Bourbon Street

Set in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter, the street is an attraction in its own right, stretching thirteen blocks from Canal to Esplanade Avenue. Renowned for its bars and strip clubs, as well as the live jazz scene, Bourbon is just as rich in historic sights and iconic venues. Here you will find some of the most luxurious spots in the city, such as the timeless Royal Sonesta Hotel and Galatoires Restaurant, where you can taste the best of French Creole cuisine in a festive yet elegant atmosphere.

Among the iconic bars here are Jean Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop on the corner of St. Phillip St; the Old Absinthe House – the birthplace of the famous Absinthe House Frappe; and the Lafitte-in-Exile, the oldest gay bar in the U.S. Famed American playwright Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote were regulars at Lafitte-in-Exile. If you're in the mood for jazz, head to Fritzel's European Jazz Club, an almost 200-year-old building hosting live jazz gigs every night of the week!

Why You Should Visit:
Nice to walk around and look at the art shops during the day and check out the food options, but at night it gets pretty wild. Be prepared for sensory overload: the lights, the noise, the smells, etc. There will be something here to surprise the un-surprisable.

Tip:
If you visit, try the famous hand grenade drink. Also, don't take pictures of street performers if you don't intend to tip them.
For those looking for hard-core jazz music, it appears to have all moved over to Frenchmen Street.