New Orleans

New Orleans ticks differently than the rest of the USA. Creole and French roots, wrought-iron balconies and live jazz on every corner characterize the cityscape, plus a joie de vivre that is transferred to every visit. In the middle of the old town, the queer community has a long history and celebrates it quite openly.

Trendy district

The historic French Quarter around lower Bourbon Street is the queer heart of the city. The area between St. Ann and Dumaine is affectionately called the "Fruit Loop", St. Ann Street is considered the "Lavender Line" on the edge of the gay community. Bars, cafés and small shops are lined up between centuries-old facades. If you explore the district on foot, you don't need much more than a few streets to reach the most important addresses.

Nightlife

Café Lafitte in Exile has remained the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the country since 1933 and a fixed meeting place. Just around the corner, the Bourbon Pub & Parade with its large balcony terrace and Club Oz with first-class sound lure you deep into the night. The parade has started from the Golden Lantern since 1981, which is why the bar is considered the nucleus of many scene celebrations. Live music is part of it. Especially on nearby Frenchmen Street, the bands play until late.

Best time to visit

Spring and autumn are pleasant, when the sultry summer heat and the main season of hurricanes are over. The highlight in the queer calendar is Southern Decadence on Labor Day weekend, 2026 from September 3 to 7. With block parties, drag shows and the Grand Marshal parade through the French Quarter, the festival attracts around 250,000 people and is one of the largest queer events in the USA. If you arrive in winter, Mardi Gras is the city's other big festival.

Arrival

The international hub is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) west of the city. There are usually no direct flights from Germany, but transfers via hubs such as Atlanta, Newark or Houston are common. From the airport, you can reach the center by taxi, shuttle or rental car in about 30 minutes. In the French Quarter itself, the best way to get around is on foot or by taking the historic streetcar, the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar connects the old town with the Garden District.

Safety & LGBT Rights

Marriage for all applies throughout the USA, and New Orleans has a reputation as a tolerant, cosmopolitan city with a long queer tradition. In the French Quarter and at scene events, the climate is relaxed and open. As in any big city, a little attention is recommended at night in quieter neighborhoods, but there is little reason for this in the busy tourist and scene area. During the day, a walk through the Garden District, a steamboat trip on the Mississippi River and, of course, Creole cuisine are also worthwhile.