As much as there is to see and do in New Orleans, there’s one spot in particular that people automatically think of when it comes to visiting NOLA – and that’s Bourbon Street.
There’s no denying that Bourbon Street is NOLA’s most famous street. In the heart of the French Quarter, it’s brimming with bars and restaurants, many decorated with beads strung from their balconies, where visitors can stroll from bar to bar with libations in hand along thirteen fun-filled blocks. From nightlife to local cuisine to live music to renowned festivals, Bourbon Street is a must-see spot in New Orleans.
To help you make the most of your Bourbon Street experience, we’ve put together this guide with need-to-know information, some of our favorite spots, and tips for navigating Bourbon Street like a local.
Bourbon Street Basics
Location & Layout
In the heart of the French Quarter, Bourbon Street runs for 13 blocks from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue. It’s just under a mile long and takes about 20 minutes to walk from end to end. That said, few walk straight through Bourbon Street without stopping for a drink, food, or selfies.
Upper Bourbon (which is the southern end of the street, starting at Canal) is packed with bars and restaurants. Lower Bourbon (which is the northern end of the street, starting at Esplanade) is a little more spread out and the home to many of the LGBTQ+ bars and drag shows.
When to Visit Bourbon Street
When is the best time to visit Bourbon Street? The answer depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for! Strolling along NOLA’s most famous street will be completely different during peak times than on quieter days.
Major events include the French Quarter Festival, the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, New Year’s Eve, and of course Mardi Gras. If you want to avoid these crowd-bringers, be sure to do your research on what’s going on during the time of your trip.
The same goes for night vs. day. In general, Bourbon Street isn’t very kid-friendly, but if you do want to stroll through with your family, you’ll want to visit during the day, when it’s a little less raucous. The scene at night is a completely different vibe, and not at all kid-friendly (think wild bachelor/bachelorette parties).
That said, even if Bourbon Street isn’t the best place to visit with kids, New Orleans itself is extremely family-friendly and there are plenty of sites and attractions the kids will love.
The “Go-Cup”
With no open container laws in NOLA, Bourbon Street is a free-for-all of “go-cups.” Just grab a drink from one of the many bars and restaurants along Bourbon and go on your merry way, drink in hand.
Actually, many of the bars on Bourbon Street are really just storefronts where you can grab a drink and keep walking – they don’t even have a seating area. To up the fun, some bars even serve drinks in souvenir cups that’ll help you remember your trip to NOLA long after you’ve returned home.
Top Things to Do on Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street is lined with iconic bars and cocktail spots where you can grab a Hurricane (a NOLA staple) and notable spots like Pat O’Brien’s and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. But it also has many live music venues where you’ll hear jazz and blues, historic sites like Preservation Hall and the Old Absinthe House, plus tons of dining options with authentic New Orleans flavors and everything from classic Creole and Cajun cuisine to yummy beignets.
Here are a few of our favorite Bourbon Street locations to get you started.
Best Nightclub on Bourbon Street
For the night owls in your group who want to dance to thumping music with a rowdy crowd, Razzoo Bar & Patio is the best nightclub on Bourbon Street. With live music every Sunday through Thursday, an energetic dance floor every night of the week, a large outdoor patio bar, and great drink specials, it’s a must-visit nightlife spot in the French Quarter. It’s an especially popular destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties in New Orleans too!
Best LGBTQ+ Bar on Bourbon Street
Our favorite gay bar on Bourbon is Oz New Orleans. Voted Best Gay Dance Club and boasting the most awarded and longest drag cast in NOLA, Oz also serves great cocktails and has a prime balcony for people-watching.
There’s something going on at Oz every night of the week, from Karaoke and open talent nights to drag shows, comedy nights, and straight-up dance parties. So no matter your mood, you’ll find some fun at Oz.
Best Karaoke on Bourbon Street
If you’re looking for a fun karaoke experience, head to the world-famous Cat’s Meow on Bourbon Street. This friendly neighborhood bar has held the title of Best Karaoke Bar in New Orleans for over 25 years, so it’s no wonder so many celebrities have been sighted there over the years.
