Visit New Orleans - The Don'ts of Visiting New Orleans

Why am I watching this... I live in New Orleans.

Don’t get offended when someone calls you baby, darlin, hunny, luv, sweetie, etc. We call everyone that here. I use it for guys and girls I ain’t hitting on you baby

Also, another tip I would add for first-time visitors is to give up the idea of getting an "early start" to the day. A large portion of the city doesn't even think about opening until 11. You'll just be out walking around looking at closed shops and people spraying the funk off the sidewalks. Long story short, take your time getting ready in the morning.

Question "Where did you get your shoes?" Ansewer "Same place I got my gun." An actual conversation is heard in New Orleans during Mardi Gras in 1996.

He pretty much nailed it. I would add, after dark, DON’T take a stroll down the side streets! Stay/walk where you see the most people.

I feel like "Don't pee in public" is a good rule everywhere.

Another oddball thing to add: don't be alarmed when strangers make small talk with you, or even go into stuff going on in their personal lives, including but not limited to medical history. We'll do all this without even learning your name! 😂 And please don't think someone is being condescending or creepy when a stranger calls you a pet name like "darling", "honey", "baby", or "sweetie", especially if you look younger than them.

When walking in the French Quarter, especially on Bourbon Street, DO NOT EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE the guys who come up to you. Just act like you didn't hear them and KEEP WALKING.

Do not wear black when eating beignets.

My oldest daughter and I use to go to French Quarter Festival every year for years. She was suppose to get married there in April of last year. Everything was planned. She was even going to have a Second Line parade down Bourbon. Unfortunately she passed away 2 months before her wedding. I haven't been back since. but our family and friends will go down to spread her ashes. We all said after she passed, that on her way to heaven she stopped in New Orleans. I'm going to start going back down. We loved it there. I know she's there in spirit.

"Don't complain about the heat and humidity in July or August." I live in Louisiana. The summertime starts in April and ends in late November. Sometimes September is worse than August.

Being from Germany I had visited New Orleans in Oct. 2023 and found it always relaxed, with very friendly and helpful people. We had some good chats with musicians and the Crescent Festival was the perfect finish of our Bluestrail. Love you Nola!❤

Don’t be freaked out by everyone wanting to visit the cemetery!! Number one thing you forgot to mention. Our cemeteries are not creepy, dreadful rows and rows of headstones. They’re bright, wonderful, historic mini-buildings worth taking a tour through!

Some "Do's" (from a local): 1. DO ask locals for recommendations and directions. Easiest way to identify a "local" is someone dressed in a work uniform that may be coming to or from work. Generally, the people here are very friendly and love to share their favorite places 2. DO take the sticker off your shirt if you've completed a tour. Tour guides put stickers on so they can tell who is in the group. If you leave it on and walk away from the tour, you've got a target on your forehead that says "I'm a tourist" 3. DO be aware of how STRONG the drinks are. They can taste like candy, for easy sipping as you stroll through the Quarter. But the drinks here generally have a much higher alcohol content than most people are used to 4. DO be smart...take the usual precautions you would take in ANY big city. If you do that, you will be fine. New Orleans is no more dangerous for tourists than most large cities 5. DO eat at places that look "scary" and that you've never heard of. That's where most of the best food is

My wife and I spend a week in New Orleans every year, and we almost ALWAYS stay in the Quarter - we love the late night noise!!!

I met a palm reader in Jackson Square and he told me to stay on the side of the street where the cars aren't parked and don't pick up beads off the street because you'll be distracted and vulnerable. Keep your wits about you and enjoy yourself. Ive only been 3 times but I've never had any issues. Its a magical place.

No sandles or open shoes on bourbon st., especially during mardi gras. Hell, wear a pair of shoe you don't mind throwing away.

Don't assume the entire French Quarter is Bourbon street.

I am a former resident of New Orleans. This video was excellent! This fellow knew exactly what he was talking about. Good work. Love it.

I have a former colleague who was attacked in New Orleans; his skull was broken and he very nearly died. As beautiful as places like New Orleans and San Francisco are; there can be a harsh reality to them.