New Orleans: 10 Shocks of Visiting New Orleans

Happy Mardi Gras Season! Whether you are in New Orleans for partying in the French Quarter, watching the parades on St. Charles, enjoying the family fun around town, or taking in the history that the city has there is a lot to surprise travelers to the big easy. So here are some of the culture shocks that tourists have when they visit New Orleans. From the voodoo tours, to the cemetaries, to the fun on Bourbon Street and more!
Filmed in New Orleans, LA
Copyright Mark Wolters 2022

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[IDENTIDADVISUAL]

Love the English of this guy. He speaks fast yet clear, I can understand him nice. Enjoying practicing my listening while I learn the American culture. Thank you

[scottlindsly]

As a lifelong resident & NOPD 2 decades+, I can say that you nailed it Mark! From the safety side, I'd just add that visitors should stay near crowds (don't wander off all alone, even if a small group/family) & always keep your wits while having reasonable fun...most criminal activities against tourists are crimes of opportunity, because they sensed a weak or oblivious victim(s) & no witnesses. And while you're so right about most NoLa folks being super-friendly & loving to help others, some criminals take advantage of that trust as well...again, keep wits about the help.
As you mentioned, many times tourists asked me (when in uniform), in disbelief, if it was really ok to walk down the street with a beer in hand...growing up here, I didn't realize it was not ok elsewhere! Working the FQ, we tolerate A LOT, love to see everyone having a good time, and generally the line is drawn at the point where your fun is interfering with someone else's. But just because you're minding your own business it doesn't mean that others will, especially when you add excessive alcohol/weed/drugs...so try to avoid confrontation much as possible. Yes, we have an unusual abundance of eccentric folks...sometimes funny, sometimes not.
Also, you made an excellent observation about Mardigras & families...I'd just add that the beginning of the route (up to ~Superior Grill) is the traditional "family area" where tourists would feel most comfortable & safe. Different areas have distinctly different feels, and again folks should go with their gut (which, I suppose, leads into the food...but you nailed that already 😜)
Have a fun & safe visit, and repeat! 💜💛💚

[ikiruyamamoto]

Great video! BTW, don't forget the vomit, garbage smells in the moist heat....usually on Bourbon street after it's been hosed down. And, I was surprised by the occasional piles of HUMAN feces, and a number of bums/crazies. The Garden District was great, as was Tulane and the WWII museum (I went during an event so there was food and booze there too). The nicest surprise was the Museum of Art in City Park.

[ClarkThompson_boats]

Lifelong native New Orleanian here. I’m impressed, and grateful to see a visitor who really gets it. Good for you . My only correction for you is that parades DO happen all over the French Quarter. Krewe du Vieux is the only one with floats in the quarter, but second lines and costumed wanderings are the norm throughout the quarter, and I encourage anyone to step right in to any of these less formal parades. Always more the merrier when dancing in the streets.

[mmmarcombe]

I’m a native New Orleanian and I really enjoyed your video. It’s interesting to hear from a tourist’s perspective. It makes me aware of how you see my city. Thank you for your enthusiasm!!

[auroraramirez]

The first thing I have to say, is thank you Mark!
My husband and I went to NOLA for the first time and watching your videos before our trip was the best because everything was as you said. We ate, we drank, we walked a lot, and we discovered new places with amazing information. I love the smell, the noise, the people, the food, the French Quarter and the whole city! Love the memories we made in the Beautiful New Orleans!❤️

[williamjensen]

new oleans is super kid friendly...city park has an amazing priced amusesment park. the childrens museum, zoo and omg the insectorium....my kids love it when we visit

[beckypack]

I have been going to New Orleans a couple times a year for 25 years, and just saw my first Mardi Gras parade this year! It was the Krewe of Chewbaccus parade, first one of the season, and definitely different from the others, but it was one of the most amazing times I have had in my years coming to New Orleans. I was also shocked about the families in attendance and the atmosphere of joy. I don't know if it was especially happy this year because the parades couldn't happen last year or if it is always like that. I will definitely go back for another parade! You also nailed everything else. It's funny, but, other than Bourbon street, I don't really even notice the smell much after the first day there. It is what it is. New Orleans is my favorite place in the world. Love your videos!

[Fordie]

Excellent presentation brother. You covered New Orleans with friendliness, thoughtfulness, amusement, helpful information, and your gregarious personality. I'm going to watch all your videos before I travel to NORLENS this Fall.

[amystarke]

I agree about how nice the people are! That was a shock. Everybody in New Orleans I met seemed so cheerful and nice.

[paulroppolo]

as a born and raised new orleanian i'd like to thank you for the positivity for a change! i'm so used to my town being slammed in public media that this is refreshing! again thank you!

[MrDEWaters]

The Shoe Scam apparently is a common thing. It happened to me on the raised area between Jackson Square and the river. I was surprised because there were so many other people around, and it didn't seem to me like it would be the place where someone would try that. He started his routine, and I just laughed and said "I know that one". He looked startled, and quickly got out of there.

[cynthiaromero]

I was shocked about the smell too! But I had so much fun while in New Orleans that's it's worth a second trip.

[gmonkeyr]

Thank you for the nice info on NOLA and not bashing us! Lol

[tracy]

Planning my FIRST trip & I appreciate this MUST-KNOW info!!

[saraalanhank]

I was also amazed about the food, too. There were no wrong choices. Great memories!

[sclyon]

My wife and I go to New Orleans every April and love it.

[huxleyginsberg]

Perfect timing! Heading to New Orleans in 4 weeks. Your catalog of NO videos has been extremely helpful in planning, and I can't wait to go!

[ccssneaks]

I went to New Orleans for Mardi Gras in 2019, and I completely fell in love with the city. As someone from MN, I couldn't believe how many people have such negative pre-conceived opinions on New Orleans. To anyone that doesn't have the urge to ever go to NO, please reconsider. You won't regret it.

[TripHacksDC]

I heard many many times about how amazing the WWII Museum is (I need to go for myself).