From the intimate showroom to the cozy courtyard, from the top-floor mezzanine to the balcony overlooking Bourbon Street, there’s a spot for everyone to hang out. Order one of their signature cocktails, enjoy an energetic stage show, and maybe even hop up on stage yourself!
Tips to Navigate Bourbon Street Like a Local
Getting Around
The easiest way to get around Bourbon Street is walking! Leave your car at your vacation rental and either walk over or take public transportation. The nearest Streetcar stops are N. Rampart St. at Ursulines Ave. or Canal and Bourbon St. The nearest bus stop is at the same corner – where Canal meets Carondelet/Bourbon.
Ride-shares are an option too. If you’re using an Uber or Lyft to get to Bourbon Street, make sure you enter a clear street corner or business address for them to find you when it’s time to get picked up! There are typically a lot of people on Bourbon Street and the streets in this area are one-way, so you’ll want to make sure you meet your ride-share somewhere that’s easily accessible.
If you do need to drive and park, there are lots and garages nearby, but they won’t be cheap. Parking in the garages closest to Bourbon Street could cost upwards of $50 or more. If you’re lucky enough to find a spot, 2-hour parking spaces in and around the French Quarter are free between 7 PM and 7 AM.
Tips to Enjoy Bourbon Street
Plan your visit – To have the best possible Bourbon Street experience, carefully plan which days and times you visit. If you like crowds and want the full rowdy party experience, visit during a festival like Mardi Gras. But if you simply want to see the sites with your family, you may want to stroll along Bourbon Street during a quieter time (and during the day) so your experience is more enjoyable.
Stay Safe – Like in any big city, especially one you’ve never visited before, you’ll want to make sure everyone in your group is staying safe. Bourbon Street in particular can have big rowdy crowds, leaving you open to pickpockets and the like. That means you should follow basic safety rules: avoid walking alone at night, travel in groups, leave your valuables at home, and keep your belongings with you at all times.
No glass allowed – As mentioned above, one of the fun aspects of NOLA is being able to stroll with your alcoholic beverage of choice. There’s one exception, though – no glass. Make sure your go-cup is plastic or another material so you don’t end up with broken glass at your feet or trouble with the authorities.
Avoid Freebies – When they say nothing in life is free, it also applies to Bourbon Street. Whether it is a “monk” handing you a bracelet or a stranger offering you beads, they will say it is a gift or free but as soon as you put it on, they’ll ask for a donation. A polite “no thank you” will save you a lot of hassle.
Know where you got dem Shoes at – It’s super common for a local to say to a tourist in the French Quarter, “I bet you $10 I can tell you where you got dem shoes at,” and we can guarantee you they will win that bet every time. Once you agree to the bet, they’ll tell you “you got dem shoes at x street,” whichever street you’re standing on, and demand payment. Avoid getting into this situation by knowing which street you’re standing on (likely Bourbon in this case) and declining the bet altogether.
Avoid open-toed shoes – Last but not least, NEVER wear open-toed shoes on Bourbon Street! Seriously. Between the sheer amount of people who might step on your toes and the potential for things like broken glass and sticky substances, closed-toed shoes are your friend when you’re on Bourbon Street.
Beyond Bourbon
As you now know, Bourbon Street is located in the French Quarter, one of NOLA’s most historic and well-known neighborhoods. Beyond Bourbon Street itself, the French Quarter is packed to the brim with must-see sites.
After a daytime stroll along Bourbon (or before your nighttime escapades), you can tour St. Louis Cathedral, visit the famed Jackson Square, grab a bite at the French Market or Cafe du Monde, learn the history of jazz at New Orleans Jazz Museum, or take a ghost tour past cemeteries and other haunted locations.
There’s plenty to do along Bourbon Street and down the interconnecting streets that make up the French Quarter, and even more to explore throughout all of NOLA!
Stay with Book NOLA for Your Visit to Bourbon Street
If you’re planning a visit to Bourbon Street, we hope you’ll stay with us at Book NOLA. Our downtown homes offer convenient access to Bourbon Street and the rest of New Orleans for a well-rounded experience.
Browse our Book NOLA properties to find the New Orleans vacation rental that’s perfect for you.
We can’t wait to host you in NOLA!