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Gay New Orleans, Louisiana | The Essential LGBT Travel Guide!

Gay New Orleans, Louisiana | The Essential LGBT Travel Guide!

For over 300 years, Gay New Orleans has been a nexus for everything decadent and alive. Regardless of who you are and or who you love, this is one place where you can just be -and it is like no other destination on Earth. 

Here music, art, history, food, and people of different ethnicities, nationalities, and sexual orientations all commix and coalesce into creating something unique.

A city that doesn’t sleep thanks to the fabled French Quarter, which never closes, New Orleans also boasts a laid-back attitude to sex and voluptuary parties every night regardless of whether it’s Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Halloween or a regular Tuesday.

Queers and straights share the infamous Bourbon Street, although the LGBT crowd gravitates toward the northern end, with a host of bars and clubs serving up something for everyone. You’re also free to take your cocktail with you as you wander the streets, as long as it’s in a plastic container – so bar-hopping is not only popular but actively encouraged.

When it comes to queer festivals, the gay community here also knows how to party with Southern Decadence, Gay Easter, and Halloween, all being wildly popular.

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New Orleans wants everyone to know whether you are a leather daddy, twink drag queen, butch lesbian or trans, you can come, enjoy, and be accepted as you are. And come us, queers, in droves for the nightlife, the food, the posh hotels, and the warm Southern climate.

With a long history of embracing diversity and committed support of the queer community, is it any wonder New Orleans has been home to some of the brightest LGBT literary minds, artists, musicians, and activists?

Slow and balmy, musically inspired, and tastefully delicious, the city’s charms set the stage for fireworks of every kind. No matter where your interests lie, you can be sure Gay New Orleans will draw you in and beg you never to leave. 


Are you relocating? This guide will help travelers discover the queerer side of the city. However, if you are lucky enough to be considering a move here, we recommend reading our article about moving to LGBT New Orleans or getting in touch with a local gay realtor. They can happily give you no-obligation advice and all the information you’ll ever need to know about your new city.

And if you then want their help to find your dream home, you are guaranteed fair, equal, and honest representation. No surprises or awkward conversations are necessary!

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Gay Things To Do In New Orleans

Being gay does not define which attraction most of us will want to see in each city, and generally, gay tourists will simply want to check out the top things to see in New Orleans during the day! New Orleans is an extremely safe and accepting city, and gay people here need not take any more extra precautions concerning public displays of affection than they would in other large US cities.

As we already said, there is a lot to love in this festive and accepting city. New Orleans blends the approachability and friendliness of a small town with the vibrancy of a big city to create something unique that begs you to explore further and stay longer.  

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There is a prolific arts community, energetic and distinct neighborhoods to wander to, exceptional architecture, a distinguished restaurant scene, and so many more things to do. We couldn’t possibly list them all. 

Car hire in New Orleans is a very affordable option, but in our opinion, public transport and rideshare apps are the best way to see the city. Parking is often an issue, and drink-driving is never recommended. 

Naturally, being gay does not define which attractions most of us will want to see in each destination, and most queer travelers will simply want to check out the top things to see in New Orleans during the day!

We found our favorite memories were chasing epicurean delights, dancing till dawn with our queer family, or joining in one of the festivals or parades that seem to take place every week of the year here. 

However, if you’re someone who can’t sit still, we have put together a few of our other things to do in this inspiring city that are sure to keep you busy!

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Top Things To Do In New Orleans

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

Step inside the walls of the oldest and most legendary burial ground in New Orleans. The storied graveyard—which can only be visited with a guide—is the final resting place of many illustrious Louisiana families and has been featured in Hollywood films like ‘Easy Rider.

Learn about the city’s curious above-ground burial practices as you walk among elaborate vaults and see the mysterious tomb of Voodoo priestess Marie Laveau.

New Orleans Power Pass

Maximize time in New Orleans with a power pass to top city attractions. Get fast-track entry and free admission to the Audubon Zoo, the New Orleans bus tour, the Louisiana Children’s Museum, and more.

