nola Bachelorette Trip question

There's multiple bars on Bourbon Street, but be careful at night. Most, if not all bars, are 18 years and up to enter in Louisiana.

View Quoted Comment What are somethings we need to look out for? This will be my first time ever going so I’m unaware of the risks lol!

View Quoted Comment Don't walk in dark areas at night, even with a group. I'd suggest a cross body purse because people have been known to run by and grab women's purses while knocking them over. Don't stop for people doing tricks or asking riddles. They're just looking for money. If anyone bets you they know where you got your shoes from, the answer is always on your feet (another riddle).

Some favorite restuarants of mine are Galatore's (fancy), Deanie's (delish fried seafood), and the Court of Two Sisters (pricey, but amazing brunch). Cafe du Monde is always good, but last time I went they only took cash. Not sure if that's different now. The line is almost always long, but it moves really fast so don't worry. I also recommend stopping by Central Grocery and grabbing a muffuletta sandwhich. One of my favorite bars is Pat O'Briens, I love their hurricanes. It's right off of Bourbon Street. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop is also a nice bar to stop by during the day for a quick break. It's one of the oldest bars in the country. I've only ever been during the day and it was in a less crowded area of Bourbon street. I'm not sure of how crowded that end of Bourbon is at night, so I'd be careful.

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I second the Court of Two Sisters. That's the one restaurant I never miss going to when I go!

(And NOLA in July is a special level of hot!!)

View Quoted Comment Court of Two Sisters is a MUST. Also, the Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone is wonderful. It is actually an old carousel that moves around the bar itself. I would highly recommend a ghost tour if you can, we found our tickets last time on Groupon and had a blast! The drinks are open carry, so you can grab a drink and bring it with you on the tour. Swamp tours during the day are also fun, but oh goodness, in July that will be a HOT one. One thing I was upset I did not do last time was the Steamboat Natchez. They have a dinner and brunch option where they take you out on the Mississippi and there is a jazz band playing. I hope you have so much fun, NOLA is one of my all time favorites, and where I’ll be going for my bachelorette as well!

Carousel Bar, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop, Cafe DuMond, Cane and Table in the quarter

Cure is an awesome cocktail bar in the Ferret neighborhood

Bacchanal is a great wine bar with a beautiful outdoor area and has live music

Peshe for an amazing seafood meal

Parkway Bakery and Tavern for PoBoys

I would spend some time walking up and down Magazine Street, TONS of amazing bars and restaurants and it is not as touristy as Bourbon Street.

Parkway tavern all the way! Loved it so much we went back multiple times.

Where are you staying? I agree with all the places PPs have said. Cafe Du Monde is the classic. Port of Call has the best burgers in the city (it's on esplanade, walkable from the quarter and the French market). Check out the French Market...best place to buy touristy things. Definitely do Pat O'brien's (famous for their red Hurricane drink!) and try a Hand Grenade drink (the lime green one) on Bourbon. Hang out in Jackson Square to see all the artists and quickly check out St. Louis Cathedral. There are so many tours...I'd skip the Vampire Tour unless you're a big interview With A vampire movie person. The Ghost tour is great.

If you venture outside of the french quarter, DEFINITELY take the St Charles streetcar line to uptown to view the old mansions and whatnot. Magazine street is full of boutiques and restaurants..definitely more locals and not touristy. I also always went to the Bulldog, which is a beer pub on Magazine. They also have Garden District walking tours and cemetery tours. If you want to do a longer day tour, they have the swamp tours and the plantation tours. Recommend them.

I've been trying to get a huge list of to-dos together on my WW website. Getting hitched there and a majority of invited guests have never been. Venue is Court of 2 sisters, so we definitely endorse that

I also very much second the safety. Situational Awareness! Stay in your group, don't go on streets that are empty, especially at night. Stick to the crowded major streets. Don't carry a lot on you. Definitely do the cross body. or small secure purse/fanny pack. At night I will typically only carry my phone, only like 40$ in cash (maybe a card if I plan to spend more) and hotel keycard/house key. There are pickpockets, so limiting what you have is best.

