New Orleans Official Visitors Guide - 2026 Summer/Fall
LGBTQ+ Hot Spots
2026-06-26 13:21:18
New Orleans is a haven for LGBTQ+ travelers, thanks to one-of-a-kind events, welcoming businesses, and an inclusive atmosphere.
Whether you’re in town for a specific celebration — like Pride, Southern Decadence, the Gay Easter Parade, or Halloween — or you’re just looking for ideas on how to spend a day in New Orleans, check out these two itineraries created just for the LGBTQ+ community.
BUDGET ITINERARY
Breakfast at Café Du Monde: Cheap, filling, and iconically New Orleans, beignets are the right way to start your day.
Queer History Tour of New Orleans: Local tour guide Quinn Bishop will lead you on a two-hour tour of the French Quarter, spanning two centuries of queer New Orleans history.
Lunch at Up&Adam Eatz: Brunch, lunch, or whatever you call it, Up&Adam serves it. Shrimp and grits, anyone?
Dutch Alley Artist’s Co-op: Visit this art gallery right by the French Market for a uniquely New Orleans souvenir.
Gay Bars Galore: Party at the Bourbon Pub & Parade, Oz, Good Friends, and other gay bars open nightly in New Orleans. Queer women should follow GrrlSpot, Her Haus, and Ascen.dance pop-ups for the latest events.
SPLURGE ITINERARY
Drag Brunch at The Country Club: Its name may be deceiving, but The Country Club is a stunning restaurant that’s open to all — no membership or golf required! You’ll want to make your reservation in advance, though. Stay afterwards for a dip in their luxurious pool.
JAMNOLA: This queer-owned attraction is dedicated to the joy, art, and music of New Orleans with 17 immersive experiences created by more than 30 different artists.
Dinner at Vessel: This queer-owned seafood restaurant in Mid-City is uniquely located in an old church with stunning stained-glass windows and great cocktails.
Variety Show at The AllWays Lounge & Cabaret: Cap your night off with a drag, burlesque, or variety show from this very queer lounge in the Marigny.
MEET THE QUEEN
Katrina Waters
FAVORITE PLACE TO BRING VISITORS
In a city where food is an essential part of every day, I always recommend making time for both Saturday and Sunday brunch — because there’s always time for brunch, especially a drag brunch at spots like The Country Club or Marigny Brasserie. Oh, and we always swing by Dirty Coast to grab some goodies that are locally approved.
FAVORITE RESTAURANT
One of my favorite places to visit is Katie’s in Mid-City! Their menu is packed with classic New Orleans dishes, each with its own Katie’s flair. You absolutely have to try the Crawfish Beignet, a specialty by Chef Scot. If you haven’t met Chef Scot, one conversation with him will feel like catching up with an old friend.
FAVORITE MUSEUM OR ATTRACTION
I absolutely adore JAMNOLA! It’s not only visually stunning, but also fun for all ages. As a queer-owned business, it showcases installations by local artists that beautifully capture the essence of New Orleans’ unique spirit. It truly embodies the epitome of joy, art, and music.
FAVORITE WAY TO HIT THE TOWN
There’s absolutely nothing better than gathering with my sisters (in a gender-neutral, besties kind of way) to enjoy drinks outside on a clear day as the sun sets! Whether it’s on a balcony like at Good Friends Bar in the Quarter, or in the backyard at QiQi, as long as the vibes are right and the drinks are flowing, you can’t go wrong.
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