Absinthe: The History of the Green Fairy

If you’re getting married in New Orleans, Louisiana and need ideas for the Bachelorette Party of the century, you’ve come to the right place. New Orleans is known for its crazy nightlife, but don’t worry. This is an inclusive compilation of activities to do with your bridal party. And we even did the heavy lifting and separated them into different personality types:

The Nerdy Girls
The Ragers
The Tourists
The Reserved Brides
The Gourmet Girls

The Nerdy Girls

If you have an affinity for learning and want to have fun while doing it, we got you. New Orleans is one of the most historic cities in the United States. You won’t be left craving the knowledge you love, because there’s history around every corner. Here are the things we think you should check out for your Bachelorette Party if you’re a self-proclaimed nerd:

Pharmacy Museum: Located in the Historic District, this place provides extensive and interpretive educational programs to present the rich history of both the pharmacy and healthcare in the state, past and present. Check out ancient surgical instruments, prescriptions, and Dr. J. William Rosenthal’s Spectacles Collection.

Take a Historical Cocktail Tour or Pub Crawl: Learning and drinking are not mutually exclusive in this town.

“Revelry Tours takes you to the most coveted spots in town to sample some of the city’s best cocktails - with a side of fascinating history.”

Check out our Novel Cocktails tour, a tour that explores the lives of famous writers that called New Orleans home, and Crescent City Chronicles, where you’ll get a boozy account of the city.

National World War II Museum: If you’re not sick of museums yet, this is one you have to see. With immersive exhibits and artifacts you can’t see anywhere else, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. It’s a physical commemoration and honoring of the generation that sacrificed so much to secure the freedom we have. Just make sure you give yourself enough time to enjoy it all.

Eat in the Historic District: Everyone’s gotta eat, right? If you’re trying to fit in as much fun as possible while still getting three square meals a day, hang around the Historic District. Specifically, try Galatoire’s. It’s a Creole restaurant that has been open since the early 1900s, founded by Jean Galatoire. This eatery will give your tastebuds a journey through time.

Visit a Plantation: Hear us out! We know that plantations represent a horrible part of our history, and they often romanticize that time period. But check out the Whitney Plantation, a museum devoted to telling the stories of the slaves rather than the owners.

The Ragers

If you want a hardcore night or weekend full of partying, New Orleans is the place to be. With an extensive nightlife and lots of excellent bars, here is a narrowed-down list of where you should go.

Stay in the French Quarter: First thing’s first: You have to pick a place to stay. We suggest the French Quarter as it is the heart of New Orleans, vibrant, near the riverfront, and known for its non-stop party vibe. Find a great hotel or AirBnB around here to be within walking distance of all the fun!

Karaoke: Do you and your girlfriends want to sing your hearts out? Head over to the Cat’s Meow for some unbelievable karaoke. Do some duets, or if you’re brave, a show stopping solo, and slay the night.

Private Classes: If you want to keep your wild side more private, try a pole dancing or Burlesque class with your ladies. This is the best way to let loose without the fear of having unwanted eyes on you.

Lively Bars: While New Orleans has a ton of bars, there are a couple we thought would be perfect for a Bachelorette Party. Pat O’Briens and Saints and Sinners have a fun vibe that’s ideal for a lively night out, as well as potent drinks, so you don’t have to spend a fortune to get tipsy.

Oz New Orleans: This is the best gay bar in the city. No matter what day of the week you’re having your party, you and your gal pals will have a blast. Tuesdays are Burlesque shows, Wednesdays and Sundays are drag shows (must-see for sure), and Saturdays and Sundays are drag queen bingo. You’ll never be bored here!

The Tourists

If you’re not from the area and just want to get as much of the classic touristy attractions you can, here are some great options.

Airboat Tour: This is the epitome of New Orleans. Hop in a fan-powered boat with some real swamp people and ride around the famous marshes of this city. If you have a group of 40 or more at your Bachelorette Party, they offer a crawfish and seafood boil with all the fixings. You can also bring your own food for a bayou picnic.