The pass also offers access to walking tours such as the Haunted History Walking Tour. Choose between a pass for one day or several days passes, according to your needs.

Steamboat Natchez Jazz Dinner Cruise

Experience the dazzle of New Orleans at night with a romantic dinner cruise aboard the famous Steamboat Natchez. Journey through time on this paddle-wheel boat ride along the mighty Mississippi. Stroll the deck, cozy up with family and friends, and delight in the sparkle of the urban shoreline at dusk. This excursion includes a Creole‐inspired dinner and live jazz music.

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Mardi Gras World Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Peek behind the curtain at the marvel of Mardi Gras with this tour of Mardi Gras World in New Orleans. See the behind-the-scenes work and incredible artistry that goes into preparing for the annual celebration. With a guide, learn the history of the event, and see fantastic floats and props.

Get a picture in front of your favorite float, dress up in costumes, and sample some classic King Cake.

The National WWII Museum Ticket New Orleans

Witness a different side of New Orleans’s history on a visit to the dynamic National WWII Museum. While away hours exploring wartime artifacts and discovering fascinating facts and tales at this world-class museum — considered one of the top museums in the nation!

Cajun Country Swamp Boat and Plantations Adventure

Go beyond the French Quarter and discover the unique Cajun and Creole cultures of New Orleans during this full-day swap and plantation tour.

Venture deep into the bayous, with a small group limited to 14, to see Cajun living and spot wildlife like alligators and pelicans. Then, admire the beautiful architecture and learn about the history of Oak Alley and Laura plantations. Upgrade your ticket to include a high-speed airboat ride through the bayous.

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New Orleans Cooking Class

Get the full Louisiana dining experience during a fun and educational New Orleans cooking class. Take a seat amongst other foodies in a converted 19th-century molasses warehouse and get ready to learn and eat!

Meet a lively local chef and learn the fundamentals of preparing classic Creole dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines. Then dig into delicious samples complemented by local beer or a sweet iced tea.

New Orleans Original Craft Cocktail Walking Tour

Discover New Orleans’ spirited’ side on a fun and informative cocktail tour! You’ll rub shoulders with local imbibers at historic bars and restaurants and have the option to sip on classic concoctions like the Sazerac and Pimm’s Cup.

Immerse yourself in the stories from your guide and savvy mixologists, and learn the famous – and sometimes scandalous – histories of drink and drinking culture in New Orleans.

Airboat Ride

Experience New Orleans’ wild bayou country on an exciting, family‐friendly airboat ride. This boat tour winds through the mossy cypress swamp close to Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, named for the 19th‐century pirate and smuggler.

While onboard, enjoy lively commentary from a native guide as you admire the lush, forested shoreline and spot local wildlife.

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Cemetery, Voodoo, and French Quarter Walking Tour

The rich history and voodoo legends make New Orleans one of the fascinating places to visit. Still, if you see the sights alone, you could miss out on some of the critical details that bring this vibrant city to life.

This New Orleans voodoo tour takes you through the city and into St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 during daylight hours—perfect for those who don’t want to get too scared, but still, want a look into the city’s mysterious past.

The ICONS Museum

Setting a new standard in the art experience, enjoy private, appointment-only viewing access to the exceptional lineup of iconic individual portraits, and world-renowned sculptures, all housed in a marvelously designed aesthetic environment.

The guided tours, carried out by the artist himself, make for one of the most unique and fascinating art experiences available today.

New Orleans Jazz Museum

Featuring the world’s most extensive collection of jazz instruments and ephemera, the New Orleans Jazz Museum is an excellent stop for jazz fans and anyone looking to delve deeper into the city’s musical heritage.

See Louis Armstrong’s coronet and other instruments played by jazz legends, plus original LPs, ticket stubs, posters, and video recordings that together tell the story of a revolutionary musical style on the rise.   

