Why go
The historic core rewards walking, and the St. Charles and Canal corridors provide useful rail spines. Avoid treating transit as a complete sightseeing loop, though: City Park, Uptown and timed attractions may require transfers or a faster backup. Planning clusters keeps the city manageable without parking.
The full story
Base a car-free day on geography rather than a long attraction list. Jackson Square, Royal Street, Café du Monde and Preservation Hall fit within a compact French Quarter walk. The Central Business District and Warehouse Arts District form another cluster around museums and Lafayette Square. The St. Charles streetcar links downtown with the Garden District, Tulane and the Audubon Park edge, though the ride is slow and can be crowded. Canal service helps with Mid-City connections, while buses reach areas beyond the rail lines. Check the Regional Transit Authority before each trip because routes and service conditions change. Use taxis or rideshare when weather, mobility needs or a timed reservation make waiting risky. For Honey Island Swamp or other regional outings, choose an operator that includes transport rather than building the day around multiple public connections.