Bourbon Street New Orleans: Everything you need to know

Where To Stay

The Inn on Bourbon

If you’re planning to stay on the infamous Bourbon Street in New Orleans, then reserve your room at a hotel just as well known. The Inn On Bourbon offers beautiful views of the French Quarter and is surrounded by the bustling activities that are always present on Bourbon Street. The Inn On Bourbon is filled with all the amenities of a five star hotel, but at only half the price. 

Royal Sonesta Hotel

Also located on Bourbon Street in the heart of the French Quarter is Royal Sonesta Hotel. Royal Sonesta Hotel offers an array of amenities that include but are not limited to a luxurious outdoor pool with its own pool bar, a state of the art fitness room, a grand ballroom, an extensive art collection, and a Sunday champagne brunch. 

Nightlife

Pat O’Briens

After opening the first bar in 1933, Pat O'Briens grew to be a favorite on Bourbon Street in New Orleans among locals and tourists alike. Soon after Pat O’Briens premiered, it then became best known for the creation of their special recipe drink called The Hurricane. When an abundance of rum happened to become available than the other more popular liquors like whiskey and bourbon, Pat O’Brien decided to make it worth his customer’s while and formulated a drink concoction that satisfied everyone’s thirst. 

Today, that very same drink is a tourist attraction in itself. Many come from all over to try a taste of the infamous Hurricane and keep the hurricane lamp-shaped glass as a souvenir.

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop

At the end of the 1700’s, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop is said to have been used as a port that the Lafitte brothers used to smuggle their goods. Today it is widely recognized as one of the oldest bars in the United States. It offers the visitors of New Orleans a place to take a break from the activity on Bourbon Street, enjoy some cocktails, and listen to the music from the corner piano that is played nightly.

Where To Eat

Galatoire’s 

For some of the best seafood local to The Big Easy there is no need to veer off of the popular street that has so much to offer. Galatoire’s is located directly on Bourbon Street in New Orleans and serves all types of seafood as long as it’s in season. With entrees that range from Crabmeat Sardou and Grilled Salmon to Chicken Clemenceau and Ribeye Bordelaise, there is something for everyone on this menu. 

Bourbon House

At Bourbon House, if you don’t see your favorite seafood dish on the menu then it must not be in season. As a result, you can count on every meal you order to be the freshest of the fresh. Also, don’t miss Bourbon House’s oyster happy hour that offers oysters, specialty drinks and small plates for a portion of the regular price.

Mardi Gras on Bourbon Street

New Orleans is home to some of the highest-rated festivals in the nation. With at least one carnival or parade occurring every month, make sure to include one in your visit when planning a trip to Bourbon Street in New Orleans. One of the most popular annual festivals is the Mardi Gras celebration that takes place just prior to lent and runs the length of Bourbon Street. Full of beads, drinks, and people, Mardi Gras is an event doesn’t need to be attended every year, but an journey everyone should be made at least once in their lifetime.

French Quarter Festival 

The French Quarter Festival is the largest free music festival in the South. It takes place all throughout the French Quarter, holding many of its jazz performances specifically on Bourbon Street. Taking place each year in April, the French Quarter Festival gives local performers their chance to take the stage and show New Orleans their musical talents. The festival is a four-day long event and all types of music can be heard, such as jazz, classical, folk, and funk.

Learn what else there is to do and see when planning your trip to the New Orleans French Quarter.