Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street
3.5
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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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
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1,494 within 3 miles
Attractions
626 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- Vikki TSacramento, California66 contributionsBourbon Street- loud, fun and entertainingIf 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 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 October 2023
- Don TNaples, Florida573 contributionsA walk down Bourbon StreetOur 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 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 November 2023
- 2berriesLake George, New York282 contributionsA 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 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 November 2023
- Squ3akyPanama City, Florida331 contributionsExactly What You'd ExpectAn 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 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 January 2024
- Michael WPreston, United Kingdom4,043 contributionsA Wild and Very Lively PlaceBourbon 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 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 February 2024
- Robinjohn66Clevedon, United Kingdom107 contributionsBusy busy placeA 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 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 March 2024
- MstqMI1,297 contributionsVoodooMy 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 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 April 2024
- ozpixAustralia511 contributionsOveratedReally 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 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 June 2024
- JM65Amersham, United Kingdom12 contributionsEvery Night like CarnivalTurn 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 2024Travelled soloWritten 3 August 2024
- Mark DNewcastle, Australia3,537 contributionsGreat 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 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 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
7,532 reviews
Excellent
2,198
Very good
1,785
Average
1,628
Poor
1,018
Terrible
903
Liv P
32 contributions
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!
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
Do any New Orleans local have a favorite bar on Bourbon? I am not looking forward to going to Bourbon street, but that group I will be with wants to go for sure. I was hoping to get some ideas from the locals, or someone who goes all of the time. I would like to have a game plan, instead of wandering into crappy places.
Written 8 June 2023
What time does the Bourbon Street close to car traffic ?
Written 24 June 2021
I don't recall ever seeing cars on Bourbon st.
Written 26 June 2021
Can you really not dance or singalong in bars on Bourbon Street right now?
Written 19 April 2021
Checking the New Orleans forum will help you get a better sense of what's happening in the city right now. When we were there the bars were all closed.
Written 21 April 2021
Are the bars open on bourbon street right now?
Written 24 September 2020
Some are. It all depends if it has a patio or outside seating.
Have fun!
Written 25 September 2020
Hi would anyone have the email address for this property ? Cant seem to find it anywhere.
Thanks
Janette
Written 4 March 2020
Well if your looking for the hotel is the Bourbon Orleans hotel great place prices get lower after Mardi Gra like any other place. If that's what your asking. Let me know what particular place your asking I kindly would answer you.
Written 4 March 2020
I’m looking for a good place to stay within walking distance to Bourbon Street and the French quarters. Does anyone have any recommendations?
Written 30 August 2019
I stayed at the Hilton Garden CBD in the french quarter, walking distance to Canal street, casino and river walk.
Written 9 September 2019
I see alot of negative reviews, And i ALREADY booked flights now im nervous i wasted my money. Me and my fiance are going for his 28th birthday and are staying at the Cambria hotel which is in the warehouse district.
Written 26 June 2019
There's LOTS of other things to do, see and experience in New Orleans, other than Bourbon St. Everyone should go at least once! Your view of Bourbon St. might depend on what you like. My wife marched down Bourbon St, clutching her purse, on high alert, not stopping to check out the "attractions" like she just wanted to get through it to say she was there. I had a couple beverages, was more relaxed, and would have liked to stop into the bars and shops more. But, we were in NO for a week, so we had our fill. Doubt we will ever go back.
Go and have fun! The French Quarter is a unique place! Do your homework and plan what you would like to see and where you would like to eat (and drink)!
Written 29 June 2019
Hi, Bruce. What would you like to know about this attraction?
Written 16 June 2019
I'm sorry you had such a miserable time.
I've visited New Orleans at least one hundred
times in my short life and yes, I've done some stupid
things there. Getting drunk and wandering around
alone, at night! Never was bothered. Just lucky, I guess.
I ignore the beggars and never let strangers start stupid
conversations with me, like the shoe questions.
Bourbon Street has been an open human sewer for many
many years. I think it has declined more since the great
storm of 2005. An influx of homeless people and drug addicts
has invaded. And of course, younger and younger 'tourists'
obviously, with money have joined in.
Adds to the mix of more violence and unruly behavior.
I feel like you. I used to want to live there. Not any more!
Written 17 June 2019
Does anyone know if Bourbon St is still under construction now? Or if it is, does anyone know the "ETA" on completion?
Written 10 June 2019
We were there in May, we didn't find the reconstruction a problem. We did not have a car so may have missed any road closures.
But do watch your step at night the sidewalks are not in a good state.
Written 26 June 2019
Same thing happened to me and a group of about 8 others. None of us remembered where we were for about 2 hours. One person's wallet was gone completely and my debit card was taken and several atm withdrawals and purchases were made.
Written 14 January 2019
We were told by our Uber driver to keep wallets and phones in out front pockets because people will come and grab them without you knowing. Sorry this happened to you all.
Written 4 March 2019
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