New Orleans Bachelorette Party

Having a bachelorette party in New Orleans is one of the most no-brainer ideas a group could make. Growing up in this city, I’ve done it all as a female with friends. Whether it being a bachelorette party or a girls night out, a staycation or weekend for ladies, I know what activities to recommend. We have so much to offer here, so if you and your group are looking for a place to plan a bachelorette party, look no further than New Orleans. From streetcar rides to karaoke to strolling the French Quarter, you are well taken care of here. So many people come from all over the world to visit, and when it’s for a special occasion like a bachelorette party, it makes it even more fun. I’m going to narrow down some tried-and-true activities for the ladies and help make this party the best ever.

Strolling Through the French Quarter

New Orleans Bachelorette Party

There are many reasons why New Orleans is a great destination to have a bachelorette party. We have a very accessible airport, and many nonstop flights here. It’s also a city that is generally walkable, or you can take the streetcar or hop-on-hop-off bus to get around. For other methods of transportation, I wrote a blog on how to get around New Orleans, which could be helpful. There are so many great things to do here, and it’s not a super expensive city to visit. You can accommodate people with all levels of budgets, so the party won’t feel alienated with over-the-top expensive activities and meals. I’m going to recommend things I and my friends would enjoy and would have enjoyed at a bachelorette get-together. I know this will be really useful for those of you planning.

Ladies Night!

Is New Orleans Safe for a Bachelorette Party?

As a native and resident, New Orleans is safe for bachelorette parties. As someone who has been drunk as a skunk in her early years to now being in my mid-40s and way less feral, I know that with the right frame, staying safe is not an issue. My blog on solo travel to New Orleans is a great outline for things I would do and how I would behave in general, and I think there could be several overlapping activities. Since this is a bachelorette trip, though, I do want to make sure to give some air time to larger parties. I don’t know how big yours is, but all of these will work for your group. I’ve done it all, and I know what I’m talking about, so let’s see what trouble we can get up to…without getting into trouble, and staying safe.

Pool at the Garden District Hotel

Where to Stay in New Orleans for Bachelorette Party

There is not a shortage of lovely hotels that you could stay in for a bachelorette party in New Orleans. However, there are some with great locations and ease of getting around, cleanliness, and all the other things ladies would want in a place to stay. I won’t be recommending AirBnBs because they are very controversial in this city, so if that’s the route you’re taking, you’re on your own. The places I’ll recommend are hotels, as we are a hospitality city and hotels are a big part of how we keep the city circulating and people employed. I’m not here to judge, just to educate. So, if a hotel is the way you want to go, let’s dive in.

Hotel Monteleone

Staying at the Hotel Monteleone would be nothing short of luxury for your bachelorette party. It’s located in the French Quarter, yet you won’t be subject to the loudness of people on the street all night long. It houses the Carousel Bar, which is a fantastic place to get an evening started and to take iconic photos. And we all know photos need to happen or else the trip didn’t actually happen.

Bourbon Orleans

You can’t get much more central than the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. I have a personal interest in it because it was on the Netflix show Your Honor, which I really enjoyed. The hotel also has a heated pool, always a hit with the ladies in the bachelorette parties. The walkability of this hotel is awesome, and it’s a nice hotel in general. Perfect for a weekend stay.

The Royal Sonesta

If you really want to lean into the party vibe, The Royal Sonesta is the place to stay. You can get a balcony overlooking Bourbon Street, and maybe even throw beads as passersby. The hotel has a pool, and the interior of the hotel is pretty quiet from all the street noise. Depending on how committed you are to staying in the heart of the French Quarter, this could be the perfect spot for your bachelorette party.

Hotel Perle

The Hotel Perle has a very fascinating history that you can read about here. For time's sake, I'll tell you just about the hotel and why it's a perfect choice for your bachelorette party. This hotel was created for larger groups so that you can all stay together. Instead of doing AirBnB (which in this city are very controversial), you can stay in a hotel that accommodates your parties of many people. It's like having your own apartment - how great is that? If I were booking a large party, I would highly consider this place. It's kind of perfect.

Hotel Saint Vincent

Chic and sexy, the Hotel Saint Vincent is one of the top hotels I would probably stay at if I were arranging a bachelorette party. It has everything from restaurants to a pool to bars inside the grounds of the hotel, and its location cannot be beat. Located in the Garden District, you can walk, take the streetcar, or Uber around to get to where you need to be, if you even want to leave the hotel. I loved watching the old building come to life during construction, and I think you’ll love seeing what they’ve done.

