A Local’s Guide to Planning the Ultimate New Orleans Bachelorette Weekend

Between the music, food, culture, and nightlife, New Orleans is the perfect destination for an unforgettable bachelorette party or girls’ weekend – whether your goal is relaxing with your favorites or going out on the town for a few rounds of hurricanes. 

In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the best places to stay, favorite activities (both low-key and all-out), can’t-miss restaurants, and our tips for planning the ultimate bachelorette party in New Orleans. (Scroll down for our 3-day itinerary!)

Why Choose New Orleans for Your Bachelorette Party

If you’re planning a girls’ getaway, few cities serve up as much fun as New Orleans.

In NOLA, you can wander historic streets with a cocktail in hand, hop from one live music spot to the next, and dance until the early hours of the morning. Between Cajun and Creole flavors, beignets dusted in powdered sugar, and cocktails that pack a punch, every meal (and drink) feels like a celebration. Best of all, the city blends culture, charm, and just the right amount of debauchery —so whether the bride wants a laidback weekend or an all-out party, you’ll find it here.

Best Places to Stay for a Bachelorette Party in New Orleans

For most New Orleans bachelorette parties and girls’ weekends, staying near the French Quarter is key. It’s the city’s most iconic neighborhood — home to Bourbon Street, Frenchmen Street, and endless options for nightlife, dining, and entertainment. (Check out our French Quarter vacation rentals right in the heart of the action.)

That said, where you stay really depends on your group’s vibe. For something a little more laidback, check out Marigny or the Bywater, two artsy, colorful neighborhoods filled with bistros, dive bars, and live music. Mid-city offers a modern twist with trendy restaurants and bars all within walking distance. Or, if you’re after classic Southern charm, the Garden District delivers with tree-lined streets, historic homes, and plenty of picture-perfect spots for your weekend getaway.

Must-Do Activities & Experiences for Your NOLA Bachelorette

Once you’ve decided where to stay for your bachelorette party in New Orleans, the next thing on your list is planning the itinerary. There are so many things to do in New Orleans that you may have trouble narrowing it down. Here are a few options for must-do activities in New Orleans that are perfect for a bachelorette weekend. 

Frenchmen Street

If your group loves live music, Frenchmen Street is a must. It’s walkable, packed with local acts, and full of energy. Catch classic jazz at The Spotted Cat, a brass band or funk set at d.b.a., or a reggae beat at Café Negril. Then, for a late-night DJ vibe, head to Favela Chic.

Bourbon Street

No New Orleans bachelorette is complete without at least one night on Bourbon. Sip a famous Hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s, try the neon-green Hand Grenade at Tropical Isle, enjoy some jazz at Fritzel’s Jazz Club, and belt out karaoke at Cat’s Meow. For something moodier, end the night at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, one of the oldest bars in the country.

Carousel Bar

Located inside Hotel Monteleone, this elegant, revolving bar is a New Orleans icon. The cocktails are top-notch, the setting is gorgeous, and yes — the bar actually rotates. The Carousel Bar is perfect for a pre-dinner drink or a classy start to your night out. Try to snag one of the 25 seats along the bar (first-come, first-served) or enjoy incredible city views in the lounge.

Jackson Square & French Market

Spend an afternoon wandering through Jackson Square, admiring street artists and historic architecture, then head to the nearby French Market — one of the oldest open-air markets in the U.S. Browse local art, handmade jewelry, food stalls, and souvenirs. Don’t miss the Frenchmen Art Market in the evening for unique, locally made treasures.

Magazine Street

For a laid-back afternoon, shop your way down Magazine Street, a six-mile stretch of boutiques, antique stores, and cafés. From vintage finds to designer pieces, it’s easy to lose track of time here. You’ll also find plenty of cute lunch stops to refuel between stores.

Airboat Swamp Tour

For a bit of adventure, get outside the city and onto the water with an airboat swamp tour. It’s an unforgettable way to see Louisiana’s bayous and wildlife (yes, that includes gators).

