French Market
French Market
4
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Whether you are seeking an authentic Creole meal of Jumbalaya or a romantic candlelit dinner overlooking the Mississippi, this historic market area is for you.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Address
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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1,433 within 5 kms
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630 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Francine KManchester, United Kingdom44 contributionsLovely experience not to be missed when visiting this amazing city.We had a lovely day wandering round the market. So many different things to see and to sample. Many unusual craft stalls and lots of interesting food and drink in the street food area. Lovely live jazz added to the ambience.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 March 2024
- profjan06njFair Lawn, New Jersey245 contributionsTypical Food and Flea Market ExperienceIt is ok. Some food, flea market (tee shirts, key chains, the usual). Glad we went to walk through but it isn't a big deal. Kind of small, so you can go through it quickly. Grab some food and walk through to buy some gifts. Happy we went to see it, but you can really fly through in an hour or so.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 March 2024
- Michael OLichfield, United Kingdom826 contributionsA tourist trap but nonetheless a must visit!In spite of it being a tourist trap the French market still has its charm and some gems in the mish mash. Every day a band plays somewhere in the Market and often exceptionally good. Some of the food stalls are brilliant so pause and choose you won't go far wrong.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 April 2024
- Sabra WSeattle, Washington246 contributionsLocal Flea MatketA great stop to find some souvenirs and grab a quick easy lunch. You can't beat the muffelletas at Alberto's. They're delicious! The French market also has some of the cleanest public restrooms in the French quarter. Catch the riverfront streetcar and take it to the end of the line.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 April 2024
- TYsadventuresBrooklyn, New York980 contributionsFun leisurely strollTypical open air type of market we ith vendors at stall like tables selling crafts, books, trinkets and a wares. Very long and narrow flat roll-in d pace similar to a sw a p meet or fair. Stalls selling N'awlins specialties and treats. Pricing varying from inexpensive to outrageous. Easy accessedie from the streetcar. A fun and interesting place to spe d a few hours roaming.Visited June 2024Travelled soloWritten 13 June 2024
- Sarah EEastwood, Kentucky116 contributionsUnderwhelmingThere were quite a few vendors the day we went and the Creole Tomato festival had just ended the day before, so there was still a tomato framing the entranceway into the French Market. There were a couple of food vendors, but we did not get any food from there. Nothing exciting there and not what I imagined it would be.Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 15 June 2024
- Ginger B ROswego, New York534 contributionsNot much of a marketThis was not what I was expecting. I would not call it a market, just a regular shopping center with shops in it. Nothing special, although there are bathrooms here and it's near Jackson Square, and the area all around is a nice one to hang out. Cafe Du Monde is here too, and there are plenty of pretty spots by the river to eat your beignets and coffee.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 15 August 2024
- cdpd119Albertville, Alabama173 contributionsOne Of My Favorite PlacesMust-do place to visit. Very busy on weekends, not so much on weekdays. An eclectic blend of merchandise, some really nice, some tourist junk. Amazing food vendors. Plan to eat! Next to Latrobe Park. Plan to sit awhile and listen to open air music.Visited November 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 November 2024
- Sisollie132 contributionsFrench MarketI’ve been here so many times. There are some nice places to eat and it’s fun to look at the stuff for sale. It continues to go downhill though. Years ago you could get lots fresh fruit and veggies but now it’s very limited. Most of the stuff is from China. More local items would be nice. It used to be open later, now it seems to close early. The place needs better management and variety.Visited October 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 7 November 2024
- Becky870Carol Stream, Illinois637 contributionsFrench Market/French quarterAs others have said this is more of a flea market than what people may be expecting. I knew going in what it was so I was fine with looking around at everything. I bought souvenirs before entering the actual market so I didn't need to get anything in the market but we did eat at the place selling crepes Holy Crepes. It was fantastic despite what others have said about the food. Highly recommend walking through for the experience as long as you know what to expect.Visited December 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 11 December 2024
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 ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
2,356 reviews
Excellent
776
Very good
878
Average
547
Poor
119
Terrible
36
AHW676
Kansas City, MO5,655 contributions
Feb 2021
Unless you are prepared to haggle on prices, be prepared to get eaten for lunch by the vendors, all of whom are ready for you! But it can be done. If you are accustomed to shopping in China or any other market where haggling, you don't need this tutorial. For the rest of the average American tourist, this is meant for you (and is honestly not meant to be condescending!). :)
1) most of the products there are not local. A few were, but most were from elsewhere, and importantly, most of the items were available from more than one vendor. So I'd recommend doing a reconnaissance of the entire market before you settle into buying items, then be prepared to comparison shop. It will also help if you are prepared to walk away from any item because ultimately, that's what it often takes before you get down to a vendor's best price.
