New Orleans nightlife is legendary, known for its vibrant live music scene, historic bars, and a general 'anything goes' attitude. It's a city where music spills out onto the streets, and the party often extends into the early morning hours, offering a unique blend of sophisticated cocktail lounges, lively jazz clubs, and casual dive bars.
Live music is available every night of the week, particularly on Frenchmen Street. Weekends (Friday and Saturday) are generally the busiest and most vibrant, especially on Bourbon Street and Frenchmen Street. Some venues also have themed nights during the week.
Historic, lively, tourist-heavy, iconic, versatile offerings from historic bars to Bourbon Street clubs and craft cocktail lounges.
Best for: Party scene, historic bars, art galleries
Authentic New Orleans music scene, buzzing and vibrant, jazz, reggae, and blues spilling out of clubs, less touristy than Bourbon Street.
Best for: Authentic local music, jazz, reggae, blues
Sophisticated, draws a mix of locals, savvy visitors, and conference crowds, less crowded or tourist-heavy than the French Quarter. Features wine bars, cocktail lounges, and music venues.
Best for: Sophisticated nightlife, wine bars, cocktail lounges, music venues
Start your New Orleans bar crawl on Frenchmen Street at The Spotted Cat Music Club for some authentic live jazz. After soaking in the music, head a few doors down to d.b.a. for a diverse range of live music and a great beer selection. From Frenchmen Street, take a short taxi or rideshare to the French Quarter. Your next stop is Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar, the oldest bar in the U.S., for a historic and atmospheric experience with a Voodoo Daiquiri. Continue your journey to Pat O'Brien's Bar for a lively atmosphere, dueling pianos, and their famous Hurricane cocktail. Finally, for a more upscale and unique experience, finish your night at the Carousel Bar & Lounge in the Hotel Monteleone, enjoying a sophisticated cocktail at the iconic rotating bar.
Go-Cups are Your Friend: New Orleans has open container laws, so you can take your drink to go. Many bars will provide a plastic cup for you to continue enjoying your beverage as you stroll.
Comfortable Shoes are a Must: You'll be doing a lot of walking, and the streets can be uneven. Prioritize comfort over style, and avoid open-toed shoes on Bourbon Street due to the notorious 'street gravy'.
Explore Beyond Bourbon Street: While iconic, Bourbon Street can be very touristy. Frenchmen Street offers a more authentic live music experience, and the Warehouse District has more sophisticated options.
Stay Hydrated: New Orleans can be hot and humid. Drink plenty of water, especially if you're consuming alcohol.
Utilize Ride-Shares or Taxis: Especially late at night, it's safer and more convenient to use ride-sharing services or taxis to get around.
Join a guided bar crawl with expert local hosts — coming 2026.
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