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The slang can be very confusing -

It does not mean what you think it does when a local asks you “Where y’at?” This is actually a question about how you are doing rather than your physical location. 

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Keeping loved ones close -

Due to the city's high flooding risk, all graves in the local cemeteries are above-ground tombs.

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Victorian values -

Creole maidens from the upper echelon of society were not allowed to look men in the eyes during New Orleans' colonial past, according to Experience New Orleans.

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A weather bunker turned big city -

The city was originally built as a hurricane shelter in the beginning of the 18th century.  

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Jazz genius -

Due to the city's unique history as a cultural melting pot, African and Creole rhythms began to mix with European instruments until New Orleans eventually became the birthplace of jazz music. 

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Not the first but still the finest - The first Mardi Gras celebration was actually in Mobile, Alabama—not in New Orleans.

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All fun all the time -

Given the city's vibrant energy, it comes as little surprise that NOLA's (New Orleans') motto is "Laissez les bons temps rouler!" (Let the good times roll!) 

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From hairdresser to musical visionary -

New Orleans barber Buddy Bolden has been touted as one of, if not the primary, figure in the development of jazz as a musical genre.

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Close but no cigar -

New Orleans was actually declared the capital of Louisiana on two different occasions, until Baton Rouge was permanently named the state's capital city in 1879. 

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Waterway turned highway -

Originally planned to be an actual water channel, NOLA's Canal Street was at one point the widest street in the world. 

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High-class culture -

The first opera in the United States was performed in New Orleans in 1796. 

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Interesting party practices -

In the past, well-to-do Creole families entertaining guests would sew crushed glass into cheesecloth bags to put in water glasses as an imitation of ice, according to Experience New Orleans. 

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Take that drink to go -

New Orleans is one of the few places in the US where it is totally legal to openly drink alcohol on the street. Even better, they give you swanky plastic cups for it. 

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Gambling galore -

New Orleans was the birthplace of popular table games like poker and craps. 

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Not as it may appear -

However, despite the city's reputation for inventing these games, there is only one private casino operating under Louisiana law in New Orleans, according to Traveling with Jones. 

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Tasty treasures -

The Crescent City is home to a variety of culinary delicacies you just can't find anywhere else. Some local favorites include beignets, as well as turtle and alligator soup. 

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The southern slang continues -

According to Traveling with Jones, locals don't typically use the conventional directions of north, south, east, and west. Instead, they go uptown, downtown, riverside, and lakeside.

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A wondrous waterway system - According to New Orleans: The Underground Guide, up until the mid-20th century, New Orleans actually had more water canals above and below ground than Venice, Italy.

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Pirate versus politician standoff -

In 1813, Louisiana's first non-colonial governor, William Claiborne, offered a US$500 reward to the public for the capture of legendary pirate Jean Lafitte. The crafty pirate then countered with a $1,500-$5,000 reward for the governor's head, according to knowsouthernhistory.net.

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A star is born (or two or three) -

New Orleans was the birthplace of an array of stars, such as the iconic musician Louis Armstrong, as well as Reese Witherspoon and Ellen DeGeneres. 

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They don't mess around with their football - The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, where the NFL team the New Orleans Saints play, is the largest enclosed dome structure in the entire world.

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A scary cityscape - New Orleans is often referred to as America's most haunted city. If you're looking for a good scare, the city has its fair share of haunted hotels that are sure to spook.

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It used to be completely underwater - In roughly 2200 BCE, silt deposits from the Mississippi River formed the landmass where New Orleans stands today.

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Dueling was alive and well in public spaces - Up until about 1890, the New Orleans' city park was used as a fighting arena. At the time, opponents equipped with a pistol or saber faced off at the "Dueling Oaks."

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An outstanding overpass - New Orleans is home to the longest continuous bridge over water in the world.

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Rich in history - According to New Orleans Online, "The Big Easy" is home to more historic districts than any other city in the United States—20 to be exact.

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Mardi Gras colors mean more than you think - The Mardi Gras colors are green, purple, and gold. Green symbolizes faith, purple symbolizes justice, and gold represents power.

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Traditional times -

Many of New Orleans' historic homes from the colonial period feature floor-length mirrors so that women could ensure that their ankles weren't showing.

See also: Incredible photos from the Victorian era

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