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Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street
3.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksHistoric Walking Areas
About
This historic street in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter extends over 13 blocks. Dating back to the 1700s, this bustling nightlife spot is well-known for its bars, clubs and restaurants, as well as its annual Mardi Gras celebrations. Bourbon Street is also home to the New Orleans Musical Legends Park, a free outdoor venue for live jazz performances, and Café Lafitte, one of the oldest gay bars in America. Fancy strolling around with a drink? It’s legal to consume alcohol on the streets of New Orleans, and many vendors sell drinks in plastic “go-cups” along the strip. – Tripadvisor
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The area
Neighbourhood: French Quarter
A small and teeming network of laissez-faire living lounged out on the balmy banks of the Mighty Mississippi, the French Quarter has long been a port of call for folks in search of a good time and a great story. Perpetually inebriated Bourbon Street runs across its midriff like a strand of cheap ribbon tied around an otherwise rather pretty and impressively well-kept vintage dress. Throughout the rest of the Quarter, brightly colored Victorian homes and businesses, famously done up with wrought-iron features, provide a distinct and immediately recognizable backdrop for all varieties of fun. At any given moment in this historic riverside setting, some of America’s finest meals are being cooked, most potent cocktails are being mixed, and most engaging music is being performed.
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See what travellers are saying
  • Vikki T
    Sacramento, California66 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Bourbon Street- loud, fun and entertaining
    If you’re looking for energy and the sites and sounds that go with Bourbon Street, then this is for you! I will say, I had an idea of what to expect but it was more than I anticipated! It’s a very young crowd, so I did feel a little out of place but still fun. There is a LOT of noise, competing music from all the bars, youngsters beating on buckets as drums, and a lot of drinking. Well, it IS Bourbon street! LOL! We had to go to say we went there, but it wasn’t necessarily our vibe- still fun to see and experience. We found a bar I wanted to go to, Spirits that was on Bar Rescue some years ago. It was piano bar night, great entertainer, lots of energy and personable! He asked us where we were from and the rest of the night he would call us by name playfully to sign along with crowd. Food was ok, and drinks were what you find on Bourbon Street- fun, quirky names and easy to drink. Enjoyed our time here for the first night in town!
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 October 2023
  • Don T
    Naples, Florida573 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A walk down Bourbon Street
    Our hotel was on the edge of the French Quarter, and only about a 15 minute stroll from Bourbon Street so of course we had to go see it. It is quite interesting, with all of the old Victorian-style ironwork on the second and third story balconies of some of the buildings, and quite a mix of shops. Some of the buildings seem a bit in need of refurbishing, but all are interesting. Well worth the visit, and hey -- you can't leave New Orleans without seeing Bourbon Street.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 November 2023
  • 2berries
    Lake George, New York282 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see (in a short dose)
    As first time visitors to New Orleans we had to check it out. Glad we did! However, once we saw it, took some photos and did some people watching we were ready to move on. We also departed before 9pm as it was becoming noisier and more gritty as it got a little later.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 20 November 2023
  • Squ3aky
    Panama City, Florida331 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Exactly What You'd Expect
    An amusing place to go and people watch, Bourbon Street is exactly what you'd imagine it to be like. Full of drunk people and heavy partiers. Depending on where you are along it depends on how bad it is or isn't. Maybe because it was raining, but there was only one pile of vomit that we had to avoid in our several trips up and down the street, and I can't say I noticed much in the way of other bodily fluids. It definitely reeked of weed in spots though. There were a good number of street performers and people selling all sorts of lights, edibles, and other overpriced trinkets. going up and down the center of the street. I know a lot of people say you have to watch yourself, but we never felt unsafe at any point while we were there. Maybe a little uncomfortable when we got further down and all of a sudden the street was empty, but never unsafe. It was amusing to see bars packed to the brim while others were completely empty. You could tell what places you didn't want to bother spending your time and money at because it was obvious that no one else did either. Overall, did we have a good time? Absolutely! Do we feel the need to go back to party on Bourbon St. again? Not really, but we might go if we're visit again.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 11 January 2024
  • Michael W
    Preston, United Kingdom4,043 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Wild and Very Lively Place
    Bourbon Street is located just off Canal Street. In the evening the street is cordoned off to allow for the large crowds of people who visit this area. All the way along the street there are various street performers dancing and playing music and various other types of performances. The street can get very crowded at times. There are loads of bars and restaurants along Bourbon Street and down the side streets.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 11 February 2024
  • Robinjohn66
    Clevedon, United Kingdom107 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Busy busy place
    A very happening place. But each bar is competing against the over, Who can make the most noise and not jazz or blues but American hip hop. Second day we actually heard jazz. The architecture is fantastic. Very busy place, but not cheap for a beer.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 March 2024
  • MstqMI
    1,297 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Voodoo
    My husband & I felt we had to take a walk on Bourbon Street just to say we did it. There's alot of voodoo shops, stores, etc. We went during the day but I wouldn't have felt safe at night. It smelled, not what I had expected.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 April 2024
  • ozpix
    Australia511 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Overated
    Really felt this area was overrated. It was better by day when you could see some of the historical buildings better but by night it was dirty, smelled like pee and weed everywhere and vomit too. Didn't really feel safe at all.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 18 June 2024
  • JM65
    Amersham, United Kingdom12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Every Night like Carnival
    Turn down Bourbon St off Canal Street at night and the atmosphere hits you . Has a safe edge to it with a few hustlers offering usual tat but with humour and no aggression. Vibe seemed safe with so many bars . Take away cups give you a choice to stay or move on and music for all tastes . The Famous Door was the stand out venue and the band on this night were fantastic doing wide range of covers with talented guitarists and wonderful female on vocals . Cranberries Zombie drew me in from the street and I wasn’t disappointed. Beers reasonable for location and bar staff friendly and having fun too.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 3 August 2024
  • Mark D
    Newcastle, Australia3,537 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Spot, a must visit whilst in New Orleans.
    Bourbon Street is simply a Must see whilst in New Orleans. Nashville has Broadway, Memphis has Beale Street, New Orleans has Bourbon Street. Music on every corner, characters line the street as you make your way from one end to the other experiencing the many, many bars along the way. Highly Recommended.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 30 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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3.5
3.5 of 5 bubbles7,532 reviews
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Liv P
32 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Couples
On any normal day or weekend, when things are more normal and busy, I would absolutely recommend restaurants, bars, and attractions in this area. It is part of the heart of the city, and there are so many good restaurants, bars, and attractions. I would never want to disrespect or downgrade those establishments.
That being said, my husband and I went recently to walk around, and the area was practically empty with the exception of people trying to aggressively haggle us to buy things or give them cash. As someone who grew up in the area, ate and partied in the area for years, I have never once been afraid until we recently visited. We will not be returning unless it is for a very specific event or until things return to a somewhat normal way of life.
Please - for anyone who is not local or is vulnerable - be very aware of your surroundings, go in a large group, and be careful!
Written 27 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MICHELLE F
Bertram, TX124 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
So everyone that is anyone will go to Bourbon Street when in New Orleans. So we did. They shut the street down so only foot traffic at night. You name the music and you will find a place that has a live band singing your style. You can stand in the middle of the road and hear 5 different bands playing at the same time. Walk through the street with a cold beverage in hand. Enjoy the night life and music. I never felt unsafe as people told us not to be out after 10pm. Enjoyed it and will go back.
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

