The Complete New Orleans Bachelor Party City Guide

If you're looking for a lively and booming bachelor party destination, New Orleans is a solid choice. Of course, the Big Easy is famous for Mardi Gras and its annual Jazz Fest, but the city is especially great for groups. Bachelor parties can hit the town any time of year for a memorable celebration. Check out some of our favorite picks for a New Orleans bachelor party, including the best establishments, properties and more.

In This Article:

• What Are Some New Orleans Bachelor Party Ideas?
• What Do You Do at a Bachelor Party in New Orleans?
• Where Should I Stay in New Orleans for a Bachelor Party?
• New Orleans Bachelor Party Nightlife
• Expert New Orleans Travel Tips

What Are Some New Orleans Bachelor Party Ideas?

New Orleans has plenty to offer to bachelor party groups. Whether the group is looking for good drinks, some of Louisiana's most iconic eats (hello po' boys and muffulettas) or excursions into the great outdoors, there's something for everyone in NOLA. Whatever you do: Don't forget to thank your crew with swag from The Knot Shop.

For the Nature Lovers

Ever wanted to see a gator in real life? Now's your chance. Jump on an airboat tour just outside of the city, where you'll fly above the water and have a few close encounters with these creatures and the surrounding wildlife.

FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT

For the Foodies

New Orleans is one of America's most iconic food cities so you should make the most of stuffing your gut here, be it at world-class, Michelin-starred restaurants or local favorites serving some of the best seafood, sandwiches and coffee around.

For the Drinkers

Its reputation as a party city precedes New Orleans, but it's not an unwarranted legacy—this is the home of Mardi Gras after all. Especially when it comes to the historic and iconic, Bourbon Street where you'll find a wide range of bars offering everything from live music to nightclub vibes—and good drinks like Hurricanes, too.

What Do You Do at a Bachelor Party in New Orleans?

Emmy Wildenberg / Getty Images

For the ultimate bachelor party itinerary in New Orleans, follow our three-day guide to make the most of everything the city has to offer.

Day 1

Morning: You can't visit New Orleans without a stop at Cafe du Monde, so why not start the trip with a stop by the establishment? This iconic destination (seriously, it's been around since 1862) offers world-famous chicory coffee alongside powder sugar-covered beignets.

Afternoon: Burn off those pastries by getting to know the city on two wheels. Confederacy of Cruisers offers a number of easy-to-pedal tours that will show you different sides of city life. Pick between a culinary tour (a three- to four-hour tour with stops at various foodie hot spots); a cocktail tour that includes five stops and drinks at each; or a Creole tour to see the historic architecture that runs from the French Quarter to the suburbs.

Evening: Start the night with dinner at Toups Meatery, where the name lives up to the menu. You'll find a menu featuring venison, Wagyu steak, BBQ Mississippi rabbit and more meat, alongside tasty favorites like Seafood Couvillion, made with fish, shrimp and crab fried rice. Plus, you can order cocktails by the pitcher. After dinner head to one of a few nearby bars: The Wrong Iron for 50 beers, 10 wines and a few cocktails on tap; The Bulldog Mid-City, for a lively pub atmosphere with craft beer and an outside garden space; or the Mid City Yacht Club where you'll find outdoor space and sports on TV.

Day 2

Morning: Have brunch today with a side of live music at Atchafalaya, known for its jazz and Southern Creole fare. While you listen to good music, dine on crispy oysters, deviled eggs, eggs Louisianne (a Creole crab cake, poached eggs, spinach and artichoke puree) and Lowcountry shrimp and grits among other tasty dishes.

Afternoon: Today it's time for one of New Orleans' most memorable adventures, an airboat tour. Book your Swamp Tour (boats hold anywhere from 6 to 30 passengers) for a nearly two-hour adventure where you'll keep an eye out for massive alligators, as well as other Louisiana creatures, including snakes, turtles, egrets, hawks, bald eagles and more. Not only will you get a thrill from the wildlife encounters, but you'll also love speeding down these unique waterways on an airboat.

Evening: Make the most of everything New Orleans has to offer with a night in the French Quarter and on Bourbon Street. The 13-block stretch offers more than 50 bars and it's worthwhile to hit as many as you can. Start at Erin Rose where you can also grab dinner—a classic po'boy, the area's must-have sandwich, alongside cocktails and beer. Chose between Pat O'Brien's for a taste of the original Hurricane cocktail, a New Orleans classic. Maison and The Spotted Cat Music Club are great spots to catch live jazz. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar was built in the 1700s, is dark and loud and is home to some famous drinks. The Swamp offers a club vibe with a mechanical bull, wraparound balcony and courtyard. Or the Bourbon Street Drinkery offers cocktails and craft beers in a modern art space. Of course, you can just see where the night takes you!

Day 3

Morning: The last brunch of the weekend is at Willa Jean in the Warehouse District. Their seasonal brunch menu includes a wide biscuit situation, ranging from a heavy fried chicken and Tabasco honey to a sweet and fluffy jam and butter option.

