New Orleans Party Bus – Post Party Sightseeing Guide!
PubClub.com covers nightlife, bars, festivals and party events around the world. I have been to New Orleans many times.