Bourbon Street is loud, crowded, neon-lit and completely unapologetic. It is also one of those places you should probably see for yourself before deciding what you think of it.
The famous New Orleans nightlife strip
The street runs through the French Quarter and is especially known for bars, music and late-night crowds. The atmosphere can be entertaining, chaotic or overwhelming depending on when you visit and what you are looking for.
You do not need all night
If heavy nightlife is not your thing, walk Bourbon Street in the early evening, experience the spectacle and then explore elsewhere. There is far more to New Orleans nightlife than this single street.
Keep normal city awareness
Busy entertainment districts attract crowds, alcohol and opportunistic crime. Keep track of your belongings, stay aware of your surroundings and use sensible transport arrangements late at night.
Part of the experience, not all of it
My recommendation is to treat Bourbon Street as one chapter of the French Quarter rather than your entire New Orleans itinerary. Walk it, people-watch, listen for music and enjoy the absurdity.
Then turn a corner. Some of the most memorable parts of New Orleans begin when the noise of Bourbon Street starts fading behind you.