Afternoon: Take your pick today: A pool party or a high-speed adventure. For the first, The Country Club offers day passes to its pool where there's a bar, restaurant and clothing optional policy for a one-of-a-kind pool party. If you'd rather have a different kind of fun, head to NoLa Motorsports, the largest karting track in the country. You'll race on 30 acres of go-kart track or feel the speed in a car like a Ferrari 458 on the park's race track.

Evening: Your last dinner is at Barrows Catfish, a local spot that has roots back to 1943. On the menu, you'll find New Orleans favorites, including BBQ shrimp, charbroiled oysters, crab claws, gumbo and, of course, catfish platters. End the weekend at Rock 'n' Bowl where you'll find live music, bowling and a lively bar all-in-one space. It's a worthwhile party scene to close out your New Orleans bachelor party.

Where Should I Stay in New Orleans for a Bachelor Party?

Hyatt New Orleans

If you stay in the center of downtown, you and your crew can walk to many of the city's attractions. For activities outside of the city, Ubers are readily available.

Best New Orleans Bachelor Party Hotels

New Orleans Marriott: A higher-end spot centrally located on Canal Street, this option is within easy walking distance to both the Warehouse District and French Quarter.

Hyatt Centric French Quarter: The property offers an outdoor pool to beat the NOLA heat. There's also an on-site bar, two restaurants and a lively atmosphere. However, the greatest feature of all is that this stay is within a 10-minute walk to Bourbon Street.

Royal Sonesta Hotel: This option offers a French Quarter experience with budgets in mind. It includes a lively outdoor pool, jazz club, Cajun restaurants and nice rooms.

Best New Orleans Bachelor Party Home Rentals

New Orleans at Its Finest: For large groups, this spot is steps away from the French Quarter. Plus, it has its own pool (for those hot summer days) and plenty of outdoor space. It sleeps up to 16 across eight bedrooms.

The Chartres Estate: Great for smaller groups (up to eight attendees), this property is for those looking to be in the heart of the French Quarter. It features a balcony that overlooks the party on Frenchmen Street.

Party Pad: Groups of 12 will love this spacious townhome just three blocks from Bourbon Street.

New Orleans Bachelor Party Nightlife

Hyatt New Orleans

Here's exactly where to eat incredible Southern cuisine in New Orleans before enjoying jazz and more into the night.

Best New Orleans Bachelor Restaurants

Cochon: Tantalize the team with traditional Cajun delights at the rustic warehouse restaurant, Cochon. Using locally sourced ingredients, every bite is packed with flavor and freshness. Since Cochon is 'pig' in French, you'll want to go the whole hog—head included—sided with cheese. For the squeamish, fear not, an oyster and bacon sandwich will more than satisfy any pork craving.

Pêche Seafood Grill: If seafood's on the brain, then paddle over to Pêche. The eaterie is a local favorite for catches of the day, from tuna to jumbo shrimp, cooked on a wood-fired grill. However, to really taste that gulf coast freshness, do it the raw bar way. Their seafood platter makes for an excellent sharing choice for a hungry party. A full bar pouring cocktails, wines, and beers has the perfect pairing for each course.

Gris-Gris: For a more refined bachelor dinner, Gris-Gris is the place to sport a shirt and pants in NOLA. Yes, you'll find casual eats on the menu, like grits and burgers, but Chef Eric Cook presents them in a way that your camera lens will salivate. Start with a cocktail, and pair your meals with selects from their excellent list of European wines

Best New Orleans Bachelor Party Bars

The Spotted Cat Music Club: First-time visitors to New Orleans won't want to miss "The Cat." This jazz club is a Louisiana institution and one of the few authentic-of-its-kind left in the city. Come for traditional and modern jazz, blues, funk, klezmer and more. Most of the shows are free, and there are no reservations taken at this mostly standing-dancing venue. (Pro tip: Visit on weekdays or arrive early on weekends to get closer to the bands.)

Finn McCool's Irish Pub: An Irish pub is always a merry time, so take the boys for some green-themed fun at Finn McCool's. The Banks Street watering hole isn't just for great camaraderie, Guinness and folk music: it's a sports bar too. Regulars pack the place on game day, so if you're the party that's into the NFL, NBA, Premier League or even rugby, get ready for a good time.

Peacock Room: Those with a penchant for artistically crafted cocktails will love the Peacock Room, a bar within NOLA's Kimpton Hotel. You'll enter a boudoir that's filled with wild patterns and rich, textured furnishings. Evenings have a distinct sultry vibe, and some say it's like transporting to another era. Don't miss anything with Sazerac, New Orlean's iconic drink, and look out for live music on selected nights.

Expert New Orleans Travel Tips

Travelers by plane will arrive at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, which is a 25-minute ride to the French Quarter. As with most of the South, you'll need to rent a car or rely on rideshares if traveling short distances around town. Walking downtown can be pleasant in good weather. Speaking of which, New Orleans is especially vulnerable to hurricanes, so perhaps avoid traveling in that season which runs from June to November.

Allyson Johnson contributed to this article.