How to Throw a Perfect New Orleans Bachelorette Party

Through the colorful and music-filled streets of New Orleans, you might happen upon a handful of bachelorette parties with the same ideas of “fun” as you. But the truth is, there are endless opportunities for fun in the Big Easy, whether you’re looking for a creative art scene, lots of live music, or the tastiest of eats. New Orleans is one of the most vibrant cities in the US, making it an ideal destination for bachelorette parties of all kinds. And despite its reputation for rowdiness, New Orleans offers a party atmosphere with plenty of refined, stylish options to host a celebration that’s both highly memorable and tasteful.

You can sip a swanky Sazerac at the Waldorf Astoria’s iconic Sazerac Bar, then dance the night away with a hurricane cocktail while watching a piano duel at the legendary Patrick O’Brien’s. Stay in guaranteed luxury at the Four Seasons by the Mississippi River, have an iconically regal stay at French Quarter’s Hotel Monteleone, or opt for a centrally located Airbnb with a pool for a more private, laid-back vibe.

With no shortage of restaurants, bars, and unique stays, New Orleans has the flexibility to suit any kind of bride and crew. To help you plan the ultimate celebration, we’ve mapped out the best places to eat, stay, and play when planning an unforgettable bachelorette party in New Orleans. Plus, we have recommendations on what to pack for your stay in this lively (and sometimes very humid) city.

FAQ:

Where to eat

For a casual yet elevated food hall experience, stop at St. Roch Market—a space that’s been kicking for over 150 years. It’s best for quick bites before a day of exploring, and is home to various cuisines by local chefs. Brunch-friendly on weekends, St. Roch Market also hosts a £5 mimosas and Bloody Marys special. If you’re looking for a sit-down brunch with a lively atmosphere, Cane & Table brings it with a tropical courtyard, sweeping chandeliers, hearty plates, and a strong cocktail list. For a more dressed-up vibe, Café Amelie offers flowery designs and a menu with NOLA staples like shrimp, grits, and bread pudding—perfect for brunching before heading into the French Quarter. And don’t miss The Country Club’s Drag Brunch, which runs every weekend (just be sure to make your reservation a few months in advance as it fills up fast). .

Hungry Eyes—voted one of 2024’s best new restaurants by our friends at Bon Appetit—is eclectically designed and home to killer cocktails that work well with their unique dishes to share. Make sure to order the artichoke hearts on char-grilled oysters with artichoke dip and one (or two) of the well-loved green apple martinis. The space feels like a time machine transported back to the ’80s—with tasteful neon signs, black and white checkered wallpaper, and velvet red seats, making it a perfect dinner spot for a large group.

Sylvain is set in a candlelit townhouse in the Quarter. It serves upscale gastropub dishes in a courtyard that feels like a tucked-away garden party. Bacchannal is another great pick: The wine shop turned backyard party is located deep in the Bywater and well worth the Uber ride. Grab a bottle, a cheese board, and settle into the lush patio with live music in the background. It’s not fancy, but it’s certainly memorable.

Just down the road, Bywater American Bistro (BABs) offers refined comfort food with local roots and Italian influence. You’ll find delicious pastas, seafood, and bold mains served in a casual-but-carefully-done space. Led by chef Nina Compton, it’s a great option for a slightly swankier, food-forward night.

And in nearby Marigny, Paladar 511 strikes a balance between laid-back and sharp. The vibe is cool but unfussy, and the menu pulls from its California origin (and also boasts an Italian influence)—think short rib arancini, yellowfin crudo with avocado, and homemade pastas. It’s ideal for a long lunch or relaxed dinner with great wine and conversation.

There’s no shortage of options for scrumptious beignets, a must-have when in the Big Easy. The iconic Café du Monde is definitely worth the long line if it’s your first time to the city. Or, sit outside at Café Beignet on Royal Street—the courtyard space is as charming as the beignets are delicious.

Where to stay

Just off the French Quarter, Hotel Monteleone is a historic and fun hotel. Its convenient location makes it a top contender, but it also has a way of feeling removed from the heart of the chaos, thanks to its regal design and ambiance. The property boasts a rooftop pool with a pool bar, as well as the famous Carousel Bar (where you should play—but more on that below).