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Gay-Friendly Tours Around The World

Gay Events In New Orleans

Gay Mardi Gras (February)

One of the most fabulous and glitterrific LGBT gatherings in New Orleans, second only to the annual Southern Decadence Weekend Celebration. Celebrations are concentrated for about two weeks before and through Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. Usually, there is one major parade each day; many days have several large parades.

Mardi Gras balls are an essential part of LGBTQ Mardi Gras celebrations here and are typically themed and feature dazzling handmade costumes and presentations of krewe royalty. Some of the best-known gay Carnival balls include Arminius, Petronius, Krewe of Mwindo, and Lords of Leather.

Other gay carnival events include Fat Monday Luncheon and the Bourbon Street Awards. It is only rivaled by Mardi Gras in Sydney in terms of queerness. 

Jazz Fest (April)

An annual celebration of the music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana held at the Fair Grounds Race Course in the middle of New Orleans. Unofficially Jazz Fest also refers to the days surrounding the festival and the many unaffiliated parties at both the gay and straight New Orleans nightclubs.

The second biggest party of the year after Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the music encompasses every style associated with the city and the state: blues, R&B, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, Afro-Caribbean, folk, Latin, rock, rap, country, bluegrass, and everything in between. And, of course, there is lots of jazz, both contemporary and traditional.

New Orleans Pride (June)

The largest Pride Festival in Louisiana, with 40+ events taking place over a three-day weekend, attracting people from all walks of life.

New Orleans Pride counts over 94,000 participants, 4,000 of which were in the New Orleans Pride Parade, Louisiana’s Largest LGBT+ Parade. Pride here uses public awareness and education about the LGBT+ community as a way to combat “phobias” and discrimination.

It includes programs, seminars, and events leading up to, and during Pride weekend, which is meant to include individuals from all walks of life. Grab your best Pride outfits and get ready for one fantastic weekend in the Big Easy!

Southern Decadence (August)

An annual six-day event held in New Orleans by the local LGBT community during Labor Day Weekend, culminating in a parade through the French Quarter.

Over 250,000 people generally take part, with guests beginning to arrive on the Wednesday before Labor Day and usually don’t even think about stopping or going home until the following Tuesday. Expect packed streets, sold-out hotels, countless parties, and one wild weekend you will never forget.

Halloween Weekend (October)

Queer revelers from around the nation flock here for a week of events at the end of every October. Only Southern Decadence and the Gay Mardi Gras attract more gay and lesbian visitors to the city of New Orleans.

The Halloween “circuit party” all began as a simple gathering of friends back in 1984 but now has evolved into one of the most celebrated gay circuit party weekends of the year. It is so festive that the partying lasts from midday on Thursday until the wee hours of Monday morning.

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Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels in New Orleans

LGBT tourism is booming in New Orleans, and pretty much every hotel and hostel in New Orleans can be considered gay-friendly. After all, being gay-friendly is not all about upscale luxury, but about friendly and open service and welcoming everyone with open arms. 

There are no exclusively gay hotels here, but luckily, public acceptance has progressed to the point it’s no longer necessary to stay in exclusively gay hotels in New Orleans to avoid discrimination. Many hotels in New Orleans actively court the ‘pink dollar’ while hosting LGBT events, Pride promotions, and giving staff training on the local New Orleans gay scene so they can better help gay guests.

HI New Orleans Hostel

Some hotels have courted the gay’s better than others, which are the hotels in New Orleans we recommend because of their solid reputation as spots for gay travelers to stay – and who doesn’t like to be surrounded by like-minded people? 

Staying central within walking distance of the New Orleans French Quarter is ideal – although prices get cheaper the further away, you travel. 

No matter where you choose to stay, it pays to book as far ahead as you can because occupancy rates in the best New Orleans hotels routinely exceeding supply – though it does depend on which season you visit. Competition keeps prices from varying too much – but quality varies greatly. 

