Often called the Crown Jewel of New Orleans, the French Quarter is one of our most historic neighborhoods. Still, you’ll find plenty of new mixed in with the old with over 300 years of history at your fingertips. Explore the sights, sounds, tastes, and feel of the French Quarter with our guide.
• Year Founded: 1718
• Vibe: Romantic, mysterious, jazzy
• Known For: Bohemian charm, Jackson Square history, Steamboat cruises, Royal Street strolling, Old-world architecture, historic restaurants
• Get Around: Walking is the best way to get around in the French Quarter! You can also get around by rideshare/ taxi, pedicab, or even mules and buggy!
1. Explore Jackson Square
Jackson Square stands as one of the most iconic and recognizable locations in all of New Orleans. Home to St. Louis Cathedral, flanked by the Cabildo and Presbytère museums, the square is also host to a dazzling array of art, music, fortune-tellers, and street performers.
2. Visit Must–See Museums and Attractions
As the vibrant city center for more than 300 years, The French Quarter is brimming with historic house museums and attractions that allow visitors to explore every facet of life in New Orleans since its founding. Visit The Historic New Orleans Collection which features exhibits on immigration, civil rights, and the French Quarter throughout time—complete with free admission.
3. Indulge in Classic New Orleans Dining
The French Quarter has its share of classic Creole restaurants, from centuries-old to contemporary culinary experiences. Visit the oldest restaurant in the country, Antoine’s, for the Gulf Fish Amandine and Baked Alaska. Broussard’s, Arnaud’s, Galatoire’s, and Brennan’s are additional classic dining spots where you can get gumbo, BBQ shrimp, grilled Gulf fish, and turtle soup. Stop by Napoleon House for a muffuletta or Johnny's Po-Boys for a po-boy. And for dessert (or breakfast), make sure to stop by Café du Monde for an order of beignets and café au lait.
4. Browse the French Market
If you seek to take a piece of New Orleans home with you, the French Market is your destination for open-air shopping. Here, you’ll discover a delightful medley of food, art, trinkets, and, often, the sweet hum of live music to serenade your stroll through history.
5. Stroll Iconic Streets
Royal Street offers a captivating blend of art galleries, boutiques, antique shops, cozy bars, charming hotels, and delectable restaurants. Meanwhile, Bourbon Street, perhaps the most famous street in New Orleans, is known for its bars and nightlife.
While New Orleans is celebrated for its distinctive local cuisine, it also claims the title of the birthplace of the cocktail. Sit at a historic bar like the Carousel Bar and sip classic cocktails like the Sazerac, Pimm’s Cup, and Vieux Carré.
Fun knows no age limits at the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium , nestled on the scenic Riverfront. You might just want to catch a ride on Steamboat Natchez or Creole Queen and cruise down the Mississippi River. Or take in all the views from the top deck of Vue Orleans , located 33 floors atop the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans .
From a walking history of the French Quarter to nighttime haunted ghost tours, there’s a tour for everyone in the French Quarter.
The French Quarter is known for balconies, with influences from the French, Spanish, and Caribbean in centuries-old architecture. Be sure to stop by the Old Ursuline Convent , constructed in 1745, making it not only the oldest structure in New Orleans, but also in the entire Mississippi River Valley.
Music is everywhere you turn in the French Quarter, from toetapping street musicians to the clubs on nearby Frenchmen Street. Keep your eyes (and ears) peeled and a few dollars handy for tipping.
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Consider this your culinary to-do list to keep you fueled while you explore the Quarter.
Deep fried dough covered in mounds of powdered sugar: beignets are most similar to a donut yet so different. Often served in an order of three, beignets pair perfectly with a cup of café au lait or glass of milk.
Starting with a dark roux and featuring any combination of chicken, andouille sausage, seafood, or okra, gumbo is a must-try dish packed with tons of flavor.
Meat lovers rejoice! A Sicilian specialty since the 1900s, the muffuletta is one heck of a sandwich, filled with ham, mortadella, salami, mozzarella, provolone, and olive salad.
Birthed at Brennan’s Restaurant, Bananas Foster is known for its dramatic tableside preparation, which includes bananas set ablaze by rum in a fiery burst known as flambé.
It simply doesn’t get fresher than oysters straight from the Gulf to your plate, be it raw, fried, chargrilled, or baked.
What started as a Monday tradition is now an everyday staple. Spiced beans are simmered low and slow and accompanied by jasmine rice and sausage.
Hurricane
The Hurricane is a sweet, rum-based cocktail that’s as strong as the storm it’s named for.
With its relatively small footprint, the French Quarter is easy to explore by foot. These iconic stops are a starting point to uncovering the beauty, culture, shopping, sounds, and flavors tucked around every corner of this historic neighborhood.