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Neighborhood in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Photo: Infrogmation of New Orleans, CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons
The French Quarter is the oldest and most famous and visited neighborhood of New Orleans. It was laid out in French and Spanish colonial times in the 18th century. While it has many hotels, restaurants, and businesses catering to visitors, it is best appreciated when you recall that it is still a functioning mixed-use residential/commercial neighborhood where locals live.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Some 8 blocks of Bourbon from Canal Street down are given over to catering to the hard drinking tourists. If getting drunk with other tourists is the goal of your vacation, this is the place for you. Even otherwise, this notorious strip of tourist traps is worth at least a quick look for its gaudy sleaziness. Bourbon has not only countless bars but also many fine restaurants featuring delicious local cuisine for people who want to experience the local foods.
Strolling Royal Street by day is as essential a New Orleans experience as Bourbon Street by night. 1 block away in distance, a world in attitude. There are art galleries, upscale antique stores, landmark hotels and interesting specialty shops. Lots of temptations for those with money, but is also fun window shopping for those not spending a dime.
The old town square, often live music is going on here, as well as street corner painters and tarot readers. Around the square are:.
Colonial city hall, now a museum; Louisiana Purchase agreements transferring the city from France to the USA were signed here.
Colonial church offices, now another museum, including exhibits on New Orleans Mardi Gras and the city's recovery from Hurricane Katrina.
A symbol of New Orleans, this is the oldest Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States and has a giant statue of the Virgin Mary with her arms extended gracing the middle of the courtyard.
4-story brick apartment buildings have specialty shops, restaurants, and a tourist information office on the ground floors.
A brick walking path along the Mississippi River across Decatur Street from Jackson Square. The curious name comes from its dedication to former New Orleans mayor Moon Landrieu.
Parallels Bourbon and Royal Streets, one block closer to the river than Royal. While less famous with visitors, those who enjoy historic architecture will find the city's greatest concentration of preserved colonial era buildings along Chartres, along with early 19th century town-houses. Plus it passes through Jackson Square. A pleasant walk with local shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars scattered along the street.
While souvenirs for visitors have taken over a good bit of the space at this more than 250-year-old market, there are still vendors selling fresh produce as in days of old. On weekends a much larger number of vendors set up here, with handicrafts and flea market type goods.
Right around the corner from the historic US Mint, and the French Market. A French Quarter neighborhood with shops, dining, and entertainment. Late at night the bars really hop with local color.
Often has live music, lectures, and gives music history related walking tours. Many events are free; those that aren't are a bargain.
Headquarters for National Park that includes several historic sites in and near New Orleans. Has a small museum and visitor's center. Show up by 9AM to get a place on the informative free walking tour of the French Quarter.
Museum with changing exhibits of local history. Also has a research center nearby on Chartres Street.
Coins haven't been minted in New Orleans for decades, so the building is now a museum, with the minting process downstairs and the world's top exhibit on New Orleans jazz upstairs.
Completed in 1752, open for tours.
See and learn about medical practices of the mid 19th century. Calling ahead to verify hours is recommended. Reservations required for guided tours.
History and tradition of one of New Orleans' oldest traditions -- cigar rolling! Watch the masters at work daily in the only operating cigar factory since the 1950s.
Experience more than 300 years of history, legend and scandal with the 154 life-size figures displayed in historically accurate settings.
1830s mansion.
Home of famous local 19th-century architect.
18th-century Creole home.
Mule-drawn carriages have driven tourists around the Quarter since the gasoline rationing of the 1940s. Carriage drivers are licensed tour guides and give tourists a full blown tour consisting of a mix of history, architecture, restaurants & stories, though some drivers have been known to spin stories that are more colorful than factual. Available to tourists is a 30-minute tour of the French Quarter, hour tour of the St. Louis No.1 Cemetery/French Quarter combo, hour and one half or two hour Garden District tour, or any combination thereof. Carriage drivers also do bar-hopping tours, shopping by carriage, Marigny tours & ghost tours. There are several options from group rates 6-8 people to private tours for 1-4 people. Things have changed quite a bit in the carriage industry in the past 7 years! Drivers are more customer service oriented & courteous.
