A LONG list of all our NOLA recs are HERE. Check it out for ALL the deets. But this shorter version is the path we most often take down Bourbon Street if we just want to stroll and enjoy! This is also a great path to take the first night you’re in town, just to see it all and get an overview of everything. Then you can plan what you’d like to go back to the next night.
(Here’s a Google Map that includes all of these places, address and descriptions.)
START on the southern end of Bourbon
Stroll, look, stop, eat, drink, listen, dance, and repeat.
>>Bourbon House
Start here to fuel up a bit. Obviously they have all kinds of bourbon, but you have to try the Bourbon Milk Punch. Trust me. Okay, get two. There’s often a long line for the restaurant but you can find space in the bar usually and you can order some food there.
Map
Website
>>Molly’s Irish Pub
Total DIVE Bar…but the BEST Hot Buttered Rum (if you’re there in the winter) and famous for Frozen Irish Coffee. Opens at 10am.
Map
Website
>>Pat O’Brien’s Bar
Famous Hurricane and Balcony overlooking Bourbon Street. There’s a debate whether this is the best Hurricane but you won’t know until you try one here first. It’s a tradition! Get one here and then compare. Of course, grab a cup of gumbo if you’re hungry!
Map
Website
>>Fritzel’s
German-style beer hall with lots of live Dixieland jazz! My favorite for jazz. It’s small so it’ll be crowded, but the hostess will seat you and someone will come by for drinks soon. And if you can keep moving up to the front as people leave, you’ll have a super good spot!
Map
Website
>>Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop
Oldest Bar in the country, built in the 1720’s. Try the Hurricane and Voodoo Daiquiri. Compare the Hurricane to Pat O’Brien’s and start the debate. If you go during high tourist season, it will be crowded, but stick it out! Push your way to the back, sit around the piano, and sing along with the Piano Man! Most drinks come in a souvenir cup! This is also a great place to go back to during the day just to get some cool photos of the oldest bar.
Map
Website
**This is where you will turn around and go back down Bourbon.**
>>Daiquiri Bars
You will pass a million Daiquiri bars, so stop in and grab one for the walk down Bourbon Street. Be careful . . . they can be POTENT!
>>Honky Tonk (used to be The Funky Pirate)
The best spot for blues. And if you make it on a night that Mark and the Pentones or Big Al are playing…perfect! Just push your way in, find a spot and stay there. You won’t regret it!
Map
>>Café du Monde
If you’re munchy after all of that, take a short stroll (3 blocks) toward the river for Beignets and Cafe Au Lait – French style donuts and coffee mixed half and half with milk. If you don’t like coffee, the chocolate milk is amazing! Or maybe it’s just a sentimental thing for me! They are open 24 hours a day except for Christmas. Don’t worry if there’s a line, it moves fast. And don’t wear black…you’ll get powdered sugar ALL OVER.
Map
Website
>>Cathedral Jesus Shadow
As you’re walking back to Bourbon Street or to the hotel, go behind the St. Louis Cathedral to St. Anthony’s Garden on Royal Street to see the famous Jesus shadow. It’s a beautiful sight and makes great photos.
Map
>>The Famous Door