wendy L
Evanston, IL481 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
Not a place I would feel comfortable bringing a child, even just to walk through - and especially at night. Every manner of over-indulgence is pretty much on display here. Talking to our Uber drivers they almost all told us how embarrassed they are to take people to Bourban Street. One literally told us it is "A Mess" and she tries to encourage people to go elsewhere if they want a nice bar or some good music. Unless you just want to walk through and say you "were there" or you are so party hearty that nothing else will do, you can find better places to spend your time in NO.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SC
Houston, TX51 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021 • Couples
This place was such a disappointment! It’s very disgusting. Got conned into taking street tune shots from waitresses working outside of the bar and it was $60 for 4 shots and then she tried to keep $20 for herself without even asking and when asked for the correct change she said we were “pussies” if you like GHETTO this is the place
For you. Smell was horrible we ended up calling it a night at 9pm. Worst experience ever and I would NEVER go back.
Written 10 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rich1742
Homewood, IL21 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
Wow! As a first time traveler to New Orleans not sure what to expect on Bourbon Street. We loved it. Started with a Hurricane at Pat O’Briens then hours of music, shops, people watching and drinks on Bourbon Street. We definitely was taken in by the unbelievable “vibe” that was all around us! From some great street performers, to bands in bars, everyone laughing and joking as they strolled along. What a great experience!
Written 6 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Red'sWorldWideTravels
Sacramento, CA66 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
Say what you will about the Las Vegas Strip but that street cannot hold a candle to Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Every block has a new bar with new foods and new clubs for every taste and style. Wear some closed toe shoes and be careful not to slip on all the beads littering the ground then grab a Sazerac (or one of the many alcohol infused, frozen daiquiris) in a "go cup" and just wander right through, even if just to take it all in. The city comes alive after 10pm and doesn't stop until just before the sun comes up, especially on Friday and Saturday nights - which you have to see at least once if you come to the French Quarter. Participate as little or as much as you want but get ready for a wild time. This is Bourbon Street and the party is HERE.
Written 1 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

