Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street is not only a street but a cultural landmark in New Orleans and a favorite place for tourists. It is located in the French Quarters of New Orleans. Bourbon Street is an eclectic mix of music, cuisine, and history, stretching for twelve blocks from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue, reflecting the essence of the city.

 

Constantly the talk of the town because of the entertainment that it offers, Bourbon Street is an amalgamation of many pubs, eateries, and jazz clubs. It’s also surrounded by musicians playing jazz and people of different ages and races having fun throughout the day and night. There is always something going on at this location, be it Mardi Gras celebrations or nightly shows.

 

Whether you appreciate music and love culture, have an inclination toward history, or just want to have fun, Bourbon Street is not going to disappoint. Let us delve deeper into this popular street of New Orleans and find out everything there is to know about it.

 

 

What to Know

Bourbon Street is popularly known for its entertainment spots, jazz clubs, and restaurants. It is a hub for tourists who want to experience the arts embedded in the place. Bourbon Street is a clear demonstration of life in New Orleans with its music bars, restaurants, and history – it’s all to be found across this 12-block area.

 

The most peculiar attraction of Bourbon Street is its live band scene. Jazz has always been a part of the street, with places like the Fritzel’s European Jazz Club performing jazzy tunes. These popular places give you a chance to interact with the beats that contribute to the city’s rich diversity. There is more than that on Bourbon Street. One of the adored places there is the Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, which is said to be one of the oldest bars in US history.

 

Bourbon Street is characterized as a party location, with the best of such events popularly known as Mardi Gras. During such a time, the street became full of vivid colors, intense energy, and an excellent spirit of entertainment among crowds due to parades and various performances. This excitement continues the whole year around because Bourbon Street maintains its lively atmosphere for the residents and visitors alike, even when the parade season is nowhere in sight.

 

There is even more to Bourbon Street than the nightlife on Bourbon Street. During the day, visitors are treated to a rich collection of Creole dishes, including the popular beignet pastries, or a walk along the historic French Quarter, admiring historical sites and lovely buildings. Whether it's the music, food, history, or other events, whatever brings you to Bourbon Street, it can be said that this place does not disappoint.

 

History

Bourbon Street's history dates back to 1718 when Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville founded New Orleans. It was named after the ruling House of Bourbon in France, representing the city's French origin. Over time, it has become a symbol of New Orleans culture.

 

It was during the 19th century that Bourbon Street became popular for entertainment and nightlife. Jazz was developed in New Orleans and became one of the identifying characteristics of that place. People came from both inside and outside to hear their music, which transformed the street into a destination.

 

Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans in 2005 but Bourbon Street has survived. Ever since the storm, it's been busy rebuilding and has increased tourist numbers annually. Today, the street is an epitome of the spirit of New Orleans.

 

Although Bourbon Street is now famous for its nightlife, there is a reason why it has a rich history as well. The area's French Quarter architecture and several landmarks, including the entry into Canal Street, remind visitors of the old Quarter. Every visit to Bourbon Street is a time trip.

 

From its French colonial days to becoming an international tourist destination today, the history of Bourbon Street is as lively as the city. Its history has been part and parcel of New Orleans's very own life and is something everyone should explore while in town.

 

How to Get There

Bourbon Street can be found in the central part of the French Quarter, which is not far from the downtown area of New Orleans. In case you're flying into New Orleans, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is the place to go. From there, a cab or a rideshare will take you to the French Quarter in about 25-30 minutes. 

 

For those traveling within the town, using the local streetcars is a good alternative. Take a streetcar that goes to Canal Street, which connects with Bourbon Street. Afterward, it’s just a quick, lovely stroll to get there.

 

Best Time to Visit 

The best time to visit Bourbon Street depends on what you prefer. If you like high-energy, lively settings, then Mardi Gras is the best experience. Mardi Gras falls in February or early March, and if you are a party animal, this is the right time for you to visit. A lot of festive events take place during these months, and Bourbon Street has a carnival atmosphere as music, costumes, and people fill the streets. Most people travel here during this time, making Mardi Gras the loudest and most colorful celebration in all of New Orleans. For me, this is certainly a great time to visit Bourbon Street.

 

For those preferring their weather a little milder with fewer crowds, spring and fall are preferable. Both seasons offer nice temperatures with a more relaxed atmosphere. At this time of year, Bourbon Street's legendary bars, restaurants, and jazz clubs are lively without the intense crowds of Mardi Gras.

 

The best time to visit Bourbon Street, in my opinion, is at night. The intense crowd that previously made Bourbon Street their second gradually disperses, allowing you to truly soak in the atmosphere. The bars, restaurants, street vendors, and performers encapsulate the area as the sounds of laughter and music fill the air. The vibrant energy of the street gives you an experience you’ll never forget!

 

Features and Highlights

 

- The architecture of the French Quarter will take your breath away with beautiful wrought-iron balconies, colorful façades, and quaint, old buildings that capture New Orleans' flavor.

- Bourbon Street is the heart of the French Quarter. It's a cultural and entertainment center with a mix of history, nightlife, and music that defines the neighborhood.

- Watch live music in such venues as Fritzel's European Jazz Club, which offers an excellent place for legends of jazz as well as young performers to present their skills.

- The thrills of Mardi Gras are enjoyed at Bourbon Street. Experience the parade, costumes, music, and energetic celebration of the famous festival in New Orleans.

- Enjoy local Creole specialties like gumbo, jambalaya, and crawfish étouffée at nearby restaurants to enjoy the best of New Orleans' heritage.

- Find true New Orleans jazz at famous clubs along Bourbon Street, where the city's musical heritage comes alive in live performances and lively settings.

- Get some funky souvenirs, handmade trinkets, and just offbeat knick-knacks at local shops on Bourbon Street to take some of New Orleans home with you.

- There are so many festivals throughout the year, such as Mardi Gras, jazz festivals, and more. It's always a lively place regardless of the season.

- Sit back, drink, and people-watch from the famous balconies of Bourbon Street with fantastic views of the lively street and party atmosphere below.

- Bourbon Street features talented street performers who show live music, magic tricks, and dance performances for an added sense of surprise and entertainment.

- Try classic New Orleans cocktails such as the Hurricane, Sazerac, or even a refreshing hand-crafted cocktail at one of the many lively bars and historic watering holes on Bourbon Street.

- Discover the nightlife of Bourbon Street, as it ranges from bars, nightclubs, lounges, and live venues across the miles and seems to accommodate every taste and vibe.

- Local artists showcase colorful paintings and handicrafts on Bourbon Street. These creatives give this street that color and beauty.

- Enjoy the mix of cultures that Bourbon Street presents in its food, music, and celebrations. It is a lively hub of diversity and a welcoming atmosphere.

- Take a visit to the Old Absinthe House, which has been open since the 1800s. This place is dripping in history and full of interesting stories.

- Bourbon Street offers a variety of restaurants with amazing food. Enjoy Café Amelie’s courtyard charm, The Will & The Way’s cozy cocktails, Mambo's rooftop dining, and Rampart Treehouse’s laid-back vibes.

- There are too many photo opportunities on Bourbon Street. Capture colorful crowds, ornamented balconies, and historical touches. Every corner presents the perfect shot as its energy and beauty.