The very best 12 nightlife spots in New Orleans, United States
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Welcome to the vibrant city of New Orleans, where the nights come alive with a symphony of jazz and a whirlwind of libations! Get ready to shimmy and shake your way through the best 12 nightlife spots that this party paradise has to offer. From the legendary jazz clubs of Frenchmen Street, where even the ghosts tap their feet, to the glamorous rooftop bars, where the cocktails are as stunning as the views, New Orleans is an after-hours playground that will leave you dancing till dawn. Just remember, the only bad decision you can make here is not joining the party!
Save destination1. Erin Rose
811 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
In the charming chaos of New Orleans lies a hidden gem called Erin Rose, a quirky watering hole that's as delightful as stumbling upon a Mardi Gras float made entirely of beignets. Bursting with character, this eclectic establishment boasts funky decor, including a strategically placed deer head sporting sunglasses that will make you question its fashion choices. Don't be surprised if you find yourself belting out tunes from a jukebox loaded with a nostalgic mix of country hits and jazz classics, all while sipping on their legendary Irish coffee, a concoction so potent it could give a wink to the leprechauns.
Learn more2. Bacchanal Wine
600 Poland Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Nestled in the heart of New Orleans stands Bacchanal Wine, a haven for wine enthusiasts seeking the perfect blend of sophistication and laid-back charm. With its eclectic ambiance and enchanting courtyard, this gem captures the essence of the city, offering a delightful escape from the mundane. As you step inside, be prepared to surrender to the melodies of live music and indulge in the liquid treasures from their extensive collection—that is, if you manage to resist the temptation to pluck a grape from the hanging vines decorating the walls.
Learn more3. The Spotted Cat Music Club
623 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
Welcome to The Spotted Cat Music Club, the feline-themed fiasco of frivolous fun in the heart of New Orleans! This charming joint, known for its lively atmosphere and toe-tapping tunes, is as irresistible as a catnip toy for music lovers. Prepare to be whisked away into a purrfectly melodic world, where jazz, blues, and ragtime collide, leaving you feline good for days!
Learn more4. Pat O'Briens
718 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Welcome to Pat O'Briens, the quirky watering hole of vibrant New Orleans! Step into this lively establishment and be prepared to navigate through a sea of raucous laughter and the clinking of Hurricanes glasses. As you enter, you'll be greeted by the cacophony of dueling pianos, where talented musicians gleefully engage in a battle of melodies, ensuring you won't be able to resist joining in the musical merriment. Don't forget to indulge in their infamous Hurricanes, a delightful concoction that will leave you wondering if a tornado swept through your tastebuds - it's a drink with a warning label, but trust us, you'll want seconds!
Learn more5. French 75 Bar
813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Nestled in the heart of New Orleans lies French 75 Bar, a delightful watering hole that could easily charm even the most discerning of cocktail aficionados with its elegant ambiance. Akin to stepping into a whimsical French bistro, this vibrant haunt boasts a tantalizing array of libations that will make you forget your troubles faster than an accordion-playing mime can escape from a straitjacket. So, prepare yourself for an evening of delightful imbibing and the possibility of stumbling upon a hidden doorway that leads to a secret speakeasy – because, in New Orleans, anything is possible, and French 75 Bar is the perfect place to begin your adventure.
Learn more6. Maple Leaf Bar
8316 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
Nestled in the lively city of New Orleans, the iconic Maple Leaf Bar beckons both locals and adventurous visitors on a quest for a hopping good time. With its laid-back atmosphere and rich musical history, this joint is like the wise, old sage of the local music scene, never faltering in its ability to deliver a hearty dose of fun. Once you step inside, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world where jazz, funk, and soul harmoniously blend with an assortment of good vibes, tasty libations, and the occasional rogue dance move.
