New Orleans

New Orleans is transformed when the sun goes down. Though people have just as much fun in the sunshine, it’s not until the moon rises and the cocktails start to flow that The Big Easy really comes into its own.

Although live music is what most people want to hear when they come to town – it’s the life force that oxygenates the culture and traditions in the city where jazz was born – there is also a dance club scene if underground, EDM or house music is more your cup of boogie. New Orleans has all the bases covered, whether it’s on Bourbon, Frenchmen or at one of the larger club venues in the Warehouse District, a developing area frequented by young professionals.

The proximity of all these great venues, whether lined up along Bourbon Street, in the Warehouse District or on Frenchmen Street o makes nightlife easily accessible no matter where you’re staying. There is a cluster of clubs in each ‘hood, so once you get yourself there, simply hop from place to place to sample what the city’s night club scene has to offer.

• Upcoming nightlife events in New Orleans
• Best nightclubs in New Orleans

Looking for more information on New Orleans nightclubs? Check out our club guides below.

Don’t forget – we also have a free mobile app that you can download here. Use the app to see who’s spinning, sign up for guestlists, buy tickets, and book bottle service!

New Orleans Nightlife FAQ

What are the hottest clubs in New Orleans?

The best current clubs in New Orleans include: Apres Lounge, Metropolitan, Republic, House of Blues, and Joy Theatre.

What are the best EDM clubs in New Orleans?

The best places to find your favorite EDM DJs spinning include Metropolitan, Republic, and House of Blues.

What are the best hip hop clubs in New Orleans?

The best hip hop clubs in New Orleans includes Apres Lounge and Masquerade.

What are the best after hours spots in New Orleans?

New Orleans allows alcohol to be served 24/7. The best after hours spots include:

• Avenue Pub
• Grit’s Bar
• F and M’s
• The Club Ms. Mae’s
• Black Penny
• The Saint
• The Gold Mine Saloon
• Snake and Jake’s Christmas Club Lounge
• Kajun’s Pub
• Pi Lounge
• Fat Harry’s
• Hi Ho Lounge
• Molly’s at the Market

What are the best day drinking spots / dayparties in New Orleans?

The best day drinking spots in the Big Easy include:

• The Country Club
• Miel Brewery
• Jack Rose
• Wrong Iron
• Parasol’s
• Copper Vine
• The Columns
• Longway Tavern
• Laffitte’s Blacksmith Shop
• Pat O’Brien’s Bar
• Bacchanal Wine
• Willa Jean
• Ace Hotel’s Rooftop Bar Alto
• Hot Tin
• Bayou Beer Bar
• Courtyard Brewery
• Balcony Bar

What part of New Orleans has the best nightlife?

Bourbon Street has the best go to destination for bars, clubs, and parties in New Orleans.

Is Bourbon Street busy every night?

Mondays and Tuesdays are a bit slow, although there’s alway something goin’ on, including some music. Things start picking up on Wednesdays, with Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays being most active. Sundays are pretty active, but things wind down somewhat earlier than on the other days.

Is New Orleans a party town?

New Orleans is officially a party town: the one place in the United States where you can booze in the streets and the bars never close. The city supposedly celebrates 200 festivals every year. Mardi Gras – aka “Fat Tuesday” – is merely the largest, the climax of the same carnival season that’s observed around the world.

What are the best gay clubs/bars in New Orleans?

Our favorite gay bars in the Big Easy are:

• Bourbon Pub & Parade (French Quarter)
• Oz New Orleans (French Quarter)
• The Country Club (Bywater)
• Cafe Lafitte in Exile (Bourbon Street)
• Napoleon’s Itch (Bourbon Street)
• The Allways Lounge (Marigny)
• The Phoenix (Marigny)
• The Corner Pocket (French Quarter)
• Golden Lantern (French Quarter)

What time is last call in New Orleans?

In New Orleans, bars may stay open 24 hours a day, 7 hours a week.

What time do clubs close in New Orleans?

Clubs typically close anywhere between 2 AM and 4 AM.

What are the best music festivals in New Orleans?

• Jazz & Heritage Festival
• French Quarter Festival
• Voodoo Music Festival
• Essence Festival
• Bayou Boogaloo
• Ponderosa Stomp
• Crescent City Blues Festival
• Satchmo Summerfest
• Jazz in the Park
• Sacred Music Fest

Is weed legal in New Orleans?

Medical marijuana is legal in the Big Easy but not recreational marijuana.

Can you drink in public in New Orleans?

Yes, New Orleans is one of the few US cities with no open container laws.

The beverage must be in a plastic cup – so you can’t walk around with bottles of beer / liquor. You also must remember that drinking alcohol in a parking lot is against the law in New Orleans.