Bourbon Street, the bustling thoroughfare of New Orleans

If you want to see and hear all the action, get there early and sit on one of the balconies overlooking the street. These belong to the many bars and clubs that line Bourbon Street.

But you don't just sit anywhere!

You have to choose the balcony that offers the best view of the lively thoroughfare!

Admittedly, the street is very touristy, but the experience is a must in NOLA!

The crowd of visitors who stroll down this street to the sounds of all kinds of music is very diverse.

Every bar has its own sound system, from rock to jazz to world music.

On every street corner a musician plays, and the crowd listens with varying degrees of attention. So goes the night on Bourbon Street...

The alcohol, the music and the coloured neon lights give this street an incredible atmosphere. In fact, the party often goes on until the wee hours of the morning!

In fact, this street is the ideal destination for celebrating all of life's happy events! Whether you're here for a stag or hen party, a birthday or an unforgettable evening out with friends!

Finally, if you're a jazz fan, Frenchmen Street is the place to be. Located in the Marigny district, this is another of the city's iconic thoroughfares. It's the place to be if you're looking for quality jazz clubs.

Did you know that the street was named in honour of the Sun King? It was built in 1718 by the French architect Adrien de Pauger. He chose the name of the French royal family of the time to name the street.

Bourbon Street was also the haunt of the famous pirate Jean Lafitte, who carried out his official duties as a blacksmith at 941 Bourbon Street. Today it is the oldest bar in the United States, the Lafitte Blacksmith Shop, see below.

Bourbon Street is also home to a gay sector, starting at the intersection with St Ann Street. It even boasts the oldest gay bar in the country (1933).

Lafitte-In-Exile has a balcony right in the heart of the action. This famous bar was the meeting place of the famous playwright and writer Tennessee Williams.

The choice is immense and you won't know where to turn, attracted by all the neon lights...

You'll also find the oldest bar in the United States! The Lafitte Blacksmith Shop dates back to 1772, making it one of the oldest establishments of its kind in the United States!

The bar is very popular with tourists, but the location and atmosphere are well worth the wait. Even the architecture of the shack, which dates back to the 18th century, is worth a visit!

Bourbon Street is not the favourite street of jazz fans. Frenchmen Street in the Marigny district dethroned it long ago. But if you look hard enough, you'll find a few nuggets that stand up to the tourist bars and clubs.

Fritzel's European Jazz Pub is the place to be! Housed in a historic building dating back to 1831, the club has been in existence since 1969, making it one of the oldest in the city. What's more, with its small size and close proximity to excellent musicians, the place has an incredible atmosphere.

Galatoire's is a must-visit restaurant on Bourbon Street. Gourmets will be delighted here. Established in 1905, the restaurant bears the name of its founder Jean Galatoire. The recipes combine French and Creole cuisine to delight even the most demanding palates.

Located in the heart of the tourist district, the restaurant is often fully booked, so be sure to make a reservation. You'll also need to dress appropriately.

Bourbon Street stretches over 13 blocks, from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue. You'll also find plenty of hotels to make the most of this lively district!

The Wyndham New Orleans French Quarter is less than 5 minutes' walk from Bourbon Street. But it's also ideally located for exploring the city at your leisure. There are plenty of bars and restaurants close to the hotel, as well as the nearby Canal Street tram stop for exploring New Orleans. As a bonus, you can relax in the hotel's heated swimming pool!