Visually, Bourbon St. isn't all that impressive. There are parts of the French Quarter that are much more picturesque-----anywhere around Jackson Square,for example. In fact, when seen from the far side of Canal St., which is very wide, Bourbon looks more like an alley than a world famous tourist destination. As I recall (it's been a while since I was in New Orleans), the buildings along it are all low-rise----mostly two stories high----and rather shabby. Actually, most of New Orleans looks pretty, um, weathered. (And I'm talking about BEFORE Katrina hit.) This run-down apppearance can be kind of charmimg, in it's own perverse way. It gives the city an authentic historical ambience. Sort of an anti-Williamsburg thing. But Bourbon St. just seemed seedy to me. Prior to my visit, I thought all the structures in the French Quarter resembled the LaBranche House----kind of tall and completely covered with cast-iron balconies. Bourbon St., however, isn't like that. But, then again, that's not what people who go there are looking for.
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