Tucked away in Maringy, Hotel Peter & Paul is one of the more upscale, refined, and charming stays in NOLA. Probably best for design-loving brides, the property is from one of the US’s hottest design hoteliers, who got theatrical on a grand old church with very affordable rooms. That said, the pace is ever-tasteful and timeless—with a playful storybook essence near a lush park and only a 15-minute walk from the heart of the French Quarter. The Elysian Bar, located on the ground floor of the former rectory, is a series of four warm, fantastical spaces run by the team behind pioneering New Orleans wine bar Bacchanal.

The serendipitous and historically iconic space that is Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone

Josh Brasted

For guaranteed luxury, the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans is only about a 10-minute walk to the French Quarter. As for the service, it’s nice to know that there’s a Louisianan friendliness that further softens the polite formality of the Four Seasons brand. Inside, the Chandelier Bar has quickly become one of the most memorable watering holes in New Orleans, with its show-stopping chandelier that’s a gleaming cascade of some 15,000 crystals. It’s also just across the street from the Nobu Hotel Caesars—in case you want to dabble in some late-night gambling.

The Chloe is a fabulous option in Uptown New Orleans, which means it can feel quite local and chi-chi, and is a world away from the 24/7 energy of the Quarter and Marigny. On the other hand, St. Charles Avenue is a grand thoroughfare lined with centuries-old live oaks, ornate mansions of all eras, and the St. Charles streetcar. Best for the stylish and laid-back bride, the front yard and art-filled parlors are see-and-be-seen, while the backyard and pool are a little more hidden with a separate bar that cranks out frozen margaritas and beer-and-shot combos. Nearby, overlooking St. Charles Avenue, a stay at the Pontchartrain Hotel feels like a celebration in and of itself. The absolute attention to design details and value make it a must-stay for anyone unafraid to explore outside of the French Quarter. The rooftop bar, Hot Tin, is as busy with locals as guests, which is always a good sign, and its city views are unparalleled.

As for more spacious and private stays with rooms to settle in, booking an Airbnb for a bachelorette party is never a bad idea, especially here. There are heaps of New Orleans Airbnbs to choose from: For one, this entire home named Le Debut Esplanade is located just off of the French Quarter. With three bedrooms and three full baths (with one king bed, three queens, and one full), it easily sleeps six to eight guests. As well as park and canal views, the historic home features a hot tub, a sauna, a private movie theater with a popcorn machine, and a game room. A bit farther away from the Quarter (a 30-minute walk or an 8-minute drive) is a refined mansion Airbnb called The Mazant. The Bywater property is huge and ideal for larger groups. It can fit up to 16 guests (or more if needed), with 12 beds spread out among 8 bedrooms. It features a pool, a hot tub, and a barbecue area and firepit, as well as a corner yard for picnics under the oak tree.

Airbnb with sauna & jacuzzi

Bed & bath: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths
Top amenities: Hot tub, putting green, game room

Airbnb for a larger gathering

Bed & bath: 8 bedrooms, 5.5 baths
Top amenities: Firepit, grill, gated yard

Where to play

Live music is a staple of this city, and Frenchman Street is one of the best places to experience local acts. It’s walkable, packed with energy, and filled with live music in every doorway. Stop into The Spotted Cat for classic jazz, then hop to d.b.a. for a brass band or funk set. For a change of pace, Cafe Negril often has more of a reggae or Latin beat, and Favela Chic adds a DJ-fueled dance-after-dark vibe. For something with a little more history (and air-conditioning), head to Tipitina’s uptown—famous for hosting everyone from brass ensembles to major touring acts in a venue that feels both local and legendary. As for buzzy bars, back in the heart of the Quarter, Fritzel’s Jazz Club on Bourbon offers traditional jazz or brass in a dive-bar-sort-of-space that doesn’t feel like a tourist trap. Swing by Patrick O’Brien’s (known as “Pat O’s” or “Patty O’s”) for a Hurricane cocktail in the courtyard or join the singalong in the indoor piano bar. Every night, they host piano duels performed by talented local artists, and take requests for songs from the audience (who write their requests on bar napkins). And when the moment’s right, Cat’s Meow is the go-to for karaoke—it’s kitschy, loud, and unfiltered in all of the best ways.