Unique Places For An Awesome Night Out In New Orleans

Nightlife in New Orleans is serious business. The lively Louisiana city lights up after dark with an atmosphere that’s filled with endless possibilities. You probably already plan on visiting one of the best jazz clubs in the Big Easy, but there’s plenty one-of-a-kind things to do here, too. To help you have an incredible time, here are some unique spots for an awesome night out in New Orleans.
Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Preservation Hall

Established in 1961 when the future of New Orleans jazz seemed bleak, Preservation Hall was founded to preserve, perpetuate and protect traditional New Orleans jazz. Still going strong, Preservation Hall stages three nightly shows and hosts speciality sets – such as their Midnight Preserves during Jazz Fest. Line up outside early to get a spot in this intimate, one-room venue and immerse yourself in traditional New Orleans jazz played by veteran masters of the local music scene.

Clue Carré

Bayou Night Paddle

Enjoy a romantic view of the moon by paddling down the winding, historic waterways of Bayou St John with Bayou Paddlesports. The popular two-hour evening ride provides an opportunity to have fun while relaxing under the stars. Paddle-enthusiasts can check out their desired gear on the website and pick it up at the launch site.

Steamboat Natchez

Hop on the last authentic New Orleans steamboat and navigate the mighty Mississippi River on a night filled with delicious Creole food, authentic live jazz and steam calliope tunes. The sternwheel steamboat docks at the Toulouse Street Wharf near the French Quarter and offers the chance to enjoy the beauty and romance of the Crescent City while seeing major landmarks, including the Chalmette Battlefield. Board the vessel 30 minutes prior to the assigned departure time, and return after a two-hour cruise.

Prytania Theatre

Built in 1914, the Prytania is the only single-screen movie theater in Louisiana and is the oldest operating theater in the New Orleans metro area. Standing at the corner of Prytania and Leontine streets, this vintage movie joint was the first theater in NOLA to convert to digital cinema, and now features a variety of films to satisfy any type of audience, including cult classics and current blockbusters. There are also featured old films, horror movie festivals, influential documentaries and popular national shows, such as the Oscars, shown at this 100-year-old theater.

Club Caribbean

If you’re looking for something a bit more upbeat than jazz and blues, why not immerse yourself in the groove of island-inspired beats? Club Caribbean claims to be the only true reggae club in New Orleans; here, it’s summer year round thanks to the tropical soundtrack and vibrant color scheme of reds, yellows and greens. Make sure you go hungry, too – the jerk chicken is fabulous.

Matt Mills contributed additional reporting to this article.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.