Performing for tips from tourists, varying greatly in talent. The still mime-ers are a sight to see, they stand still alone or with a partner and when you give them a tip they will move very slowly in tandem, like a robot. There are excellent musicians who enjoy keeping up their chops out of doors. There are also hacks with little talent other than scamming money. Beware of the Got-yo-shoes-ers; these are scammers who go up to tourists saying "I bet you I know whe' you got yo' shoes!". If they succeed in getting the tourist to take the bet, the answer is "You got yo' shoes on yo' feet!" They usually have a large and threatening-looking friend or someone who looks like they just smoked too much crack nearby to make sure bets are paid. You will almost always encounter one of these burnt out hustlers, when they do just politely reply: "They are on my feet" and they will know the jig is up.
Plentiful but often pricey. Most cost $10-20 per person, but there are a couple of good, free walking tours. Or you can simply walk and see all of the landmarks since most are labeled and you can go in and read about it yourself. Park rangers from the Jean Lafitte National Park (see above) offer a free walking tour of the French Quarter that is very informative. Space is very limited, and spots on the tour are only given out on the day of the tour at 9AM. You should try to show up at least half an hour early to reserve a spot. You'll learn the real history of New Orleans, which is often as colorful as the tall stories.
The only aquarium in New Orleans. In the French Quarter. Features an IMAX theatre. 10AM-5PM daily.
In the historic Old Customs House Building. The Audubon Institute, which also runs the nearby Aquarium and the Zoo up in the Audubon District, opened the Insectarium in 2008. 10a-5p daily.
Good house bands in the evenings, and is often a venue for out-of-town and international musicians versed in the New Orleans style.
Sometimes has decent bands (though as often doesn't), as many good local Dixieland players lacking a better gig for the moment often wind up here. As the doors are open to the street, you can listen a bit from outside, judge for yourself whether they have a band you'd enjoy, and walk on by or go on in as appropriate.
Actually in "Dutch Alley", the French Market pedestrian alley on the river side of Decatur between Dumaine and St. Philip Streets. Often has free live music weekend afternoons and sometimes other times.
Those who prefer their old style New Orleans jazz in a somewhat more upscale atmosphere where dinner and drinks are served should be sure to visit this place in the lower Quarter. Some of the same musicians who play Preservation Hall play here on other nights, along with other top local classic style jazz greats. The owner's husband runs the Jazzology record company, featuring the world's largest independent label catalogue of trad jazz, so you can pick up CDs by your favorites from Bunk Johnson to current Dixielanders while you're here.
Established in 1961 to preserve Traditional New Orleans jazz. Talk about atmosphere! Listen to real jazz and nothing else (no booze, no bathrooms). You'll have to stand in line, and most people will stand through the set (accommodations will be made for those who can't stand that long; call +1 504-522-2841, or email info@preservationhall.com in advance). Sets each night from 5PM, Sa and Su from 2:30PM. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the set starts.
No ambiance, but good oysters and other southern delights. Be ready to wait in line. Great food, Great price. 1/2 dozen chargrilled oysters for $9.99 simply can't be beat, especially since Louisiana oysters are far superior in size to those from anyplace else. For an entertaining and social experience, sit at the bar, where you can talk to the oyster shuckers about the celebrities and pro athletes who have visited in the restaurant.
African food. Good lunch specials. Many vegetarian and vegan options.
Sandwiches, salads, omelets, quiches. Wireless internet access.
Old Italian-American grocery sandwich shop, famous for their enormous muffuletta sandwiches originated by this family in 1910. One is enough to feed four hungry people! Order 1/2 to start for 2 people!
Good eggs, burgers, and such. Heavily (though not exclusively) gay clientele. They cook your burger under a hubcap!
You can get good Cajun food at a really good price here. Locals favorite. Best fried chicken in the city! Patrons must be 21 or older to enter due to the presence of video poker machines.
The Acme's traditional competition and usually a shorter wait, too. A very good oyster bar with other traditional Cajun fare.
When you want a great roast beef sandwich at 2AM.
Lunch counter with some eat-in tables; one of the largest po-boy menus around. Excellent breakfast biscuit sandwich!
Italian and pizza.
Awesome, huge burgers and loaded baked potatoes. Potent drinks, parrot-head juke box. Lil slice of paradise.
Limited but high quality grill menu, including 14 types of burgers.
Pizza Slice Bar that serves a rich pizza menu, art, cocktails, and beer. Our space is covered from floor to ceiling in artwork that is from artists from around the globe.
