While you can take a thrilling swamp tour of the bayou or indulge in a lively Cajun cooking class in the daytime, a lot of New Orleans’ magic takes place after hours. The city knows how to party and presents countless ways to do so, which is why one of the bucket list items for many tourists is to drink a Hurricane, a tall, fruity, boozy cocktail, on the famed Bourbon Street.
But the party scene is by no means a new concept in the city—it’s been shaped and molded by several eras of the past. New Orleans was once a bustling hub where pirates docked to enjoy a glass of absinthe, as well as the birthplace of poker in America through its saloons. Naturally, plenty of nightlife establishments came about, which later helped the jazz genre to find its footing. If it’s your first time in New Orleans and you don’t want to miss out on the best of the nightlife scene, this guide will give you an overview you deserve, whether you’re looking to dance, drink, or do something unique.
Bourbon Street and the French Quarter: Where All the Magic Happens
Rambunctious and colorful, Bourbon Street is a must-go for any first-time tourist to New Orleans. Despite its reputation as a cliché tourist attraction, many locals still visit because they’re loyal to certain bars and venues in the area. Although many might think the street was named after the amber barrel-aged alcohol, it was actually named after the House of Bourbon, a French dynasty.
Not only will you find strong drinks that’ll make you feel unsteady, beads and feather boas, and an atmosphere of constant celebration, but you’ll also get to experience the culture, mystery, and history that is woven into the fabric of the city. While you’re there, check out Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, the oldest bar in the country, for a frozen drink. Looking for something stronger? Head to the Old Absinthe House for an aromatic Absinthe House Frappe.
Got a hankering for music? Pat O’Brien’s is a 4,000-square-foot establishment that is a triple threat. You’ll find three bars in one here: Piano Lounge, Patio, and Main Bar, each exuding different vibes to cater to your mood. Want to amp up the party? Fat Catz Music Club is the place to be. If you aren’t into rowdy nights out, you can opt for a fine meal at Galatoire’s Restaurant, one of the oldest restaurants in the city. You’ll chow down on the most delicious French Creole dishes and decadent desserts you won’t soon forget. Meanwhile, those looking for oddities in the area can wander into Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo or sign up for a Haunted Tour.
Frenchmen Street: Live Music Neighborhood
Just outside the French Quarter is the live music lover’s paradise, Frenchmen Street. Whether you’re a fan of reggae, jazz, or the blues, you’ll find the sounds of bands emanating out of clubs and establishments all over the neighborhood. For the most authentic jazz club experience around, you’ll want to visit The Spotted Cat, famous for hosting local funk, blues, jazz, and klezmer music and pouring drinks at reasonable prices. d.b.a. is a live music venue that’ll treat you to one of the largest beer and whiskey lists around and, of course, a legendary lineup of performances to fire up your evening.
Taking a break from the tunes? There’s another attraction you have to see while there: the Frenchmen Art Bazaar. Showcasing the work of local painters, sculptors, and jewelry makers, you can pick up a unique handmade gift there and take it home with you. Hungry for food? Frenchmen Street is no stranger to late-night eateries, where you can pick up loaded hot dogs at Dat Dog, enjoy crawfish étouffée until midnight at Frenchmen All Day, or cure your cravings for tapas at Tapas e Vino.
Uptown and Garden District: Trendy and Historical
While our previous two locations were about hopping from place to place and soaking in as much of the ambiance as possible, the Garden District is more about convivial sit-downs with friends and socializing until the sun comes up. The Uptown area and Garden District are sprawling with breweries, distilleries, cocktail bars, comfy bistros to spend your evening at, and some of the city’s most creative eateries.
At Jack Rose, you’ll fall in love with the contemporary Southern interior decorated with plants, a skylight, and a moody, plush ambiance. Its sophisticated pasta dishes, hearty mains, and innovative starters are sure to please your palate. Doesn’t sound like your speed? What about The Vintage, which serves up specialty beignets and bar snacks paired with custom coffee and cocktails, or perhaps a super-casual sports bar, Cooter Brown’s? For a little more guidance, the New Orleans Streetcar Cocktail Crawl can take you to a variety of worthy establishments that’ll give you a taste of everything.
Navigating the City
New Orleans is a walkable city, incredibly easy to navigate by ferry, bike, streetcar, bus, car, taxi, or even on foot. Whatever method of transportation you choose, it’s recommended to take a ride on the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line at least once, as it’s the world’s oldest continually operating streetcar line. Once you’ve spent a jam-packed day exploring the city, rest your weary legs at a boutique hotel, B&B, or vibrant hostel and discover casinos that accept ACH payments at casinos.com.
