What Is the Best Nightlife Scene in New Orleans?

The nightlife scene in New Orleans is unparalleled, with deep history and modern-day fun celebrating jazz, blues and the fun of the French Quarter. The crescent city comes alive at night, with the neon lights of bars and clubs drawing in crowds of people looking for a good time.

In the birthplace of jazz, you won’t find any shortage of nightlife entertainment ranging from cozy pubs to lively clubs and elegant venues. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy cocktails and tap your feet to the classic jazz tunes or a place that promises an amazing wild night out, there’s something for everyone in New Orleans.

If you’re looking for the best nightlife scene in New Orleans, here is what you need to know.

New Orleans Hot Spots

New Orleanians and visitors alike flock to Bourbon Street for a multi-billion-dollar nightlife experience and the best of New Orleans culture. Quaint bars can be found just off Bourbon Street, while jazz clubs and bright neon jams stand among the many honky-tonks and strip clubs in the area’s nightlife hotspot. For more classic jazz, swing through Preservation Hall, where you can enjoy some of the city’s best jazz musicians.

The French Quarter offers an authentic, old-world main square atmosphere with cobblestone streets, wrought iron balconies and plenty of late-night bars to explore. In addition to great food and museums, many bars such as Pat O’Brien’s in the French Quarter provide live music and dancing. Jackson Square is also a popular pre-party hangout spot, where music and entertainment are available in the streets each night.

Many bars feature a special Mardi Gras twist at night when goers can take part in costume contests, parades and more interactive games. The city also offers some deep south party experiences, like their famous crawfish boils or a jazz dinner cruise on the Mississippi River.

For those looking for something a bit wilder, underground burlesque shows and drag shows can be found in many parts of the city whether it’s at Reveur Nightclub or the Mojo Lounge. If you’re looking for a more happening club scene, nightclubs like Axis on Rye Street provide a secret entrance and plenty of specialty drinks and bottle service throughout the night.

For those visiting during summertime, you’re in luck — during the summer months, The Big Easy is known as one of the best U.S. destinations for evening entertainment and endless partying down the street of its historic French Quarters.

The Best Walking Tour

If you want to experience all the city has to offer during nighttime, there’s no better way to do so than with a guided walking tour through one of the vibrant neighborhoods. From live music in legendary courtyards to an evening bar crawl that stops at some of the city’s best bars — there are tours for all types of interests.

The best tour option is offered by GetYourGuide.com: The New Orleans VIP Bar and Club Crawl Tour with Free Shots promises the ultimate N’awlins experience including VIP entrance to the finest clubs without waiting in line. A native guide will show you all the hot spots along Bourbon Street and beyond, as well as include a few souvenirs like NOLA shirts or cool beer samples.

This experience is perfect for travelers who want to enjoy an all-inclusive night out in the city during their visit and truly feel like they have experienced it all.

The Takeaway

There’s no single answer on what is the best nightlife scene in New Orleans — all one needs to do is get out, explore and find the right fit for themselves. From cozy pubs to music festivals and underground burlesque, there’s something new to try each night in NOLA.

So get ready to let loose on historic cobblestone streets and explore what makes New Orleans great – spirits that never go out. Experience it all with GetYourGuide’s all-inclusive New Orleans VIP Bar and Club Crawl Tour with Free Shots. You won’t be disappointed!

New Orleans: An Insider’s Guide to the Best Nightlife Scene

If you’re looking for a place to party, eat, and dance through the night, then New Orleans is your city. This Southern town is not only famous for its Mardi Gras festivities, but it also boasts a great variety of unique attractions and off-beaten-path experiences that locals love and visitors rave about. Get ready to take a deep dive into the best nightlife scene in New Orleans.

Hidden Gems That Only Locals Know

New Orleans is full of hidden treasures, and while the tourist sites are impressive, the locals have their favorite hidden spots. For starters, check out the carousel bar inside the Hotel Monteleone, which literally rotates like a carnival ride, or Bacchanal, where you can enjoy good wine in the garden while listening to live music. Also, the cocktail scene in New Orleans is renowned, and many insiders prefer lower-key bars like The Saint, not to mention Frenchmen Street, which some argue is a more authentic experience than Bourbon Street.

Discover Local Cuisine

New Orleans is famed for its cuisines which is a fusion of French, African, and Caribbean flavors. Don’t miss out on trying the mouth-watering po’boy sandwiches, crawfish étouffée, and gumbo. For a great local experience, stop by a neighborhood joint like Dat Dog, a hot dog stand with endless toppings options, or grab a table at Commander’s Palace for some high-end Creole cuisine. You also can’t leave New Orleans without experiencing Café Du Monde, where you can taste the city’s famous beignets, powdered sugar donuts.

Experience the City’s Traditions and Culture

One of the most visited cities in the US, New Orleans, is deeply ingrained with its cultural roots. Immerse yourself in Jazz music and dance by visiting Preservation Hall, where you can catch live music performances. On a different note, pay a visit to Mardi Gras World, where you can learn the history of the iconic carnival, which takes place every year. In addition, visit the Backstreet Cultural Museum, dedicated to preserving the city’s street culture through music, particularly jazz funeral traditions.

Get Lost in the City’s Fascinating History

Few cities in the US rival New Orleans in its fascinating history. Take a supernatural tour of the city to visit its reportedly haunted locations, including the Lalaurie Mansion. Or visit Jackson Square, where the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte once claimed ownership of the city. You can also check out the National WWII Museum, dedicated to America’s war efforts in the ’40s.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Finally, indulge in unique experiences that break the typical tourist mold. Go on a spooky ghost tour deep into the French Quarter, or take a bike tour through the neighborhoods for a fresh perspective. Take a steamboat ride up the Mississippi River for unbeatable views of the city’s skyline. And lastly, book a swamp tour to see alligators in their natural habitat.

New Orleans is more than just a party — it’s a rich cultural tapestry with a thriving nightlife. Whether you’re looking for Instagram-worthy locations, are looking for the best cuisine experience, or wanting to feel the heartbeat of the city, this insider’s guide guarantees you won’t leave disappointed.