'''Algiers''' is a neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana. It is across the Mississippi River from the rest of New Orleans. Connected to the city by bridge and Ferry, it has attractions, restaurants, and bed & breakfasts in an area an easy trip to central New Orleans while retaining some of the feel of a small Louisiana town.
In addition to the easy access to the Quarter & Central Business District of New Orleans across the river, Algiers is near other West Bank towns and suburbs, including Gretna.
Understand
While the Algiers section of New Orleans is large, the area of most interest to visitors, '''Algiers Point''', is a small, pleasant walkable neighborhood. Algiers Point is accessible by ferry (free for pedestrians in both directions, $1 for cars leaving Algiers) going back and forth across the river to the foot of Canal Street, the boundary between New Orleans French Quarter and Central Business District. The beautiful views from the ferry are worth the trip in themselves. Everything listed here is within less than a dozen blocks walk from the Ferry landing; most is less than half that distance.
Background
Settled in 1719 across the Mississippi from the old city of New Orleans, Algiers is one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. New Orleans annexed Algiers in 1870. A great fire devastated Algiers Point in the 1895; Victorian style residential and small business architecture from the rebuilding period just after the fire still dominate Algiers Point. A few older buildings also survive.
Natives of Algiers are known as "Algerines" (said "AL-jer-eens").
Get in
From the French Quarter or Central Business District, take the Ferry across the river from the foot of Canal Street. Driving in on Interstate 10, take the Mississippi River Bridge (Highway 90) across the River, then take the General DeGaulle exit (Louisiana 428) and follow the signs to Mardi Gras World.
See
''' Blaine Kern Mardi Gras World''', 233 Newton St., [http://www.mardigrasworld.com/]. The colorful floats for many of the parades of New Orleans Mardi Gras are made here. Tours are given. It's about 10 blocks up river from the ferry landing. Shuttle busses run between here and the landing, though if the weather is nice its walkable.
'''Old Courthouse''' 225 Morgan St.
Rosetree Glass Studio and Gallery. 46 Vallette St. orner of Vallette and Eliza Streets. 04 366 3602. ww.rosetreegallery.com. -F 9-4. Watch the magic of glass-blowing in the hands of skilled artists. Locally made art for sale in a renovated Art-Deco movie theater.
Do
'''Walking tours''' of 19th century architecture and the "jazz trail" where such Algerine jazz pioneers as Red Allen lived and played.
''' Old Point Bar''' 545 Patterson St., [http://www.oldpointbar.com/]. Live music venue.
Buy
Algiers hosts a small but interesting Arts & Crafts Market [http://www.nolafunguide.com/organization.php?id=2012] the first Saturday of each month, 10am- 4pm, at the intersection of Pelican & Verret streets.
Eat
Gulf Pizza. 46 Pelican Ave.. 04-373-5379. ttp://www.gulfpizza.com.
'''Tout de Suite coffeehouse''', 347 Verret St, corner of Alix, 362-2264, [http://www.toutdesuitecafe.com]. 7AM-7PM. Coffee, pasteries, fresh made panini sandwiches, and Wi-fi internet connection.
'''Aunt Leni's Cafe and Market''', 323 Verret St. 504.301.2805 [http://www.auntlenis.com] Good for breakfast all day, lunch, or dinner, or just coffee and a snack. Good selection of wines and beer. Free wireless.
''' Dry Dock Cafe''', 133 Delaronde St., [http://www.thedrydockcafe.com/].
Rosetree Blown Glass Studio and Gallery. 46 Vallette St.. orner of Vallette and Alix Streets. 04 366 3602. ww.rosetreegallery.com. -F 9-4. Come see beautiful artwork created from the hands of skilled artists. Large gallery in a renovated Art-Deco theater offers a large selection of locally made blown glass for sale.
Drink
''' Crown & Anchor''', 200 Pelican St., [http://www.crownanchorpub.com/].
''' Dry Dock Cafe''', 133 Delaronde St., [http://www.thedrydockcafe.com/].
''' Old Point Bar''', 545 Patterson St., [http://www.oldpointbar.com/].
Sleep
If you like the thought of spending the nights in a quiet neighborhood a short commute from the hubub of the big city, Algiers is an option for visitors with or without a car.
''' House of the Rising Sun Bed & Breakfast''', 335 Pelican Avenue, [http://houseoftherisingsunbnb.com/]. Website has informative neighborhood history and walking tour info.
''' Pelican Roost''', 109 Lavergne St., [http://algiers.org/pelicanroost/].
Contact
'''Aunt Leni's Cafe''', 323 Verret St. 504.301.2805 Bring your own computer, free wireless.
'''Tout de Suite Coffeehouse''', 347 Verret St, corner of Alix. Bring your own computer wi-fi, plus a rental computer.