Things to Do in New Orleans at Night
You’ve probably heard that there are lots of things to do in New Orleans at night. Bourbon Street, Jazz clubs, Sightseeing carriage rides, and cajun dancing are a few of the things that come to mind. If you’re looking for more, however, check out the following activities. They are all worth a visit at some point in your trip. And while you’re there, you may want to take in some live music, too.
Bourbon Street
If you are looking for a unique way to experience New Orleans at night, Bourbon Street in New Orleans is the place for you. This lively, fun-filled street is situated in the French Quarter, just 4 blocks north of Jackson Square and 2 blocks south of the Mississippi River. Although it is a fun place to spend the evening, it is not for everyone. People who enjoy authentic traditional jazz and craft beer may want to avoid visiting Bourbon Street at night.
During the day, Bourbon Street in New Orleans at night is relatively quiet, but during the French Quarter festivals, it comes alive with excitement. Mardi Gras, the largest and most popular festival held here, attracts thousands of revelers. Drinking is a popular activity on Bourbon Street, thanks to local open container laws. Popular drinks include hurricane cocktail, resurrection cocktail, hand grenade, and “huge-ass beers,” large plastic cups of draft beer.
Jazz clubs
If you’re looking for a fun way to end your night out, you can find jazz music in New Orleans. This city is famous for being the birthplace of jazz, so if you’re a fan of the genre, you’ll want to check out one of the city’s many jazz clubs. There are plenty of jazz venues throughout the French Quarter and uptown, from historic jazz halls to renowned dance halls.
One of the more popular jazz clubs in the French Quarter is the Prime Example. It’s a vibrant jazz club, with purple walls and second-line umbrellas hanging from the ceiling. The food at Prime Example is authentic New Orleans fare, which makes this jazz club a popular spot for locals. You can dance and sing along to live jazz music for a good price. There are also burlesque shows every Friday night, and you can watch locals while listening to the jazz.
Cocktails
There’s something for everyone when it comes to cocktails in New Orleans at night, and luckily, the city is enjoying a post-Katrina renaissance, which means there are many options available to you. The cocktail actually originated in the city, and some say that Antoine Peychaud, the owner of a local apothecary, invented the drink here. The city is home to some of the best cocktail bars in the world, and the following are a few of the best places to experience it.
Brandy Milk Punch – This cocktail is said to date back to the pre-Colonial era. Made with a splash of brandy and milk, it’s often served with nutmeg. It’s considered to be a cousin of eggnog, and is a traditional cocktail at brunch in New Orleans. The Brandy Milk Punch is a classic New Orleans drink and is made with two ounces of brandy, one cup of whole milk, a teaspoon of powdered sugar, three ice cubes, cracked ice, and a dash of freshly grated nutmeg.
Sightseeing carriage rides
Sightseeing carriage rides in New Orleans are a romantic way to experience the city. These tours take you past the Louisiana Supreme Court Building, Jackson Square, the French Market, and 700 Decatur Street. You’ll also learn the secrets of the Catholic faith and the city’s rich history. Depending on which tour you take, you can choose between guided or escorted tours. While you’re in town, you can also opt for a ghost tour of New Orleans. These tours are highly entertaining and appropriate for all ages.
A New Orleans ghost tour is the perfect activity for the whole family. You’ll learn about New Orleans’ lore, while exploring famous haunted locations. And you’ll get to enjoy the breathtaking sights of the city’s past, including some of its most historic buildings. If you’re looking for a haunted tour, the best option is the History & Haunts Night Tour. Your licensed guide will tell you real stories about the city’s history and legends.
Mardi Gras
The weather in New Orleans at night can be varying, ranging from very cold to very warm. It is best to pack layers of clothing, wear comfortable shoes, and pack clothes you can get dirty. If you are going to spend the entire night in the city, be sure to check the weather forecast and stay away from anyone who appears to be dangerous or impaired. This is especially important if you are going to be out late and are not sure if it will rain.
You can view the celebrations in New Orleans at night by attending one of the parades. These colorful celebrations draw thousands of visitors each year. The big parades begin the Wednesday before Fat Tuesday. Other parades roll through neighborhoods throughout the city. The main parades typically last about five days and end on the evening of Twelfth Night in January. While the parades are free to attend, some are ticketed and require an invitation. The city’s many events take place during the final weeks of the festival.
Music venues
During the evening, New Orleans offers a diverse range of music venues. You can experience jazz at D.b.a. club, which features New Orleans’ biggest names in the world of music. The jazz venue also offers one of the largest beer selections in the French Quarter. A sit-down ticketed theater, the Snug Harbor showcases local and touring jazz artists and includes a restaurant and live performance area. The showtimes vary, but they start between 8 and ten p.m. Be sure to reserve a seat in advance.
Whether you’re looking for a jazz brunch or a reggae show, there’s a music venue for you in New Orleans. You can also catch a live show at one of the city’s top jazz clubs, including Cafe Negril. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, the Blue Nile also offers late-night DJ sets in the upper level. Jazz brunch is an iconic New Orleans tradition, coined by the Commander’s Palace in 1973. While it’s small, the Apple Barrel is a hidden treasure. Some of the world’s biggest artists have recorded at the venue.
Pub crawls
The best way to discover New Orleans at night is by partaking in one of the city’s many pub crawls. These tours are grouped together according to geography or theme. You can visit four different pubs during the crawl, ensuring that you have a fun night out. A pub crawl in New Orleans is not just a place to get drunk, but also a place to make friends. The pub crawls are fun, memorable events that will have you talking about your experience for days.
While walking down Bourbon Street, you can stop by Cochon, a rooftop restaurant and live jazz venue. A French Quarter pub crawl will include the renowned Napolean House and Old Absinthe House. Other bars to check out include the Cure, which is a James Beard Award-winning cocktail bar, Tujague’s, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, and the infamous Preservation Hall, where jazz performances take place.
Haunted history tours
If you’re looking for an exciting nighttime activity, you might consider taking one of the many Haunted History Tours of New Orleans. While most ghost tours concentrate on the French Quarter, these excursions also visit the Garden District. These tours are two hours long, and include a combination of history and legends about ghosts and paranormal sightings. Tours begin at Lafayette Cemetery and cost $25 each.
You’ll learn about the city’s most interesting and infamous apparitions, as well as some of its most gruesome crimes. You’ll hear the stories of the masked creatures that have terrorized New Orleans for decades. Haunted History Tours are not just a ghost story tour; they’re also a fun way to spend an evening. You can choose from one of three different tours – French Quarter Ghost Tour, Haunted Pub Crawl, and 8-in-1 Haunted Walking Tour.
Saenger Theatre
If you’re visiting New Orleans, make sure you check out the Saenger Theatre, a beautiful, atmospheric theatre in downtown. This theatre, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was the flagship of the Saenger brothers’ movie empire, and today remains one of the few remaining Saenger movie palaces. You can see a movie or catch a show here, or simply relax with a drink afterward.
Located on Canal Street, the Saenger Theatre once represented the center of entertainment in the city. It was the largest operating theatrical venue in the city, and was known for its elaborate special events and top-rated feature films. In recent years, it has been restored to its former splendor. Its stunning interior features starlit evening sky ceilings, arched surroundings, statues, columns, and decorative moldings.https://www.youtube.com/embed/a7NkIDrr2zQ
