Bourbon Street in New Orleans

Bourbon Street is known for being just about as New Orleans as it gets. Located right in the heart of the French Quarter, arguably New Orleans’ most famous neighbourhood, Bourbon Street is often the first stop for visitors exploring the city on their inaugural visit.

No matter the time of night or day, Bourbon Street is the place to go for a great time, regardless of what exactly a great time means for you. Drinks flow non-stop, live jazz music drifts on the wind, Creole and Cajun cuisine is available at every corner, and entertainment – from voodoo tricks to exotic dancers – abounds.

If you’re not already staying right within reach of Bourbon Street, in one of the French Quarter’s many hotels, you can find your way there quite easily. Just take a rideshare service, taxi or the New Orleans trolley system. Every driver in the city knows exactly where Bourbon Street is.

Bourbon Street in New Orleans - one of the highlights of 10 Best Things to Do in New Orleans and 10 Best Things to Do for Couples in New Orleans (Read all about New Orleans here)

What are the highlights and features of Bourbon Street?

Sure, you could people-watch on Bourbon Street for hours; the pavement is filled with travellers from all over the globe as well as locals and street performers. But when you’re ready to explore further, you’ll have plenty of options.

Live jazz is always on tap. You can follow your ears to find some of New Orleans’ best performers, or you can make a stop in one of the favourited music venues – Fritzel’s European Jazz Club. For a quieter, outdoor locale, try New Orleans Musical Legends Park for live music, dining and drinks in an outdoor cafe-style setting.

Voodoo is another part of New Orleans culture that draws in curious travellers. On Bourbon Street, you can find the Marie Laveau House of Voodoo, which is clearly geared towards tourists but a fun spot all the same with its spell candles, gris-gris bags and other "magical" items.

To further explore New Orleans culture, you can find a plethora of tour providers offering themed Bourbon Street tours. They focus on everything from food to vampires.

Where to eat and drink on Bourbon Street?

The 13 blocks of Bourbon Street have been a feature of New Orleans since the early 1700s, when the city’s plans were first formulated by a French engineer. Just walking the street is diversion enough for many travellers, but one of the most popular activities while there is, of course, taking advantage of New Orleans’ stand-out food and drinks scene.

One of the top restaurants along Bourbon Street is Galatoire’s Restaurant, founded in 1905 and serving French Creole cuisine. This slightly upscale spot is a can’t-miss at dinnertime.

For drinks, one of the most notable stops is Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. It's set within a 1700s structure and rumoured to boast a historical connection to pirates. Another popular watering hole is The Carousel Bar, which, yes, does indeed feature a carousel. Wherever you choose, make sure to try some of The Big Easy’s signature drinks, including the Hurricane (juice and rum) and the Hand Grenade (a mysterious neon concoction that’ll knock you off your feet).

Good to know about Bourbon Street

As with any neighbourhood or street that's known for its party vibe, Bourbon Street does come with its share of hazards. To keep safe, visit with a friend and always be aware of your surroundings and what’s going on around you. That's easier said than done when you consider just how much is going on around you at all times while on Bourbon Street. Look out for pickpockets, as well as scams, one of the most popular being people trying to “bet” you that they know where you bought your shoes.