17 Things to Know Before Visiting New Orleans

New Orleans is my hometown, where I grew up and the place that largely shaped me into the unique person I am today. Until I moved away, I thought certain things were completely normal, like talking to everyone everywhere I went, or drinking alcohol on the street. As it turns out, those things are not so typical in most places, but they are very normal in New Orleans.

Before people visit New Orleans, they often have ideas of what the city will be like. Sometimes visitors are pleasantly surprised, and other times they are completely shocked. We like to offer a wide range of emotions to our visitors, all of which make coming here a full experience.

While New Orleans is its own ecosystem, I’m going to share some things that are completely normal to us but might surprise visitors. These are everyday parts of life in our city that you may want to know about before you arrive.

We embrace the way we operate, and some people end up loving it so much that they move here themselves. In my opinion, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting into before you visit, so let’s dive into this list of things I think you should know before coming to New Orleans. Some of these things will make perfect sense once you get here. Others will leave you scratching your head and wondering how New Orleans functions at all.

Lafayette Cemetery Near Commander's Palace

It helps to understand some of the cultural quirks that make our city different not only from other places in the South, but from much of the United States. We have so many influences, from Spanish to French to African, and those influences have blended together. Somehow, it works for us in ways it probably wouldn’t work anywhere else. It’s what makes the city special, and I’m so excited to share my local insight with you.

1. We Mispronounce Almost Everything in New Orleans

When we start talking, it’s an experience of its own. We have our own dialect, and the way we pronounce things would be considered “wrong” to much of the country, much less the world. It’s what makes us New Orleans, and I’ll give you some phonetic examples.

- Burgundy - bur-GUN-dee

- Calliope - CAL-ee-ope

- Chartres - CHAR-ters

- Melpomene - MEL-poh-meen

- Dauphine - daw-FEEN

- Helios - Huh-Loyse (we can’t even get the right letter order here)

Mispronunciation is something I often “correct” people on immediately so they don’t get stared at like they have two heads when asking for directions. I’m just trying to help!

2. Everyone Will Call You “Baby” in New Orleans

You’re going to be called “baby” when you’re here. It’s not because someone is trying to pick up on you or be a flirt, it’s just how we call people. Your server will probably ask “whatchu wanna eat, baaaaaby?” And your job is to simply tell them. We have a special drawl that you can identify anywhere after you hear it, and you’ll miss it when you leave.

3. People Talk to Strangers Here

Keeping to yourself while walking down the street is simply rude here. We are friendly people and love to engage with one another. A little “how ya doin?” is commonly heard from a local passerby, and it’s extremely endearing. When I’m with out-of-towners, they don’t understand why I say hello to everyone I see, but that’s our culture.

No matter what the situation, whether it’s sitting at a bar and leaning over to ask how someone’s dish is, or petting a walker’s dog while on the street, we love to talk. The social feeling is everywhere, so bring your most friendly self.

4. Food is Our Love Language

Food is definitely the center of life in New Orleans. When we are at lunch, we are talking about what’s for dinner. We discuss what our family meal traditions are, how we cook our red beans, and what’s our favorite dessert. If someone asks where to get the best gumbo, we tell you to come over for it because it’s our recipe.

Some foods you should try while you’re here include:

Gumbo
Crawfish étouffée
Poboys
Red beans and rice
Jambalaya
Beignets

Go on a local food tour for some authentic New Orleans foods.

Music at Snug Harbor

5. The Weather is Always Something We Complain About

New Orleans weather is something of its own. We live with it and deal with it. It’s accepted that we have a handful of days that we consider perfect. However, we are constantly talking about and complaining about the weather. It’s just something we do, and you will probably hear about it when you’re here. Hot, cold, scorching, raining, hurricane, sweltering, etc. It’s a local pastime.

6. Bourbon Street is Not the Whole City

Visitors who come to New Orleans and stay on Bourbon Street are completely missing out. If Bourbon Street is your main focus, you probably won’t like my recommendations anyway. I have a guide on the best walkable neighborhoods, and while the French Quarter is on it, Bourbon Street is not. Please, when you’re visiting, go outside of the tourist traps like Bourbon Street and get some perspective.

7. Drinking in the Street is Legal

Believe it or not, I had no idea that this was not normal until I was in my 20s visiting a friend in Atlanta. When I tried to take my drink outside, I almost got tackled by the bouncer. Growing up in New Orleans, I assumed street drinking was legal everywhere. It is not, and it’s probably not where you live. Here, drink away. Carry your beer or whatever cocktail you choose in a plastic cup and enjoy your beverage in the open air.

