New Orleans Bachelorette Party Guide and Itinerary Ideas

When you first think of New Orleans, Bourbon Street or Mardi Gras (or both!) come to mind. And while yes, New Orleans is quite the party city, it is also a city rich in history, culinary treasures, incredible music, and much more—making it the perfect destination for a bachelorette weekend! 

Whether you’re a bunch of party people or prefer to keep things more chill, there’s something for everyone in the Big Easy, and with a little bit of planning, you can be well on your way to an unforgettable experience. To help navigate organizing and executing a successful NOLA bachelorette party, we spoke to Joe Blanchek, general manager of the New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District for his expert insight into everything New Orleans bachelorette!

Read on for the ultimate New Orleans bachelorette party planning guide.

Why You'll Love New Orleans 

New Orleans is a vibrant city located on the Mississippi River in southeastern Louisiana. Founded by French colonists in the early 1700s, the "Big Easy" has retained much of its European heritage. From its quirky streetcars to its French-inspired architecture, New Orleans is one of the most unique cities you will visit in the United States. 

• Festivals. Everyone knows about Marti Gras, but there are dozens of other festivals throughout the year to partake in, too.
• Nightlife. Just about every bar and nightclub you can imagine can be found sprinkled throughout the city.
• History. The French Quarter is the most iconic and historic neighborhood in New Orleans.
• Food. Some of the finest chefs in the nation have restaurants in the Big Easy.
  

Where to Stay in New Orleans

There is no shortage of lodging options within New Orleans. Depending on the neighborhood you desire to stay in, there’s an array of hotels, motels, Airbnbs, bed and breakfasts, and even hostiles.

Most bachelorette parties opt for either Airbnbs or hotels for the security of booking and prime location. With an ideal central location in the heart of the city and the charming French Quarter, The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans is an excellent option for a higher-end, luxe vibe. You can schedule a day of spa services, find tranquility in the gorgeous courtyard, and soak in the sounds of the city courtesy of their in-house jazz musician, Jeremy Davenport. 

For a bit of a different taste of the city, the New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District in downtown New Orleans is a renovated 19th-century warehouse that mixes history and elegance with modern conveniences and gorgeous views of the Mississippi River. 

Nestled in the middle of all the action, we also love Hotel Monteleone. Equal parts luxurious and historic, the majestic hotel sits at the end of Royal Street, an ideal location for nearly any attraction within the French Quarter. It’s also home to the famous Carousel Lounge, which is a must-see spot for visitors. As the name suggests, it’s an actual revolving bar. It makes for a great pre-dinner meeting spot, and the perfect IG photoshoot locale, too. 

Where to Eat

New Orleans has an incredible array of dining choices. Local favorites and nationally ranked chefs are side-by-side, creating a culinary smorgasbord of choices.

• Best Brunch Spots. Atchafalaya  Elizabeth's Satsuma Cafe Toast Commander's Place
  
• Best Dinner Spots. GW Fins Doris Metropolitan Restaurant R'evolution Compere Lapin Bywater American Bistro
  
• Famous Restaurants. Mother's Restaurant Dooky Chase's Brennan's Parkway Coop's Place

What to Do in New Orleans

From exploring all that NOLA has to offer by foot and taking advantage of the amazing food to partying once the sun goes down, this city doesn't disappoint.

Daytime Activities in New Orleans

Blanchek recommends decorating the bride-to-be’s guest room prior to arrival, working with the concierge to arrange champagne delivery to her room, and taking the streetcar to various NOLA neighborhoods for an authentic experience.

There are seemingly endless options for fun in New Orleans, but one class can help you check off many items on your bayou bucket list. Combining cooking, history, and delicious grub (and beer!) the New Orleans School of Cooking offers a variety of classes and experiences filled with "fun, food and folklore."

Another fun bachelorette party idea, schedule a Cocktail History or a culinary-based walking tour. Both combine a fun excursion with a taste of the city’s rich history and can be easily arranged. New Orleans Secrets, a company run by locals who seem to know everything, can help you plan food and cocktail adventures, haunted and historical excursions, or swamp tours.

Nighttime Activities in New Orleans

Whether you take a ghost tour, partake in karaoke, or go bar-hopping, the options are endless for the bachelorette squad that wants to party into the wee hours of the morning.

How to Get Around New Orleans

There are several public transportation options to consider in New Orleans. You won't want to miss riding the iconic streetcars that service the French Quarter, Canal Street, and the Riverfront. New Orleans is very flat which makes it ideal for bicycling.

New Orleans Bachelorette Party Itinerary

Day One

• Afternoon: As the crew arrives, arrange to meet up for a happy hour at your hotel or rental home. The redesigned Greatroom Bar @ 859 inside the New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District is great for craft cocktails and wine.
  
• Evening: Head out to dinner at one of the James Beard award-winning restaurants or other popular restaurants nearby such as Cochon, Peche, Emeril’s, Meril, Gianna, or Herbsaint. After dinner, head over to Fulton Alley. This charming New Orleans favorite offers a luxurious gaming parlor and prohibition-style cocktail lounge.

Day Two

• Morning: Start the day with an early lunch at St. James Cheese Company, Butcher, or Bearcat Café. Indulge in a little shopping at the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk or the Shops at Canal Place. From there, take the streetcar Uptown to St. Charles Ave. and walk to Magazine Street for additional shopping at locally-owned boutiques. Stop by one of the many bars along the way for to-go cocktails. 
• Afternoon: Take a private class—either burlesque, cooking, or mixology for something fun and creative.
• Evening: Grab dinner in the Warehouse Arts District at one of those award-winning restaurants mentioned above. After dinner, head to the Howlin’ Wolf to catch live music from a brass band—which is just steps from the hotel.

Day Three

• Morning: Before departure, grab a group brunch at Compère Lapin as a final farewell. 
• Afternoon: Head home.