How New Orleans Are You?

By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 1, 2024

Wondering just how deep your New Orleans roots go, or if you've perfectly adopted the Big Easy spirit? Whether it's knowing the difference between a po'boy and a muffuletta or navigating the lively streets during Mardi Gras without losing a single bead, your connection to New Orleans might be stronger than you think. Take our quiz to discover if you're as NOLA as beignets and brass bands—after all, it takes more than a love for jazz and jambalaya to truly be one of the local fam.

Perhaps you've danced through Second Lines or can recite the Saints' schedule by heart. Or maybe your friends seek your sage advice when choosing the best spot for gumbo. Don't just stand there on Bourbon Street; connect to the city's soul, educate yourself on its storied past, and draw inspiration from its unbreakable spirit. It's time to find out how New Orleans' magic has infused your life—have a laugh and maybe even surprise yourself with your own Crescent City flair.

Take a whirl with our quiz and see if you're all about that NOLA life. Are you a born-and-bred local, a heartstruck visitor-turned-resident, or just a curious onlooker? Let's put your knowledge to the test: laissez les bon temps rouler!

Living It up in the Big Easy

Get ready to let your hair down and strut in your finest because if you can understand the essence of The Big Easy, your New Orleans soul is authentic as it gets.

Festivals and Street Cheers

Imagine dancing through the streets with the beads flying and the brass bands playing—that's Mardi Gras in all its glory. It's an explosion of colors and sounds where everyone becomes a family under the parade's charm. Catch a peek of elaborate floats, then slip into the French Quarter where history blends with merriment every single day. And don't forget the Jazz and Heritage Festival, where the rhythm of the city comes to life—a true test of your New Orleans roots.

Savor the Flavor: Food & Spirits

If your mouth isn't watering for some gumbo and crawfish, are you even living? The Creole cuisine is a hearty handshake between French, Spanish, and West African culinary practices. Dive into a plate of beignets dusted with powdered sugar or experience the soulful taste of seafood that defines New Orleans. And when the sun dips, raise a glass of the iconic Sazerac, a local concoction that's as smooth as the jazz that fills the air.

Cultural Crossroads: History and People

Your feet are tapping to a jazz beat, but do you feel the city's pulse? New Orleans' backstory is a cocktail of French vivacity, Spanish zest, and African American ingenuity. The melting pot of cultures is best observed in the vibrant neighborhoods where every corner tells a story, steeped in history. Learn a few words in French, and you're not just visiting—you're part of the tapestry. Whether you're tracing the heritage of Louisiana or reveling in the spirit of the folks, being a part of this rich weave is what it means to be truly New Orleanian.

Exploring the Crescent City

Before you can claim the title of honorary New Orleanian, you'll have to familiarize yourself with the city's essential experiences. From the soul-stirring melodies echoing down Frenchmen Street to the mystical swamps where alligators leisurely bask, New Orleans offers a unique tapestry of cultural history and vibrant life.

Iconic Spots and Hidden Gems

Strut down Bourbon Street, where the bright neon lights and the tantalizing aroma of Cajun spices become your rite of passage. A hop, skip, and a jump away, the Garden District beckons with its opulent manses veiled behind wrought-iron fences—you'll definitely want to peep those architectural beauties. But wait, have you even been to New Orleans if you haven't ridden the St. Charles Streetcar? Say it with me: You haven't. Now, for the true treasure seekers, waltz off the beaten path to Magazine Street. Here, local boutiques and eateries await, full of hidden trinkets and flavors that scream NOLA.

The Soundtrack of the City: Music Venues

Live music, baby—it's the city's heartbeat. Saunter down to Frenchmen Street, and let your ears guide you to the best live music venues in town. The sound of jazz, blues, and everything in between spills out from the clubs, mingling with the chatter of locals and visitors alike. Feel that bass reverberate through your bones at The Spotted Cat—an intimate spot where the great live music is only outmatched by the energy of the crowd.

From Swamps to Storyland: Outdoor Adventures

Unleash your inner explorer with outdoor activities that'll have you bragging to your friends for ages. Paddle through the bayou on a swamp tour—just try not to interrupt the alligators; they're not huge on small talk. Then escape to New Orleans City Park, a luscaterpillar of green in the heart of the city. Here lies Storyland, a fairytale playground that frankly, you're never too old for. And don't forget the New Orleans Museum of Art, sitting pretty amidst the world's largest collection of mature live oaks. Oh, and if you can handle the majesty, make a pilgrimage to Jackson Square with the iconic St. Louis Cathedral minding over the hallowed grounds of the Cabildo, where history itself seems to hold its breath.