Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana
A street with a rather bawdy reputation, New Orleans’ Bourbon Street is probably one of the most famous avenues in the country. Known mostly as the site for the grand yet raucous Mardi Gras Parade, held each year just before the start of the Christian season of Lent, Bourbon Street is a mix of old and new, classy and not-so-classy. Nonetheless, it is a street worth exploring and a must-see on a visit to this eclectic Southern city.
Bourbon Street extends through the heart of The French Quarter for 13 blocks. It was named in honor of The House of Bourbon, which was the ruling party in France at the time of the city’s founding. It was, for many decades, an opulent street lined with lots of historic structures, including both residences and businesses. Today, it is largely filled with bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and – unfortunately – strip joints. The street is rocking at night but is relatively quiet during the daytime hours when most of the establishments are closed.
That means those visiting New Orleans with kids should travel Bourbon Street before sundown, when the less-than-desirable locations are closed and their questionable clientele aren’t roaming the thoroughfare. While there aren’t a lot of attractions to visit, tourists can view some notable old structures and stop in to buy some kitschy souvenirs at a few shops along the way. The area between Dumaine and Pauger Streets is still largely residential, so it’s a good place to roam and explore some traditional architecture. Visitors who are exploring by day might also enjoy stopping for lunch at one of Bourbon Street’s long-established restaurants, Galatoire’s, opened in 1905 and well known for its amazing French Creole cuisine. You’ll recognize it by the long line that snakes down the street. Be sure to try one of their unique specialties!
If you’re into the club and bar scene, Bourbon Street is the place to be when the sun goes down. It is literally lined with dance clubs, saloons, and other music venues and it attracts mostly the young adult crowd. You’ll find establishments that offer a large variety of live music, including some New Orleans favorites like jazz, blues, and Zydeco.
Another must-see is Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, a popular bar at the corner of Bourbon and Philip. It is said that the pirate and privateer and his brother operated a legitimate business from this location in order to mask their less-than-legal privateering operation. Today it’s simply a bar and restaurant that’s a favorite with locals and tourists.
Bourbon Street is also home to quite a large gay community and you’ll find many gay-oriented businesses in the area surrounding St. Ann Street. These include the oldest established gay bar in the country, Lafitte-in-Exile, and the largest gay bar in Louisiana. The gay community also hosts a number of festivals throughout the year, including Southern Decadence, a rather bawdy version of Mardi Gras that takes place during Labor Day weekend.
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