2) the vendors are not interested in being your friends. A friendly vendor is nice because he is interested in making a sale, and importantly, you don't have to be worried about hurting his feelings. I would not permit my friend to shop independently in this market because he's so anxious to please that I knew that he would gladly pay any price to any person. There is no need to be a people pleaser in this place. He might like you better for paying his inflated price, but he still won't be your friend.
3) the winner of any haggling contest comes down to whether you want the item more or whether he wants your money more. If you squeal and gush and tell him that you've been waiting for this item all your life, he knows that you'll pay whatever he wants. So you can love an item, but keep it on the inside.
4) some vendors will ship items to your home. If it's out of state, typically you should not have to pay tax. Some vendors tried to charge tax anyway. Some vendors will also not charge tax if you pay in cash, but that was not consistent across vendors.
5) telling vendors that you are browsing and "will come back later" is usually enough to get someone off your back so you can depart. I learned that they also fully don't expect you to ever return, and discovered that if you genuinely do come back, at least one of them spontaneously offered me a discount because I was not bluffing when I said I would return.
6) buying additional items confers more bargaining leverage. It's also helpful to buy if someone else is already negotiating a good price at the same vendor, presumably because he knows that you aren't going to pay a higher price than the other person who already haggled down to the lower price.
7) if you hate the idea of bargaining, try to shop with vendors where the price is already clearly marked on the tag or sign. This happened in the definite minority of vendors that I encountered at the French Market, but there were a few. That doesn't mean that haggling is completely out of the question here, but at least you won't be paying $45 for an item that you can get down to $14 with a little effort. :)
8) have fun!
1) most of the products there are not local. A few were, but most were from elsewhere, and importantly, most of the items were available from more than one vendor. So I'd recommend doing a reconnaissance of the entire market before you settle into buying items, then be prepared to comparison shop. It will also help if you are prepared to walk away from any item because ultimately, that's what it often takes before you get down to a vendor's best price.
2) the vendors are not interested in being your friends. A friendly vendor is nice because he is interested in making a sale, and importantly, you don't have to be worried about hurting his feelings. I would not permit my friend to shop independently in this market because he's so anxious to please that I knew that he would gladly pay any price to any person. There is no need to be a people pleaser in this place. He might like you better for paying his inflated price, but he still won't be your friend.
3) the winner of any haggling contest comes down to whether you want the item more or whether he wants your money more. If you squeal and gush and tell him that you've been waiting for this item all your life, he knows that you'll pay whatever he wants. So you can love an item, but keep it on the inside.
4) some vendors will ship items to your home. If it's out of state, typically you should not have to pay tax. Some vendors tried to charge tax anyway. Some vendors will also not charge tax if you pay in cash, but that was not consistent across vendors.
5) telling vendors that you are browsing and "will come back later" is usually enough to get someone off your back so you can depart. I learned that they also fully don't expect you to ever return, and discovered that if you genuinely do come back, at least one of them spontaneously offered me a discount because I was not bluffing when I said I would return.
6) buying additional items confers more bargaining leverage. It's also helpful to buy if someone else is already negotiating a good price at the same vendor, presumably because he knows that you aren't going to pay a higher price than the other person who already haggled down to the lower price.
7) if you hate the idea of bargaining, try to shop with vendors where the price is already clearly marked on the tag or sign. This happened in the definite minority of vendors that I encountered at the French Market, but there were a few. That doesn't mean that haggling is completely out of the question here, but at least you won't be paying $45 for an item that you can get down to $14 with a little effort. :)
8) have fun!
Written 27 February 2021
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.
Wowsy
Dallas, TX86 contributions
Aug 2022
Markets are all the same, vendors selling their wares, some imported, some touristy, and practical daily items, some made by them. Either way, it is a quick stroll with bands playing as you shop. There are several vendors I would visit hear again, Fampodgie (for unique cultural summer wear), Marios leather bags (great prices! and high quality). Very kind, helpful people every ready to provide explanations and be helpful without attitude.
