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LIVE MAPLA

New Orleans Nightlife

Experience the vibrant and diverse nightlife of New Orleans, from historic jazz clubs to lively cocktail lounges.

Best Bars in New Orleans

5 venues

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar

dive bar
4.1
$$

One of the oldest bars in the U.S., known for its historic atmosphere and purple drank.

French Quarter10am-3am

Historic, casual, lively, pirate-themed

Carousel Bar & Lounge

cocktail bar
4.2
$$

New Orleans' only revolving bar, located in the Hotel Monteleone, known for classic cocktails.

French Quarter11am-12am

Classy, unique, historic, lively with live music

The Sazerac Bar

cocktail bar
4.5
$$$

Home of the Sazerac cocktail, located in The Roosevelt Hotel, known for its opulent decor.

Central Business District11am-12am

Elegant, historic, classic cocktail lounge

Crescent City Brewhouse

brewery
4
$$

New Orleans' oldest brewpub, offering house-brewed beers and Cajun/Creole cuisine.

French Quarter11am-10pm

Lively, casual, brewpub with live jazz

Cure

cocktail bar
4.5
$$$

Pioneering craft cocktail bar in New Orleans, known for innovative drinks and revitalizing Freret Street.

Freret4pm-11pm Sun-Thu

Upscale, sophisticated, craft cocktail focused

Best Night Out in New Orleans

A curated evening itinerary from early drinks to late-night dancing.

7–9 PMPre-Game

Start with cocktails or craft beers at a neighborhood bar. Keep it relaxed — the night is young.

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar

French Quarter · $$

9 PM–12 AMPrime Time

Hit the main strip. Rooftop bars, live music, or a lively pub crawl through the best neighborhoods.

Hot Tin

Garden District/Uptown · $$$

12 AM–3 AMLate Night

The clubs open up. Dance floors fill, DJs take over, and the real nightlife begins.

The Spotted Cat Music Club

Faubourg Marigny · $$

Nightlife Neighborhoods

French Quarter

The historic heart of New Orleans nightlife, offering a mix of iconic bars, jazz clubs, and lively street scenes. Bourbon Street is famous for its party atmosphere, while other areas offer more refined experiences.

Best for: Tourists, party-goers, jazz enthusiasts, classic cocktails
Crowd: Diverse, lively, tourist-heavy
Walk Score: 95/100
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop BarCarousel Bar & LoungePat O'Brien's BarPreservation Hall

Faubourg Marigny

Adjacent to the French Quarter, Frenchmen Street in the Marigny is renowned for its authentic live music scene, particularly jazz and blues, in a more local and intimate setting.

Best for: Live music, jazz and blues, local vibe
Crowd: Local, music lovers, bohemian
Walk Score: 90/100
The Spotted Cat Music Club

Central Business District/Warehouse District

This area offers a more modern and upscale nightlife experience with craft cocktail bars, nightclubs, and rooftop lounges, contrasting with the historic charm of the French Quarter.

Best for: Upscale cocktails, nightclubs, modern venues
Crowd: Trendy, professional, diverse
Walk Score: 80/100
The Sazerac BarHouse of Blues New OrleansRepublic NOLAHot Tin
DistrictBest ForCrowdWalk ScoreTop Venues
French QuarterTouristsDiverse
95
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop BarCarousel Bar & Lounge
Faubourg MarignyLive musicLocal
90
The Spotted Cat Music Club
Central Business District/Warehouse DistrictUpscale cocktailsTrendy
80
The Sazerac BarHouse of Blues New Orleans

Local Nightlife Tips

  • Take advantage of 'go-cups' - it's legal to drink alcohol on the street in New Orleans, so grab a to-go cup from most bars.
  • Explore beyond Bourbon Street: While Bourbon Street is iconic, Frenchmen Street offers a more authentic live music experience, and other neighborhoods have unique local spots.
  • Carry cash: While many places accept cards, some smaller, more traditional bars and street vendors may be cash-only.
  • Pace yourself: New Orleans drinks can be strong, and the party often lasts until the early morning hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best neighborhood for nightlife?

The French Quarter is famous for its lively atmosphere and iconic bars like Pat O'Brien's and Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop. For a more local and authentic live music scene, especially jazz and blues, Frenchmen Street in the Faubourg Marigny is highly recommended. The Central Business District/Warehouse District offers more upscale cocktail bars and nightclubs.

What time do bars close?

Many bars in New Orleans, especially in the French Quarter, have very late closing times, often staying open until 3 AM or even later, particularly on weekends. Some establishments operate 24/7.

Is there a cover charge?

Some live music venues, particularly on Frenchmen Street, may have a cover charge, especially for popular acts. Nightclubs often have cover charges, which can vary depending on the night and event. Many bars, especially dive bars, do not have a cover charge.