Claim to Fame
Bourbon Street is New Orleans’s world-famous entertainment corridor—renowned for its nonstop live music, historic jazz clubs, colorful neon bars, and rowdy Mardi Gras celebrations stretching 13 blocks through the French Quarter.
📌 Navigating Bourbon Street : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
- Admission Fee: There is no admission fee to walk Bourbon Street, but individual venues may charge cover fees for entry.
- How Long to Visit: A visit to Bourbon Street can vary in duration, but a few hours is generally enough to experience the nightlife and atmosphere.
- Washrooms: Public washrooms are limited; most establishments provide restrooms for patrons, but it’s advisable to plan accordingly.
- Hours of Operation: Bourbon Street is open 24/7, but venues operate on varying schedules, with peak activity typically from late afternoon to early morning.
- Important Information: Be cautious of your belongings and stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and consider visiting during the early evening for a more relaxed experience.
- Handicap Accessible: Bourbon Street is generally accessible, with some venues providing ramps and wheelchair access, though the cobblestone streets may pose challenges.
- Pets: Pets are not typically allowed in most bars and clubs, but some outdoor cafes may welcome well-behaved dogs.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours of Bourbon Street and the surrounding French Quarter are available, offering insights into the history and culture of the area.
- Restaurant or Cafe: Numerous restaurants and cafes line Bourbon Street, offering a range of cuisines from Creole to Cajun and classic New Orleans fare.
- Gift Shop: Gift shops selling local souvenirs, artwork, and Bourbon-related items can be found along the street and in the nearby French Quarter.
- Parking: Parking is available in nearby public garages and on-street metered spaces, but be prepared for limited availability during peak hours.
- Family Friendly: While Bourbon Street has a vibrant nightlife, it is not particularly family-friendly late at night; daytime visits may offer a more suitable atmosphere for families.
- Photography: Photography is encouraged, especially during the lively evening atmosphere, but be respectful of performers and private property.
- WIFI: Free Wi-Fi may be available in some cafes and restaurants, but it is not widely offered throughout the street.
- Picnic Area: There are no designated picnic areas on Bourbon Street, but nearby parks like Jackson Square offer spots for outdoor dining.
Photos of Bourbon Street
From sunset until sunrise, Bourbon Street pulses with the heart of the Crescent City’s nightlife. Revelers spill onto sidewalks to catch second-line brass bands, impromptu street dances, and classic Dixieland jazz echoing from iconic venues like Preservation Hall. Neon-lit balconies draped in beads overlook packed bars serving hurricane cocktails, Sazeracs, and frozen daiquiris. Whether you’re bar-hopping with friends, joining a Mardi Gras krewe parade, or simply people-watching beneath gas-lamp glow, Bourbon Street promises an unforgettable sensory feast.
What to Expect
As twilight falls, Bourbon’s doors swing open to reveal live stages in every block—blues, funk, zydeco, and brass bands collide in a joyous mash-up. Popular spots include Pat O’Brien’s for its flaming fountain cocktails, Tropical Isle’s “Hand Grenade” daiquiris, and Fritzel’s European Jazz Club for intimate saxophone solos. Street performers juggle fire, costumed stilt-walkers roam the crowds, and parade floats roll by during Carnival season. The street’s energy can be loud and crowded; embrace the revelry, but keep your wits and belongings secure.
Background and Cultural Context
Bourbon Street dates to the French colonial era (1718) and takes its name from the French royal House of Bourbon. By the late 19th century, it had evolved into the city’s red-light and jazz district, nurturing early legends like Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton. Despite Prohibition and mid-20th-century crackdowns, Bourbon retained its festive spirit—transforming into today’s eclectic mix of heritage jazz clubs and modern bars. Mardi Gras parades, initiated in the 1830s, still weave through these blocks, linking today’s revelers with centuries of Creole celebration.
Best Time to Visit
Weekends (Thurs–Sun) bring the highest energy and largest crowds; arrive early (7–8 PM) to secure balcony seating. Late night (11 PM–2 AM) is peak revelry, with live music spilling into the street. Mardi Gras season (January–February) and French Quarter Festival (April) amplify the party with special parades and block-long dance floors. For a slightly tamer experience, visit weekday evenings (8–10 PM) when music and bars are open but crowds are lighter.
How to Get There
Bourbon Street runs from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue in the French Quarter. Streetcars on Canal and Rampart drop you within two blocks; Jackson Square and French Quarter streetcars stop at nearby Decatur Street. Ride-share drop-offs are easiest on Toulouse or Bienville Streets. Parking in the Quarter is scarce—public transit or walking from central hotels is recommended. The street is flat but can be slippery when crowded; wear sturdy, comfortable shoes.
Photo Opportunities
- Neon signs and wrought-iron balconies lit against the night sky
- Second-line brass band parading through the crowd under twinkling lights
- Flaming fountain at Pat O’Brien’s with revelers gathered around
- Costumed Mardi Gras krewe marching past balcony-draped beads
- Close-up of a classic hurricane or Sazerac cocktail with garnishes
Travel Tips
- Keep valuables secure and carry only essentials—Bourbon Street crowds can be pick-pocket hotspots.
- Stay hydrated—alternating cocktails with water helps you pace through long nights.
- Tip musicians and performers—it’s customary and keeps the music alive.
- Watch for one-way pedestrian flows during parades or festivals to navigate more easily.
- Combine your night out with a daytime stroll through nearby Royal Street for quieter galleries and cafes before evening festivities.
FAQs
Is Bourbon Street family-friendly?
Generally not—after dark the street is tailored to adult nightlife; families may prefer daytime visits when music and dining are more subdued.
Do bars have cover charges?
Some clubs charge a modest cover (USD 5–10) on busy nights; many bars open with free entry.
Can I bring my own drinks?
No—open containers are not permitted; purchase drinks in designated plastic cups from licensed vendors.
Is it safe?
Daytime is relatively safe; at night stay in well-lit areas, travel in groups, and follow local police guidance for major events.
Final Thoughts
Bourbon Street’s electrifying mix of live music, colorful cocktails, and historic charm defines New Orleans’s nightlife. Dive into its rhythms, raise a glass beneath wrought-iron balconies, and you’ll discover why this storied street remains the world’s ultimate party destination.