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Historic venue dedicated to traditional New Orleans jazz.
Lively club known for live jazz and a vibrant atmosphere.
Iconic rotating bar within the Hotel Monteleone.
Chic cocktail bar in a former library, known for its unique ambiance and craft drinks.
Famous for its dueling piano bar and Hurricane cocktails.
A curated evening itinerary from early drinks to late-night dancing.
Start with cocktails or craft beers at a neighborhood bar. Keep it relaxed — the night is young.
Carousel Bar & Lounge
French Quarter ·
Hit the main strip. Rooftop bars, live music, or a lively pub crawl through the best neighborhoods.
The clubs open up. Dance floors fill, DJs take over, and the real nightlife begins.
Preservation Hall
French Quarter ·
The historic heart of New Orleans, famous for its vibrant nightlife, live music, and iconic bars. It's a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the city's unique charm.
Adjacent to the French Quarter, Faubourg Marigny is known for its more local and authentic music scene, particularly on Frenchmen Street. It offers a slightly more laid-back atmosphere than Bourbon Street.
The CBD offers a mix of upscale cocktail bars and modern lounges, often catering to a more sophisticated crowd. It's a great area for craft cocktails and a more refined nightlife experience.
The Freret Street corridor has seen a resurgence in recent years, becoming a hub for trendy bars, restaurants, and live music venues. It offers a more local and eclectic nightlife scene.
The Bywater is a colorful and artistic neighborhood known for its bohemian vibe and unique local spots. It offers a more relaxed and authentic New Orleans experience, with a focus on community and creativity.
Known for its stunning historic mansions and oak-lined streets, the Garden District also offers a few elegant bars and hotel lounges, providing a more refined and relaxed evening experience.
| District | Best For | Crowd | Walk Score | Top Venues |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French Quarter | Live music | — | ||
| Faubourg Marigny | Local live music | — | ||
| Central Business District | Craft cocktails | — | ||
| Freret | Trendy bars | — | ||
| Bywater | Local hangouts | — | ||
| Garden District | Elegant bars | — |
New Orleans nightlife is legendary, offering a diverse range of experiences from the raucous energy of Bourbon Street to the soulful jazz clubs of Frenchmen Street and sophisticated cocktail lounges in the Central Business District. Live music, delicious drinks, and a festive atmosphere are hallmarks of a night out in the city.
Some of the best bars in New Orleans include the historic Preservation Hall for traditional jazz, The Spotted Cat Music Club for lively local music, the iconic Carousel Bar & Lounge for a unique rotating experience, and Bar Marilou for craft cocktails in a chic setting. Pat O'Brien's is famous for its Hurricane cocktails and dueling pianos.
Nightlife in New Orleans typically starts to pick up in the early evening, around 5 PM or 6 PM, with happy hours and early dinner crowds. Live music venues and bars often get into full swing by 8 PM or 9 PM and continue late into the night, with many establishments staying open until 2 AM or 3 AM, especially on weekends.