Shopping: If you have a wad of cash burning a hole in your pocket, take your ladies to one of the many shopping options in the area. Try Outlet Collection at Riverwalk if you want anything from high end name brands to your department store favorites as well as all the food court classics. Shops at Canal Place is a multi-level mall experience with a movie theater inside. For more local shops and boutiques, head to Magazine Street.

Jackson Square and The French Market: Hire a photographer and pose in one of the most beautiful locations in the city. Jackson Square is located right in the heart of the French Quarter in front of the St. Louis Cathedral. There are lots of delicious restaurants and an open-air artist colony that displays their work on the iron fence.

Tropical Isle: This is a huge tourist attraction as they are the home of the popular Hand Grenade and are known for their great drink prices. This bar is for those who don’t know where to go in the city and is a good warm up to the other nightlife the bustling Bourbon Street has to experience.

The Reserved Brides

In a city as vibrant and lively as New Orleans, there are still options for the more reserved brides. So, there’s no need to stress about that. We have plenty of activities for even the most introverted groups.

Stay in the Garden District: If you want a lowkey and charming area to spend a few nights, find a hotel or AirBnB in the Garden District. It’s nice and quiet, so you can get your beauty sleep before your big day. It’s also the perfect place to host your own personal party where you can don your own Masquerade garb.

Spa Day: Pamper you and your best babes with a spa day at the Woodhouse Day Spa or Ritz Carlton Spa. There’s very little a massage and facial won’t fix. Plus it’ll keep you feeling fresh before you walk down the aisle.

Bride Tribe Yoga: Grab your gals and take a calming yoga class. It’ll get you centered and prepare you to enjoy the rest of the plans for your Bachelorette Party.

Go Antiquing: Do you love old furniture, books, or clothing? Do you still have to find your “something old?” Head over to one of the many unique antique shops in this old city to get a few original items you likely won’t find anywhere else.

Savor our Great Food: New Orleans is not short of delicious places to eat. If you’re on the lookout for a nice brunch with your friends, go to Cafe Amelie in the French Quarter. They have ample outdoor seating and a beautiful view. If you have a few picky eaters in your group, give Auction House Market a chance. This is a food hall, which means there are tons of eateries all under one roof, giving everyone an option they’ll like and y’all can still sit together!

Gourmet Gals

If you decided to get married in New Orleans because of the millions of flavors that get to grace your tastebuds, we get it. If only there were unlimited time and room in our stomachs for all the possibilities here. But we have some food and drinks that might satisfy your tight schedule.

Classes: If learning a new dish, style of cooking, or a flashy cocktail is your idea of fun, there are tons of places you can do that here! Get a Lunch & Lesson to learn Cajun and Creole cooking at the New Orleans School of Cooking or find one of the many other locations to learn what you fancy.

Country Clubs: If you want some delicious food and awesome amenities, hit up a country club for the day. Relish your time in the sun, the scenery, and the swimming pools!

Unique Bars: New Orleans has a view. And that doesn’t mean you have to give up on flavor or fun. Give Monkey Board a try for great cocktails on a rooftop, but more importantly, food truck-inspired eats! If you’re looking for something fancier, try the Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar and Lounge. This bar is made from a real carousel that spins!

Interesting Restaurants: You don’t have to go far to find something original you’ve never had before. This creative city has something for even the most refined of tastes. If you’re looking for Southern-inspired dishes such as BBQ shrimp toast or coffee-based cocktails, try Willa Jean. Or if you’re wanting to splurge beyond your wildest dreams, hit up Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar for a melt-in-your-mouth steak!

Café Du Monde: Were you even in New Orleans if you didn’t go to Café Du Monde? This may be a tourist hotspot at this point, but it’s popular for a reason. Grab your girls and a batch of beignets to reach your happy place!

Whatever type of bridal party you have, New Orleans has something for everyone. Just because it’s known as a party city doesn’t mean you have to keep up with the crowd. If you do, you go girl! But also remember there are hidden gems around every corner! Enjoy your time and do what you want to do.

P.S. Congratulations!