10 New Orleans Influencers Sharing Life in the Big Easy

Known for its rich nightlife, Creole cuisine, ghostly historical tours, and Mardi Gras, New Orleans is home to a cultural mix of French and Spanish influences. Attracting both tourists and locals with live music, unique architecture, and the infamous 13-block Bourbon Street, the “Big Easy” has become a destination spot for not only Louisiana residents, but also travelers from around the globe. If you’re curious about the community, food, fashion, party scene, sports, or attractions in the city, follow these 10 New Orleans influencers who have their fingers on the pulse. They’ll share insider tips on what to order at the best restaurants, which stops are tourist traps, and how things have changed (or what’s stayed the same) since Hurricane Katrina devastated the region in 2005.

In-the-know New Orleans influencers to follow

Ron Anthony

Referring to himself as a “New Orleans Guide,” TikTok influencer Ron has amassed 41.4K followers on the platform with his coverage of the history of the 17 wards and detailed explanation about New Orleans traditions, like king cake. From New Orleans grammar and the city’s lanterns to native author Anne Rice and Black history in the region, Ron goes beyond reviews to introduce you to the rich history and culture of the city.   

Free Tours by Foot — New Orleans

Andrew and his fellow guides take his YouTube subscribers through free foot tours, as well as the occasional bike or car drive, with short documentary-style videos of New Orleans and the surrounding area. There’s a narrated walk in 4K of the French Quarter and a tour of the must-eat foods with an explanation of Creole and Cajun styles. There’s an in-depth showcase of Mardi Gras and a tour of French Quarter architecture.

Amour Nola

Do you drool over traditional king cakes, fawn over Louisiana architecture, and dream about powdery beignets? If so, be sure to join the other 49.5K followers on Amour Nola’s Instagram account. Chronicling all things New Orleans, this hyper-focused account covers everything you’d want to know about the Big Easy. There are gumbo reviews, working farms and pumpkin patches, photos of local parks, and brunch recommendations. And yes, there are even videos covering the Saints’ football games. 

Alex Robinson

Although Alex primarily focuses on food, drinks, and events in New Orleans, you may also see the occasional post about healthcare in Louisiana, including pro-vaccine encouragement. For tourists seeking ideas beyond food and drink, she posts videos about musicals, wellness spas, and clubs. She even shared a 2022 NOLA bucket list to let her 46.9K TikTok followers know some of the hot spots she plans to try out this year.

Jenn

Fans of cooking videos may recognize Jenn from her infamous “Nola Cooking With Jenn” TikTok channel, which has 1.7 million followers. The bulk of her videos — like those on crawfish bread and post-Thanksgiving turkey and sausage gumbo — are dedicated to classic Louisiana recipes that her fans can make at home to replicate the tastes of New Orleans. But sometimes she spotlights her favorite local businesses, from her favorite nail salon and cheesesteak restaurant to her go-to stop for boba tea and grilled chicken wraps.   

Valerie Esparza

Valerie loves New Orleans so much that the photographer sells her images as prints and greeting cards for others to appreciate. Her stunning visuals of the city include brightly colored buildings and a hazy homage to Anne Rice’s mansion to streetscapes of the French Quarter and an old river boat nearly hidden in the fog. Not all her 74.6K Instagram followers come for the architecture; there are also beautiful images of Mardi Gras beads, garden-flanked pathways, streetcars, and even a decked-out dinosaur in front of the Wedding Cake House. 

NOLA.com

For a solid selection of videos featuring New Orleans, join the 88.4K subscribers following NOLA.com on YouTube. You’ll get the best Mardi Gras highlights, live chats and coverage from the Saints games, draft picks, and pre-game live chats. There’s also a series on where NOLA chefs eat and a “This or That” collection that pits Louisiana foods and events against each other, like this Seafood Gumbo vs. Chicken & Sausage Gumbo challenge.

Belle Omniley

Laura Steffan

Curious what it’s like to live in New Orleans? Photographer Lauren shows you not only the outside of some of the city’s most beautiful homes, but also the inside. Her images of the interiors of local houses give you insight into the lifestyle, color trends, and design elements of the region. Join her 40.7K Instagram followers to see samples of her work, which have been featured on the Apartment Therapy website. 

Ashley Webb

Ashley calls herself a #Momtog, a mom photographer, who shows NOLA living with her two young children. She often shares motivation content, fashionable outfits for her kids, and her mission to open a fresh market in a food desert in the 9th Ward.