The Garden District Hotel

The Garden District Hotel is a boutique hotel and one that I discovered a while ago, and I am in love with its vibe. The pool area looks like a mini resort, and I love that you could spend the entire day relaxing by it, ordering food and drinks. Also located in the Garden District (duh, the name), you can get anywhere in the city rather easily. The bar inside the hotel is one that I enjoy sitting at as a local. This would be a hit for a New Orleans bachelorette party, hands down.

The Pontchartrain Hotel

Location location location! You can see the realtor coming out in me now (yes, I am a real estate broker in New Orleans). The Pontchartrain Hotel is right on St. Charles Avenue, making it ideal for anywhere you want to get to on the green line. The rooftop bar called Hot Tin is something special, and the views are definitely photo-worthy. Locals and visitors alike enjoy this hotel for various reasons, and a bachelorette party would no doubt be a great match.

CDM for Beignets & Coffee

What to Do in New Orleans for Bachelorette Party

There’s so much to do in New Orleans in general - how do you choose? I’m sure your group will help you narrow down some options, or maybe you’re the one in charge and get to pick out all the activities. Whatever the structure, these ideas will help you plan a really good bachelorette party here in New Orleans. Most will be crowd-pleasing, as I know they work for most ladies in a bunch. Put on your "I'm with the bride" sashes, your white clothing, and grab your penis straws, and let’s get busy.

Walk Along Magazine & Do Some Shopping

One of my favorite things to do is walk up and down Magazine Street and peruse the shops along the street. There are tons of different types of shops, mostly located in different pockets along the way, and it’s delightful to go in and out, supporting local businesses and getting some retail therapy.

Ride the St. Charles Streetcar

Riding the St. Charles streetcar (the green line) is something that, even for a few blocks, is pleasant and very low key. You can hop on at any of the stops and use your Le Pass app to pay for the ride. It’s a buck and some change to ride, and an enjoyable way to see the avenue. Stop off for lunch or cocktails along the way for even more fun.

Stroll Around the French Quarter & Jackson Square

When you’re strolling around the French Quarter, if you have the urge to wear Mardi Gras beads, you will stand out as a tourist. But guess what? You are! It’s fun - no shame. I’d encourage you to stroll down Royal Street for some beautiful antique shopping and likely some street performers playing live music. This is a must do if you ask me while visiting New Orleans for any occasion.

Pool Day

Many of the hotels I mention above have pools, so why not do a full blown pool day? This has become a favorite pastime for visitors and locals alike. During the warmer or hotter months, you’ll find people parked at the pool, sipping cool cocktails and enjoying a book or their friends. This is a great day for a bachelorette party. If your hotel doesn’t have a pool, many will let you go to theirs for a fee.

Evening Cocktails at a Bar

So many amazing places to have a cocktail and enjoy the evening. I wrote a blog on the best bars in New Orleans, and I stand by this list. There’s nothing better than being with your girlfriends and enjoying each other’s silliness over some fancy cocktails or wine. There’s no shortage of places to go. One that I didn’t list that could be fun is the dueling pianos at Pat O’Brien’s. Take it easy on the hurricane mixed cocktails. More than one might send you straight back to the hotel and in the bathroom all night.

Dinner & Live Music

You have some choices. You could either do a nice dinner before you go listen to live music, or you could have dinner while listening to a performance. A couple of the combo live music and dinner places are: Snug Harbor and Three Muses. Most other live music venues (particularly on or around Frenchmen Street) are music only. Not a problem - our restaurant choices are plentiful and delicious.

A Minute on Bourbon Street

When I say a minute on Bourbon Street, I’m half kidding, but really don’t spend too much time there. There are much better places to spend your time. If you’re insisting on spending more than a few minutes, go to the Cat’s Meow bar and do some karaoke. I’ve had many a night there with friends all on stage and belting out songs to the eager crowd. It’s one of the only places I’d still go as a local on Bourbon.

Beignets & Coffee

Most of you are going to want to hit Cafe du Monde when you’re here for beignets. I’m not totally opposed to it because it’s conveniently located in the French Quarter, but if you can get out of the FQ, head to Morning Call or The Vintage. Other noteworthy places are Cafe Beignet and Loretta’s. Regardless, you’ll get some good eats and a major sugar rush.

