Gay Travel New Orleans
Mardi Gras, jazz and amazing food! New Orleans is a major tourist destination not just in Louisiana, but the whole United States, for so many reasons.
When we think of New Orleans, we all think of the French Quarter, as we should. “The Vieux Carre," which translates to "the old square,” is filled with opportunities to sample great food, from a fantastic “po boy” from a simple stand to five-star restaurants serving exceptional Creole and French cuisine. If you like jazz, this is your place. The sound of saxophones can be heard all over the French Quarter, and LGBT nightlife is abundant – you'll never get bored. When you need a break, grab a beignet at the famous Café du Monde and take a ride on the Mississippi River.
But remember: New Orleans is more than just the French Quarter. The Garden District is filled with fantastic homes. The Riverbend neighborhood in Uptown overflows with coffee, cuisine, and shops, making it a great place to wander. Then there's the skyscraper-filled Central Business District, bohemian Bywater, and the authentic Treme neighborhood. With all its lively districts and bustling corners, the Big Easy will not disappoint you!
New Orleans Gay Scene
Because of the large draw of tourists to New Orleans, it's a very welcoming and gay-friendly city. It's also a popular gay weekend destination from travelers within driving range such as Austin and Houton in Texas, or the Florida panhandle. New Orleans is arguably the most gay-friendly city in the American South and boasts quite a few gay bars and clubs for its size. Most of the city's gay bars are scattered on or near Bourbon Street, the French Quarter's world-renowned party spot. The costumes and colorful characters during Mardi Gras (or really: any other weekend on Bourbon Street) make NOLA a very gay-friendly city.
In New Orleans, Ambush Magazine and Flame Magazine each publish gay guides to all the weekly LGBTQ parties, events, festivals, and special performances. You can usually find copies available in any of the gay nightlife spots.
When to Visit
If you’re a fair-weather traveler, NOLA is the city for you. The climate tends to be mild in the winter and spring, while the summer and fall months are more humid. Southern Decadence (the biggest LGBT circuit party in the south) takes place in “The Crescent City” every Labor Day Weekend but there’s a gay ol’ time to be had all year round. With more than 250,000 visitors each Labor Day weekend for Southern Decadence, it's the most fun time of year for gay visitors, so book accommodation early if you plan to attend. New Orleans, though, is a popular weekend destination all year and there's a healthy gay scene of local bars and restaurants which make it fun to visit no matter when.
Gay-Friendly Activities & Attractions
There's no shortage of things to see and do in New Orleans—it's a city meant to dazzle you with its bright colors and lively spirit, but here are few local favorites:
French Quarter
NOLA's most pictuesque neighborhood, the French Quarter (Vieux Carré or Barrio Francés) is the city's oldest neighborhood, dating back to the early 1700s. Most of the historic homes and buildings (the iconic architecture you'll find from NOLA postcarrds) dates to the late 18th cenutry or early 19th century. The district, as a National Historic Landmark, is a great spot to wander during the day, but it really comes alive at night with buzzing restaurants, bars, and meandering pedestrians. In the heart of the French Quarter is Bourbon Street - where many of the biggest bars and clubs are, and made famous from the annual Mardi Gras celebrations each year. Jackson Square in the French Quarter is a great spot for people-watching as many street buskers and performers hang out there.
National WWII Museum
Formerly known as The National D-Day Museum, this is one of NOLA's top museums. The military history museum focuses on the contribution made by the United States to Allied victory in World War II and is affiliated with the Smithsonian Instutuion. It's a great spot to escape the humidty on a summer day.
Gay-Friendly Dining
Once your stomach calls for a break — and, with all these great restaurants around, it surely will — make sure to eat a global-NOLA-inspired fusion dish at one of the many amazing restaurants around town! Sample gumbo and crawfish pie and don’t forget to grab a café au lait and one of New Orlean’s signature beignets, powdered-sugar French bread doughnuts.
The city’s oldest restaurant offers a glimpse of what 19th century French-Creole dining was like, with a labyrinthine series of dining rooms and a menu as traditional as the architecture. Oysters Rockefeller, Pompano en papillote, crawfish Cardinal and baked Alaska are signature dishes.
Frank Brigsten serves updated Creole and contemporary Louisiana cooking in a beautiful, converted home. Game dishes like roast duck with cornbread dressing and tart dried-cherry sauce are house specialties.
Gay-Friendly Nightlife
Turn the corner — bar. Turn to the other corner — bar. Bourbon Street is like the Las Vegas Strip — the party never stops. You won’t have trouble finding a gay bar here!
As the original New Orleans French Quarter gay GLBT bar since 1974, Bourbon Pub Parade is New Orleans' largest gay bar for Southern Decadence, Mardi Gras, Halloween and New Years Eve. Open 24/7!
Don't miss Oz, New Orleans' #1 gay dance club located on Bourbon Street in the heart of the French Quarter! This two-story space never closes, meaning there's no end in sight to the party.
Good Friends Bar is a multi-level venue designed for a casual night on the town or a quiet evening with that special someone or group of friends. The bar's signature drink is the Separator (a must-try!), though you can also choose from a wide selection of liquor and beer.
Safety
New Orleans if a very welcoming city to LGBTQ travelers, and has made a concerted effort to attract gay and lesbian travelers for many years. Though it's recommended to stick to the main tourist arers. New Orleans does have higher rates of crime than other American cities, and there is some petty crime like pickpocketing at night. Avoid dark, empty streets if staying out late in the French Quarter.
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