Insider tips New Orleans: Celebrating diversity

Our host leads you to explore the beauty and the decadence of New Orleans. Rick considers his home city as a great gay-friendly destination, it's a city that celebrates diversity, and the different shades of life, dark and colorful alike. Follow the rainbow to New Orleans and enjoy Rick's tips.

What makes your city a favorite gay destination?

What makes New Orleans a favorite gay destination is the diversity that happens all over the city.  With the amount of festivals (Mardi Gras being the most popular) and costumes that happen on a regular basis around here, beads and boas can be a part of everyday attire without anyone thinking you are crazy. New Orleans is a place that embraces all kinds of cultures and people. 

What is the best gay event that takes place in your city?

Southern Decadence is the most popular gay event that happens every Labor Day weekend here in New Orleans. There are float and walking parades, a concert in the street, and plenty of go-go boys on just about every gay bar top in the city. It is a huge street party that runs around the clock with circuit party dance events and plenty of drag shows.

Best gay bar for a refreshing cocktail?

The good thing about the gay bars here is that most of them are walking distance to each other.  The hub being the intersection of Bourbon and St Ann streets.  It is legal to have alcohol in the streets so it's fun to bar hop and party in the street along the way.

Best place to socialize with the local gay community?

You will find most of the locals hanging out at Good Friends, 700 Club, and Café Laffite in Exile which is one of the oldest gay bars in the country.

Ready to go dancing--what is the best gay dance club?

The two best dance clubs are OZ and Bourbon Pub.  They happen to be across from each other so its fun to hit them both.

Best gay bar for a refreshing cocktail?

If you are looking for more of a neighborhood bar GrandPre's and the Golden Lantern are great places to hang out and get to know people.  

Which famous LGBTQ personality is from your city?

New Orleans also has great drag shows. Bianca Del Rio from RuPaul’s Drag Race got her start here and often makes a guest appearance for special events.  

Best place to be surrounded by the local gays?

The Country Club is a place that has it all.  It's a great place for dinner, drag brunch, hang out at the bar, or take advantage of the pool area with a Jacuzzi, sauna, and cabana bar.

Where to start a gay tour in your home city?

Crescent City Tour Booking Agency offers  gay walking tours and can also book swamp, plantation, ghost, cemetery, and riverboat cruises.