8. Yes, There are Drive-Through Daiquiri Shops

If a daiquiri is your drink of choice, feel free to drive your car (if you have one while visiting) through one of our many daiquiri shops. Visitors are often shocked that this is something we do here, and it’s unlikely you’ll find this service anywhere else in the country. It might be one of the most uniquely Louisiana things on this list.

9. Music is Everywhere

One of the most beautiful parts of New Orleans is the music you hear simply walking down the street, particularly in the French Quarter or in the Marigny area closer to the French Quarter. It’s something that, as a local, I’ve gotten so accustomed to that when I don’t hear it, it’s unusual. You can hear it from street performers, or coming from music venues. You might even catch a second line parade walking down the street and playing music. It’s quite a magical experience, and one that visitors adore.

French Quarter, New Orleans

10. The City is Very Old

We pride ourselves on our heritage and history, and the age of our city is not lost upon us. We were founded in 1718, making it one of the oldest cities in the United States. The city was founded by the French, though Native Americans were already living in the area when they arrived. There is also Spanish influence, and all of these things make it what it is today. If I were you, I would probably book a historical walking tour with DuPont, as they have some great guides that can help you understand the roots of New Orleans.

11. Festivals Happen All Year

New Orleans is a city of festivals, and because of our moderate temperatures, it makes for a great place to celebrate things all year round. Mardi Gras is our leader of festivals, though we have Jazz Fest as probably the second biggest. My favorite is French Quarter Festival because it’s more spread out and it’s free to attend. Essence Fest happens in mid-summer over the July 4th weekend. It’s very possible to visit New Orleans and stumble upon a festival you didn’t even know was happening.

12. New Orleans is a Little Weird

I’m a weirdo. My fellow New Orleanians are all weirdos. We embrace our weird. There’s even a saying we have that goes “We don’t hide our crazy — we parade it in the street.” And that couldn’t be more true. New Orleans attracts people who are a bit different, and it ends up being home to those people. Come as you are, we will accept you and make you feel like you belong here.

13. Neighborhoods Have Very Different Personalities

Not two neighborhoods feel the same. It’s a very hot topic amongst New Orleanians, whether from here or transplants to New Orleans. People tend to love and protect their neighborhoods with all their might. We like to say that we stay in our own bubbles so much, and I can attest that this is the truth. I happen to go all over the city and experience all the areas for my work, but most do not. It’s a fascinating quirk, and one we know and embrace.

14. Mind the Street Juice

In my guide about what to wear in New Orleans, I mention wearing closed-toed shoes because of “street juice” in the French Quarter. People are partying on Bourbon, and you will encounter liquid on the street that could be a combination of many disgusting things. Unless you want alcohol, vomit, urine, and whatever else on your pretty feet, I would stick to closed-toed shoes if you’re out walking in the French Quarter. Consider this your official local warning.

15. Service Can Feel Slower

Like in Europe, meals are generally meant to be enjoyed here with friends, family, and loved ones. In some cases, you might be at a meal for hours with your friends, and no one thinks anything of it. Friday lunches at Commander’s are no rush, and all afternoon Galatoire’s lunches turn into dinners if you’re not careful. This is the way of life in New Orleans, and my encouragement to you is to sink right into it. You’re on vacation, after all.

16. Parades Can Happen at Any Time

Almost every time I am in the French Quarter, I see an official or ragtag parade happening. When a group of people get together with instruments, you’re sure to witness a beautiful parade of its own walking down the street. Some are because of weddings, some funeral processions, and some are just brass bands with random followers. Join in, if you want, or watch from the side of the street like I do. It’s quite the spectacle.

17. The Best Moments Happen When You Wander

On any trip, wandering is one of my very favorite things to do. Getting lost, being a flâneur (as they call in Paris), are all what makes a trip memorable. Packing your trip with activities gets exhausting, and it leaves no room for the serendipitous and magical moments. You never know what you’ll find when you simply wander, so I encourage you to do just that. Schedule in some time to get lost (but also stay safe).

Now that you know my insider tips, you’re ready to book your trip to New Orleans. Whether you decide to stay in the French Quarter, the Garden District, or anywhere else, you’ll arrive better prepared to experience the city like a local. Come for the music, the food, and the celebrations. We’re waiting for you.

If this was helpful to you, you may also want to know where the best places are to stay in New Orleans, or authentic things to do in New Orleans.

Subscribe to my amusing, informational, and fun newsletter that comes out every other Friday by clicking here.

Some of the links may go to my affiliate account. If you purchase from one, you're helping me grow my business. Thank you!