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We lived in New Orleans most of our lives so I guess it being rated #3 surprises me. We relocated 10 years before the great storm, "Katrina". Let me just say this: there's a lot more to New Orleans than Bourbon Street; but, unfortunately it's not all good. Many of the people are the friendliest you'll ever see & meet, but just as many are scums of the earth. The French Quarter can be fun and interesting if you've never experienced the freedom of walking through public streets while consuming an alcoholic beverage. Just remember that lots of others are doing the same thing, with many not knowing when to say "when". DO NOT bring your kids to the French Quarter for Mardi Gras (I would advise unless they are 16-17 years old or older); the place is filthy (reeks of urine, garbage, and emesis), not to mention excessively vulgar during this time. I do have to say that aside from New York, the food there is excellent, though. You cannot leave without having a "Port-Of-Call" burger from the hole in the wall place on Esplanade Avenue. They no doubt serve the best doggone artery clogging burgers in the world AND one of the few things I miss about the place. The burgers really are to die for! Just don't order too much other stuff .... you'll see why if you go. FYI - They DO NOT make french fries to go with the burger, however - only baked potato! As for any restaurant which boasts about it's fried seafood: it's all in the seasoning as that's what makes it better than anywhere else. If you don't smell the crab boil/cayenne pepper when you walk in, it's probably just a tourist trap. Additionally, the Audubon Zoo on the other end of town is very pleasurable in the Spring. These are the first thoughts that come to mind with thoughs of our hometown. Take from it what you will. On the other hand, we've thoroughly enjoyed going to New York, Las Vegas and San Antonio. And, yes, Vegas is called "sin city" for a reason, but there's just so much more to actually do and see than in New Orleans, which is, to us, what makes it such a more enjoyable yet also budget friendly trip.

As a San Francisco gal, I can definitely say that it's a great place to be! If you're going to visit, send me a message and I can give you some recommendations on where to eat!