Celebrating someone’s final days of singledom in New Orleans? You’ve come to the right place. With hundreds of spots to drink, dine and dance, our lovely city is a top bachelorette party destination for good reason. But having so much fun to choose from can put all you maids of honor, sisters of the bride and other trip organizers in a tough spot! No worries. We planned the perfect New Orleans bachelorette party weekend for you!
This day-by-day itinerary takes you beyond Bourbon St. and hand grenades to the real New Orleans, so you can celebrate in style, like locals. From French Quarter hot spots to prime shopping to poolside recovery days, this New Orleans bachelorette party weekend guide draws on our years of experience partying in the Big Easy.
We centered each day around a particular neighborhood (or two), so you can minimize travel. And, we focused on venues that make sense for large and medium sized groups, so there’s room for everyone.
For even more insights for your New Orleans bachelorette party weekend, check out our insider’s guide to the French Quarter.
Thursday night: Give the early arrivals a taste of what’s in store this New Orleans bachelorette party weekend.
Cheers: Welcome to New Orleans! One of the French Quarter’s best cocktail bars serves as a great introduction to the Nola classics. The Sazerac, gin fizz and hurricane are all Nola natives and expertly executed at Bar Tonique. But with bartenders this skilled and jaw-droppingly prolific, feel free to go wild! There’s not a bad drink on the menu.
Dance party: One Eyed Jack’s — a venue that hosts everything from yacht rock cover bands to the edgiest up-and-coming acts in the country — throws an 80s dance night every Thursday starting at 10 p.m.
Out to sample all of our best and classic cocktails on your New Orleans bachelorette party weekend? Read more about where and what to drink in the Big Easy.
Friday is for the French Quarter: Bring your walking shoes and your dancing shoes – all the shoes, really. Oh, and your drinking pants!
Class it up: Trust a spot with more than 160 rums in stock to know their cocktails. Groups of 10 or more can book a private sesh with Brennan’s Palace Café’s head mixologist Drew Bates, who will school you on three rum-based drinks of your choosing. We recommend the Mai Tai and the Hemmingway Daiquiri.
The Royal Treatment: On your way through the Quarter, be sure to stroll Royal Street for live entertainment, antique stores, the best indie galleries (we love Red Truck) and shops like Skull Paradise and Glitter Box that stock one-of-a-kind finds from local artists. Detour down to Jackson Square for brass bands, Cafe du Monde beignets and epic people watching.
Lunch: Behind the beautifully colored facades of the French Quarter are hidden gardens and gathering spots most visitors never see. But Cafe Amelie’s lush and stylish courtyard offers a glimpse at the classic Nola pass time — lounging with a refreshing cocktail and the perfect bowl of gumbo. (Rezzies recommended.)
Fifi’s Mahoney’s: Add some flair to your bachelorette weekend at the same spot that’s keeps the city’s divas, drag queens and Mardi Gras royalty in phenomenal wigs, baubles, head-dresses and glitter. Pick up a silk head wrap by our personal fave Marrow Creative and stand out in allll the group selfies.
Bubbles: At Effervescence, find 30+ sparkling wines on tap, plenty of space for your crew and – our personal favorite – Prosecco popsicles. Grab a spot in the back courtyard (unless there’s a jazz trio playing inside).
Dinner: At Cane and Table, the James Beard-winning cocktail team behind Cure (across town) does a bang up job with drinks and dinners with an upscale Caribbean flare.
Choose your own adventure: New Orleans has no shortage of venues for any taste. Preservation Hall is the classic French Quarter spot to catch some jazz at four seatings per night. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop often has a piano player on weekends. One Eyed Jack’s live music, burlesque, comedians, etc. make it worth checking the schedule. The classic Saenger Theatre offers shows and Broadway musicals. Or, for something a little less high-brow, there’s always Hunk Oasis. (Let us know how that goes.)
Not done partying? The Gold Mine somehow manages to draw the perfect bachelorette crowd with dance music and Flaming Dr. Peppers. Open til 5 a.m.
For even more things to do on your New Orleans bachelorette party weekend, check out this weekend guide we wrote for Westways magazine.
Saturday’s for treating yourselves: Escape the French Quarter for some epic brunch, shopping and primping.
Jazz Brunch: You’re forgiven for not waking up for breakfast. But missing brunch is a cardinal sin, especially when it’s at this Garden District legend. Hop the St. Charles Streetcar to Commander’s Palace for airy formal dining rooms, live jazz and southern classics that set the standard for brunch in New Orleans. Be sure to dress the part.
Retail Therapy: This 6-mile stretch features legendary shopping, including our favorite Lower Garden District section. Find dreamy vintage at Century Girl, stylish plus-sized at Jaci Blue and chic trends at Grandmother’s Buttons.
Happy hour! Head up to the stylish Hot Tin Bar on the Pontchartrain Hotel rooftop for a killer cocktail (we recommend the Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing) and an unbeatable view of the Nola skyline.
Put your feet up: After a day walking through Nola, a round of pedis will feel like heaven. Luckily, Buff Beauty Bar is just around the corner.
Dinner: Big group? Glam it up at Josephine Estelle (call ahead for 10+ people). The large Art Deco dining room gives us serious Old Hollywood vibes; and its inventive Italian menu gives us impure thoughts about house-made pasta and sauces. Smaller pack? Grab a table at the effortlessly cool Seaworthy for an epic oyster/raw bar experience in an authentic Creole cottage. Don’t miss the blue crab toast!
Live It Up: No Nola weekend is complete without some live jazz. And the best place to do that is Frenchman Street. In two blocks of the Marigny Triangle (next to the French Quarter), 20+ clubs book the city’s best acts. Our top picks? Spotted Cat and d.b.a.
Still Raging? Damn, girls! We’re impressed. Get yourselves over to Kajun’s Pub for karaoke until 4 a.m. But we call dibs on “The Time of My Life.”
There’s no way to squeeze every fabulous restaurant into your New Orleans bachelorette party weekend, but you can try! Check out the dining guide to Nola’s up-and-coming foodie neighborhoods that we wrote for Alabama Journey magazine.
Sunday is for recovery: By this point in your New Orleans bachelorette party weekend, you’ve earned it.
Breakfast: It doesn’t get more classically Southern than pimento cheese, fluffy biscuits and inspiration straight from grandma. Willa Jean‘s Chef Kelly Fields’ work at this elegant and airy spot in the Warehouse District made her a James Beard finalist in 2018. Perhaps you’d like a mash up of braised ribs and grits topped with a poached egg – dubbed “the hangover bowl.”
Float and Drink: The Country Club in the Bywater has everything your party needs for the perfect recovery day: A poolside bar, a Jacuzzi, a full restaurant and plenty of cabanas. While away your last few hours in this dreamy, bohemian oasis.
For the Plane: If you have any ambition left after relaxing your face off, pop into Central Grocery for the first and best muffaletta in the city before your flight.
Need more help planning your New Orleans bachelorette party weekend? Get in touch! And don’t forget to pick up our insider’s guide to the French Quarter for even more tips!
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