DO'S & DON'TS OF VISITING NEW ORLEANS
Are you getting excited for Naughty N'awlins! We're very excited to have you! Our city needs this burst of excitement more than ever and having you here for Naughty has a huge impact on our city—and always has.
Whether this is your first time in New Orleans or repeat visitor, it's best to know a few things about the Big Easy—other than there's no place like it, even during a pandemic.
DO Bring Comfortable Shoes
You're going to be walking around a lot, whether it's around the French Quarter, the NOPSI Hotel, or from the hotel over to Colette. Either way, make sure you bring some shoes that you feel comfortable doing some sight seeing in. You'll thank me later.
Don't Argue With the Cops or Business Owners
If you are being asked to wear a mask, just wear one. Don't try to make a political stance, no one cares, if the rules are to wear one, just do it. It's not worth getting in trouble, 86'd or worse. Be respectful and save yourself the trouble. Some places are still to-go drinks only, or they have you wait outside while other customers finish up inside, every business has their own way of practicing safety during this time. Be respectful and follow whatever rules you're being asked to follow.
Do Explore Other Parts of the City
The NOPSI Hotel is the in CBD (Central Business District) of New Orleans, which is
only a block away from the French Quarter where mostly everyone spends their time. But there's a whole other part of the city to be explored! Take the St. Charles Street Car all the way through its entire route to explore the gorgeous historical mansions and local businesses of the Garden District. Check out the shops and eateries along Magazine St. Take the Canal Streetcar to Mid-City and head to Bayou St. John and the awesome local bars in the area. Or explore the Bywater and Marigny areas just on the other side of the French Quarter to see some amazing local art, historical buildings and great places to eat.
Don't Walk Around With Glass Bottles
As of now, we are still allowed to roam outside with to-go drinks—so long as they are in paper or plastic cups. You are not allowed to walk around with glass bottles. The police WILL say something to you about that. This is a rule that we've been following before COVID.
Do Your Research
If there is a restaurant, tour, museum or anything you know you definitely want to experience, be sure to do your research ahead of time on their days/hours of operation, capacity and mask rules, and reservation requirements. With the current limitations, some businesses are working on special schedules and most are definitely following CDC guidelines. Be sure to do your research ahead of time so you are blindsided by anything when you get there.
Don't Pick Beads Off The Street
That's just gross! You can find beads ANYWHERE! Basically in any convenience store, tourist shop and costume shop, you can find beads. If someone throws you some beads from a balcony or on the street, don't go chasing them down and picking them off the street.
Do Shop for Costume Pieces
Speaking of beads, if you're in need of anything to complete your look for our theme nights or any other plans you have while you're here, there are plenty of places close to the NOPSI where you can find great costume pieces and accessories. We love Nicky's French Quarter Halloween Store and the Hustler store on Bourbon St. (for extra sexy stuff). And as always, one of our favorite costume/shoe shops is QTPie. BOb’s favorite store is Road Kill. Most of these stores offer discounts to our attendees.
Don't forget to tip
Whether you're enjoying a fabulous meal at one of New Orleans' amazing restaurants, sipping a great cocktail at a bar or enjoying some street performance in the French Quarter, be kind and appreciative and tip! Our city has really felt the weight of the COVID-19 with closings, limited hours, drink restrictions and everything else, so the fact that you are coming to Naughty N'awlins to enjoy the event and what the city has to offer is huge for the people and businesses of New Orleans. Be sure to show the amazing, hospitable people of New Orleans some love and tip your servers, bartenders, valet, street performers, Uber drivers and cab drivers.
