Top 10 Must-Do Activities on Your Bourbon Street Bucket List
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By: Inside NOLA
Bourbon Street, the vibrant heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter, stretches for 13 lively blocks from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue. This iconic thoroughfare beckons visitors with its neon lights, energetic music, and wrought-iron balconies. As you embark on your Bourbon Street adventure, prepare to immerse yourself in a world of revelry, history, and unparalleled experiences.
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TL;DR
Savor iconic cocktails at historic bars like the Old Absinthe House and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop.
Indulge in classic New Orleans cuisine at renowned establishments like Galatoire’s and Desire Oyster Bar.
Experience live music and entertainment at venues like Fritzel’s European Jazz Club and the Famous Door.
Sip a Cocktail at a Historic Bar
Start your journey at the Old Absinthe House (240 Bourbon St.), which dates back to 1806. Here, you can sample the bar’s signature Absinthe House Frappe. Next, make your way to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (941 Bourbon St.), rumored to have been the base of operations for the infamous privateer Jean Lafitte. Sip on a signature cocktail, such as the Voodoo Daiquiri or the Blacksmith’s Hammer, as you soak in the bar’s mysterious atmosphere.
Indulge in Classic New Orleans Cuisine
For an upscale dining experience, head to Galatoire’s Restaurant (209 Bourbon St.), a French Quarter institution since 1905. For a more casual option, stop by Desire Oyster Bar (300 Bourbon St.) inside the Royal Sonesta Hotel, offering fresh Gulf oysters and classic New Orleans dishes like gumbo and po’boys.
Experience Live Music and Entertainment
Start your musical journey at Fritzel’s European Jazz Club (733 Bourbon St.), where you can enjoy live traditional jazz performances every night without a cover charge. For a taste of New Orleans’ famous Dixieland jazz, head to the Jazz Playhouse inside the Royal Sonesta Hotel (300 Bourbon St.). For a more raucous experience, stop by the Famous Door (339 Bourbon St.), known for its talented cover bands and energetic crowds.
Explore the French Quarter’s Architecture
As you stroll along Bourbon Street, appreciate the French Quarter’s unique architecture, which blends French, Spanish, and Creole influences. The Royal Sonesta Hotel (300 Bourbon St.) and the Old Absinthe House (240 Bourbon St.) are architectural gems exemplifying the iconic French Quarter style.
Embrace the Spirit of Celebration
Bourbon Street is the epicenter of New Orleans’ festive spirit, and there’s no better time to experience this than during the city’s famous Mardi Gras celebration. Even if you can’t make it for Mardi Gras, you can still embrace the city’s celebratory atmosphere year-round with nightly parties and events like karaoke at The Cat’s Meow (701 Bourbon St.) or mechanical bull riding at The Swamp (516 Bourbon St.).
Discover Voodoo and the Paranormal
Start your supernatural journey at Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo (739 Bourbon St.), named after the legendary Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. For a spine-chilling experience, join a ghost tour that departs from Bourbon Street, such as the New Orleans Ghost Adventures Tour (716 Bourbon St.), taking you through the French Quarter’s most haunted locations.
Savor a Signature Cocktail
Sample iconic cocktails like the Absinthe House Frappe at the Old Absinthe House (240 Bourbon St.), the Hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s Bar (718 St. Peter St.), the Sazerac, and the Ramos Gin Fizz.
Embrace the LGBTQ+ Scene
Explore the vibrant LGBTQ+ community at bars and clubs like Cafe Lafitte in Exile (901 Bourbon St.) and Oz New Orleans (800 Bourbon St.). During Labor Day weekend, Bourbon Street hosts Southern Decadence, a six-day LGBTQ+ festival.
