Useful tips

A few things to remember
Noteworthy for: New Orleans has some of the most oppressively hot summers in the USA. If you're traveling between June and September, expect temperatures in the 90s Fahrenheit (35+ Celsius) and heavy humidity.

1) There's always plenty happening in New Orleans, so pick up one of the local papers to keep track of what's on. The Times-Picayune is the main newspaper with general news and entertainment features, and The Gambit is a free weekly listings magazine filled with interesting articles about arts and music. Offbeat is another free weekly listings magazine.
2) New Orleans is not the lawless nightmare some would have you believe - but the city was hit hard by Katrina, and away from the tourist areas some districts are still blighted, depopulated and far from recovery. Districts like Central City and parts of the Seventh, Eighth and Ninth wards have suffered serious social problems for decades. Others, such as the Lower Ninth, were once prosperous Afro-American home-owning communities but were almost entirely destroyed by the hurricane.

3) Louisiana is a famously friendly place - but as you would in any city, be aware of where you are, your possessions and how you appear when away from busy tourist areas.