While New Orleans offers plenty of fun during the day, the city takes on a new energy after dark, coming alive in ways many visitors find exciting. If you are here only for one night or a weekend, plan to head out after dark.
From thrilling ghost tours to the greatest cocktails and the best music, the Big Easy promises unforgettable experiences well after midnight. First, grab a nap, then put on some comfortable walking shoes, and get ready to explore the fun things to do in New Orleans at night.
A tour we think you'll love
1) When The Sun Goes Down, The Ghosts Come Out To Play
Start your evening by learning about the spirits that have haunted New Orleans for hundreds of years. Our award-winning storytellers at New Orleans Secrets Tours will share tales of New Orleans’ unsettled history.
Whether you want to know more about the city’s haunted history or want to learn more about the supernatural, our ghost tours are like no other:
Choose your haunted adventure:
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The New Orleans Paranormal Experience – Start the evening inside a haunted establishment and encounter the spirits that live within the walls. Next, enjoy spirit-tempting cocktails. Finally, enjoy a psychic-led session for tarot and mediumship. **Note: this is for private tours only. Call to inquire!**
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Ghosts Of The French Quarter Tour – Some say that the French Quarter is one of the most haunted places in the world. On this tour, learn about the city’s storied history that still haunts it today.
Each tour is limited to just 9 tickets!
Ready to uncover the mysteries of New Orleans after dark? Join us for an unforgettable ghost tour and let our storytellers guide you through the haunted history of this enchanting city. Don’t miss out – book your adventure now and see what spirits await you!
2) Late Night Activities: Frenchmen Street
Do not expect things to heat up until around 7 pm, when the bars and the club scene starts to heat up and the music scene comes alive.
Enjoy a bar crawl, listening to every type of music you can think of, from the blues and live jazz to hip hop and country, or learn to make a specialty cocktail. Enjoy partying until the sun comes up.
Must-see experiences on Frenchmen Street:
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Frenchmen Art Market – Walk the streets browsing creative artists from near and far, while listening to the music drifting through the air.
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Street Performers – Be ready to dance when jazz performers take center stage.
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Food – There are plenty of places for a late-night snack; eateries offer local and international foods.
Pro Tip: When the sun comes up, head to Cafe Du Monde for beignets. It is considered the ideal food to eat after a long night in New Orleans.
3) The Sun Goes Down, The Neon Lights Come On: Bourbon Street
Bourbon Street has plenty of activity during the day, but as evening sets in, things begin to change. Live music spills into the streets whenever someone opens a club or bar’s door, while local bands and performers bring life to the sidewalks. Visitors can dance with their “go cups” in hand. Nighttime is when Bourbon Street awakens.
Evening fun awaits on Bourbon Street:
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Clubs and Pubs – Favorite places are Maison Bourbon Jazz Club and Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub, where live music is performed long into the night.
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Bars and Clubs – Discover the cocktail culture at Pat O’Brien’s, home to the famous Hurricane cocktail, or hit the dance floor at The Famous Door. Cat’s Meow for karaoke is another can’t miss spot.
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Street Performers – Talented magicians, jazz musicians, and other performers add to the party atmosphere.
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Dining – For a nighttime meal, check out Mambo’s for its rooftop views and Southern comfort food.
Did You Know? Did you know that neon signs began lighting up Bourbon Street in the mid-20th century? However, some places are starting to replace their neon signs with LED lights.
4) Game On! New Orleans’ After-Dark Entertainment Venues
Not everyone wants to spend their night dancing in the streets or is interested in crawling from one bar to another. For those who would rather spend the night playing arcade and board games or striving to bowl a perfect game, New Orleans has some unique places to get your game on. Here are some of the best places for game night:
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Rook Café – This cafe is anything but ordinary. With a long list of specialty coffees, open mic nights, and marathon board game sessions, it is a great place to spend the night.
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Fulton Alley – Fulton Alley is not your typical bowling alley. The upscale gaming parlor has an extensive menu, including favorites like Louisiana crawfish queso and specialty drinks and cocktails like the Fulton Alley sangria. There is a bowling alley, foosball tables, and places to relax and play board games.
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Rock ‘n’ Bowl – Whether you want to rock the night away while enjoying delicious treats and drinks or bowl some frames with friends, you will have a good time.
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Emporium Arcade Bar – The Emporium has the classics, including pinball, hoops, and video arcade games. The bar features local craft beer and cocktails alongside walls adorned with murals by local artists, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Did You Know? Did you know that New Orleans was the home of the first poker game in the United States? The game took place in the 19th century with a 20-card deck instead of today’s 52-card deck.
5) Spin The Night Away At Hotel Monteleone
Looking for a fun and unique night experience? Head to one of the unique hotels in town. From sipping drinks on a carousel to splashing in a rooftop pool with beautiful views, the Hotel Monteleone is the place to go.
Unforgettable experiences await:
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The Carousel Bar & Lounge – The bar began spinning in 1949 and remains the only rotating bar in town. Enjoy craft cocktails and music as the carousel makes a complete revolution approximately every 15 minutes.
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Criollo Restaurant – It is a culinary delight to dine here. From seasonal treats to Creole-inspired dishes and drinks, there is something for every palate.
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Rooftop Pool – At night, the heated pool is a great place to see beautiful views of the skyline and Mississippi River.
Fun Fact: The Hotel Monteleone is said to be haunted. Many guests have reported experiencing paranormal activity.
6) Beyond The Quarter: Uptown & Garden District’s Local Nightlife
The French Quarter is not the only place in town with music, food, and fun. The Garden District, Lower Garden District, Oak Street, and Freret Street are where many locals go for a night out. They have bars, live music, and activities, but not as busy as the French Quarter and Frenchmen Street.
Discover the charm of a local neighborhood:
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Evening Walk – The soft glow of streetlights creates a perfect ambiance for an evening stroll along oak-lined avenues and historic mansions.
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Uptown and Garden District Nightlife – Magazine street has wonderful bars and restaurants, while Oak street has jazz and blues music venues. A few popular haunts in the Garden District are Barrel Proof, known for its whiskey and cocktails and Avenue Pub known for its huge beer selection.
Did You Know? The Rink, a collection of shops in the Garden District, was once a skating rink. Also the Garden District Bookshop, located there, was a favorite of Anne Rice.
7) Riverboat Jazz: Cruising The Moonlit Mississippi
Experience the breathtaking views of the Mississippi River from the deck of a steamboat while live Dixieland jazz music fills the air. The Steamboat Natchez is a truly authentic steamboat and the last boat fully powered by steam that still exists in New Orleans.
While taking in the views, jazz musicians will serenade you. There are dinner options available and a bar onboard for drinks and cocktails. This cruise reveals the softer side of New Orleans.
Pro Tip: The boat has several decks for viewing and relaxing. Head to the top deck for the best views and pictures.
Your New Orleans Adventure Begins When The Sun Goes Down
When the sun goes down, New Orleans turns on its neon welcome sign and comes alive. With the sounds of jazz and other music echoing through the old buildings and people exploring the historic streets drinks-in-hand, there is always a party somewhere.
With New Orleans Secrets Tours, you will get a local perspective on the best places to explore and the stories that make New Orleans unique.
Why wait? Book your nighttime tour today and see a side of New Orleans you will never forget!