Also intermixed are restaurants offering local food fare. I recommend 'Meals from the Heart' (very good food made from scratch) and wholeheartedly WARN against Holy Crepes (bad attitude, poor customer service).
Also intermixed are restaurants offering local food fare. I recommend 'Meals from the Heart' (very good food made from scratch) and wholeheartedly WARN against Holy Crepes (bad attitude, poor customer service).
Written 6 September 2022
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.
Sightseer779040
521 contributions
Mar 2022
This was recommended to me by friends and family who had previously visited New Orleans. This is located more towards the riverfront of the city and the outskirts of the French Quarter. It is a few blocks, it is open air but covered. There are many different vendors and restaurants that set up and take down every single day. There are a variety of goods from clothing to accessories to handmade crafts to art. It represents the variety of cultures that come together in New Orleans. We got pralines from Loretta’s authentic pralines. I got a T shirt from a shop that prints their own logos on the shirts. Although many stands take credit card through the square app, I would recommend cash. Many vendors prefer it and some require minimums to charge on the card. It probably takes 20-30 minutes to walk through the whole thing. All vendors were extremely friendly and were willing to answer any questions, and none were pushy or aggressive in any way.
Written 27 March 2022
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.
TYsadventures
Brooklyn, NY980 contributions
Jan 2025 • Solo
Just a big swap meet atmosphere and offerings. Because it is a tourist trap, it can be mostly over priced knick knacks that I tend to walk past back home in NYC. Not much in the way of authentic handcrafted arts and gifts.
Written 12 January 2025
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.
Kool-Cee
Hagerstown, MD135 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
I gave this visit 3 stars, but would have given it a 3. We visited New Orleans to see family and my wife wanted to go to the French Market to look around. However due to the heat, over half of the vendors had already gone for the day. We went down after 5:00 so we thought we had enough time to look around before they closed. Although we were disappointed, my wife still found something to purchase for our 8 year old. So if you are planning to visit during September 2023 while it is still hot, go early so as not to miss the vendors.
(*tip: do not eat at the food vendors in the French Market. The food is overpriced and you can get much better food at many other restaurants or hole in the wall....they are all over the French Quarter/Bourbon Street)
Written 8 September 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.
Carla C
Clearwater, FL46 contributions
Jun 2021
We visited NOLA during the month of June and I am so happy we decided to walk around the French Market. Any souvenir you are looking to purchase, most likely you will find it here. Please visit Artscapes, you will not be disappointed. Here you will find augmented reality art!! The art is incredible and completely mind-blowing. On a future visit to New Orleans, we will definitely visit the French Market again. :)
Written 8 August 2021
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.
MisterUserName
Atlanta, GA2,024 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Nice touristy open air market to check out while in New Orleans. We passed by this during our minibus tour and a hop on/hop off bus tour, so pretty easy to get there.
It’s stop #2 if you take take the city sightseeing New Orleans hop on/hop off tour.
Lots of local vendors selling shirts, souvenirs, art, jewelry, and more. Bought a pair of turquoise ear rings for $20, supposedly we were his first customer of the day…
If you get the munchies or need a drink, there’s a vendor for that. Refreshing mango smoothie at Organic Banana for $7.
It’s stop #2 if you take take the city sightseeing New Orleans hop on/hop off tour.
Lots of local vendors selling shirts, souvenirs, art, jewelry, and more. Bought a pair of turquoise ear rings for $20, supposedly we were his first customer of the day…
If you get the munchies or need a drink, there’s a vendor for that. Refreshing mango smoothie at Organic Banana for $7.
Written 13 July 2022
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.
Gidons51
Herzliya, Israel4,745 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Quite a nice covered market in the center of the French quarter of New Orleans. Mainly handcrafts of all types, clothing, souvenirs, jewelry, artistic items and so on . Take half an hour to explore if you are in the area .
Written 26 May 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.
Isabelle B
Washington DC, DC68 contributions
Feb 2020
In addition to the tourist-focused stalls selling NOLA and Mardi Gras masks, T-shirts, shot glasses, etc. probably all made in China, you'll find local artists like Oscar who makes jewelry (pins, earrings) that are unique, colorful and inexpensive. This time I also bought soy candles made by a local artist and his wife. With over 20 scents, I spent 20 minutes just sniffing before settling on King Cake, Coffee & Beignets and Vanilla Lavender. Also bought earrings from Martine, made from recycled paper. Spend some time taking it all in. I come to NOLA once a year and always come to the French Market.
