Welcome to Bourbon Street

Click here for a Map of the French Quarter

Bourbon Street is in the heart of the French Quarter. As you can see from the map, the French Quarter is a relatively small area. The hot spots on Bourbon Street are between Canal Street down to about St. Ann. When we visit, we stay in this area, not wandering too far down Bourbon. Important Point: Don't wander alone at night into areas you are unfamiliar with or where the crowds are less. It can be dangerous. Also, watch for pickpockets. Guys, keep your wallets in your front pockets, girls hold tight to your purse. If you are with a group and walking through the crowd on Fat Tuesday, holding hands ensures no one will get lost.
Above all: be smart and HAVE FUN!!
I recommend two places to park, both close to Jackson square: one is to the right of the Jax Brewery building on Decatur Street; the Hard Rock Cafe is right across the lot from this one. The other spot is behind the Moonwalk, to the left of Jax Brewery building, right up against the Riverwalk. You are close to the Cafe du Monde, a must visit place for New Orleans famous chickory coffee and beignets, or powdered donuts. Be prepared to pay for parking, up to $20 depending on how long you stay. The lots are open 24 hrs. Of course, if you stay in any of the hotels in the Quarter or on Canal, you can walk right in to Bourbon. There is a street car that runs along the river from the French Market and will take you down to Woldenburg park and the Riverwalk shopping and the Aquarium of the Americas.

Mardi Gras is the biggest party of all. And it gets the craziest here in the French Quarter. You will use all of your senses as you walk down the streets. The smell of stale booze as it is washed away by the street cleaners, if you arrive early enough in the day. The sight of people stumbling, drunk and having a good time. You will touch the crowds, if you venture on Bourbon Street any afternoon or evening during carnival season. The sound of music will caress your ears from every corner and every bar or club as it flows out into the street. Click Here to see the BourboCam and what is happening on Bourbon Street right now. Invariably someone, probably a young kid, will "ax" you, with a wager in mind, "where you got yo' shoes". The answer is: On Bourbon Street, New Orleans!

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Here are some pictures to give you an idea of what you will see during Mardi Gras!

The pictures below are from Mardi Gras 2003, the Bourbon Street Awards. This is a costume contest for all: gay or straight, group or individual. It is where you can really let it all hang out, literally.

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