There are plenty of other hotels in New Orleans you could consider. Still, as it stands, these options are the most popular and closest to a gay hotel in New Orleans whether you want a fun and social hostel, a cheap but private place to crash after a night of partying, or a chic luxury option with a pool to spend the day lying by, Gay New Orleans as something for everyone!

Ace Hotel New Orleans

Ace Hotel ☆☆☆☆☆

A gay-popular uber-chic hotel in the Warehouse District, a stone’s throw from the French Quarter. The stylish rooms here come with bespoke bed linens and handcrafted furnishings as standard. Those who wish to splurge can opt for suites that feature living rooms with turntables and acoustic guitars, or some with a terrace and a wet bar.

Other features of this trendy spot are five restaurants and bars, a 24-hour gym, a retro photo booth, and regular live entertainment. Oh, and did we mention the Insta-worthy rooftop pool to lounge by all day? As utterly fabulous as the other Ace hotel chain locations in Portland, New York, Seattle, and Palm Springs.

Ace Hotel New Orleans
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Hotel Monteleone ☆☆☆☆☆

A venerable New Orleans hotel to relax in with luxurious rooms and a timeless style. It’s been said that the French Quarter begins in the lobby of Hotel Monteleone, which sits majestically at the foot of Royal Street and offers the best point of departure for all things New Orleans.

The hotel boasts 570 guestrooms, including 55 suites, an award-winning restaurant, the famous Carousel Bar & Lounge, a full-service day spa, a heated rooftop pool, a gym, 24-hour room service, and valet parking. Each spacious guest room features high ceilings, crown molding, and traditional decor — a luxe grande dame hotel for those who want to do New Orleans with opulence and style. 

We can also confirm their luxurious linens are a perfect place to hunker down for the night and watch gay TV shows – if that’s what you feel like. There is no judgment here.

Hotel Monteleone NOLA

Hotel Le Marais New Orleans ☆☆☆☆

A Chic Boutique French Quarter Hotel that fuses the elegance of a luxury hotel with the intimacy of a boutique hotel.  Expect Southern hospitality and infectious warmth in every connection and every conversation. Whether you’re in town for fantastic NOLA cuisine or for wildly good times, their boutique vibe will follow you from the courtyard to the cocktails.

Other highlights included the heated outdoor saltwater pool with a patio bar, gym, and sophisticated weekday happy hour offers.  And all centrally located in the French Quarter, steps from everywhere you want to be.

Cornstalk Hotel ☆☆☆☆

A boutique hotel in New Orleans that happens to be the most distinctive and most photographed of the small inns of the French Quarter. Brilliantly glowing crystal chandeliers reflected in lovely antique mirrors greet you from a bygone era as you enter the lush quiet of the grand entrance hall lobby.

Antique furnishings, beautifully set off by the high vaulted sleeping room ceilings, set the mood of quiet comfort found during your stay at this wonderfully gay-friendly accommodation.

The rosette scrolls, cherubs, and medallions are relics of Louisiana sugar plantation home craftsmanship. Stained-glass windows, fireplaces, oriental rugs, and canopy beds are among the many amenities.

Located on Royal Street, a jewel of elegance, dignity, and culture, a different alternative to the raucous bright lights of Bourbon Street and ensures you will have a night of uninterrupted sleep.

Cornstalk Hotel NOLA

Bourbon Orleans Hotel ☆☆☆☆

Once a high-society ballroom and later a convent, the Bourbon Orleans Hotel has centuries of stories to tell. Push past the lively scene of Bourbon Street and walk into a hushed haven of gilded details, Belle Epoque-style, polished marble, and a warm welcome that is pure Louisiana. A place to rest and recharge after a day of dining, drinking, and discovering.

Bourbon Orleans guestrooms and suites are peaceful retreats that quiet the Big Easy’s round-the-clock thrills. Many rooms offer views of the grand St. Louis Cathedral, Orleans Street or Bourbon Street. There is also a contemporary Creole restaurant, a happening bar offering live music most nights, a gym a heated outdoor saltwater pool in a quiet courtyard.

