New Orleans has long been a welcoming destination for the LGBTQ community, with a history and culture that embraces diversity and self-expression. From the historic French Quarter to the bohemian Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods, the city offers abundant experiences for LGBTQ travelers. Whether you’re seeking the city’s legendary nightlife, exploring its rich cultural heritage, or simply relaxing and soaking up the unique atmosphere, New Orleans has something for everyone.
In This Article
TL;DR
The French Quarter and Bourbon Street offer numerous LGBTQ bars and clubs, including iconic spots like Cafe Lafitte in Exile and Napoleon’s Itch.
The Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods provide a more relaxed, bohemian vibe with LGBTQ-friendly hangouts like Mimi’s in the Marigny and The Country Club.
New Orleans hosts major LGBTQ events throughout the year, such as Southern Decadence, New Orleans Pride, and the Saints and Sinners Literary Festival.
French Quarter
The French Quarter is the heart of New Orleans’ LGBTQ scene, with a concentration of bars, clubs, and restaurants catering to the community. Bourbon Street, in particular, is known for its lively nightlife and open-air balconies where revelers can watch the action on the street below.
Cafe Lafitte in Exile
Cafe Lafitte in Exile is the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the United States, having first opened its doors in 1933. Located at 901 Bourbon Street, the bar is open 24/7 and features a large outdoor balcony overlooking the street. The bar hosts regular drag shows and other events, and is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
Address: 901 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 522-8397
Hours: Open 24 hours
Napoleon’s Itch
Napoleon’s Itch is another popular gay bar on Bourbon Street, known for its friendly atmosphere and strong drinks. The bar features a large outdoor patio and regularly hosts karaoke nights and other events.
Address: 734 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 525-4823
Hours: Mon-Sun 12PM–4AM
Marigny
Just downriver from the French Quarter, the Marigny neighborhood has a more laid-back, bohemian vibe. It’s home to several LGBTQ-friendly bars and restaurants, as well as the city’s LGBTQ Community Center.
Friendly Bar
The Friendly Bar is a neighborhood dive bar that welcomes all comers. It’s a great spot to grab an affordable drink and mingle with locals, and regularly hosts events like drag bingo and trivia nights.
Address: 2301 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70117
Phone: (504) 943-8929
Hours: Mon-Thu 2PM–2AM, Fri-Sun 12PM–2AM
Mag’s 940
Mag’s 940 is a cozy bar with a loyal following, known for its strong drinks and friendly bartenders. The bar regularly hosts events like drag shows and live music performances.
Address: 940 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
Phone: (504) 948-1888
Hours: Mon-Fri 4PM–2AM, Sat-Sun 2PM–2AM
Allways Lounge & Theatre
Allways Lounge & Theatre is a unique venue that combines a bar, performance space, and art gallery. It hosts a wide range of events, from drag shows and burlesque performances to live music and comedy.
Address: 2240 St Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
Phone: (504) 218-5778
Hours: Showtimes vary, check website for details
Bywater
The Bywater neighborhood, just downriver from the Marigny, has become increasingly popular with LGBTQ travelers in recent years. It’s home to several LGBTQ-owned businesses, including bars, restaurants, and guesthouses.
The Country Club
The Country Club is a sprawling bar and restaurant with a large outdoor pool and cabana area. It’s a popular spot for day drinking and poolside lounging, and hosts regular events like drag brunch and themed parties.
Bud Rip’s is a neighborhood bar with a laid-back atmosphere and friendly regulars. It’s a great spot to grab an affordable drink and strike up a conversation with locals.
Address: 900 Piety St, New Orleans, LA 70117
Phone: (504) 945-5762
Hours: Mon-Thu 3PM–2AM, Fri-Sun 1PM–2AM
Rosie’s on the Roof
Rosie’s on the Roof is a rooftop bar and restaurant located atop the Moxy Hotel in the Bywater. It offers stunning views of the city skyline and Mississippi River, as well as craft cocktails and small plates.
Address: 2203 St Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
Phone: (504) 267-1993
Hours: Sun-Thu 4PM–10PM, Fri-Sat 4PM–11PM
LGBTQ Events & Festivals
New Orleans hosts several major LGBTQ events throughout the year, drawing visitors from around the world.
Southern Decadence
Southern Decadence is a six-day festival held over Labor Day weekend, featuring block parties, parades, and other events throughout the French Quarter. It’s one of the largest LGBTQ events in the country, attracting over 200,000 participants each year.
New Orleans Pride
New Orleans Pride is held each June, with events including a parade through the French Quarter, block parties, and a festival in Washington Square Park. The event draws tens of thousands of participants and features performances by local and national LGBTQ artists.
