Nightlife in New Orleans
Where New Orleans goes out — handpicked bars, clubs, live music rooms and late-night eats for any kind of night.
Top spots in New Orleans
Frenchmen Street
NightlifeFaubourg Marigny
Locals' alternative to Bourbon — live jazz at three venues per block.
Where to eat
Commander's Palace
$$$$Creole · Garden District
Turquoise institution since 1893 — 25¢ martini lunch.
Cochon
$$$Cajun · Warehouse District
Donald Link's whole-hog Cajun — book ahead.
Café du Monde
$Café / Beignets · French Quarter
Open 24/7 since 1862 — beignets and café au lait, cash only.
Willie Mae's Scotch House
$$Southern · Treme
James Beard 'America's Classic' fried chicken — go for lunch.
Compère Lapin
$$$Caribbean-Creole · Warehouse District
Nina Compton's curried goat and rum-forward room.
Live & on stage
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Fair Grounds · Apr 24 – May 3 · Jazz / Mixed
French Quarter Festival
French Quarter · Apr 9–12 · Free / Local
Voodoo Music Experience
City Park · Oct 30 – Nov 1 · Festival
Mardi Gras
Citywide · Feb 17 · Parades / Free
Frequently asked
- Standouts include Frenchmen Street. The list mixes cocktail bars, live-music rooms and dance floors so you can build a full night without leaving the neighbourhood.