Curator’s statement
New Orleans is the kind of city that doesn’t just host a party—it is the party. It’s where music spills out of every doorway, history and chaos coexist beautifully, and every night feels like it could turn into a legendary story. For a bachelor party, NOLA hits the sweet spot of culture by day and unhinged fun by night, all wrapped in soul, flavor, and a little bit of mystery. If we’re going to celebrate the groom’s last ride, it should be somewhere that knows how to do it loud, late, and with heart.
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Things to do in New Orleans
A second line rolling through the streets of New Orleans
French Quarter bar crawl
Bounce between legendary spots like Pat O’Brien’s, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, and Bourbon Street dives, where the drinks are strong and the night escalates fast. It’s pure, unapologetic New Orleans energy.
Live jazz on Frenchmen Street
Frenchmen is where the locals go—tight clubs, unreal musicians, and zero pretense. Grab a drink, hop venues, and let the music carry the night.
Day drinking with a purpose (brunch & booze)
Long, indulgent brunches with cocktails at places like Commander’s Palace or Brennan’s are practically a sport. It’s classy debauchery before things get wild later.
Swamp or airboat tour
Get out of the city for a few hours and ride through Louisiana swamps spotting gators and wildlife. It’s weird, wild, and an unexpectedly great group reset.
Private party or balcony on Bourbon Street
Renting a balcony or private room lets you control the chaos while still being in the middle of it. Ideal for toasts, people-watching, and making bad decisions together.
Casino night at Caesars New Orleans
A late-night casino run brings suits, shots, and questionable bets. Win or lose, it’s a perfect pregame or post-bar-crawl stop.
Haunted history or cemetery tour
Lean into NOLA’s darker side with a ghost or cemetery tour—equal parts spooky, hilarious, and surprisingly fascinating. Great for daytime recovery vibes.
Late-night food crawl
Po’boys, beignets, fried chicken, or a 2 am detour to Verti Marte—New Orleans feeds you when you need it most. The food alone earns its place on the itinerary.
Places to eat & drink in New Orleans
Commander’s Palace: A New Orleans staple
Commander’s Palace
A New Orleans institution that turns lunch into an event with martinis and Creole classics. Come hungry and slightly dressed up—it’s worth it.
Cochon
Cajun comfort food done right, with bold flavors and plates made for sharing. Great spot to soak up a long day (or night) of drinking.
Brennan’s
Famous for breakfast, brunch, and flaming bananas Foster. It’s polished, indulgent, and an elite move before day drinking.
Pat O’Brien’s
Touristy? Yes. Necessary? Also yes. Frozen hurricanes in the courtyard are a rite of passage.
Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar
One of the oldest bars in the US—dark, loud, and perfect for a strong drink at any hour. Feels haunted in the best way.
Frenchmen Street music clubs
Grab a drink and bounce between venues like the Spotted Cat and D.B.A. with nonstop live jazz and funk. Less chaos than Bourbon, way more soul.
Verti Marte
Legendary late-night corner store serving massive po’boys and hot food when everywhere else is closed. This place saves lives.
Need to know
You can walk around with drinks: Open containers are legal in most areas, but glass isn’t. Plastic cups are safe—rookie mistake avoided.
Pace yourselves early: Day drinking sneaks up fast in New Orleans, and the nights are long. Eat often and hydrate like it’s part of the plan.
Frenchmen is better than Bourbon (most nights): Bourbon is fun once, but Frenchmen Street is where the music, locals, and better vibes usually are.
Ubers can bottleneck late: If you’re out past midnight, consider walking short distances or grabbing a pedicab to keep things moving.
Dress for heat and humidity—even at night. Lightweight clothes and comfortable shoes will save the weekend.
Respect the neighborhoods: New Orleans is a real city, not just a playground. Be loud on Bourbon, chill everywhere else.
Don’t skip the food: Late-night eats aren’t optional here; they’re survival.
Travel Advisor
Evan Charest
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our New Orleans page.