Saints and Sinners Literary Festival
The Saints and Sinners Literary Festival is an annual event that brings together LGBTQ writers, editors, and publishers for a weekend of readings, panel discussions, and workshops. The festival is held each spring and attracts attendees from around the country.
LGBTQ-Friendly Accommodations
New Orleans has a wide range of LGBTQ-friendly accommodations, from historic bed and breakfasts to modern hotels.
The Burgundy Bed & Breakfast
The Burgundy Bed & Breakfast is a charming guesthouse located in the Marigny neighborhood. It offers six uniquely decorated guest rooms, each with private baths, as well as a lush courtyard and swimming pool.
Address: 2513 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70117
Phone: (504) 942-1463
Rates: $149-$299 per night
The Frenchmen Hotel
The Frenchmen Hotel is a boutique hotel located in the heart of the Marigny, just steps from the neighborhood’s lively nightlife scene. It offers 27 guest rooms with a mix of modern and vintage decor, as well as a courtyard swimming pool and bar.
Address: 417 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 948-2166
Rates: $99-$299 per night
Maison Perrier Bed & Breakfast
Maison Perrier is a historic bed and breakfast located in the Garden District, just a short streetcar ride from the French Quarter. It offers nine elegantly appointed guest rooms, each with private baths, as well as a lush courtyard and swimming pool.
Address: 4117 Perrier St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Phone: (504) 897-1807
Rates: $149-$299 per night
LGBTQ History & Culture
New Orleans has a rich LGBTQ history and culture, which visitors can explore through museums, walking tours, and other attractions.
LGBTQ Archives Project of Louisiana
The LGBTQ Archives Project of Louisiana is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of the state’s LGBTQ community. Its archives include a wide range of materials, from personal papers and photographs to organizational records and artifacts.
Address: 1631 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
Phone: (504) 945-1103
Hours: By appointment only
LGBTQ Community Center of New Orleans
The LGBTQ Community Center of New Orleans is a hub for the city’s LGBTQ community, offering a wide range of programs and services. Visitors can stop by to browse the center’s library and archives, attend a workshop or support group, or simply connect with locals.
Address: 2727 S Broad St, New Orleans, LA 70125
Phone: (504) 945-1103
Hours: Mon-Fri 10AM-6PM
Queer History Walking Tours
Several companies offer guided walking tours focused on New Orleans’ LGBTQ history and culture. These tours typically cover the French Quarter and surrounding neighborhoods, highlighting significant sites and sharing stories of notable figures and events.
In addition to the bars and clubs mentioned above, New Orleans has a thriving culinary scene with many LGBTQ-owned and LGBTQ-friendly restaurants.
GrrlSpot
GrrlSpot is a lesbian-owned cafe and community space located in the Marigny. It offers a menu of sandwiches, salads, and baked goods, as well as regular events like open mic nights and art shows.
Address: 2033 St Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 265-8991
Hours: Mon-Sat 11AM-7PM, Sun 11AM-5PM
Mimi’s in the Marigny
Mimi’s in the Marigny is a popular spot for late-night dining and live music, with a menu of tapas-style small plates and craft cocktails. The upstairs bar hosts regular events like drag shows and burlesque performances.
Address: 2601 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70117
Phone: (504) 872-9868
Hours: Mon-Fri 4PM-4AM, Sat-Sun 11AM-4AM
Good Friends Bar
Good Friends Bar is a gay bar and restaurant located in the French Quarter, known for its festive atmosphere and strong drinks. The menu features bar snacks and pub fare, as well as daily specials.
Address: 740 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 566-7191
Hours: Mon-Sun 12PM-2AM
Shopping & Services
New Orleans has a variety of LGBTQ-owned and LGBTQ-friendly shops and services, from bookstores to clothing boutiques.
Faubourg Marigny Art & Books
Faubourg Marigny Art & Books is a LGBTQ-owned bookstore and art gallery located in the Marigny. It offers a curated selection of books, magazines, and gifts, with a focus on LGBTQ and local authors and artists.
Address: 600 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 947-3700
Hours: Mon-Thu 11AM-9PM, Fri-Sun 11AM-10PM
Rawhide 2010
Rawhide 2010 is a gay leather and fetish shop located in the French Quarter. It offers a wide selection of clothing, accessories, and adult toys, as well as regular events like fetish parties and workshops.
Address: 740 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 525-8106
Hours: Mon-Sun 12PM-2AM
Quad NOLA
Quad NOLA is a LGBTQ-owned print shop and graphic design studio located in the Marigny. It offers a range of services, from custom t-shirts and posters to wedding invitations and business cards.
Address: 2027 St Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116
Phone: (504) 304-6185
Hours: Mon-Fri 10AM-6PM, Sat 12PM-4PM
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, New Orleans offers a wealth of experiences for LGBTQ tourists. With its vibrant nightlife, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming community, the city is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to let the good times roll.
