The vibrant city of New Orleans is known for its colorful buildings that sport cast-iron balconies and amazing nightlife. The city has plenty of character and atmosphere that is not only reflected in its architecture but also in the quaint streets and neighborhoods. One of the most upbeat and sought-after neighborhoods is the French Quarter, which lies in the historic part of the city. There are plenty of traditional hotels here, and jazz clubs too! Travelers can make their way to the French Market and sample some gourmet food and shop for local goodies. Head to Jackson Square to see street performers enchant passers-by as you stop for photo ops by the St. Louis Cathedral. Read this article for a look at some things to do in New Orleans’ French Quarter, Louisiana.
1. Discover local history on a walking tour around French Quarter's historical sights (from USD 33.0)
Being the heart of the city, what better way to appreciate French Quarter than dropping by its historic spots? This walking tour offers you a chance to see nearby landmarks such as Jackson Square and the notable Mississippi River. During the guided trip, you’ll also hear the stories that come with the heritage spots that stood the test of time.
Organized by Lucky Bean Tours, this guided tour starts at the jazz fountain on Dumaine Street. As you drop by the French Market, the professional guide shares stories of the area’s development over the decades. You’ll also pass by the busy Royal Street where you can find retail shops, fine dining restaurants, and live action from street performers.
New Orleans French Quarter Small Group Historical Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours
2. Have a gastronomic adventure of local cuisine (from USD 75.0)
Operated by Destination Kitchen, this food tour invites you to food-tasting activities from restaurants around French Quarter. This exciting tour, which can be arranged to accommodate only a small group, also offers you fun facts about local cuisine and the delicacies that are being served to you.
The tour guide will wait for you in Roux Royale on Royal street. In this three-hour activity, you’ll surely grab a bite of the beignet, a fried dough in square cuts sprinkled with confectionary sugar. You’ll also drool over the seafood treasure that food establishments will prepare for you. At the end of the tour, you can explore dining options within French Market or walk around the area to find a meal of your choice.
New Orleans French Quarter Food Half-Day Tour with Tastings
Duration: 3 hours
3. Hop on a fun pedicab tour (from USD 125.0)
Tired of hot walks? Then hop on a pedicab and tour around the majestic French Quarter. This eco-friendly ride is also great if you want to check out some alleyways that are inaccessible to taxis. Along this organized tour by Need A Ride Pedicabs, you’ll also get tips from the driver on the best dining, shopping, and drinking options around the place.
This one-hour tour brings you around the four corners of the historic neighborhood; hence, there’s no need to use a map to find points of interest. The rider will pick you up and drop you off on the corner of Bourbon House.
New Orleans Pedicab French Quarter Tour
Duration: 1 hour
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4. Behold the festive creations displayed at the Mardi Gras Museum
The Mardi Gras Museum reflects a huge chunk of New Orleans’ identity. This tourist attraction exhibits marvelous carnival costumes from the collection of Carl Mack, a local entertainment producer. A tour around this museum can emphasize the festivity and creativity that come with the remarkable Mardi Gras celebration in the city.
This attraction also features four masterpieces from its gallery space to highlight the works of Carlos Gonzalez, a local photographer. Perfect for families, this museum also invites you and your kids to an educational tour that comes with mask-making, dancing, and other fun activities.
Mardi Gras Museum
Address: 1010 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
Website: Mardi Gras Museum
Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
Price: Free entry for children under 3 years old: 15 USD for adults and children ages 3 and above
5. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at Café du Monde
Dig into some New Orleans-style beignets - a deep-fried pastry - and sip on some café au lait as you enjoy the New Orleans vibe at the delightful Café du Monde. This well-known open-air coffee spot or Café of the World, as its name translates into English, is located in French Quarters’ Decatur Street. Since 1862, it’s been a popular tourist landmark, so you must stop by when in town.
Café du Monde
Address: 800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
Website: Café du Monde
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
6. Learn about the history and culture of the French Quarter
Visit the French Quarter, which is near the Mississippi River’s bank, a remnant of the city’s rich colonial past. The French selected this spot primarily because it was near Lake Pontchartrain, making it an easy shipping route. The fact that it was riverfront was a bonus! As you walk down the streets in the French Quarter and soak up the atmosphere, you will spy only one of the original buildings - ca. 1750 Ursuline Convent. The original buildings were made of wood and burned down in a fire. This is the only original one remaining. You will also spy prominent landmarks like St. Louis Cathedral, Cabildo and Presbytere, which were constructed in the latter half of the 18th century. Take a stroll in the tiny Pirates Alley and stop by the Faulkner House Books.