Tarot Card Reading (if it’s Your Thing)

While I’m not super into this, I’ve been asked many times where to go for tarot card readings, so I’ll add it if that’s something you’re into. A friend who I trust told me about a couple: Bottom of the Cup on Chartres Street, and Voodoo Authentica. I have no personal experience, but my friend does and seemed to like both experiences.

Walking Tour

Not all tours are built the same. From my experience, and I am very particular, I would go with these tour companies for certain. If you choose to do your own thing, that's on you! Orion Couling does a fantastic tour in the French Quarter with his ghost tour. DeAnna DuPont's tour company is top notch, and I recommend her Witches Coven Garden District tour. For a unique food tour experience, Bon Moment is the way to go with Michelle. Your group will be ecstatic with any of these.

Cafe Degas

Best Restaurants in New Orleans Bachelorette Party

You gotta eat, right? Hopefully you’ve scheduled some time to eat well, as we are known for our foods. I’ve written a blog on must eat New Orleans foods, but I have some other suggestions as well. Of course there are tons from which to choose, but these are my suggestions for a bachelorette party in New Orleans.

Brennan’s

There’s no going wrong with Brennan’s restaurant in the French Quarter. Don’t get it confused with the 100 other Brennan’s named restaurants. This one is on Royal Street and the building is pink. You can’t mistake it. Having a lunch, brunch, or dinner here would be ideal for a bachelorette party because the menu is classic New Orleans and the courtyard on a nice day is iconic.

Commander’s Palace

We all love a good Commander’s Palace lunch or dinner. They have what feels like 30 rooms that you’ll weave in and out of to get to your seat, and everyone greets you like you’re in Beauty and the Beast. It’s kind of magical. Everyone feel like a star walking through there. Some of their lunches have $.25 martinis, and they limit you to three. Do you really need more than that? Doubtful. The food is delicious and it’s a fantastic experience in all.

Drag Brunch at the Country Club

What ladies don’t like a drag brunch? The Country Club is such a great venue. I like going there regularly, as the food is so delicious and the vibe is really ideal. They have wine, cocktails, and mocktails on the menu, and as I write this i’m eating leftover macaroni and cheese from there. Their pool on a nice day is great to dine by, but if you’re going for drag brunch, you’ll be seated inside most likely. Definitely a crowd pleaser.

Muriel’s

I took some lady friends to Muriel's for the traditional experience, and we loved it because it was right on Jackson Square, where the artists were set up and we could walk around the French Quarter afterwards. The food is classic New Orleans, and you can find stuff on the menu whether you’re a carnivore or a vegetarian. Vegan? Maybe a bit more challenging. It’s New Orleans! We like our meats.

Sylvain

One of my favorite “hidden gem” restaurants in the French Quarter is Sylvain. Their menu never disappoints me, and on a nice day or evening you can eat outside in the courtyard. It’s a magical little place, and it gets solid revues from all the locals that eat there. I’m one of them, so I definitely know.

Cafe Degas

Totally off the beaten path, Cafe Degas is my very favorite restaurant in New Orleans. It’s French, and the menu is always delicious. Every time someone moves to New Orleans, I take them there. I must be the first to go with them! It doesn’t do well for loud talking, but for a tame ladies group it’s perfect. I’m a huge fan and always plug this restaurant whenever I can because of its charm.

Atchafalaya

Atchafalaya is a great brunch spot uptown. It’s definitely not a restaurant that many visitors would find unless they “knew” about it, and locals absolutely love this place. It’s in the middle of a neighborhood called the Irish Channel, making it convenient for many uptown residents. Their food is great, their drink list is great, and you can get a real feeling of being a New Orleans local here.

Back of the St. Louis Cathedral on Orleans St

Let’s Get This Party Started

I’m so excited you are or are considering choosing New Orleans for a bachelorette party. For all the reasons above and more, you’re going to have a fantastic time planning it and experiencing it. Like I said, there’s so much to do - this is a snippet of what I would recommend as someone who’s done so much in this city at all stages of life. You and your crew will experience the city with each other, and it’ll be a memorable time. Welcome to New Orleans, ladies. Enjoy and it and let the good times roll!

If you liked this blog, you might also like my blog on 7 must dos in New Orleans or what to wear in New Orleans.

For hotels with pools, I wrote a guide so you can have a pool day if you're coming in the warmer months.

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