Plan the Perfect Bachelor Party in New Orleans

There’s no denying that New Orleans is the ideal city for a bachelor party. With an incredible bar scene, top-notch culinary offerings, rich history, and, of course, Bourbon Street, it’s the perfect place to celebrate. If you find yourself organizing a bachelor party in New Orleans, here’s a comprehensive guide to the best restaurants, hotels, bars, and activities in NOLA.

Best Hotel for a Bachelor Party in New Orleans

You’ll need a proper crash pad during your New Orleans bachelor party.

Royal Sonesta

This French Quarter hotel features nearly 500 rooms and suites, many boasting balconies overlooking lively Bourbon Street. Experience the excitement below from the comfort of the party-perfect Entertainment suites, accommodating up to six guests and equipped with fully stocked wet bars. Don’t forget to relax at the expansive Oasis pool for a refreshing dip before heading out.

300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, (504) 586-0300, sonesta.com

Ace Hotel New Orleans

There’s more to NOLA than Bourbon Street. For immediate access to the local party scene, consider staying at Ace Hotel New Orleans, where the rooftop pool attracts the city’s trendsetters during the day. At night, the Three Keys club features a range of musical acts, from local blues bands to various artists, in its mostly-free concerts.

600 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130, (504) 900-1180, acehotel.com

Best Restaurants in New Orleans for a Bachelor Party

Fuel up with your friends at these New Orleans restaurants that offer a taste of the city’s acclaimed culinary scene while being perfect for groups.

Cochon Butcher

Secure several tables at this casual Warehouse District spot and indulge in hearty carbs. Taking inspiration from European meat markets, Cochon Butcher serves hearty sandwiches packed with house-cured meats, terrines, and sausages. The must-try is the muffaletta, a classic New Orleans sandwich featuring salami, ham, mortadella, olives, Swiss, and provolone. Unlike many local sandwich spots, Cochon serves its version hot, ensuring the cheese melts deliciously.

Doris Metropolitan

The muffaletta at Cochon Butcher is just an appetizer compared to what awaits at Doris Metropolitan. This Middle Eastern-influenced steakhouse spotlights dry-aged meats, displayed in a glass-walled room lit by chandeliers. Offering fine dining with a relaxed vibe, Doris Metropolitan is a popular choice for bachelor parties looking for an upscale start to a night filled with fun.

Best Bars in New Orleans for a Bachelor Party

In the Crescent City, the traditional five o’clock rule hardly applies; drinking can easily become a 24-hour event. Here are some great bars to check out during your New Orleans bachelor party weekend.

St. Lawrence

This French Quarter gastropub serves as an ideal first stop during your bachelor party pub crawl. Start the night with a cold beer or a sazerac in this vibrant bar before transitioning to their famous frozen daiquiris. St. Lawrence remains open until 2 a.m., so you may find yourself returning later. Pro tip: Grab a drink to-go before heading out—you’ll want to stay refreshed on your way to the next bar since drinking on Bourbon Street is completely legal.

Pat O’Brien’s

When planning a New Orleans bachelor party, including Pat O’Brien’s is practically mandatory; this venue is famous for its rum-based Hurricanes. Located just off Bourbon Street, O’Brien’s serves this ruby red cocktail in signature glasses that have become New Orleans souvenirs.

Unique Activities in New Orleans for a Bachelor Party

At least once during your New Orleans bachelor party, you’ll want to escape the crowds of Bourbon Street. Here are some activities to enjoy when it’s time to shift gears:

Join a Swamp Tour

Venture into the nearby bayous for an exciting swamp tour. Observe snakes, egrets, and alligators up close in these lush lagoons. Numerous tour operators cater to every taste—choose from high-speed group and private airboat rides like Louisiana Tour Company and Airboat Adventures, or opt for a more peaceful experience with Kayak Swamp Tours, which provides a calm look at the gator-filled ecosystem.

Hear Some Jazz at Snug Harbor

Jazz is integral to New Orleans culture, with street corners often transforming into concert venues. For the serious jazz aficionado, Snug Harbor stands out as the city’s premier jazz club, showcasing top artists like the Ellis Marsalis Quintet. Due to its popularity, be sure to secure a reservation, as it’s typically crowded every night.

Bachelor Party Packages in New Orleans

New Orleans is well-versed in hosting bachelor parties, with various businesses offering tailored packages. Here are two worth checking out:

The Penthouse Bachelor Party

If you’re planning to visit a gentlemen’s club (which is quite likely), consider The Penthouse. Renowned for its beautiful dancers across three bars on two floors, it has long been a favorite in New Orleans. Their bachelor party packages boast skip-the-line entry, VIP seating, bottle service, and priority access to DJs.

NOLA Brew Bus

Explore Crescent City’s thriving craft beer scene with NOLA Brew Bus’s bachelor party tour. Up to twelve guests can enjoy an afternoon at three renowned breweries in Uptown, with transportation provided in a luxurious party bus. The bachelor party experience lasts nearly four hours and includes six drinks per guest.