7. Explore the French Quarter's dark side on a ghost tour (from USD 21.7)
If you fancy yourself to be a ghostbuster then this tour is right up your alley! The two-hour tour will take you around the haunted spots in the French Quarter neighborhood. Your guide will share spine-chilling ghost stories that are authentic and have been validated by historical research in each location! You get to see eerie properties known for their hauntings, like Lalaurie Mansion, Sultan’s Palace, and May Bailey’s Brothel.
New Orleans: French Quarter Ghost and Murder Tour
Duration: 2.0 hour
8. Visit Jackson Square and the iconic St. Louis Cathedral
Head to the historic Jackson Square park for some quiet time when in New Orleans. It is in the French Quarter neighborhood and is the site where the state of Louisiana was made a U.S. territory. In 1960, it was officially declared a historic landmark. Overlooking the Jackson Square is the St. Louis Cathedral with its trio of steeples. You can also view the Pontiba Buildings and the Cabildo by its side. The cathedral is dedicated to King Louis IX of France and it has amazing paintings and stained glass windows. It also has a gilded altar in the Rococo style.
Jackson Square
Address: 701 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
9. Explore the 1850 House
The 1850 House is opposite Jackson Square and the townhouse depicts the middle-class homes of its era. It is the only Pontalba apartment that visitors can check out. The antebellum row house has artwork and bespoke period furniture from the era in the Parisian style. The home is a museum now, and visitors can explore its corners and soak up the atmosphere as they time travel to the life of a prosperous merchant family in New Orleans.
1850 House
Address: 523 St Ann St #3318, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free
10. Shop at the historic French Market
Stretching over six blocks, the French Market is in New Orleans’ French Quarter neighborhood. It was founded as a trading post for Native Americans prior to colonization. This market is one of the oldest of its type in the country, and it is a popular tourist haunt thanks to its cultural significance. It’s along the banks of the Mississippi River and you can shop for handicrafts and specialty items here.
French Market
Address: 10008 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
Website: French Market
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 8am - 5pm (closed on Tue)
Price: Free
11. Marvel at the stunning spanish masterpiece, The Cabildo
One of the most prominent buildings in the city, the Cabildo is next to St. Louis Cathedral and near Jackson Square. It was the Spanish City Hall back in the day, and it is now a museum. It has historic significance as it was the site of the Louisiana purchase transfer. The building’s architecture is amazing and tourists will have a gala time exploring the treasures housed inside.
The Cabildo
Address: 701 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 3.30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free
12. Have drinks at the Carousel Bar
Taste some local drinks when in New Orleans and what better spot than the Carousel Bar to savor some Sazerac. For the uninitiated, the Sazerac is a local type of whiskey cocktail or cognac. It originated in the city and is named after the cognac brandy from Sazerac de Forge et Fils brand. Head to the Hotel Monteleone that has a revolving bar, which is circular in shape and moves like a carousel.
The Carousel Bar
Address: 214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
Website: The Carousel Bar
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 12pm - 11pm; Mon - Thu: 4pm - 10pm
13. Stroll through Pirates Alley
Pirates Alley is among the most haunted locations in New Orleans and a stroll through this narrow lane is a must. It has storied row homes and was built as a passageway to the French Quarter. Notable historic figures like William Faulkner and Andrew Jackson have also lived here. It has a colorful past and the most famed legend is of Morgus the Magnificent. The one-block long alley stretches from Chartres Street at Jackson Square to Royal Street.
14. Explore the French Quarter aboard a horse-drawn carriage (from USD 150.0)
An unusual way to experience the city is by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride around the French Quarter. This private tour will not only be memorable and romantic, but you’ll also get clued in on the history of prominent landmarks like the Napoleon House and Jackson Square. The advantage of a private tour is that you can customize it and select the itinerary to your convenience.
New Orleans Private Carriage Tour of the French Quarter
Duration: 1 hour
The enchanting French Quarter of New Orleans
When in New Orleans, make sure you visit the French Quarter neighborhood, which is the hub of all things exciting. You can marvel at the architecture, visit popular tourist landmarks, and even take a horse-drawn carriage ride to explore this historic part of the city.
History
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