Serves coffee and beignets. The cafe has been a local landmark since the 19th century and is across the street from St Ann St, which faces Jackson Square. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the cafe was open 24 hours daily. It often attracted long lines and crowds of locals and tourists during both the day and night. After a temporary shutdown at the beginning of the pandemic, the cafe has since reopened.
Lower Quarter
The lower French Quarter branch of a small local chain. Great iced coffee drinks for hot days.
French pastries and light breakfasts & lunch.
Incredible French/Euro/NOLA food by esteemed chef, Susan Spicer. Fabulous wine selections. Many locals' favorite. Must RSVP.
Serves boiled crawfish and other down-home delicacies. Happy hour M-F 3-5PM with raw oysters $.50 each. Has downstairs restaurant and balcony seating upstairs.
A local favorite for Mexican. Breakfast available on the weekends.
Small restaurant tucked away on a side street serving creative dishes. Opened in 2009 and quickly became a favorite with local foodies. A few years later it's certainly been "discovered"; try to go there sometime other than the busiest days and not during the busiest dinner hours to avoid long waits for a table.
An institution for gumbos and similar traditional Louisiana dishes.
Northern Italian cuisine with an Italian-focused wine list. The outdoor tables are across from the New Orleans Jazz Museum’s outdoor stage, and Frenchmen Street’s live-music venues are nearby. Reservations are recommended during peak dinner hours.
Upscale pizzeria in the French Market.
Storied, elegant restaurant whose signature dish is the (non-grilled) BBQ shrimp.
A casual spin-off of Arnaud's where you can try their famous Caesar salad dressing and the eponymous remoulade without wearing a jacket and tie. Same shrimp remoulade and gumbo as the main restaurant for a lower price.
Opened in 2010; quality food and drink in a beautiful Spanish Colonial era building.
Pronounced "two jacks"; despite the weird spelling, it's been here since 1856 so they must be doing something right. The locals swear by it.
Antoine's lays claim to being the oldest same family owned restaurant in the country. Opening in 1840, this French Creole restaurant is where Oysters Rockefeller was invented in the 1890s -- and the only restaurant where the original authentic Oysters Rockefeller can be eaten, as the recipe is a closely guarded secret. Your waiter is your guide here; treat them well and ask their recommendations. Before dining, ask your server for a tour of the historic restaurant. There are more than 15 dining rooms, all of which reek of tradition and are steeped in history. Make sure to take a peek down the vast and cavernous wine cellar, which can take the breath away from a true wine lover. Antoine's has opened a beautiful new bar. Step off of St. Louis and step into history.
Another of the great old French Quarter classics.
One of the famous local traditions; fine Creole cuisine, known for their gourmet breakfasts. Ask to sit in the courtyard, on the balcony, or in one of the upstairs rooms. Be sure to try the Bananas Foster, which was invented here. Great for upscale New Orleans breakfast.
A place for daily brunch (with a live jazz combo) and post-night out hangover cures; beautiful courtyard.
Classic Creole on Bourbon Street. Despite being in the tourist strip of Bourbon Street, locals do eat here. For the true experience, wait in line for the downstairs dining room (reservations can be made for the upstairs room, but locals don't eat there), and refuse the menu when you're seated. Let your waiter know your tastes and let him feed you.
Very good, run by chef Emeril Lagasse, not quite as pricey as his namesake restaurant in the Central Business District, and not as severe a dress code.
Punk version of a tiki bar on Lower Decatur.
High-end cocktails with a dress code.
Claims to be the USA's oldest gay bar ("in exile" since the original Lafitte's (see below) went straight back in the Eisenhower Administration). Everyone welcome.
Renowned for generations for the slowly rotating "Carousel" section; also has non-rotating seating.
Microbrewery, also serves food.
Two dark gothic bars (having split up some ten years ago) open at midnight. The "Original Dungeon" has a bit more cooler atmosphere, but fewer patrons, since it's a little harder to find--down an alley next to "Front of the Dungeon." The Front of the Dungeon's bathroom is a hoot, hidden behind a secret door in the bookcases, and with a toilet so bad as to be borderline unapproachable.
Best known as a trad jazz venue, but also has a bar with good draft German beer even when there isn't live music.
Piano bar towards the end of the touristy part of Bourbon Street, lit entirely by candlelight. Supposedly once the in-town headquarters of pirate & smuggler Jean Lafitte, many colorful stories are told about this location. They pour great Hurricanes.
A great Irish/Quarterpunk bar, long a favorite of bohemian locals.
