The first location that springs to mind when one talks about New Orleans is the French Quarter – which is great because everyone who visits wants to go there. Aside from being one of the most beautiful examples of preserved architecture in America, it’s also home to many of the city’s great restaurants, bars and music venues. This means that many tourists never leave the Quarter. That’s a little upsetting because there are many aspects of life in New Orleans that exist outside the French Quarter.

This month I intend to write several blogs for visitors to Mardi Gras that will include ideas and tips about what to expect during this festive time. Some of this info is pretty basic BUT it’s very nice to have an overall impression of a city before you arrive – then you can just concentrate on having fun.

FIRST: LET’S TALK “MONEY”

• The sales tax in New Orleans is 9.45%. Hotels are subject to a tax that varies with the type of hotel.

• The standard tip for good service in a restaurant is 18% -- 20% for exceptional. For hotels, a dollar or two per bag is acceptable when assistance by a bellhop is involved.

• Taxis in New Orleans: Give a 10% tip or round up the fare.

• Bars may require cash. It’s surprising how many cash-only places exist in New Orleans. This includes Café De Monde – open 24 hours. The average check is under $10. Or Casamento’s, a family-run uptown oyster bar that closes in the summer.

• “No credit cards” are also the rule at Guy’s Po-boys at 5259 Magazine Street and a dive bar named “Chart Room” in the middle of the French Quarter. This joint doesn’t have a website or do social media and says, “If you don’t like it, leave.” Finally, the music club “Spotted Cat” on Frenchmen Street has the same “no cards ever,” edict but since business is booming it doesn’t seem to bother anyone.

SECOND: MANNERS GO A LONG WAY

Folks in New Orleans tend to be casual, but good manners go a long way – as is the case in much of the South. For example, it’s considered bad form to just dive into the business at hand in The Big Easy. When one meets-and-greets – ask how they’re doing and be prepared to chat. It may be small talk or a life story that you hear within minutes of meeting for the first time. Just take it all in stride.  

THIRD: THE ALL-IMPORTANT WEATHER

Relax! The best time to visit New Orleans is from February to May when the weather is comfortably cool and the celebrations are in full swing. Yes, it rains! So bring an umbrella – it’s no big deal!

Now, here’s what’s ahead: for the last two blogs in January I’ve planned in-depth information on: (1) Looking at the French Quarter, (2) Taking tours in New Orleans’ cemeteries, (3) Signing up for swamp tours, (4) Deciding where to eat fast, (5) Thinking where to eat slow, (6) Listening to music, (7) Going on day trips and (8) Exploring the French Market. 

I promise: by January 31st you’ll be all set for your first trip to The Crescent City.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick