United States
Louisiana (LA)
New Orleans
New Orleans Attractions
French Quarter
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French Quarter

See all things to do
See all things to do
French Quarter
4.5
#6 of 465 things to do in New Orleans
Points of Interest & LandmarksHistoric Walking Areas
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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About
A must-see for its high energy and rich history, the French Quarter is New Orleans’ heart and cultural center. Enjoy the lively atmosphere amid magnificent colonial architecture and skilled street performers—and don’t miss the finest galleries in the city and landmarks like the sumptuous St. Louis Cathedral. Linger around till after dark to jam to live jazz in one of the district’s renowned clubs. For a full experience, you can join a food, haunted or jazz tour from a knowledgeable local guide. Book your visit between February and early March to attend the raucous street parties of Mardi Gras. – Tripadvisor
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The area
Neighbourhood: French Quarter
A small and teeming network of laissez-faire living lounged out on the balmy banks of the Mighty Mississippi, the French Quarter has long been a port of call for folks in search of a good time and a great story. Perpetually inebriated Bourbon Street runs across its midriff like a strand of cheap ribbon tied around an otherwise rather pretty and impressively well-kept vintage dress. Throughout the rest of the Quarter, brightly colored Victorian homes and businesses, famously done up with wrought-iron features, provide a distinct and immediately recognizable backdrop for all varieties of fun. At any given moment in this historic riverside setting, some of America’s finest meals are being cooked, most potent cocktails are being mixed, and most engaging music is being performed.
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Best nearby
Restaurants
1,308 within 5 kms
Oceana
16,014
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Laura's Candies
372
0.4 km$ • Dessert
Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar and Bistro
1,974
89 m$$ - $$$ • American • Cajun & Creole • Seafood
Southern Candymakers
993
0.4 km$$ - $$$ • Dessert • American
Leah's Pralines
290
0.2 km$ • Dessert
GW Fins
8,506
0.5 km$$$$ • American • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly
Doris Metropolitan
805
0.1 km$$$$ • American • Steakhouse • Gluten Free Options
Central Grocery Company
3,124
0.4 km$ • Speciality Food Market • Italian • Deli
Mambo's
1,492
0.3 km$$ - $$$ • American • Cajun & Creole • Bar
Muriel's Jackson Square
5,693
0.2 km$$$$ • French • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
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Attractions
460 within 10 kms
MC Romaguera Studio
2
42 mArt Galleries
M.S. Rau
83
45 mAntique Shops
Lisa Victoria Gallery
11
53 mPoints of Interest & Landmarks
St. Louis Cathedral
8,408
0.1 kmArchitectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals
Jackson Square
16,379
0.2 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
The Presbytere
991
0.1 kmSpeciality Museums • History Museums
Preservation Hall
5,921
74 mPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Theatres
Cabildo
439
94 mSpeciality Museums
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
1,145
0.2 kmSpeciality Museums
1850 House Museum and Store
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See what travellers are saying
  • Robert C
    9 contributions
    French Quarters
    Truly a unique town. The oldest jazz club on Bourbon street, Fritzel's, was entertaining as an old world charm club with fantastic music. Also, another visit is Cafe Beignet on Bourbon Street which is an outdoor venue with a jazz band and drinks. Jackson Square is worthy of a visit. All the side streets in the French Quarter are interesting and the architecture is amazing. Definitely worth a visit.
    Visited December 2022
    Written 17 December 2022
  • Ty M
    Charlotte, North Carolina31 contributions
    Great NYE Experience
    Having never been to New Orleans before my wife and I decided on a whim to spend NYE there during a road trip. Our expectations were pretty low and honestly we were kind of apprehensive. We couldn’t have been more wrong. We had an amazing time walking the French Quarter, experiencing Bourbon street, and meeting great people. Normally I would expect bar tenders and wait staff to be pretty grumpy during NYE but each one we came across were completely helpful, friendly, and engaging. Fireworks at midnight were amazing. The outdoor party across from Jackson Square was kinda eh so we just passed it by. All in all I’d recommend and we’re definitely back.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 1 January 2023
  • yiannava
    Nicosia, Cyprus41 contributions
    The French Quarter is synonimous to New Orleans.
    What is a visit in NewOrleans witout visiting the French Quarter? The architecture of the buildings is unique . The array of galleries, the shops, the bars. Everything has a special character. Beware during the evening it can be very rowdy and noisy and overcrowded. But do enjoy an early walk at the early night hours.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 2 January 2023
  • Princess
    Washington DC, District of Columbia199 contributions
    Essential attraction
    Beautiful balconies 💐 some fully decorated with beads or holiday cheer. When coming to NOLA, it’s impossible to not check out this charming area at least once. Hotels and restaurants in this area do lean toward the more expensive side but they won’t disappoint ~
    Visited October 2022
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 15 January 2023
  • Heidiks1
    New York City, New York85 contributions
    Visit The French Quarter And Feel Transported
    Definitely take time to enjoy the French Quarter of New Orleans if you like quirky charms of old Europe. You will feel like you are transported to another time and place. There are mules decorated with a glittery hooves pulling carts of people, artisans with their work hanging on the walls and displayed on tables, brightly colored quirky houses, and music everywhere. Watch out for potholes!!! There is much more to the French Quarter than Bourbon Street!
    Visited January 2023
    Written 17 January 2023
  • Leslie V
    Ontario, Canada30 contributions
    Beautiful City
    Walking in the French quarter you can’t help but be in awe of the architecture. The wrought iron, the buildings are all so beautiful and well taken care of. The locals are friendly and helpful. I could spend a week wandering the French Quarter and find something new to marvel at each day.
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 January 2023
  • Suzanne G
    26 contributions
    Great place to visit
    This was a 3 generation family vacation. A wonderful and surprisingly safe vacation for us. Of course, you had to be smart where you went. Bourbon Street at night can be very loud, but we had no issues. There are so many things to see and do, and of course the restaurants were OUTSTANDING!
    Visited January 2023
    Written 19 January 2023
  • Jen P
    Fort Lauderdale, Florida173 contributions
    3 day get away
    Went here in January for a quick get away with the spouse. Had a good time . We heard so much about New Orleans that we had to try but I think it’s one and done. Food is 5 stars- so many amazing restaurants. Try Luke’s Arnauds , Dominica’s and of course Café beignet. Atmosphere - so much to see and can be very quaint but unfortunately there is so much homeless in and around the French quarter. It was very sad to see. Much worse than Philadelphia and New York. The homeless can be very aggressive, literally coming up to you and asking us for $20. Took A trolley street car to the garden district for the day and it was so lovely. Quaint shops and some cute restaurants. The last night we did a dinner Jazz cruise. We read bad reviews about the food so we just opted for the cruise and not the buffet. It was January so it was a little cold and we landed up inside listening to the jazz band which was great. Overall it was nice to get away with the husband but I can’t say that I’d return back for a second visit. I felt like we did it all in three days and that was enough.
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 20 January 2023
  • helenpoulton10
    Northwich, United Kingdom40 contributions
    Love love love the French Quarter
    Love the French Quarter - so full of history and city culture.lots to do here. I think this is up there as one of my top favourite cities. Loved the architecture, Jackson square, the food, the atmosphere. Dined on one the many balconies and loved it. Such a laid back casual vibe here. Went dancing on Bourbon Street (very much a Magaluf type experience but we loved it). Felt safe during the day and strangely at night too but they say don’t drink too much on Bourbon and keep your wits about you at night. We never saw any trouble but we were home by 1am and it was a Sunday night.
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 20 January 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
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Monavation
New Jersey39 contributions
Don’t let a broken nail ruin your trip to Nola!!
Dec 2023 • Couples
So friendly and easy to get around !! Uber fair prices and plenty nice folks to assist a traveler. The powder room was fabulous for a nail fix up and Brei was fantastic!
Written 7 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joseph P
Stuart, FL2 contributions
Been there done that.
Dec 2023 • Family
Great time food was great. A bit concerned with crime in the area. Lots of street people asking for money a bit harrowing at times. But all in all a fun city, great live music
Written 2 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trish T
2 contributions
Outstanding city and people with an interesting history
Nov 2023 • Solo
I really enjoy this wonderful city and the people that I encounter. The food was that I had at various locations was delicious. I especially enjoyed the young people that I met.
Written 30 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GPaCalgary
Calgary, Canada2,232 contributions
Unique Place
Nov 2023 • Couples
I had not been here for many years. I found the place to be a tad unsavoury, what with all of the drunks and drug addicts and mentally unfit persons and homeless walking / lying in the streets. There is a big party atmosphere here but it is also somewhat sad to see some of the folks that call this area home.
Written 23 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
COTraveller33
Silver Spring, MD3,402 contributions
French Quarter is definitely a place one has to experience at least once...
Nov 2023 • Friends
The French Quarter is back.
It's insane.
It's crazy.
It's fun.
It's drunken.

