Stretching through the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans, Bourbon Street has played a central role in the city’s nightlife since its earliest years. It was laid out by the French and rebuilt by the Spanish, with its jazz scene and Creole restaurants having made their mark on American culture.
Although Bourbon Street and its surrounding area were initially built by the French, it was largely destroyed by a fire in 1788 after New Orleans had been taken over by the Spanish. As a result, many of its buildings exhibit Spanish influences, despite being within the French Quarter. Bourbon Street was predominantly a residential area during its early years, but after the Storyville red-light district emerged in nearby Basin Street, the gambling, drinking and prostitution venues spilt over and with it came the early incarnations of jazz. By World War II, Bourbon Street was the new Storyville, with nightclubs and strip joints lining its route. Upper Bourbon Street is its most popular section, packed with bars, souvenir shops and restaurants, including the iconic New Orleans’ restaurant Galatoire’s which first opened its doors in 1905.The annual Mardi Gras Festival attracts people from across the United States, wearing their favourite purple, green and gold and celebrating in a variety of lively parades and festivities.
Upper Bourbon Street is easily accessed from the tram stops along Canal Street at the south-west end of the strip, while public buses provide access to Lower Bourbon Street. It’s also just a couple of blocks walk from Louis Armstrong Park and the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park.
Founded in 1718, New Orleans was a part of the French colony of Louisiana, when royal engineer Adrien de Pauger designed the city layout, naming the streets after Catholic saints and French royal houses. Rue Bourbon was named in tribute to France’s ruling family, the House of Bourbon before it was anglicised to Bourbon Street after the Americans gained control.