Tourists Flock Here, But Locals Know It's The Biggest Tourist Trap In New Orleans

The spirit of New Orleans can be felt through the sounds of jazz drifting through the streets, the smells of creole delicacies wafting from restaurant windows, and, that potent stench of pee. Not where you thought that was going? Yep, the unfortunate reality of paying a visit to any big city known for its party atmosphere is that you'll most likely come across many unwanted smells. If you've ever been familiar with New Orleans, you've likely heard of Bourbon Street. If you haven't, here's a quick breakdown. Bourbon Street sees millions of visitors walk its cobbled streets each year, drawn like moths to the neon lights of bars, enticing them to step inside for a boozy bonanza.

Is it fun? It would have to be, otherwise, it wouldn't be one of the most popular streets in America.  Bourbon Street runs 13 blocks through the French Quarter and is home to haunted history, some of America's oldest bars, and popular live-music joints. While a visit here is at the top of most New Orleans guidebooks, the locals stay away from this well-known tourist trap for a reason. A night out on Bourbon Street is loud, crowded, and expensive, with most bars imposing cover charges for music. 

And hey, maybe that's exactly the type of vacation you're looking for. With its notorious party atmosphere, Bourbon Street comes off as a mini Las Vegas; for some, that is the ideal getaway. So, if your New Orleans adventure takes you on down to Bourbon Street, here are a few things you should keep in mind. 

There are a few mistakes visitors should avoid in New Orleans to make the experience more enjoyable. Like most big cities, you need to be wary of pickpocketers, but there are also some lesser-known scams to look out for on Bourbon Street, too. 

The thing with Southern hospitality is that most people here are genuinely trying to be friendly. However, if someone comes up to you offering to bet they can guess where you got your shoes, it's best to ignore them. Even if you think they don't have a chance at guessing correctly, it won't matter. They'll joke that you "got your shoes on your feet," which might seem funny for a moment, but probably won't be once that person follows you until you pay them for "winning" the bet. It's best to avoid engaging in any card tricks, games, or betting if someone approaches you — you'd be surprised by how easy it is to "lose."

You'll find a plethora of knick-knacks and souvenirs for sale along the Bourbon Street, but they're often cheap and mass-produced. Head on over to the fences around Jackson Square, the St. Louis Cathedral, or the French Market, where you'll be able to shop directly from the person who made the artwork or souvenir they're selling. This not only means you can support local artists, but avoids the risk of overpaying for a cheap trinket.

Keeping in theme with listening to the locals, if you seek the charm of New Orleans without all the hubbub, there are some alternatives to Bourbon Street. If your musical taste is what brought you to NOLA, look no further for a night out on the town than Frenchmen Street. A half-mile walk from Bourbon Street, live music pours out of every door along this bustling street, where local musicians put their heart and soul into their craft. The Spotted Cat invites passersby to enjoy a night out in a cozy setting, playing jazz, blues, or funk nightly. 

Known as the birthplace of music culture on Frenchmen Street, The Blue Nile is another popular hot spot for those seeking an evening of fun and funk, and listening to live music is one of the best things to do in New Orleans. Looking for a bite to eat? Both the Maison and Three Muses are delicious destinations for live music, fantastic drink menus, and tasty delicacies. A night out on Frenchmen Street wouldn't be complete without exploring the street itself. Here, visitors can find performers and even a delightful nighttime art Bazaar, open Sunday to Wednesday until around midnight. 

If a more chic experience is what you're after, head to Magazine Street. Located mostly in uptown New Orleans, this 6-mile stretch has a bit of everything. From high-end dining and shopping to more local and vintage food and wear, a trip to Magazine Street is a fantastic way to spend a day in New Orleans. Although Bourbon Street is a tourist trap destination, it is also a right of passage for many first-timers to NOLA. Do your research, and you'll have a more than enjoyable time visiting The Big Easy.