Top Things to Do When Visiting Bourbon Street New Orleans

Welcome to Bourbon Street — The Heartbeat of New Orleans

If you’re visiting New Orleans, there’s one experience you simply can’t skip: Bourbon Street. Located in the city’s legendary French Quarter, this iconic street captures the soul of the Big Easy — a blend of vibrant music, rich history, and non-stop festivities.

So what makes Bourbon Street a must-visit spot for travelers from all walks of life? Imagine a place where 18th-century buildings glow with neon lights, jazz spills into the streets, and strangers become friends over beignets and cocktails. Whether you’re into historical sightseeing, food crawling, or dancing into the night, there’s something here for you.

Let’s break it down with the top things you absolutely have to experience when you’re on Bourbon Street.

Wander Through the Historic French Quarter

Start your visit by soaking up the atmosphere of the French Quarter, the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans. Bourbon Street runs straight through it, and the architecture alone is worth the trip.

You’ll see:

• Gorgeous balconies dripping with ivy and colorful flowers.
• Spanish and French colonial buildings that date back centuries.
• Colorful murals and street performers who make the sidewalks come alive.

As you stroll, keep your eyes out for Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop — one of the oldest bars in the United States. Built in the 1700s and lit mostly by candlelight, it’s rumored to have been frequented by the pirate Jean Lafitte himself. Whether or not you believe the tales, the aura alone is worth experiencing.

Try the Local Drinks (Responsibly)

Let’s not beat around the bush — Bourbon Street is famous for its drinks. But this isn’t about chugging cheap shots. It’s about savoring the flavors of Southern mixology.

Here’s a quick list of iconic Bourbon Street beverages:

• Hurricane Cocktail from Pat O’Brien’s.
• Hand Grenade from Tropical Isle.
• Sazerac, a famous New Orleans whiskey cocktail, found in upscale bars throughout the strip.

Don’t forget New Orleans’ unique open-container laws allow you to walk around with your drink— just make sure it’s in a plastic cup and not glass.

BorubonSt., NewOrleans. Photo courtesy of Pexels.com

Live Music: The Soul of Bourbon Street

No matter when you visit, music is everywhere on Bourbon Street. This isn’t just background noise—it’s the city’s heartbeat.

From soulful jazz to spicy zydeco, the genres pour out of every corner. Here are some local hotspots to consider:

• Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub – Classic New Orleans jazz in an intimate vintage setting.
• The Maison – A larger venue that serves food with a side of funk, jazz, or blues.
• Balcony Music Club (BMC) – An eclectic bar with rotating local musicians you’ll probably end up dancing to.

Even if you never set foot inside a club, the street performers alone are worth the visit. Saxophones, drums, full brass bands — you might find yourself tapping your feet before you even realize it.

Pro Tip:

Follow the beat—if you hear something that gives you goosebumps, just walk toward it. That’s often how you stumble upon the most memorable live shows.

The historic French Quarter architecture makes the whole street feel timeless. Photo courtesy of Pexels.com

Food That Feeds the Soul

You can’t truly explore New Orleans without letting your taste buds in on the fun. Bourbon Street and the surrounding French Quarter have some of the best food you’ll find anywhere—comforting, spicy, and unforgettable.

Here are a few can’t-miss bites:

• Beignets & Café au Lait at Café du Monde.
• Po’boys with fried shrimp or roast beef from Vernon’s.
• Jambalaya and gumbo from local street vendors and family-owned diners.

Dining on Bourbon Street isn’t just about food — it’s an experience. Grab a plate and eat outside while watching a parade go by, or settle into a bar where both the meal and the music are top-notch.

Nightlife on Bourbon Street

Ready to turn your visit up a notch? As night falls, Bourbon Street truly comes alive.

What should you expect after dark?

• Second lines: Surprise street parades with dancers and brass bands.
• Karaoke bars where the crowd cheers you on like a rockstar.
• Dueling piano shows that get everyone on their feet.

If you’re looking for something spicier, Bourbon Street also houses the legendary Cats Meow karaoke bar and more adult-oriented options like Hustler Club New Orleans. But there’s something here for everyone—from laid-back lounges to high-energy dance spots.

Final Thoughts: Let Bourbon Street Cast Its Spell

New Orleans is like nowhere else on Earth, and Bourbon Street is its electric soul. Whether you’re here for the food, the music, the nightlife, or just to say you’ve done it — one thing’s for sure: you’ll leave with stories and memories that last a lifetime.

So grab your walking shoes, charge your phone for pics, and dive headfirst into the excitement. Bourbon Street is calling — and trust us, you’ll want to answer.