The Big Easy comes alive at night with jazzy trumpets spilling into the streets and patrons raising whiskey and cognac cocktails in celebration. While hitting the iconic bars and clubs in New Orleans seems like the obvious answer for how to spend a night in New Orleans, the party scene is only just the beginning.
A tour we think you'll love
Does New Orleans Have A Good Nightlife?
Absolutely! New Orleans is famous worldwide for its incredible nightlife scene. From live jazz clubs and historic bars to unique pub crawls and late-night food spots, the city offers something for every taste. The nightlife here isn’t just about drinking—it’s about experiencing the culture, music, and vibrant energy that makes New Orleans special.
For most visitors, an evening out in New Orleans involves music, dancing, and drinks. We recommend Bourbon Street and Frenchmen Street for classic nights out, and many people also enjoy haunted tours and pub crawls. Discover our favorite things to do for adults in New Orleans that promise unforgettable memories and endless fun.
Get ready to dive into the vibrant culture, tantalizing flavors, and lively nightlife that make New Orleans a top destination for adults seeking both excitement and charm.
1) Take A Guided Tour
Take the stress out of finding fun things to do in New Orleans for adults at night by signing up for a guided tour that handles all the details. At Tour Orleans, we offer guided walking tours, city tours, swamp tours, food tours, and ghost tours in New Orleans hosted by real New Orleanians. Some of our most popular after-dark New Orleans excursions include:
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New Orleans Ghost Adventures Ghost Tour – Experience America’s most haunted city with this New Orleans ghost tour led by real ghost hunters and licensed New Orleans tour guides. Hear true stories of murder and darkness from the French Quarter as you tour iconic spots like Lalaurie Mansion, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, and more.
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True Crime Pub Crawl – Don’t miss this guided tour of locations tied to the city’s most notable crimes and murders. You might be surprised to find out about True Crime events that happened, maybe even in the hotel where you’re staying!
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Haunted Pub Crawl – Come enjoy spirits among the spirits during this unforgettable pub crawl through the city’s historic heart. Your guide will bring you to the most haunted bars and restaurants of New Orleans for some “drunken history” lessons before stopping at iconic spooky sites like Lalaurie Mansion and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop.
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New Orleans Food Tour w/ Seafood Boil – Prefer a daytime adult activity in New Orleans? Our highly rated food tour through the French Quarter gives you a taste of the city with five to six courses. Walk the streets of the city to learn local history before sitting down to feast on a traditional seafood boil you’ll never forget!
Whether you’re seeking food and culture or chasing spooky thrills, New Orleans is one of the best places in the world for a little adult fun. We want to show you the side of our hometown not all out-of-towners get to see. Bring a little magic to your New Orleans trip. Your unforgettable night in the Big Easy starts here!
Book a guided tour with us today and dive into the heart of New Orleans like a true local!
2) Catch A Live Jazz Show At Preservation Hall
Considered the hub of the music scene in the Big Easy, Preservation Hall on St. Peter Street features live jazz musicians 360 nights a year! Since opening its doors in 1961, the venue has welcomed legendary jazz musicians like Billie and De De Pierce, Sweet Emma Barrett, George Lewis, Punch Miller, The Humphrey Brothers, and many more.
Visiting Preservation Hall is a must for anyone wanting to experience the authentic spirit of New Orleans jazz. The intimate setting allows you to feel the energy and soul of the music up close, creating a unique and unforgettable atmosphere that transports you back to the roots of jazz.
The hall’s dedication to preserving traditional jazz means every performance truly celebrates this rich cultural heritage. It’s a special place for music fans and anyone who loves New Orleans culture.
Planning Your Visit: This is a ticketed venue. To check what’s on the roster for your travel dates, browse the venue’s official calendar of events.
3) Try The Legendary Beignets At Café Du Monde – A Sweet New Orleans Tradition!
Nestled in the City Park neighborhood of New Orleans, this iconic café has been serving up authentic treats and goodies since 1862. The big draws are the legendary beignets and chicory coffee. Café du Monde in New Orleans is open 24 hours a day every day of the year (other than Christmas Day).
What makes Café du Monde special isn’t just the delicious beignets—it’s the whole experience. You’ll love the lively atmosphere filled with locals and tourists, the smell of fresh coffee mixed with powdered sugar in the air, and the chance to enjoy a piece of New Orleans history at one of the city’s most beloved spots.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick sweet snack or settling in to watch the world go by in Jackson Square, this café offers a timeless taste of the city’s soul that keeps visitors coming back time and time again.
Fun Fact: Brought to Louisiana by the Acadians in the later part of the 1700s, beignets are fried, fritter-like pieces of dough served with powdered sugar on top. The reason beignets are typically served in threes is linked with the city’s Catholic culture.
4) Go Bowling At Fulton Alley
Nestled in the warehouse district, Fulton Alley on Fulton Street is the city’s premier spot for adult bowling. The friendly atmosphere and extensive menu of cocktails and draft beers make it easy to stay for hours.
There’s also a full menu featuring treats like sweet-corn hushpuppies, goat cheese flatbread, bourbon praline pecan parfaits, Southern-fried chicken sandwiches, steak frites, and more. Happy hour runs from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. from Wednesday through Friday. During happy hour, guests enjoy half-priced bowling and free shoes.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to bowl on the weekends, consider booking a reservation ahead of time. With plush leather seating and lane-side table service, this bowling alley attracts big crowds on Friday and Saturday nights.