The Green House Inn ☆☆☆

(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)

A diverse, adults-only bed and breakfast situated in the Lower Garden District of New Orleans. A pet-friendly inn that features a European attitude, a clothing-optional swimming pool/spa, and a relaxing tropical paradise garden environment.

Built-in 1840, the Inn is a combination of old charm and thoroughly modern amenities. Spread across three floors (no elevator), all of the rooms and common areas are individually decorated and designed to help you feel right at home.

The Green House Inn

Mags 940 ☆☆☆

Boutique New Orleans guest rooms and spacious multi-room suites with a gay-popular bar downstairs that frequently has drag shows. Very affordable with an incredible location.

Moxy New Orleans Downtown/French Quarter Area ☆☆☆

Jazz up your stay in this newly opened boutique in New Orleans hotel. Cocktails at check-in? They’ve got you. A Lobby bar that’s open 24 hours a day to keep the party going throughout the night? You better believe it. Incredibly fast, free Wi-Fi for planning your adventures?

Obviously, Moxy is a boutique hotel concept reimagined for fun-hunting Millenials, and we have previously loved stays with them in Osaka, Pheonix and Frankfurt. Each location is unique, but here you will find expansive rooms, Smart TVs, premier Muk bath amenities, and relaxing rainfall showers. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, what more could you want? 

HI New Orleans Hostel ☆☆☆

A brand-new hostel in the heart of New Orleans! With first-class dorms featuring ample storage, light, and charging for each traveler, a spectacular interior mezzanine, an expansive kitchen and dining room, and spacious common areas, HI New Orleans will wow hostel newbies and veterans alike.

Meet other travelers over the café’s unique fusion cuisine or join a tour led by a local volunteer to discover the city beyond the beads and masks. Close to all the action, this New Orleans Hostel is exceptionally gay-friendly and an ideal place to stay if traveling solo and on a budget.

HI New Orleans Hostel

Gay Nightlife in New Orleans

It wouldn’t be a night out in Big Easy without a few bad decisions, and luckily Gay New Orleans has more than enough gay bars, clubs, and venues for you to make them in.

With everything from dirty dive bars and full-scale nightclubs with international DJs to kinky leather bars and gender-bending cabaret lounges, you are never going to be bored here.

Most of the gay venues in New Orleans are conveniently located in the French Quarter –  thought is gayest on “Lavender Line,” a stretch of St Ann Street that bisects Bourbon St. 

Bourbon Pub and Parade

Most queer spaces are within easy stumbling distance of each other, so bar hopping is common, and you can even take your drink as long as it’s in a plastic cup. Plenty of bars never close, meaning that it is up to you how wild you want to go!

We should also note that almost every bar in NOLA is gay-friendly, but has focussed on those who specifically cater to LGBTQ patrons – or are well-known hotspots for our community.

One thing is for sure, though: Whatever you’re after, Gay New Orleans can provide!

Oz New Orleans

Gay Nightlife in New Orleans

700 Club

(Temporarily or permanently closed. If you know something, please suggest an edit.)

An unpretentious New Orleans neighborhood gay bar for drinks, pub grub, and fun. Open daily from noon till late. Escape the hustle and bustle of bourbon with friendly staff and chilled vibes. They have recently closed their location on Burgundy St and are to 1012 N Rampart St. Check their Facebook page to ensure they are open before you visit.

The AllWays

A pearl of New Orleans in the heart of the Marigny, this lounge and cabaret venue offers burlesque, gender-fluid drag, comedy, erotic readings, and more. A beautiful space to lose yourself in eclectic entertainment, well-priced cocktails, and utter queer fabulousness. One of our favorite venues in New Orleans, and a place that is guaranteed to never, ever let you done.

