Central Business District: The Heartbeat of New Orleans

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeLaissez les bons temps rouler
  [lay-zay lay bohn tom roo-lay]
• YesYeah
  [yay]
• NoNah
  [na]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome
  [pleez/yur welcome]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryScuse me
  [skews me]
• How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [how y'all doin']
• Fine. And you?Fine. And you?
  [fine. and you?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [ya speak english?]
• I don't understandI ain't got a clue
  [i ain't got uh clue]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu, please
  [kan eye check out the menu, please]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [i don't eat meat]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseI need to settle up, please
  [i need to settle up, please]

• Help!Help!
  [help!]
• Go away!Get lost!
  [get lost!]
• Call the Police!Call the Po-leece!
  [call the po-leece!]
• Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [call a doc!]
• I'm lostI'm turned around
  [i'm turned around]
• I'm illI'm feelin' poorly
  [i'm feelin' poorly]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [i wanna buy...]
• I'm just lookingI'm just browsing
  [i'm just browsing]
• How much is it?How much does it cost?
  [how much duz it cost?]
• That's too expensiveThat's too pricey
  [that's too pricey]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya bring the price down?
  [can ya bring the price down?]

• What time is it?What time is it?
  [what time is it?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
  [it's one o'clock]
• Half past (10)Half past (10)
  [half past (10)]
• MorningMornin'
  [mornin']
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [afternoon]
• EveningEvenin'
  [evenin']
• YesterdayYestiddy
  [yestiddy]
• TodayToday
  [today]
• TomorrowTomorra
  [tomorra]
• 1One
  [wun]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Three
  [three]
• 4Four
  [four]
• 5Five
  [five]
• 6Six
  [six]
• 7Seven
  [seven]
• 8Eight
  [eight]
• 9Nine
  [nine]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?
  [where's a/the...?]
• What's the address?What's the address?
  [what's the address?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [can you show me (on the map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [when's the next (bus)?]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [a ticket (to ....)]

The Central Business District (CBD) of New Orleans emerged in the early 19th century as the commercial heart of the city. The area saw the construction of various banks, warehouses, and merchants' buildings, capitalizing on New Orleans' strategic position as a trading hub along the Mississippi River. The establishment of the first steamship companies in the 1820s further solidified the CBD's role in commerce.

The CBD is characterized by its eclectic mix of architectural styles, reflecting the city's diverse history. Notable structures include the 1850s-era Saint Charles Hotel and the iconic Pontalba Buildings, completed in 1850. These buildings showcase a blend of French, Spanish, and American architectural influences, marking the area's evolution as a commercial and cultural center.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries brought periods of economic prosperity to the CBD, driven by the cotton and sugar industries. However, the Great Depression of the 1930s severely impacted the area, leading to a decline in business activity. Recovery began in the post-World War II era, spurred by infrastructure improvements and the rise of the tourism industry.

The CBD has been a stage for significant cultural events in New Orleans' history. In the 1960s, the area became a focal point for the Civil Rights Movement, with protests and demonstrations advocating for social justice. These events helped shape the cultural landscape of the city, highlighting the CBD's role as not just a financial center but also a hub for social change.

In recent years, the Central Business District has undergone a significant transformation with the development of new hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The area has embraced its historical roots while adapting to modern trends, making it a vibrant destination for both locals and tourists. Initiatives to preserve historic buildings and promote sustainable development continue to enhance the CBD's cultural and economic significance.

The Central Business District (CBD) is centrally located in New Orleans and is easily accessible from various neighborhoods. From the French Quarter, you can walk (approximately 15-20 minutes) or take a streetcar on the St. Charles line. If you're coming from the Garden District, the same streetcar route applies. The RTA (Regional Transit Authority) buses also connect the CBD to other neighborhoods. For those arriving by air, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is about 15 miles away, and you can take a taxi, rideshare, or airport shuttle to reach the CBD.

The CBD is well-served by public transportation, including streetcars and buses. The St. Charles Streetcar line runs along St. Charles Avenue, providing easy access to the Garden District and beyond. Buses operated by the RTA also cover various routes within the CBD. Biking is a popular option, and bike rental stations are available throughout the area. Walking is another great way to explore, as many attractions are within a short distance.

The Central Business District is generally safe for tourists during the day. However, it’s important to remain vigilant, especially at night. Specific areas near the edges of the CBD, such as certain parts of Poydras Street and near the Superdome, have reported higher crime rates, including theft and robbery. Always stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying valuables, and try to stick to well-lit and populated areas.

In case of an emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The local police precincts are present in the CBD, and there are several hospitals nearby, including Tulane Medical Center and Ochsner Medical Center. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies and convenience stores available throughout the neighborhood.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably, as you may be walking a lot, but avoid overly casual attire when dining in upscale restaurants. Religion: Respect local customs, especially when visiting places of worship. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for the elderly or disabled. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a friendly 'hello.' Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine, especially po'boys and gumbo. Don’t forget to tip generously in restaurants; 15-20% is standard.

To experience the CBD like a local, visit the local coffee shops and bakeries for a morning beignet or café au lait. Check out the local art galleries and pop-up events that often occur in the area. Consider visiting during the week to enjoy a less crowded experience, especially at popular attractions like the National WWII Museum. Join a walking tour to learn about the area’s rich history and architecture from knowledgeable locals.