You may have wanted to run off and join the circus when you were a kid, but trust us, this adult version is way better. An institution in New Orleans, this baby has been a watering hole for artists, locals and visitors alike since 1949, and has watched the rest of the world go on by.

If you’re lucky, grab a stool at their central bar modeled after a carousel complete with lights and mirrors and sip on one of their classics. Their Sazerac is the stuff of legends, but if you fancy a Grasshopper or something else, they’ll still blow your mind. After a few you may feel the room spinning, but don’t get too alarmed - the bar stools are literally spinning around the bar. With 15 minutes a rotation, that's just about enough time for one drink and to make a decision on the next one.

Perfect for afternoon drinking that turns into hanging out all evening away from the insanity of Bourbon Street. With live jazz some nights, this place keeps an almost classy line, but pulls off feeling super unpretentious and easy.