City Park & Audubon Park

If your crew needs a slower morning, grab coffee and stroll through City Park or Audubon Park. Both are beautiful and perfect for a low-key recovery day or a cute group photoshoot.

Private Yoga

Bring some zen to your weekend with a private yoga session from Bride Vibe Yoga. They’ll come straight to your vacation rental or host your group in a local studio, and their “Bubbly Bachelorette” class includes post-yoga champagne.

Best Restaurants, Bars & Brunch Spots for Your Bachelorette

There are so many incredible spots to eat and drink in New Orleans that we could go on and on. But here are some favorites for a bachelorette party or girls’ weekend. 

Dinner & Drinks

Start the night with rooftop cocktails at Hot Tin, which overlooks the city skyline, then head downstairs for dinner at Jack Rose — one of NOLA’s most iconic and Instagrammable restaurants. Located inside The Pontchartrain Hotel in the Garden District, it’s colorful, funky, and filled with local art (including the famous Lil Wayne painting). Pro tip: make a reservation early!

For a more classic New Orleans experience, Commander’s Palace is a must. Famous for its Creole cuisine, jazz brunches, and blue-and-white striped exterior, this restaurant delivers old-school charm and top-tier food. 

Cane & Table offers a cool tropical-meets-Creole menu and some of the best cocktails in the French Quarter. Or if your group wants something Mediterranean, Saba (by award-winning chef Alon Shaya) in Uptown is perfect for shareable plates, great wine, and a lively atmosphere.

For iconic New Orleans drinks, hit Pat O’Brien’s for dueling pianos or a round of Hurricanes in the courtyard, then make your way to The Carousel Bar for a classy nightcap. 

A bit more low-key, Bacchanal, located about 15 minutes outside the French Quarter, is a wine lover’s dream. This laid-back outdoor spot offers live jazz, small plates, and a magical backyard setting perfect for a daytime “wine down.”

And when the hangover hits, Up&Adam is your go-to for great breakfast and drinks that will bring your group back to life before another big day out.

Brunch

If you only do one brunch, make it Drag Brunch at The Country Club. Held every Saturday and Sunday, this Bywater hotspot serves up incredible food and performances that guarantee a good time. The space is beautiful (perfect for group photos), and after brunch, you can head to the pool for drinks and sunbathing for $20. Reservations often sell out months in advance — plan ahead!

Other options for a bachelorette brunch include Ruby Slipper Café and Willa Jean. Ruby Slipper is known for Southern-style breakfasts and strong mimosas, while Willa Jean offers a more modern vibe with pastries, brunch cocktails, and the best biscuits in town.

Some other favorites are Copper Vine, Tableau, and Commander’s Palace, which has an incredible Jazz brunch on the weekends.

Coffee

Just need a quick hit of caffeine? Fuel up at French Truck Coffee, a local favorite with locations all around the city (you’ll spot the yellow-and-blue buildings). Or try our other favorites, Mammoth Espresso, HiVolt, and District Donuts & Coffee Bar for great coffee and easy breakfast bites.

And don’t forget about Café du Monde. No trip to New Orleans is complete without beignets and coffee & chicory from this iconic café. 

Sample Itinerary

Didn’t we tell you NOLA has a ton of options? To make things easier, we put together a sample itinerary for a three-day bachelorette weekend in New Orleans. Pick and choose what works for your group, or follow our plan and have an amazing girls’ weekend in NOLA.

Day 1: Welcome to the Big Easy – Food, Fun & Frenchmen Street 

Morning / Arrival

Check into your vacation rental and get settled in. Then kick off your trip with brunch at Ruby Slipper — a NOLA staple known for its Eggs Benedict flights and strong cocktails.

