24 hour gayover in new orleans
New Orleans is famous for its vibrant festivals, rich southern cuisine, and as the birthplace of jazz! But did you know it's also home to one of the most dynamic and welcoming Queer communities in the USA?
Grand Marshalls of Southern Decadence 2024
Although Mardi Gras, dating back to 1699, is often the first thing people associate with New Orleans, the city hosts over 130 festivals each year. These celebrations attract millions of visitors, dazzling in extravagant costumes and bold lewks. New Orleans is a city that thrives on individuality and celebrates everyone with open arms.
“At the heart of New Orleans is the iconic French Quarter, known for its stunning French and Spanish Creole architecture, cast-iron balconies, and the electric nightlife of Bourbon Street. Below is the PERFECT itinerary for a 24-hour GAYover in NOLA, no matter what time of year you visit!”
WHERE TO STAY
New Orleans offers a wide range of accommodation options, from charming Creole townhouses to modern luxury highrises, ensuring you'll find the perfect place to stay. For a blend of sleek sophistication and historic charm, you must stay at ONE11 Hotel. Located on the edge of the French Quarter along the Mississippi River in an area that used to be known as the Sugar District, this hotel combines contemporary design with a nod to the city’s rich sugar industry heritage. Plus, it's just a convenient 10-minute walk to the lively ‘gayborhood,’ making it an ideal spot for exploring the city's LGBTQ+ scene.
WHERE TO Eat
New Orleans is a true culinary paradise, where dishes like Gumbo, Crawfish, and Po’Boys reign supreme. But even as a vegetarian, I’m thrilled to find so many New Orleans restaurants embracing vegan and vegetarian options in their menus.
Beignets at the World-Famous Cafe' Du Monde
For breakfast, no trip is complete without a stop at the iconic Café du Monde to indulge in their world-famous beignets. If you love funnel cakes, you’ll be living for these powdered sugar-covered delights!
For lunch, head to Breads on Oak, a vegan hotspot nestled in the Uptown district and voted the number one bakery in Louisiana. You’ll find an array of delicious plant-based options that showcase the best of Southern baking.
Vegan Heaven at Sneaky Pickle
When it’s time for dinner, treat yourself to Sneaky Pickle in the Bywater neighborhood, a haven for food lovers who appreciate local, seasonal ingredients. Their menus are thoughtfully crafted around fresh produce from small, locally operated farms in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, proving that flavor and health can go hand in hand.
WHAT TO SEE
To truly immerse yourself in New Orleans’ rich history and get the perfect lay of the land, start with Vue Orleans. This tech-forward, immersive exhibit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and a deep dive into its unique past. Afterward, hop on one of the iconic streetcars and ride over to the Garden District, where you’ll be dazzled by some of the most stunning homes you’ll ever see.
To get a taste of Mardi Gras magic year-round, visit Mardi Gras World to learn about the history of the celebration and marvel at the vibrant, larger-than-life floats.
Calling all adrenaline seekers- head to Zip Nola, where you can zip line over alligators while learning about Louisiana’s fascinating ecosystem—truly a next-level thrill like no other!
WHERE TO PLAY
The Fruit Loop, also known as ‘The Lavender Line,’ is a vibrant hub for Queer nightlife located in the French Quarter, offering a variety of bars to suit whatever you're in the mood for. A must-do is Quinn Bishop’s Queer History Tour, where you’ll discover how Queer people have shaped New Orleans from the 1700s to today. Quinn’s storytelling is both hilarious and enlightening, bringing to life the colorful history of this incredible city.
New Orleans is also famous for its thriving burlesque scene, and there’s no better place to experience it than at Allways Lounge, where the Van Ella Bordella show offers an unforgettable Storyville immersive experience in a trans-inclusive space that champions diversity. If you are craving a Burlesque meets Drag brunch check out Trixie Minx show at Virgin Hotels.
For a true slice of LGBTQ+ history, visit Lafitte’s in Exile, the longest continuously operating LGBTQ+ bar in the U.S., which opened its doors right after Prohibition in 1933. If you’re looking to dance the night away, head over to Oz on Bourbon Street. For a laid-back dive bar vibe, check out Good Friends, and for the bears out there, Rawhide is your spot.
I’m lucky to be in New Orleans during Southern Decadence, which began in August 1972 as a small end-of-summer party with 40 to 50 friends. Today, it has blossomed into a spectacular event that attracts thousands of people from around the globe. You can check out my video from this year’s celebration below.
Southern Decadence 2024
INSIDER TIP
Take a break from the bustling French Quarter and venture over to Frenchmen Street. If you’re craving some live jazz, don’t miss The Spotted Cat, one of New Orleans’ most legendary jazz clubs, where the energy is infectious and the music keeps the vibe poppin' from 2 pm onward every day.
THE SPOTTED CAT
In New Orleans, LGBTQ+ acceptance is woven into the very fabric of the city—from Mardi Gras and it’s storied streets to its iconic nightlife and melodic beats- a perfect spot for your next getaway.
Visit NewOrleans.com to help curate your own unforgettable itinerary!