French Quarter
The Basics
The French Quarter—also called the Vieux Carré, or “old square”—is centered on Jackson Square, which is overlooked by St. Louis Cathedral. The busy area is best navigated on foot, and while you can of course wander around on your own, guided walking tours are the best way to experience the quarter.
Learn about New Orleans' culinary and cocktail history on a food tour; take a haunted tour in the evening; or combine a visit to the French Quarter with a visit to another part of the city (such as the Garden District) or a cruise on the Steamboat Natchez.
Recent reviews from experiences in New Orleans
Things to Know Before You Go
The French Quarter is very pedestrian-friendly, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
New Orleans loves parades, which occur on many holidays throughout the year and often march through the French Quarter.
Hard-partying Bourbon Street is infamous, but it's not indicative of the whole French Quarter—and it's easy to avoid if it's not your scene.
Much of the French Quarter is wheelchair accessible, although some historic buildings and attractions may not be. Just watch out for cracked or narrow sidewalks.
How to Get There
The French Quarter runs from the Mississippi River northwest to Rampart Street, and from Canal Street northeast to Esplanade Avenue. It's incredibly compact and parking can be extremely difficult, so it's best to walk there if you can. Streetcars run along the riverfront, Canal Street, and Rampart Street. Most city tours pass through the French Quarter as well.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
New Orleans is exceptionally busy during major festivals such as Mardi Gras and the Jazz & Heritage Festival (usually in February and April, respectively). Like much of southern Louisiana, the weather is typically hot and humid throughout the summer months. The winter months are cool and comfortable, though there may be periodic downpours; hurricane season runs roughly from June to November.
History Runs Deep in the French Quarter
It's easy to think New Orleans is just a party town, but it has a rich history as well. The Pontalba Buildings are the oldest apartment buildings in the United States, while the French Market is the country’s oldest public market; the quirky Pharmacy Museum is a treasure trove of medicinal history; and Tennessee Williams used a French Quarter house as the setting for A Streetcar Named Desire. Meanwhile, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop is one of the oldest buildings in the city—and likely the oldest bar in the US.
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- Court of Two Sisters
- Preservation Hall
- Cabildo
- Jackson Square
- St. Louis Cathedral
- The Presbytère
- Bourbon Street
- 1850 House
- New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
- Napoleon House
- New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
- New Orleans School of Cooking
- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
- Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC)
- Steamboat Natchez