New Orleans is called the Big Easy for a reason – it’s a town that loves to kick back with a beverage, listen to insane live music after dark, and get up the next day and do it all over again. Bourbon Street is legendary for its music venues like Tipitina’s (501 Napoleon Ave, New Orleans) and the Maple Leaf (8316 Oak Street, New Orleans). Expect to discover superlative jazz, brass bands, blues, zydeco, funk and just about every other genre playing live every night of the week. With no mandated closing times in Louisiana, the party rumbles on as long as the guests can hang.

Not every drinking spot in New Orleans is focused on music. The French Quarter is loaded with cool little spots where music is more of background noise to the boisterous party-people. They can be rowdy at Pat O’Brien’s (718 St Peter Street, New Orleans) where the intoxicating hurricane was invented, Tropical Isle (727 Bourbon Steet, New Orleans), home of the melon-flavored hand grenade or more laid back at Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House (144 Bourbon Street, New Orleans). The greatest thing about New Orleans is you can take any alcoholic drink with you in a plastic to-go cup so the entire street becomes your playground to explore. You can also find great Cajun music and classy bars in Lafayette along The Strip and downtown district. Places like the Greenroom (229 Jefferson Street, Lafayette) are always reliable for a casual night out with the locals. Louisiana is one of the last states where you can still smoke in bars.