It's been awhile since I was in that 18-21 range, but I believe I was able to get in to most places before 21 (although things might have changed in 10 years?) Some bars are 21 though.

you'll have a blast! It's such an awesome place

I actually just got back from NOLA last Sunday. I was there for my sisters bachelorette party.
I agree with the above posters about the more well known restaurants and the fun tours. Definitely go to the garden district. The mansions there are absolutely gorgeous. And definitely be careful, especially at night. I personally found NOLA to be kinda shady, I felt like I was constantly looking over my shoulder. Also, the city doesn’t smell very nice. It’s a mixture of urine, sewage, and mules and at times, it was rather nauseating. I know a lot of people love NOLA, and that’s totally cool, to each their own, but I, personally, wouldn’t recommend NOLA or will ever go back.

I have been in July and it is HOT. I got in the pool every night when I got back to the hotel. It is a different kind of heat there, where you sweat instantly as you step out the door. I went a few times when I was underage and the only bar that was strictly 21+ is Channing Tatum's bar. I enjoyed the swamp. It is two stories and has an outdoor patio area. It's been a few years since I've been and I was with my mom, but most places didn't even bother to check my ID.

Where are you staying? I highly reccomend French Quarter Suites courtyard hotel! http://www.frenchquartersuites.com/new-orleans-courtyard/
It is a great hotel in a safe area within walking distance to Bourbon Street. Just be cautious at night and keep on busy roads. One street can be filled with bars and the next is residential. I didn't have any issues on my trips but I felt a lot safer on roads with other people. I agree with the previous posters that the smell is terrible, and I also did not feel safe carrying a purse. I carried my phone, ID and cash. I'd love to go back because I've never stayed more than a day at a time before or after a cruise. If you have time the ghost tours are a lot of fun. I hope you have a great trip! You'll have so much fun!

I lived in New Orleans up until a few years ago (getting married there in July), and I personally don't think it's any more shady or dangerous than any place else. Just be aware of your surroundings and don't walk around looking down at your phone. For a bachelorette and if you have never been to New Orleans you probably want to do some Bourbon Street and all the touristy things PP mentioned, but I would suggest heading down Frenchmen Street for bars and music, smaller crowds and less Quarter smell. Mimi's in the Marigny a little further out is a neat bar with great tapas. If you go Uptown, stop for a late afternoon drink at the Columns Hotel. There are so many good restaurants, something I miss living out in California, and they're not really concentrated in one areaBbut a few of my favorites are Cochon, Cafe Atchafalaya, Jacques-Imo's, and Dooky Chase's.

I was never under 21 living there, so I can't speak to that really.

Thank you everyone for the suggestions! We are staying at the Best Western on St Charles street. Has anyone ever stayed there or know someone who did?

Nola is SO much fun! Jealous! We went last July and yes, it was very hot and humid, so bring plenty pairs of shorts or cool outfits for during the day.

As PP have said, Pat O'Briens, ACME Oyster House, CATZ Piano Bar, etc. There is so much there to do and see! Be very careful at night. We had many people come up to us begging for money or trying to scam us. Keep your personal belongings close and stick with your group. Another fun place to stop in is Marie Laveau's shop or touring the Garden District, especially if you watch American Horror Story.

Also if you have time, definitely do a tour! We didn't get a chance to, but they sound like a blast.

Have fun!!

Court of Two Sisters has an amazing jazz brunch. For the best local spot, go to Coops. It looks like a hole in the wall but the food is incredible. It’s always my first spot to go! Also there’s a place called Yo Mama’s that the name has been changed to something else. Same location though. They have the best peanut butter bacon burger. I know what you’re thinking, but it’s awesome! My fiancé and I go all the time, you’ll love it there!

View Quoted Comment Oh yes! Yo Mama's is sooooo good! I believe the name changed to Port St. Peter though. It does sound like a very strange combo, but the peanut butter bacon burger was delicious.

View Quoted Comment Yes!!! That’s what they changed it to! I couldn’t remember to save my life! It’s under new management but still the same staff. OP you have to try the peanut butter bacon burger. I literally dream about it when I’m not there 😂

I am planning a NOLA bachelorette party in August. I am so glad you started this thread. I have never been there before but always wanted to go.