5) Visit Jackson Square
What Is The #1 Attraction In New Orleans? While opinions vary, Jackson Square consistently ranks as the top attraction in New Orleans. This National Historic Landmark combines history, culture, and stunning architecture all in one iconic location. It’s where the Louisiana Purchase was officially signed and remains the heart of the French Quarter.
This National Historic Landmark is one of the most recognizable backdrops in New Orleans. Of course, the square gets its name from the bronze statue of Andrew Jackson on horseback that stands here.
Some of the best ways to spend your time here include:
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Take photos of the iconic St. Louis Cathedral in the distance. Formally known as the Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis, King of France, this place of worship has been an enduring symbol of the city’s rich Catholic heritage, with a church standing on this site since 1720.
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Stroll through the formal gardens near the square, enjoying beautiful flowers, shaded benches, and the peaceful atmosphere that offers a perfect break from the city’s lively streets.
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Watch as local artists create their landscapes on canvas, capturing the vibrant scenes around Jackson Square. It’s also common to see street performers and live musicians adding to the lively and colorful ambiance.
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Admire the iconic Pontalba Buildings. Forming the two sides of Jackson Square, these matching brick four-story buildings constructed between 1849 and 1851 by Baroness Micaela Almonester Pontalba cover one full block. While the top floors are occupied by the city’s oldest continuously rented apartments, the bottom floor contains restaurants and shops. Most people recognize the buildings from photos of the annual Mardi Gras parade.
Good To Know: While the area around Jackson Square stays buzzing after dark, the gates to the park close at 6 p.m. (winter) or 7 p.m. (daylight savings) nightly.
6) Explore The New Orleans Garden District
Famous for its oak-lined streets and Greek Revival mansions, the Garden District is undoubtedly one of the prettiest neighborhoods in the city. The lavish gardens and quaint cottages lining St. Charles Avenue may look familiar to you if you’ve watched footage of the Mardi Gras parade on television. Here’s a look at top attractions to see here:
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Lafayette Cemetery – Founded in 1833, Lafayette Cemetery is a historic cemetery that is often used as a filming location for movies and television. Notably, scenes from 1994’s “Interview With the Vampire” were filmed here. The cemetery is unique because of its ornate family tombs and mausoleums.
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Buckner Mansion – Built in 1856 by a cotton mogul named Sullivan Buckner, Buckner Mansion is one of the most stunning estates in New Orleans. The exterior of the mansion was a filming location for “American Horror Story: Coven.”
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Magazine Street – Spanning six miles parallel to the Mississippi River through portions of the Garden District, Magazine Street is home to shops, restaurants, bars, and plenty of historical architecture.
Pro Tip: Would you like to see most of these attractions without actually covering the neighborhood by foot? A great tip is to hop on the St. Charles Streetcar. The route passes through the district to showcase amazing views of its lush, tree-lined streets and spectacular mansions.
7) Have Fun At The Best Bars And Clubs On Frenchmen Street
While exploring New Orleans’ historic neighborhoods and beautiful architecture during the day is wonderful, there’s just something special about a classic night out on the town for some drinks and live music. For the most eclectic nightlife experience away from the popular and crowded spots on Bourbon Street, head to Frenchmen Street.
Located in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, Frenchmen Street features a famous three-block stretch that’s a hub for music and culture. In fact, it’s one of the best places to see a live jazz band during your stay. Other clubs throughout Frenchmen Street offer blues, reggae, and more.
Here are some of the top bars and clubs to check out on Frenchmen Street:
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The Spotted Cat Music Club – This intimate venue is perfect for experiencing authentic New Orleans jazz in a cozy setting. Known for its nightly live performances and friendly atmosphere, it’s a local favorite that attracts both residents and visitors looking for genuine musical experiences.
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d.b.a. – A spacious bar offering an impressive selection of craft beers, whiskeys, and rum, d.b.a. features live music ranging from jazz and blues to funk and world music. The large outdoor patio is perfect for mingling and enjoying the Frenchmen Street energy.
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Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro – Famous for its excellent acoustics and dinner-and-show format, Snug Harbor hosts some of the city’s most talented jazz musicians. This upscale venue offers a more refined experience with quality food and an extensive wine list alongside the exceptional music.
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Blue Nile – A multi-level venue that showcases everything from local brass bands to international touring acts. The Blue Nile is known for its eclectic music programming and lively dance floor, making it a great spot to experience the diversity of New Orleans nightlife.
Pro Tip: If you want to sip a great libation while enjoying some music, the official cocktail of New Orleans is the Sazerac featuring rye whiskey or cognac, bitters, absinthe, and a sugar cube.
What To Do In New Orleans At Night? – Best Adult Activities You Can’t Miss
New Orleans offers endless nighttime activities beyond the typical bar scene. You can take ghost tours through haunted locations, enjoy live jazz at intimate venues, go on food tours featuring local specialties, or explore the vibrant club scene on Frenchmen Street. The city truly comes alive after dark with music, culture, and entertainment around every corner.
At Tour Orleans, we understand your desire to experience an authentic side of the city beyond the usual tourist spots. That’s why our tours feature unique and thrilling things to do in New Orleans at night that feel fresh, exciting, and truly immersive.
Whether you’re chasing spine-tingling ghost stories, craving delicious local cuisine, or eager to soak up the vibrant music scene, we have something special just for you. Our tours fill up fast, so don’t miss out on your chance to create unforgettable memories in the heart of the Big Easy.
Book your unforgettable experience with us today and explore New Orleans like an insider!
