New Orleans Nightlife Guide: Complete Guide
Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. Discover the best nightlife experiences in New Orleans.
Welcome to the ultimate nightlife guide for New Orleans! Experience the best bars, clubs, live music venues, and entertainment after dark. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the very best nightlife experiences that New Orleans has to offer, from popular hotspots to hidden local favorites. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you'll find insider tips, detailed recommendations, and everything you need to make the most of your nightlife adventure in New Orleans. Our carefully curated selection ensures you won't miss any of the must-see spots while also discovering unique experiences that most tourists overlook.
Key Takeaways
- New Orleans offers over 53 exceptional nightlife experiences
- Best time to visit varies by activity - check individual listings for optimal timing
- Many experiences require advance booking, especially during peak season
- Local guides and experts provide invaluable insights and access
- Prices range from budget-friendly to premium, with options for every preference
Top Bars & Cocktail Lounges
Craft cocktail bars, rooftop lounges, and unique drinking establishments with great atmospheres.
Napoleon House
Highly rated Restaurant in New Orleans with 4.6 stars from 7028 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 500 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Carousel Bar & Lounge
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.5 stars from 4850 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Bar Tonique
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.7 stars from 1129 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 820 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.6 stars from 11450 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Old Absinthe House
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.4 stars from 2296 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 240 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Bourbon Street Drinkery
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.6 stars from 3125 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 217 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Pat O'Brien's
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.5 stars from 10730 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 718 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Cane and Table
Highly rated Restaurant in New Orleans with 4.6 stars from 1138 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1113 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
The Sazerac Bar
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.6 stars from 1192 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Upscale dining experience
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Will & The Way
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.7 stars from 645 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 719 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Bourbon 'O' Bar
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.6 stars from 970 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 Inside Bourbon Orleans Hotel, 730 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Erin Rose
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.7 stars from 2035 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 811 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Nightclubs & Dance Venues
Popular nightclubs, dance clubs, and venues featuring top DJs and live performances.
The Rabbit Hole
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.5 stars from 238 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 1228 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70113, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Republic NOLA
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.3 stars from 848 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 828 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Dungeon
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.4 stars from 2153 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 738 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Beach On Bourbon
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.4 stars from 3068 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 227 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Prohibition
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.4 stars from 670 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 333 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Spotted Cat Music Club
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.7 stars from 6387 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 623 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Pat O'Brien's
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.5 stars from 10730 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 718 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Fat Catz Music Club
Highly rated International in New Orleans with 4.5 stars from 1860 reviews.
📍 440 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Bourbon Live
Highly rated International in New Orleans with 4.2 stars from 39 reviews.
📍 516 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Welcoming atmosphere
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
House of Blues New Orleans
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.5 stars from 4985 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 225 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Live Music Venues
Concert halls, jazz clubs, and venues showcasing local and international musical talent.
The Spotted Cat Music Club
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.7 stars from 6387 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 623 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Preservation Hall
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.7 stars from 4930 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 726 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
House of Blues New Orleans
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.5 stars from 4985 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 225 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Fillmore New Orleans
Highly rated International in New Orleans with 4.7 stars from 1604 reviews.
📍 6 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Musical Legends Park
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.6 stars from 3989 reviews. Cozy cafe atmosphere ideal for coffee and light meals.
📍 311 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
The Howlin' Wolf
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.4 stars from 1324 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 907 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Tipitina's
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.7 stars from 1790 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 501 Napoleon Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Maple Leaf Bar
Highly rated Bar in New Orleans with 4.6 stars from 935 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 8316 Oak St, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Established local favorite
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic Bar cuisine
Late-Night Dining
Restaurants and eateries open late for post-party meals and midnight cravings.
Olde Nola Cookery
Highly rated Restaurant in New Orleans with 4.4 stars from 6700 reviews.
📍 205 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Oceana Grill
Highly rated Seafood in New Orleans with 4.4 stars from 18879 reviews.
📍 739 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Seafood cuisine
Creole House Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Highly rated Restaurant in New Orleans with 4.2 stars from 9263 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 509 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Mambo’s
Highly rated Seafood in New Orleans with 4.4 stars from 5142 reviews.
📍 411 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Authentic Seafood cuisine
The Original Pierre Maspero's
Highly rated Restaurant in New Orleans with 4.4 stars from 4466 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 440 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Blue Bayou Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Highly rated Restaurant in New Orleans with 4.4 stars from 2600 reviews.
