New Orleans

Nightlife

About New Orleans Nightlife

Everyone knows a good story or two involving the New Orleans bar scene, and there's a great reason for that. This is one city that has perfected the art of partying. Once the sun sets, the revelry becomes downright infectious no matter what time of year it is. Bourbon Street is the key destination for most travelers, as it's home to legendary watering holes like Pat O'Brien's, Club Decatur and the Old Absinthe House – places where happy hour is perpetual and the crowds never sleep. If brews and mixers aren't your speed ... well, that's no reason retire early. Cafés and stands from one side of the Quarter to the other serve up coffee and beignets well into the night. As this is the place where jazz was born, there's a strong music scene as well. The songs of the legendary musicians who've called the city "home" seem to echo throughout the streets, and you'd be remiss if you didn't catch a set or two at Preservation Hall or Snug Harbor. And once the music's cleansed your soul, you may just feel like you've got Lady Luck in your pocket. If so, there's a Harrah's Casino down on Poydras Street waiting to test your mettle. -- Emma Rayner, Writer