Written 9 February 2020
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.
Jen Travels
Detroit, MI6,797 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
One long paved strip of arts and crafts, gifts and souvenirs. From clothing to Chinese fans, from hats and purses to shot glasses, and fridge magnets to puzzle lockboxes. Plus I think they also sold a bit of food.
This is open rain or shine, as when it's raining, they have the side walls let down. Honestly I went both times, when it was bright and sunny out and then also when it was kind of rainy and gloomy, and I didn't even recognize it when it was rainy because of the sides. So be sure you remember this tip.
It does get pretty packed down the middle aisle, so best bet if you're trying to socially distance or in a wheelchair is to walk along the outer aisles.
Varying prices depending on what you get. Anywhere from a few dollars for a magnet to $70 for a lockbox.
Nice to enjoy during the day when you're looking to do only shopping, no drinking.
I believe it's cash only for this market, but have credit cards ready just in case.
This is open rain or shine, as when it's raining, they have the side walls let down. Honestly I went both times, when it was bright and sunny out and then also when it was kind of rainy and gloomy, and I didn't even recognize it when it was rainy because of the sides. So be sure you remember this tip.
It does get pretty packed down the middle aisle, so best bet if you're trying to socially distance or in a wheelchair is to walk along the outer aisles.
Varying prices depending on what you get. Anywhere from a few dollars for a magnet to $70 for a lockbox.
Nice to enjoy during the day when you're looking to do only shopping, no drinking.
I believe it's cash only for this market, but have credit cards ready just in case.
Written 19 January 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.
Hi Everyone! I've been to the French Market before on a weekend and really enjoyed it. I'm coming to NOLA in October and I'm bringing a newbie along and I want them to get the best possible experience. I was considering going on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday (to the market) but wanted to know whether all of the vendors and stands would be there, or if we should deal with the crowds and go Sunday. Any advice? Thanks in advance!
Written 12 September 2018
I was there last week, during a week day and all of the vendors/stands were open. There were a lot of people there, but it wasn't overwhelmly crowded.
Written 13 September 2018
Thank you ANgie for the superb review of the French Market, as well as for your terrific photographs. You look so happy it makes me want to visit. Can you provide me an idea of the crafts they have available.? Are the crafts made at home? Artisans?
Written 16 June 2017
No they are not hand made for that you need to go to Jackson's square which is mostly paintings but there are a few other things just go during the daylight as at night it's tarot / psychic stuff off there.
Written 17 June 2017
Is it open on Saturdays? I've been getting contradictory answers. Some people say it's Monday-Friday, others said it's open Saturdays. Anyone know for sure?
Written 24 January 2016
On the weekend the market is very busy. Show up early to avoid the crowds. Have fun!
Written 26 January 2016
Is French Market open every day? Hours?
Written 28 October 2015
The hours are daily 10am to 6pm for the coffee and retail shops but the flea market is 9am to 6pm, and you can see special events, festivals,farmer's markets, classes, etc., so join the fun there since 1791! Don't forget the traditional Morning Call coffee shop open 24 hours in City Park (used to be at the French Market years ago), so if something seems to be missing, don't miss the fabulous coffee and beignets (and more) there.
Written 29 October 2015
Does the streetcar go to French Market? Or anything else? I would be alone walking.
Written 1 March 2015
Yes, but I don't remember the name of the stop. We took the trolley and then walked. It was good exercise, and very safe. Enjoy!!
Written 1 March 2015
Frenchmen Orleans at 519, a Festiva Resort
519 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
great carpark here at the rear, you do have to pay but the rrate for a half day is reasonable. if you get there early there are a few free parks north of the railway track, but not many , so arrive early for those.
Written 6 February 2015
Morning, I will be visiting Nola in march, how do I make a reservation for this tour?
Written 31 December 2014
as others have stated you walk around the french market on your own. easy.
now i do recommend that you take a walking tour of the french quarter with the "friends of the cabildo" tours. slow pace, two hour tour to see and learn of the history and architecture of the old quarter. excellent tour, ask for lisa carr if available.
Written 2 January 2015
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