📍 717 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Daisy Dukes Creole Kitchen
Highly rated American in New Orleans with 4.5 stars from 6115 reviews.
📍 123 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Highly rated by customers
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Budget-friendly prices
- 🌃Authentic American cuisine
Le Bayou Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Highly rated Restaurant in New Orleans with 4.1 stars from 3101 reviews. Great selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
📍 503 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
- 🌃Well-reviewed establishment
- 🌃Popular with locals and visitors
- 🌃Knowledgeable staff
Entertainment & Shows
Comedy clubs, theaters, and entertainment venues offering nighttime performances.
The Howlin' Wolf
Experience unforgettable entertainment at this New Orleans venue, offering shows and performances for all tastes.
- •Book tickets online in advance
- •Check show duration and intermissions
- •Arrive early to find parking
- •Review venue policies before attending
- •Check for package deals
Big Couch New Orleans
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this New Orleans venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
Joy Theater
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this New Orleans venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret
Enjoy spectacular cabaret performances at this iconic New Orleans venue, combining music, dance, and entertainment.
- •Dinner + show packages offer best value
- •Dress elegantly for the occasion
- •Book well in advance for weekend shows
- •Photography policies vary - ask before taking photos
- •Tipping performers is customary
Orpheum Theater New Orleans
Experience world-class theatrical performances at this New Orleans venue, featuring talented actors and captivating productions.
- •Book tickets in advance for popular shows
- •Arrive 15-20 minutes before curtain time
- •Dress code varies - check venue requirements
- •Turn off mobile phones during performance
- •Check for student or group discounts
SPORTS DRINK: Café & Comedy Club
Laugh the night away at this popular New Orleans comedy venue, showcasing both local and touring comedians.
- •Arrive early for best seating
- •Two-drink minimum often required
- •Be prepared to interact with performers
- •Check age restrictions (often 18+ or 21+)
- •Avoid sitting in front row if you don't want attention
Nightlife Districts
Popular neighborhoods and areas known for vibrant nightlife and bar-hopping.
Republic NOLA
Explore New Orleans's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Beach On Bourbon
Explore New Orleans's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Pat O'Brien's
Explore New Orleans's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Rabbit Hole
Explore New Orleans's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
The Dungeon
Explore New Orleans's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Famous Door
Explore New Orleans's vibrant nightlife in this popular district, known for its diverse bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
- •Start early to explore multiple venues
- •Use ride-sharing or public transit
- •Keep valuables secure
- •Check dress codes for upscale venues
- •Stay in groups for safety
Essential Tips
- 🌃Check dress codes before heading out
- 🌃Arrive early to avoid long lines at popular venues
- 🌃Use ride-sharing apps for safe transportation
- 🌃Keep valuables secure and stay aware of surroundings
- 🌃Pace yourself and stay hydrated
- 🌃Research cover charges and drink prices
- 🌃Make reservations for popular venues
- 🌃Bring valid ID - many places are strict about checking
- 🌃Start early - some venues close earlier than expected
- 🌃Ask locals for current hotspots and hidden gems
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
The best time for nightlife experiences in New Orleans varies by activity and season. Generally, spring and fall offer ideal conditions with pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak season with the most options but also the highest prices and largest crowds. Winter can offer unique experiences and better deals, though some activities may be limited.
Average Price
Prices for nightlife experiences in New Orleans range widely depending on the activity and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium and exclusive options can range from $200-500+. Many activities offer group discounts and package deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Orleans offers many excellent nightlife experiences, each with its own unique character. The best choice depends on your preferences, budget, and schedule, but our guide highlights the top-rated options that consistently deliver exceptional experiences.
Timing varies by activity, but generally spring and fall offer ideal conditions. Summer is peak season with the most options but larger crowds. Check individual listings for specific timing recommendations and seasonal considerations.
For popular experiences, especially during peak season, advance booking is highly recommended. Some activities have limited capacity and sell out quickly. Booking ahead also often provides better rates and ensures availability.
Requirements vary by activity, but generally bring comfortable clothing, appropriate footwear, sun protection, water, and any specific gear mentioned in activity descriptions. Check individual listings for detailed requirements.
Many nightlife experiences in New Orleans cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Check individual listings for difficulty levels and requirements. Many operators offer instruction and guidance for newcomers.
Costs vary widely depending on the type of experience and level of service. Budget options start around $20-50, mid-range experiences typically cost $75-150, while premium options can range from $200-500+. Group discounts and packages are often available.
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