The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret

Bourbon Pub & Parade

The most extensive gay bar and nightclub in New Orleans with award-winning drag queen shows, an iconic wrap-around balcony and dance music that will always get you in the mood to party all night long. A core part of the local queer scene for over 45 years, with huge parties, multiple zones, stiff drinks, and friendly service. Not to be missed.

Café Lafitte in Exile

The oldest continuously operating gay bar in the United States, open 24/7 on Bourbon Street. Café Lafitte is a must-see if you are interested in visiting an incredibly unique landmark in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter. 

Dating back to 1933 and the end of Prohibition, Café Lafitte has always been welcoming. A fabulous hangout with upstairs and downstairs bars, gorgeous outdoor seating, ice-cold A/C, and great no-nonsense bartenders.

Cafe' Lafitte in Exile

Napoleons Itch

A craft cocktail gay bar in the French Quarter known for its signature  Mojitos, which come in a variety of flavors and are all made with fresh ingredients. Never a cover charge, some of the cleanest bathrooms on Bourbon St and hosts of the annual Bourbon Street Extravaganza.

Corner Pocket

A basic neighborhood gay bar by day and early evening that after 9 p.m. transforms into a divey nightclub with go-go boys working and twerking on the wrap-around bar. Every Thursday night is Retro 80’s and 90’s night, while Fridays are New Meat Night featuring all dancers vying for a  cash jackpot.

Not your typical French Quarter gay bar experience, there is a unique atmosphere, cheap drinks, and the sensory overload of hot, shirtless guys of all kinds. Strictly no phones/photos.

The Corner Pocket Gay NOLA

Crossing

The first steampunk-themed gay bar in America, and the first steampunk bar in Louisiana, found in the historic Vieux Carré.

Take time to appreciate the smaller details like gear-shaped tables, handmade Einstein lamps, and the industrial metal finishes of gold and bronze seen throughout that hearken back to a sci-fi Steampunk future. Even the restrooms are custom-fitted with steam-era accouterments. Not your average gay bar!

Goldern Latern

A popular cash-only gay nightlife spot with fun drag shows, cheap beer, simple cocktails, and a cozy brick-lined aesthetic. A little off-the-beaten-track and not super easy to find, so it provides a relaxing breather after all of the madness of Bourbon Street. And child, fair warning – those Margarita are strong enough to knock a grown-man on his ass!

Golden Lantern Bar

Friendly Bar

One of New Orleans’ most beloved gay waterholes, the Friendly Bar serves up great, cheap drinks with a must-try happy hour selection on Tuesdays. Eclectic patrons, a casual, fun vibe, and friendly service (as you would expect) – need we say more?

Good Friends

A multi-level gay venue designed for casual-snappy fun and open 24/7. The downstairs houses a solid mahogany bar with three arches and brass rails adorned with gargoyle vases with emerald neon calla lilies not to be missed. There is also custom art and a brick fireplace that makes it a perfect place to warm up during the colder months.

Upstairs the Queens Head Pub has an intimate Victorian setting with its solid oak flooring, gold/maroon faux finished walls, chandelier, and more. I Karaoke every Tuesday and love Piano music on Saturdays, but the décor and vibe are worth stopping by for at absolutely any time. During their daily Happy Hour, things can get very crowded.

Good Friends Bar & Queens Head Pub

GrandPre’s

A casual, friendly bar that is becoming known as the Cheers For Queers on North Rampart Street.  If you want genuine Southern Hospitality and good conversation with people who genuinely are interested in getting to know you, then this is the bar for you. Best for a good drink at a fair price – with bartenders who love to laugh and joke with each other.

Oz

An epic two-story gay nightclub open 24/7 with talented DJs, wild drag shows, sexy go-go dancers, and that quintessential NOLA balcony for people-watching on the street below. An absolute institution with varying happy hours and events every night of the week.

