New Orleans, French Quarter , Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans is one of the most famous streets in the United States. Tourists come to Bourbon Street from all over the world for the wild party atmosphere found on Bourbon Street throughout most of the year.

When the city of New Orleans was first founded in 1718 the city was laid out and built around the French Quarter. New Orleans has since grown into a city far bigger than anyone would have ever imagined but the French Quarter has remained the most popular part of New Orleans and Bourbon Street is probably the most famous street in New Orleans.

It is the upper eight blocks of Bourbon Street that is the most popular with the tourists. Bourbon Street starts at Canal Street in the central business district of New Orleans. Across the street from Canal Street in the other direction is Carondelet Street. Bourbon Street runs from Canal Street down to Esplanade Avenue. The lower end of Bourbon Street going down to Esplanade Avenue can be not as safe for tourists as the upper eight blocks of the street going towards Canal Street. So for your safety stay in the upper eight blocks with the rest of the tourists and you will enjoy yourself and be perfectly safe.

In case you're wondering Bourbon Street was named for for the House of Bourbon which was the ruling French Royal Family at the time that the French Quarter and the city of New Orleans was founded.

You will find as you walk down Bourbon Street that it is filled with strip clubs, restaurants, clubs, bars and etc. If your an adult looking to have adult fun then Bourbon Street is the perfect place for you to have fun. Down about the center of Bourbon Street you'll find such famous bars as The Cats Meow, Johnny Whites, Famous Door, and Razzoo.

Don't bring your kids in strollers to Bourbon Street especially at night. People do throw beads to the women and yes they show off to get the beads so you have been warned that the atmosphere can get quite exotic especially at night on Bourbon Street. I once watched a guy walking along carrying a coffin on his shoulder and leading his girlfriend on a leash. Both were dressed like vampires and it wasn't even near Mardi Gras time.You just never know what your going to see come down the street on Bourbon Street.

Cafe-Lafitte-In-Exile is one of the most famous and popular Night Clubs for Gays on Bourbon Street. It is also the oldest Gay Bar in the United States. You should also check out, The Bourbon Pub if your looking for Gay Bars. Both are very fine establishments with a very devoted following. People come to these two bars from all over the world and straight people are also welcome to join in the fun.

You will find Bourbon Street relatively quite in the day time but it really pumps up and comes alive at night. During the New Orleans Mardi Gras you will find hundreds of thousands of people visiting Bourbon Street.

Don't Miss One Of The Best If Not The Best Restaurant's On Bourbon Street , Galatoire's

Galatoire's is one of the oldest and most famous restaurants in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Galatoires is located at 209 Bourbon Street and was founded in 1897. The restaurant moved to its current location in 1905 when Galatoire its founder purchased a restaurant named Victors Restaurant and moved Galatoire's there to its present location. Victors Restaurant had been there since 1830. You will find that Galatoire's serves French Creole cuisine and the restaurant is currently operated by the fourth generation of Galatoire's. During the lunch hours dress is casual but after 5 P.M. and all day on Sunday gentlemen must wear coats. In case you don't know American Writer Tennessee Williams mentioned Galatoire's in his book and play , A Streetcar Named Desire. The writer loved to eat at the restaurant and he liked to eat at a table by the front main window.

Yes You Can Drink On The Streets Of The French Quarter

Open container laws in the French Quarter of New Orleans allows you to walk along and drink from plastic cups though cans and bottles are prohibited on the street. You will find that at many of the bars and clubs on Bourbon Street you will be served in a plastic cup so you can take it and go if you wish. Many bars serve very large drinks like hurricanes in large decorated plastic glasses.

At 623 Bourbon Street you can see the house where Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote once lived. Both loved Bourbon Street and spent a large part of their lives here. Be sure that you check out Bourbon Street by day and by night. And if you've come to New Orleans to party then Bourbon Street is the place to do it. And I would have to say that if you come to New Orleans and you don't visit Bourbon Street then your missing a part of New Orleans.

The Food On Bourbon Street

Be sure while your on Bourbon street and in the surrounding areas that you try things like Gumbo, Deep Fried Oysters, Fried Shrimp and you just have to try Cray Fish while you're here. Just ask a local in one of the bars how to eat the Cray Fish. If you've never had Gumbo give it a try. You just may find you love it. I know I do. You also want to taste and experience French Creole Cooking while your on Bourbon Street. I just simply love Bourbon Street and its many restaurants. I will tell you that I have never had a bad meal on Bourbon Street or anywhere in the French Quarter for that matter. So be sure you check out the food.