Best things to do in New Orleans at night

At Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, you can forge a couple of new tools for your workshop… no, we’re totally kidding. Despite its name, this iconic NOLA hotspot happens to be one of the oldest bars in the city, serving up beers and cocktails since the 1700s. Back in the day, it was a hideaway for pirates, and rumor has it that today the ghost of French privateer Jean Lafitte haunts the historic building. Popping into this legendary piece of the city’s past for a drink is one of the best things to do in New Orleans at night, whether you’re a local or just passing through.

When you’re in NOLA, you can’t possibly miss out on homegrown Cajun and Creole cuisine. Originating in Louisiana, the cuisine took pages out of the books of French, West African, Spanish, Haitian, and even German and Italian food to form flavors that don’t exist anywhere else. When dinner time rolls around in the Big Easy, it’s the perfect excuse to experience the city’s food scene to its fullest. Some of the best-loved restaurants are Cochon, a beacon of traditional Southern cooking and a local favorite, and the colorful Jacques-Imo’s Café, where you could try creative local specialties like alligator cheesecake (yes, seriously) and panned rabbit. 

“Cajun” isn’t just a style of cuisine – it’s also a style of dance. Authentic Cajun dance halls are scattered throughout the city, packed to the rafters with French locals who like to two-step the night away. Many New Orleans locals have learned the dance style from their parents and grandparents, and today the tradition continues as soon as the sun sets over the Mississippi River. It won’t be long before you’re stepping around the dance floor to French music with a fun local crowd. Head to Mid-City Lanes Rock ’n’ Bowl for dinner, dancing and even a bowling alley!

The famous French Quarter’s Frenchmen Street is the place where Louisiana’s musical spirit truly comes alive. Impromptu curbside concerts and the distinct sound of a trombone signal that the night has begun – and it won’t be ending anytime soon. Follow the sounds of jazz, blues, rock and reggae echoing from the live music venues lining the street, and pick one that suits your musical taste. Hungry after all that festivity? Frenchmen Street is filled with late-night dining options, from quick bites to sit-down meals. 

Looking for the best things to do in New Orleans at night that are less about hedonism and revelry? You could also opt for something a little calmer at one of the cultural institutions that often stay open long after sunset. Plan your trip just right, and you can experience Ogden After Hours at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art – one night per week when the museum features local musical acts after hours. Every first Saturday of the month, the Arts District stays open late for self-guided tours (and free cheese and wine!). Then there are Friday Nights at NOMA, the New Orleans Museum of Art, where you could even catch a film screening. Can you think of a classier night out?