*This is a collaborative post.
If you’re searching for a deeply cultural experience in the southern states and one that is filled with amazing nightlife and great things to see and do, then we cannot recommend the famous Bourbon Street in New Orleans enough. Known as the birthplace of jazz music, this wonderful area of New Orleans is home to some of the most exquisite bars and restaurants and is perfect for those looking for an exciting and fun-filled getaway. To help you in making your decision on whether to visit Bourbon Street or not for your next vacation, we’ve put together this article with our best reasons why to choose this wonderful location.
Stunning Architecture
One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive in New Orleans as a whole, let alone Bourbon Street, is how wonderful the buildings are. The design of many of the buildings here is what is known as the Creole style. This style was developed in New Orleans itself. It is an iconic look that is very easily identifiable. Covered, multi-storied balconies stretching along the facades of buildings, adorned with gorgeous greenery and detailed railings and pillars, are entirely synonymous with New Orleans. Bourbon Street is the ideal location for visitors to witness this design, and you’ll often see partygoers lining these balconies during large events such as the world-renowned Mardi Gras.
Amazing Cultural Spots
There are a number of brilliant places to visit along Bourbon Street which will inject your vacation with some rich culture. For example, you could visit the Olde Absinthe House, which was opened in 1807 and is, therefore, the oldest bar on Bourbon Street. It is well known that this was the place where Major General Andrew Jackson, and subsequently the 7th President of the USA, met with a local pirate leader by the name of Jean Lafitte. It is here that they would discuss their plans to repel the British during the Battle of New Orleans, which resulted in an overwhelming victory for the Americans. The Olde Absinthe House is still a functioning bar today, supplying non-hallucinogenic absinthe to visitors and boasting the décor of a bygone era.
Rich History
The city itself has such a rich and fascinating history, and Bourbon Street and the rest of the French Quarter are home to a number of amazing museums for you to enjoy. While you’ll likely be visiting the city for the party vibes, during your downtime, you should definitely check out some of the wonderful and weird histories of the city. First up on the list is the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, which is decked out to look like an 1820s drug store. You’ll find information and examples of the medical practices and tools used back then. As well as dedicated museums, a number of other historic buildings are open to the public for tours, such as the Cabildo, which was the seat of the Spanish government of New Orleans during the colonial era, as well as the 1850 House, which showcases how the middle-classes would have lived during the 19th century.
Wonderful Hotels
There are a number of fantastic hotels around Bourbon Street which benefit from the wonderful architecture and style of this historic area. The only downside is you might struggle to choose between some of the best hotels on Bourbon Street. However, no matter your choice, you’re likely going to have a wonderfully unique experience and truly be able to embrace the New Orleans lifestyle during your stay. Being such a popular vacation spot, the city is well equipped with great places to stay, and you’ll never be too far from useful amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, and pharmacies. Due to the popularity of the city, don’t forget to book your preferred hotel early so that you’re not disappointed by your chosen hotel being fully booked, especially during carnival season.
Iconic Bars And Restaurants
As many people will be visiting New Orleans for fun rather than relaxation, you’ll want to have a good idea as to the types of bars and restaurants available to you when you visit. There are so many bars and restaurants to choose from, each offering different vibes to visitors. You could visit the famous and prestigious Galatoire, which has a strict dress code, or enjoy a more chilled out vibe at the aforementioned Old Absinthe House or Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. You can easily create an in-depth plan for a fun night of bar hopping across some of the best Bourbon Street bars for an absolutely unforgettable night. You’ll also be able to enjoy some of the city’s best nightclubs along Bourbon Street, such as Tropical Isle’s Bayou Club and the Famous Door. Be wary, though. You likely won’t want the night to come to an end!
A Place To Let Loose
As mentioned earlier, New Orleans is home to the iconic Mardi Gras celebrations in which tourists and locals alike party through the city streets of the French Quarter and beyond. Mardi Gras is all about people celebrating great music, taking part in parades, and generally enjoying life together. There are a number of great traditions associated with Mardi Gras, and you’ll find yourself able to let loose and truly enjoy yourself among the other revelers. During this celebration, one of the most notable traditions is the throwing of Mardi Gras beads—brightly colored necklaces that are often thrown from balconies for people to catch and collect during parades and parties. The city, especially during this time, emits a strong party vibe which is incredibly infectious to everyone involved. It’s the perfect place to truly let your hair down and go wild with your friends.
Great Live Music
Of course, there will always be a time when you’ll be looking for a more subdued night to rest your tired legs while still enjoying some great entertainment. In that case, you’ll want to take advantage of Bourbon Streets’ phenomenal live music scene. Whether you’re looking for some authentic New Orleans jazz music or some fantastic 80’s rock covers, Bourbon Street has you covered. There are so many great venues for you to find a table with your party to soak up some chilled vibes and enjoy a night of great live music. There’s something for everyone around the French Quarter, such as One-Eyed Jacks, Preservation Hall, and Maison Bourbon. During the daytime, you can find some places that offer live music along with a coffee and a sweet, such as Café Beignet. This cute café has an enclosed courtyard area for guests to kick back and relax to the sound of smooth jazz while enjoying a classic New Orleans Beignet.
Heading Out Of New Orleans
During your stay on Bourbon Street, there’s no reason you can’t venture further afield to explore some other places around New Orleans. You could, for example, take in the natural sites of the New Orleans swamps on a boat tour around the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge or even take an exciting canoe or kayak trip with a professional nature guide. There are many amazing creatures to see around the swamplands, and the surrounding fauna of these waters, such as the iconic Spanish moss hanging from cypress trees, exudes an otherworldly feeling. Don’t forget to bring your camera along to get some gorgeous snaps of the vibrant greenery around the swamps and some lucky shots of the amazing wildlife. Just remember to stay in the boat, though, as the scaly natives of these waters won’t necessarily take too kindly to trespassers!