worldtravelier
New Jersey4,130 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022
This is my third time visiting NO. The first as a teenager in the 70's. Bourbon Street at that time had Jazz clubs throughtout. Al Hirt had his own club. The wonderful Jazz perminated throughout the Street from the various clubs. Wonderful! I went back again 10 years ago. The music started to change. Back last week. No Jazz? Music know caters to the 20 /30 year olds. If you go you must go during the afternoon. While the "show" starts around dusk and contuines after Midnight, it bcomes an obstacle course walking on the no vehicle Street or sidewalk. Puke all over. Unbelivabile! The Jazz music is know on Freeman Street. During the early hours NO sanitation brings in the big guns to clean the Streets. I went early morning for breakfast. The Street was pristine. Would would not know what a disaster it wwas the night before. So my recommendation. Go once during the evening and night to experience the Street, but if you want to spend time walking up or down the Street go in the afternoon.
Written 1 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michelle M
Glasgow, UK67 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
I can't believe how many people can fit into Bourbon Street especially after a parade. It is a little freaky when everyone is dressed up, wearing masks etc. I felt naked if we went out without beads!

Be careful stepping in any puddles as it's not always water. And it does tend to smell, especially early in the morning. It was an experience. Hurricane's are amazing though.
Written 7 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

bill f
Orchard Park, NY304 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022
Not unexpectedly, Bourbon street is not nearly as hopping busy during the day as at night, however for a first time visitor it can help you get your bearings prior to stopping by after dark when it gets crowded, noisy and the party starts. Expect long waits for restaurants if you're going to eat there or make reservations well in advance. drinks from a bar? sure they're available and you can walk around with them. Crowds can be tight packed in places and street performers are everywhere so there's some entertainment to draw crowds along.
Written 22 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

PaulMaryRC
Eastbourne, UK213 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
This one place that you must visit. Busy, full of bars and ‘noise’. The bars are not just jazz but also individuals that fancy themselves as rock musicians. The bars it seemed tried to compete with each other in terms of loudness. Lots of offers 2 or 3 for 1 during happy hours, this means there are plenty of people who have had too much to drink. The bars we visited had ‘sticky’ floors and on the whole were quite dirty. None the less, it is an experience, there are better jazz bands outside of this street
Written 5 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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BOURBON STREET (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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