Some of the older establishments have closed and moved on, but Pat O's, Tujacques, Crescent city Brewery and Lafite's are still there.

Beads are still thrown, Boob are still flashed.
(Bourbon Street only)

Lots of great food - Red Fish Grill, Crescent City Brewery, Evangelines, etc....

There is definitely a Daytime feel and a night time feel

Would recommend: Yes
Would re-patronize: Hopefully soon
Written 20 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maur444
Saginaw, MI3 contributions
Quaint and lively French Quarter.
Nov 2023 • Family
So french. So quaint. And uniquely different than anywhere I have been before. The food is wonderful and the people are so nice. Great place to walk to all your destinations.
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy keen
Birmingham, UK1,416 contributions
Passed it's best
Jun 2023 • Friends
Well passed it's sell by date as a tourist attraction.
Lots of homeless folk making a noise and calling it Jazz , lots of urine stained streets to walk around and sad parks.
The walk along the river is lovely but so are all river walks.
Is it worse than lots of other tired tourist venues....Yes sadly it is.
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark P
Banbury, UK28 contributions
Great live music almost in every bar!
Nov 2023 • Business
A fun place to visit. Great bars, great music and very loud. More for the tourists. Almost everyone in the bars were very nice and had time for you. If you’ve never been before it’s a must
Written 15 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
leelee
Cleveland, OH5 contributions
Can't wait to go back!
Oct 2023 • Friends
While there are some very bad smells in certain spots, I just hold my breath & walk fast. There are so many places to visit. Coffee shops, jazz brunch at the Court of Two Sisters, palm reading, voodoo museum. 2nd Lines parading down the street & other street performers. Touristy places like the Vampire Cafe & the secret speak easy, Potions Lounge. Fantastic dinners at historic places like Antoines & Nepolian House. The Krewe of Boo Parade & Jackson Sqare. Great bars with great live music & some interesting shops. October is a great time to go.
Written 14 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mrs. Romence
Grand Rapids, MI125 contributions
Worth Seeing at Least Once
Nov 2023 • Couples
I had been waiting to visit New Orleans, specifically the French Quarter, for many years. I felt a bit let down upon finally visiting the French Quarter, we were in town on the day of a Saints game day too, however the French Quarter was not very nice at all. Everywhere we went in the quarter, we were met with smells of urine and feces. It is so sad to see a beautiful city end up like this. They were also tons of homeless people walking, sleeping, and wandering the streets. I feel so sad that this has happened to this beloved city. The French Quarter is not an unsafe area per se, but the smells and vast amounts of homeless people make it off putting. I am still glad that we visited the French Quarter but if I were in the city again, I would not go out of my way to visit this part again.
Written 11 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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FRENCH QUARTER: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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