New Orleans is famous for many things - jazz music, great food, voodoo and of course, it's well-known for Bourbon Street. The hedonistic, hectic and bustling stretch of road is known for its many bars, clubs and loud music.

But this street isn't for everyone - and when I visited New Orleans in May, I found it most certainly was not for me. I am 30 years old, and while I still enjoy a drink, the idea of flocking with thousands of other tourists to get blind drunk and stumble down this singular stretch of street did not exactly appeal to me. We nipped out on our second evening in the city to check it out and at 8pm on a Monday, Bourbon Street was already in full swing.

The atmosphere was chaotic, with music pumping out onto the street, promoters on every corner trying to lure you into their clubs and people carrying their drinks (and spilling them) into the thoroughfare.

I was overwhelmed, and not at all impressed - but luckily, I had the insider information from a local.

I had been informed there was a grown up version of this street, just a short walk away. If drinking until you're sick, then drinking more doesn't appeal, ditch Bourbon Street and head to Frenchman Street instead.

This charming stretch is located just outside the French Quarter, and known for its music and art.

Unlike Bourbon Street, it's more about atmosphere than alcohol - although there are some fabulous bars.

We started at Spotted Cat, a cool little bar that has live music every night and some truly delicious cocktails. It was shoulder to shoulder inside with people but despite the crowd, it didn't feel overwhelming the same way Bourbon had.

After a drink, we wandered back onto the street to discover a brass band playing to the waiting crowd.

In the sweltering Louisiana heat people were dancing, singing and clapping to the music as cars waited patiently for the crowd to move out of the road - the joy of the scene was infectious and I found myself smiling from ear to ear.

Frenchman Street also boasts an amazing artists market which sells everything from alligator spines to gorgeous oil paintings, jewellery and puzzles. The market was perfect for wandering through and is open from 7pm until midnight - plenty of time for browsing.

For me, Frenchman Street was the perfect place to spend an evening. You get to enjoy everything New Orleans is famous for, without having to sacrifice your dignity for it.