Afternoon

Explore Jackson Square and the French Market. Browse local art, shop for souvenirs, and grab a beignet and café au lait from Café du Monde. Or if your group’s feeling adventurous, take an airboat swamp tour for an unforgettable Louisiana experience — a fun way to see gators and get out on the water.

Evening

Head to The Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone for pre-dinner cocktails (try to snag one of the spinning seats!). Enjoy dinner at Cane & Table, a tropical-chic spot with Caribbean-inspired dishes and rum cocktails. Wrap up your night on Frenchmen Street — hop between The Spotted Cat, d.b.a., and Cafe Negril for live jazz. Still have energy? Grab late-night bites or another round at Favela Chic.

Day 2: Brunch, Boutique Shopping & Bourbon Street

Morning

Sleep in, then head to The Country Club in the Bywater for Drag Brunch. It’s a full-on party — mimosas, amazing performances, and photo ops galore. If it’s warm out, grab a post-brunch drink as you lounge by The Country Club pool (entry is $20).

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon shopping along Magazine Street — six miles of boutiques, home goods stores, and cute cafés. Make a stop at Dynamo, a female-run romantic boutique that offers private parties for groups — a super fun, one-of-a-kind bachelorette experience. Or, if your group prefers a slower pace, book a private yoga session with Bride Vibe Yoga, complete with champagne after class.

Evening

Start with rooftop cocktails at Hot Tin, overlooking the Garden District. Then head downstairs to Jack Rose for dinner — a bold, art-filled restaurant with a lively vibe and incredible Creole-inspired food. End the night on Bourbon Street for the classic New Orleans experience: grab a Hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s, a Hand Grenade from Tropical Isle, and sing your heart out at Cat’s Meow karaoke bar. For a chiller end to the night, duck into Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, one of the oldest bars in the U.S., lit entirely by candlelight.

Day 3: Recover, Relax & Celebrate the Bride

Morning

Start the day slow with coffee from French Truck Coffee or District Donuts. Take a stroll through City Park or Audubon Park — a peaceful, scenic way to recover from last night.

Afternoon

Enjoy a farewell brunch at Commander’s Palace (known for its jazz brunch) or Willa Jean for something more modern and casual. If your flight is later, squeeze in a relaxed wine-and-cheese afternoon at Bacchanal Wine — a laid-back outdoor spot with live music, perfect for a final toast to the bride.

Evening / Departure

Head to the airport or back to your rental to pack up, feeling full, happy, and probably ready for a nap.

New Orleans Bachelorette Party Planning Tips

Book brunch and dinner reservations early

Popular spots like Jack Rose, Commander’s Palace, and The Country Club fill up weeks (or even months) in advance — especially for weekend brunch. Plan ahead so your group can dine in style without the wait.

Stay close to the action

Book a vacation rental in the French Quarter, Marigny, or Garden District for easy access to nightlife, restaurants, and must-see attractions. These neighborhoods offer a perfect balance of fun and charm.

Pack comfy shoes

You’ll be doing plenty of walking — whether it’s shopping on Magazine Street or bar-hopping on Bourbon. Make sure to wear comfortable footwear – closed-toe shoes are a must in NOLA. Trust us, your feet will thank you later!

Getting around town

New Orleans is super walkable, but rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft make it easy to get around safely, especially at night. You can also hop on the historic streetcar for a scenic ride through the Big Easy.

Arriving in New Orleans

The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is just 30 minutes from downtown. You can also schedule a private shuttle, limo, or party bus if you’re traveling with a large group and want to start the celebration early!

Best time to visit

Spring brings beautiful weather and lively festivals, while Mardi Gras season is perfect if your group wants an all-out party vibe. For a more relaxed, crowd-free experience, visit in December or January when the city feels a little slower and more local.

New Orleans Bachelorette Party

Need help planning your New Orleans bachelorette party? Our local team is here to help you find the best vacation rental for your crew and give our favorite recommendations to make your weekend everything you deserve. We can’t wait to host you!