Gay area in new orleans

New Orleans has style.

You’ll see the LaLaurie Mansion (the most haunted house in the U.S.), restaurants where you can eat with the dead, and more. It's also a city with a lot of history, having passed hands between France and Spain before the United States laid claim to it and, sadly, being the center of the U.S. slave trade before the Civil War. As such, it’s a bubbling melting pot of influences, from the aforementioned Spanish and French influences to African-American, and that of the nearby Caribbean.

daily! four-day festival over Halloween weekend, Halloween New Orleans features themed parties, a costume contest, and a dance extravaganza. Just a short walk from the Mississippi River, Jackson Square offers visitors picturesque views of the riverfront, where they can watch boats and ferries glide by. To get into the center, the most economical route is to take the RTA’s 202 Airport Express from the airport terminals to Canal Street in Downtown New Orleans.

A Jazzy Pass offers unlimited rides for one ($3), three ($8), seven ($15), or 31 days ($45), making it easy to hop on and off as you explore the city.

Gay Hotels in New Orleans

Although there are no specifically gay hotels in New Orleans, there are many that go out of their way to be gay-friendly, especially in the lively French Quarter.

Luxury

Hotel Monteleone – Perhaps the most famous hotel in New Orleans, this historic, gay-friendly establishment is located in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter.

The largest attended bear dance party and most prolific gay dance event in the U.S, Bearracuda, also takes places during the festivities. The Country Club is open from 10 a.m. Prices include a Continental breakfast of cereal, fresh fruit, bread, and jam. Still, it remains a popular place for the LGBTQ+ community and hosts various events, including drag brunches, live music, and themed parties.

Gay Events in New Orleans

Southern Decadence – Held over Labor Day weekend, Southern Decadence is one of the largest LGBTQ+ events in the country, often referred to as the “Gay Mardi Gras”…as if Mardi Gras wasn’t gay enough already!

From the French Quarter to the Bywater, you'll find plenty of safe and inclusive spaces to explore.

Can I drink on the streets?

Yes, you can drink alcohol on the streets as long as it’s in a plastic cup. The Phoenix Bar is open 24/7, 365 days a year. Book tour →

NOMA (New Orleans Museum of Art) – Located in City Park, the New Orleans Museum of Art boasts an impressive collection of fine art, including pieces by Degas, Monet, and O'Keeffe.

Take a boat tour out into the wetlands to see raccoons, snakes, turtles, native birds, and yes, alligators.

It offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere with a beautiful courtyard, regular events, and a rich history that attracts both locals and tourists.