Molly's Irish Pub
A local Irish pub with a pool table & the best juke box in the French Quarter. Irish Car Bombs are $5.50! Great selection of Irish Whiskeys.
The place to go if you like the thought of good drinks in a more than 200-year-old building whose owners are proud that the interior hasn't been repainted since World War I, with classical music playing over the sound system. Napoleon never made it here, as he died before the local plan to rescue him from exile and start his empire afresh in Louisiana could be carried out. Napoleon House also serves good sandwiches and a limited food menu, with service at a speed somewhere between leisurely and glacial-- don't stop here if you're in a hurry to be somewhere else.
Loud hip gay disco.
Bourbon Pub
New Orleans' largest gay nightclub since 1974.
Famous for strong Hurricanes, Mint Juleps, TNTs, Purple People Eaters; popular tourist hangout for a reason. Has been trendy for generations. Has an impressive fire/water fountain and patio.
Home of the Hand Grenade, "New Orleans's Most Powerful Drink", is a staple of Bourbon Street decadence. Definitely a must-try.
Small craft brewery located off of Frenchman St. Has a good selection with a primary focus on sours and stouts. Good pilsners.
One of the oldest hotels in the French Quarter.
Lovely courtyard, pool and balconies
Built in 1817.
This 80-year-old inn offers a complimentary continental breakfast in its elegant lobby.
Great location with reasonable rates, it's known for its courtyard atmosphere.
Caters to business, leisure, family, and is also gay/lesbian friendly. Spacious suites with huge bed, kitchen, large bathroom, living room with fold out, and 2 TVs. Valet parking, free bell-hop, lots of amenities, and free breakfast. They also feature fantastic massages at their spa.
A beautiful historic hotel on the site of the old French Opera House. Notable for its balconies overlooking Bourbon and Toulouse Streets and a beautiful courtyard with pool.
An historic hotel occupying what were four 19th-century townhomes.
A boutique hotel in the residential area of Bourbon Street. Visitors will enjoy the sights and sounds of Bourbon Street as well as a retreat into their own personal French Quarter home.
In an elegant early-20th century skyscraper (the only one within the confines of the Quarter itself, just constructed just before large new constructions were prohibited here) has long been one of the top upscale Quarter hotels. The hotel includes a rooftop heated pool with views of the skyline and an award-winning restaurant, the Hunt Room Grill.
The Omni Royal Orleans has been a recipient of the AAA four-diamond award for the past 27 years.
Every room features a queen-sized bed, private bath and fireplace, and private entrance to the courtyard.
Luxurious furnishings, with a beautiful courtyard.
Embodies the architecture and ambiance of the 18th-century French Quarter.
13 guest rooms, each with private bath, ceiling fan, air conditioning/heating, cable television and wireless Internet access.
This hotel has a beautiful courtyard with a real New Orleans atmosphere; renovated historic homes surround what is now the courtyard with a fountain and pool.
On the finest shopping street in the French Quarter, this hotel has a European feeling complemented by authentic laced iron balconies, high ceilings with fans, and enclosed courtyards with fountains.
Best Western
Within walking distance of the hotel, explore the historic, artistic and eclectic charms around you.
A heated saltwater courtyard pool and breakfast area.
Beautiful historic hotel in the quarter. They have interior rooms (no windows) that are a great bargain to stay in an incredible space.
One of the most historic hotels in the Quarter, everyone from Tennessee Williams to Audobon has spent time there.
Boutique hotel.
Free wireless internet, 24 hour reception. 14 night maximum stay.
Free wireless internet, free breakfast, 24 hour reception. Dorm rooms only open to students and foreign travelers, and there is a 7 night maximum stay.
Gay-friendly bed and breakfast in the center of the Quarter.
Christmas decorations. They have thousands of ornaments including New Orleans and Mardi Gras themed.
Explore the variety of Latin American, handmade goods, from hats to hammocks to all kinds of bags.
Specializes in selling stylish, comfortable cotton and linen clothing, but also sells handmade accessories and shoes.
With stacks of books filling every available surface, this is a sight to be seen (and maybe some photos posted so your friends will believe you when you get home and try to describe it to them). This is a good choice if you're love browsing through used books and don't mind packed-full shelves and partially blocked aisles in your search for a possibly overlooked treasure. Some non-English books. Staff is helpful and speak French, and while it looks disorganized, the owner seems to know where every book is. Cash only.
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