Bourbon Boylesque on Tuesdays was a standout, but the Thursday strip-off completion on Thursdays was a close second. Expect hot, sweaty dancing and world-class entertainment – though the drinks were quite expensive and not particularly memorable.

Oz New Orleans

Page Bar

A black-owned gay bar in New Orleans with a mixed black crowd with lots of younger guys. The music is a mix of bounce and 80s diva music, though we recommend going for the strong cocktails and friendly atmosphere more than dancing.

Phoenix

The proud home of New Orleans’ leather, bear, and fetish communities. Open 24/7; there is never a cover charge, and 100% free-pour. Happy hours are twice daily from 6 – 10 a.m., and 3 – 7 p.m.

Upstairs is the Eagle Bar with a famous midnight Mass to wash your sins away with complimentary shots at midnight every night. A no-frills cruisy spot with a leather shop on-site, cheap drinks, and good energy with the right amount of debauchery.

Rawhide 2010

What used to be considered a leather/Levi bar, this Bourbon Street spot is now far less cruisy than it used to be. Previously men only with plenty of down-and-dirty action, Rawhide 2010, has been cleaned up significantly, and we would now call it a dance club more than anything else.

Rawhide 2010

Other Gay-Popular Venues In New Orleans

Buffas

A quintessential New Orleans-style neighborhood bar on the border of the French Quarter since 1939. Food and libations are served 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with plenty of specials and live entertainment in the backroom most nights.

Carousel Bar & Lounge  @ Hotel Monteleone

Opened inside this historic hotel in 1949 is New Orleans’ first and still only rotating bar. Its carousel theme and unique design are a treat for the young at heart, offering guests a pleasant, subtle rotation around a world-class cocktail bar every 15 minutes.

Country Club

Hidden away in New Orleans’ charming Bywater neighborhood, The Country Club offers an elegant escape from everyday living. Their beautifully renovated restaurant and bar deliver legendary creole cuisine and exquisite food and drink in sophisticated surroundings.

There is also a separate pool area that acts as a bohemian retreat, complete with a poolside bar and outdoor kitchen. The rainbow flag flies proudly outside, so you know you are always welcome at this hyper-fashionable spot. There is also a fabulous drag brunch on the weekend.

The Country Club

Cutters

A gay-popular bar full of charming characters. Artists, entertainers, neighbors, and friends, new and old, gather here to unwind and enjoy life together.  A great hidden gem that has some of the most friendly services we have ever come across – anywhere in the world. Chances are, one visit won’t be enough. Stiff and cheap drinks make Cutters an ideal place to start any night off in Gay NOLA.

Mags 940

A cute bed and breakfast in the historic Vieux Carré, which also has a gay-popular bar with drag queen performances and fabulous cocktails. An ideal location for those seeking an upbeat, fun locale.

Billy’s Lounge

A friendly neighborhood bar in Slidell with a patio, open to all lifestyles. They host drag shows on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month and are the sister bar to Double Play in the French Quarter.

Billy's Lounge NOLA

Cruising and Gay Bathhouses In New Orleans

New Orleans might be a popular LGBT holiday destination, but if you are looking for some steam, anonymous fun – you might be a little disappointed. The famous gay bathhouse, Club New Orleans, has recently closed – and the other bathhouse here, Flex, closed a few years earlier. 

Sadly, this is a common trend seen in North America, from Santa Cruz and San Fran to Hawaii, Memphis, and more. In North America, very few bathhouse scenes are thriving outside of Montreal, Quebec, and Fort Lauderdale. A sign of the changing times, we suppose.

Still – nothing is going to stop the gays from having fun, and, as you would expect, the gay cruising apps are particularly busy. You will find plenty of tourists from all over the US and the world looking to engage in little holiday shenanigans. Just have your hotel sorted if you want to be able to host.

Other than that, we recommend trying the cruisy gay bars we covered earlier.

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Gay Map Of New Orleans

Finding it hard to envisage where everything is in New Orleans? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!