New Orleans is the best city in the country, we can all agree on that, right? According to the New Orleans Convention Center, nearly 18 million people visited New Orleans last year. From the food to the festivals, people travel from all over the globe to experience the Big Easy. There tends to be a few stereotypes about New Orleans that aren’t necessarily correct, and we’re here to set the record straight. Here are 8 things outsiders always get wrong about New Orleans.

1. That it’s Mardi Gras year-round.
Mike Connor/Flickr
Sadly, even us New Orleanians couldn’t handle that. Carnival season is long, but not that long. And typically by Lundi Gras, we are ready for it to be over.
2. That New Orleans is one big party.
B.C. Lorio/Flickr
Just about every weekend there is something going on in and around the city, but when you come to visit New Orleans is actually a much quieter town than our reputation suggests.
3. That the city revolves around the French Quarter, primarily Bourbon Street.
Lars Plougmann/Flickr
The French Quarter is filled with history, mystery, delicious restaurants and some of the most mesmerizing architecture in New Orleans. But the French Quarter is to New Orleans what Times Square is to New Yorkers — we try to avoid it whenever we can.
4. The summers are hot.
Bark/Flickr
Ok, this one is actually true. This summer, in particular, is shaping up to be a doozy.

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5. That it’s dangerous.
Antrell Williams/Flickr
You’re going to have crime in any large city. According to USA Today, New Orleans ranks at number 19 in terms of violent crime: 1,121 per 100,000. New Orleans isn’t as dangerous as people think. Be smart and you’ll be just fine.
6. That the city never bounced back from Katrina.
Andrew Syder/Flickr
Katrina was a devastating blow to the Gulf Coast, claiming the lives of almost 2,000 people and causing nearly $125 billion in damages. While the city will certainly never be the same, it most certainly has bounced back.
7. New Orleans food is all spicy seafood.
T.Tseng/Flickr
Not going to lie, seafood makes up a huge part of any New Orleanians diet, but that’s not all we eat. Cajun and Creole cuisine runs deep in the Crescent City, but we’ve also got some incredible Italian, Mexican, and good old-fashioned American restaurants. Whatever you’re craving, we can cook it.
8. That the Saints aren’t any good.
Phil Roeder/Flickr
Who dat talking bad about our beloved Saints? No other city embraces a football team like New Orleans. 2019 might just be our year, y’all.

Want to know why people from New Orleans are the best? Click here to check out our previous article.

What’s your favorite part about living in New Orleans? Shout it out in the comments below!

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