Plan your visit to French Quarter, New Orleans
One of New Orleans’ oldest neighborhoods is popular for an ecclectic blend of romantic history, stunning architecture, jazz and black arts.
The French Quarter is a collection of charming streets at the heart of New Orleans. It’s bordered by Canal Street and home to the origins of this modern city. This is where the original settlers built and where many of the freed slaves, no longer required to work on the surrounding sugar or cotton plantations, resettled. Their influence can be seen in almost every building façade or gated garden in this compact district.
New Orleans was where jazz music originated, and the French Quarter led the way. It was the music of the slaves, with its raucous expression of momentary freedom, that started it all. Over the years, and as immigrants began to integrate as free men, the music developed into a blend unique to New Orleans. And, it was given a unique name: jazz. The French Quarter is still a jazz focal point, with parades held throughout the year to celebrate this pioneering music.
Aside from music, the French Quarter’s history has a darker side. Stop by the LaLaurie House on Royal Street, an allegedly haunted house where slaves were tortured in a secret attic chamber. Nearby, journey through the city of the dead at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 where the queen of Voodoo, Marie Laveau, lies buried. It is believed that leaving a gift at her tomb grants a person their wish.
Relive the romanticism of the past by hiring one of the horse-drawn carriages that wait in lines on Decatur Street, and ride past the district’s varied colonial buildings. Many of these are now home to up-market French restaurants, so couples should take the time for a candle-lit dinner. The French Quarter is also home to the St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square.
The French Quarter is best seen on foot, and you can get there by taxi, bus, or streetcar.
Bourbon Street - The birthplace of jazz is a vibrant city boulevard where the history and music of New Orleans comes to life.
Canal Street - Start your exploration of New Orleans with the many attractions on this buzzing pedestrianized street, which is located right in the heart of the downtown area.
Jackson Square - This communal park in the French Quarter has a deep-rooted connection to local artists and musicians.
Frenchmen Street - Head to Bourbon Street’s alter ego for countless live music venues, global flavors, one-of-a-kind souvenirs and an unbeatable street scene.
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas - Interesting hands-on learning experiences are just one part of this wonderfully well-equipped aquarium, home to around 15,000 different fascinating creatures.
Royal Street - Parallel to Bourbon Street, this 13-block stretch is worth a glance for its art, architecture, shopping, dining and undeniable Southern charm.
Saint Louis Cathedral - Louisiana’s oldest church is the perfect respite from the French Quarter’s busy streets.
New Orleans Jazz Museum - You can browse the exhibits at New Orleans Jazz Museum, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to New Orleans. Experience the renowned jazz scene and great live music in this walkable area.
Evening Riverboat Jazz Cruise - Welcome aboard the newest vessel to the French Quarter riverfront, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS! The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, but her sister vessel will be taking her place.
Daytime Riverboat Jazz Cruise - Welcome aboard the newest vessel to the French Quarter riverfront, the Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS! The Steamboat NATCHEZ is taking some time off, but her sister vessel will be taking her place.
New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Bus Tour with Expert Live Guide - Discover the very best of New Orleans on an unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour.
New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter with Small-Group Option - Find out what all the fuss is about on this half-day food tour of some of the best food in New Orleans' famous French Quarter! Food and history mixed together. Your passionate and knowledgeable guide will escort you to experience traditional NOLA samplings in the French Quarter, including a few commonly mentioned in cookbooks.
New Orleans Ghost, Voodoo, Vampire, and French Quarter Tour - Catch sight of spirits and tantalize yourself with tales of ghosts, voodoo, and vampires during our most popular walking tour of the French Quarter. Travel to several of the city's most haunted locations, soaking up stories about the Ghost, Voodoo, Vampires & Witches….
Oak Alley Plantation & Swamp Tour from New Orleans - You'll experience a bygone era in one of the South’s most beautiful settings-Oak Alley Plantation, built in 1839. Marvel at the unbelievable quarter-mile long alley of 28 magnificent Oak trees, each over 250 years old, and view the majestic cypress trees in Louisiana’s swamps bordering the Mississippi River.
Court of Two Sisters Jazz Brunch - Partake in a New Orleans tradition as you feast on a true Cajun-Creole brunch while a live jazz band fills the courtyard with music. Choose from over 30 menu items, including local favorites such as eggs benedict, grits and grillades, duck à l'orange, jambalaya, gumbo, red beans & rice and of course, mimosas.
New Orleans City & Cemetery Tour - Soak up the joyful atmosphere, old world architecture, and jazz-steeped vibe of the Big Easy on this tour with air conditioned motorcoach transportation. Our tour departs directly from our conveniently located hub in the heart of the French Quarter.
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