Bourbon Street (Rue Bourbon)

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When New Orleans was founded in 1718, it was originally centered around the French Quarter. The city has since expanded, but "The Quarter" remains the cultural hub with Bourbon Street as one of its main attractions.

The most frequented section of Bourbon Street is "Upper Bourbon Street", an eight-block section of popular tourist attractions.

Bourbon Street was named in honor of the House of Bourbon, the ruling French Royal Family, at the time of the city's founding.

Though largely quiet during the day, Bourbon Street comes alive at night, particularly during the French Quarter's many festivals. Most popular among these is the annual Mardi Gras celebration, when Bourbon Street teems with hundreds of thousands of tourists.