New Orleans' Bourbon Street

Photo by flickr user David Paul Ohmer

Bourbon Street ambles through New Orleans’ French Quarter, the city’s old centre, parallel to the Mississippi River. Famous though out it’s history for it’s lively nightlife and risqué charms, Bourbon Street was always the place to come for the best time in a city known for it’s penchant for a party. The original red light district dating from the end of the 19thCentury which is also credited as being the birthplace of jazz was closed in 1917 and less smutty vaudeville style entertainments moved in but the street gradually reverted to it’s carnal instincts first though exotic dancers then to erotic dancers. The graceful old buildings are still the same but while some of the cafes and bars have retained their charms and the old residential style brothels have become strip clubs, souvenir shops have moved into the Upper Bourbon end of the street. Some of Bourbon Street’s most famous bars, The Old Absinthe House (200 years old), The Cat’s Meow (for karaoke), The Famous Door (for live music), Pat O’Brien’s (home of the Hurricane cocktail) and Johnny White’s are along the central section while the strip clubs are near the Canal Street end. One of America’s oldest gay bars, Café-Lafitte-In-Exile is near the St. Anne Street turn off. The street calms down as it gets closer to it’s end at Pauger, small shops and residences taking over from the cafes, bars and hotels. Bourbon Street comes alive at night, especially around Mardi Gras. To top off your tour of Bourbon Street stop off at the street’s most famous restaurant, Galatoire’s (you’ll be able to see which one it is by the snake like queue of people waiting for a table.).

Information for Visitors to New Orleans' French Quarter.

Written by  World Reviewer Staff.

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