Learn more7. Arnaud's French 75 Bar
813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Welcome to Arnaud's French 75 Bar in the heart of New Orleans, where classic cocktails meet playful elegance. Step into this delightful establishment and let your taste buds embark on a whimsical journey! Known for its lively atmosphere and expert mixologists, this bar is the perfect place to sip on a meticulously crafted French 75 while feeling as fancy as a jazz-playing flamingo. Just remember to bring your sense of humor - if you leave it at home, the resident alligators might snatch it!
Learn more8. The Sazerac Bar
130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Welcome to the spirited and outrageously charming Sazerac Bar in New Orleans, where time seems to bend under the influence of the city's famous libations. This iconic establishment prides itself on two things: its exquisite craftsmanship in mixing the finest cocktails and its knack for transporting you back to the Prohibition era, minus the flapper dresses and Tommy guns. Step inside and discover a haven where the walls whisper tales of clandestine rendezvous, jazz-infused nights, and an almost unholy love affair with the masterful Sazerac cocktail.
Learn more9. Cane and Table
1113 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Nestled in the vibrant streets of New Orleans, Cane and Table awaits the ravenous adventures of those seeking Caribbean-inspired culinary delights. A spirited den of gastronomic delights, this tropical oasis offers a retreat from the city's rowdy revelry, inviting patrons to sip on refreshing cocktails while indulging in eclectic fare. With its wittily charming interior reminiscent of a Caribbean pirate's hideaway, Cane and Table guarantees a memorable experience that is equal parts quirky and extraordinary.
Learn more10. Napoleon House
500 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Welcome to the Napoleon House, a quirky and charming establishment nestled in the heart of New Orleans. Step into this historic gem and prepare to be transported to a bygone era where bon vivants and eccentric characters mingle amidst peeling paint and timeless allure. Just be sure to arrive with an empty stomach, as the legendary muffulettas served here are so massive, they could moonlight as flotation devices in the swamps nearby.
Learn more11. The Carousel Bar & Lounge
214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Welcome to the Carousel Bar & Lounge, where you can take a whimsical spin on their iconic bar that actually rotates. Don't worry, you won't need a saddle, but definitely bring your thirst for both cocktails and kitsch! Grab a seat and enjoy the carousel's unique ambiance, where you can sip on your drink while wondering if you'll be passing by your friends again soon - it's a carousel crossing, without the dizziness!
Learn more12. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar
941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Welcome to Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar in the heart of New Orleans, where you'll find a historic gem that seems to have stepped straight out of a swashbuckling pirate tale. Nestled on Bourbon Street, this spirited establishment proudly boasts itself as the oldest continually operating bar in America. With its weathered exterior, dimly lit interior, and candles flickering like echoes of bygone adventures, this cozy watering hole invites visitors to revel in the spirited ambiance that has enchanted locals and travelers alike for nearly three centuries.
www.lafittesblacksmithshop.com
Learn moreHow to get there
Plane
The best way to get to New Orleans by plane is to fly to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport from your departure airport. There are several airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and United that operate flights to the airport from various destinations.
Car
Driving to New Orleans is an option for those who prefer to have more control over their transportation. You can take Interstate 10, which connects New Orleans with major cities across the US. Some popular stops along the way are Houston, TX, and Pensacola, FL.
Train
While there are no direct trains to New Orleans, Amtrak's City of New Orleans route is a popular train option. You can take a train from various cities to Memphis, TN, and then transfer to another train to New Orleans. The nearest train station to New Orleans is the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal.
Boat
New Orleans is a popular port for several ocean and river cruises. Visitors can board a cruise ship from various ports such as Miami, FL, or Houston, TX, and sail into the port of New Orleans. Some popular cruise lines that stop at New Orleans include Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International.
Bus
Taking a bus to New Orleans is a cost-effective option. Greyhound and Megabus are two popular bus companies that provide service to the city from different locations within the US. The Greyhound bus station is located at 1001 Loyola Ave, and the Megabus stop is located at 1001 Howard Ave.