8 Insider Tips About New Orleans Locals Want Tourists To Know

People come to visit our city for so many reasons. From the music to the history, there's something for everyone in the Big Easy. For anyone that's looking to take a trip down to New Orleans, we've compiled some insider tips that might just help take your trip from good to great. Here they are:

1. There’s more to New Orleans than Bourbon Street

Sure, Bourbon Street is exciting… But to locals, Bourbon Street is to New Orleanians what Times Square is to New Yorkers, we try to avoid it whenever possible.

2. The French Quarter is more than just Bourbon Street

While we’re on the subject, let’s talk about the French Quarter. New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood is full of amazing restaurants, historic buildings, and some of the most beautiful architecture you’ve ever seen. From the antique shops on Royal Street to the street musicians around Jackson Square, it’s worth your while to spend some time exploring these 78 square blocks.

3. The weather can turn on you at any moment

Bright and beautiful one moment and a torrential downpour the next. We are used to it, but for tourists, you might want to bring an umbrella and maybe some shoes you don’t mind getting wet.

4. There are 73 neighborhoods

Excessive? Maybe. But when you come to town, spend some researching our neighborhoods and take a stroll through some of them. Each one has its own unique character and history, and they’re all filled with delicious restaurants and bars.

5. Try the food

This may be a no-brainer, considering how much emphasis we put on our culinary background, but it’s true. To the tourist, gumbo may not look that appetizing, and a po’boy by any other state would just be called a grinder or a sub, but we promise—our food may not be the prettiest, but it’s for sure the best in the nation.

6. Stay in a B&B

If you want to get the full New Orleans experience, skip the hotel and stay in one of our Bed & Breakfasts. You’ll have the opportunity to stay in a unique part of town and the owners of these establishments are the absolute go-to on things to do and places to eat. Our recommendation is La Belle Esplanade, which you can read more about here.

7. There are just some things you have to do

Eat a beignet from Cafe du Monde, try a hurricane from Pat O’s, take a stroll through the Garden District… They may be super touristy, but they’re absolutely worth your time.

8. But there’s plenty more to do just off the beaten path

One of the most amazing things about New Orleans is that there’s practically something going on just about every night of the week. Seek out some live music to listen to, go see a comedy show, visit an art gallery… We are an artist’s city, so take advantage of all this amazing talent while you’re here.

What are some tips you would give to tourists? Shout them out in the comments below!