The heart of New Orleans nightlife features historic bars, live jazz clubs, Creole restaurants, and 24-hour party atmosphere. Architecture features iconic wrought-iron balconies.
Bourbon Street runs 13 blocks through the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana, from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue, and has been the district's central axis of nightlife and entertainment since the 18th century. The street takes its name from the House of Bourbon, France's royal dynasty at the time of the French colonial settlement, and its current form reflects centuries of Creole architectural layering: narrow two- and three-story buildings with decorative cast-iron balconies, many of which overhang the street on both sides and fill with revelers during Mardi Gras. The street operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and Louisiana's open container law permits drinking in public areas, making the outdoor atmosphere distinctive among American cities. After dark the street is loud, vivid, and densely crowded between Iberville and St. Ann Streets: live jazz and zydeco spill from bar doorways, neon signs illuminate balconies crowded with observers, and hand grenade drinks and Hurricanes are sold from walk-up windows. Preservation Hall, just off Bourbon on St. Peter Street, offers a quieter and more historically serious traditional jazz setting that many visitors prefer for its intimacy and musicianship. The Old Absinthe House, established in 1807 at the corner of Bienville, is one of the oldest bars in the United States. During daylight hours Bourbon Street reveals an older, quieter character: shuttered storefronts open gradually, balcony flowers are watered, and the architecture is more visible without crowds. The three-block section from Dumaine to Esplanade at the upper end of the street has historically been the city's LGBTQ+ entertainment district and includes several long-established clubs. Mardi Gras transforms the entire street — and much of the French Quarter — into a parade route and open celebration from January through Fat Tuesday.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open 24 hours
- Best for
- nightlife seekers, adults, music lovers
Location
Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
29.9597, -90.0678 View on map
Highlights
- Experience the street after 9 PM for the full neon, jazz, and balcony crowd atmosphere
- Hear authentic traditional jazz at the intimate Preservation Hall on St. Peter Street nearby
- Visit the historic Old Absinthe House at Bienville, one of the oldest bars in the United States
- See the 18th and 19th-century Creole architecture by day when crowds thin and details are visible
Tips for visiting
- Experience live jazz at Preservation Hall
- Get a Hurricane at Pat O'Brien's
- Visit during quieter daytime for architecture
When to visit
Visit in October through December for comfortable temperatures, modest crowd levels, and the full nighttime Bourbon Street experience without festival-season hotel price spikes. Evening visits from 8 PM onward capture the street at its liveliest; a daytime visit before noon reveals the architecture at its quietest.
Accessibility
Bourbon Street sidewalks are flat but can be uneven in places due to the age of the pavement. The street itself is a pedestrian-dominated zone at night. Most bars and restaurants on the strip have at-grade entries; some older buildings have a step at the door. New Orleans' general street accessibility is inconsistent; the main tourist area of Bourbon Street is among the more navigable sections of the French Quarter.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to drink on Bourbon Street?
Yes. Louisiana's open container law permits drinking alcohol from plastic cups on the street throughout the French Quarter, including on Bourbon Street. Glass containers are prohibited in public outdoor areas.
When is Bourbon Street most crowded?
Friday and Saturday nights from 9 PM onward see the heaviest crowds, as do Mardi Gras (January–March), Jazz Fest (late April), and French Quarter Festival (April). Weekday afternoons and daytime visits are notably quieter.
Is Bourbon Street safe to visit?
The heavily trafficked tourist section between Canal and St. Ann Street is generally well-policed and visited by large crowds at night. Pickpocketing in crowds is a risk; keep valuables secured. The blocks above Esplanade, beyond the main tourist zone, warrant more caution after dark.
Is Bourbon Street appropriate for families?
The daytime version of Bourbon Street — quieter, with the architecture visible and fewer adult-oriented displays — is manageable for families. The nighttime experience is oriented toward adult nightlife; the French Quarter's daytime offerings, including Jackson Square and the riverfront, are more family-appropriate.