What to see in the French Quarter
The French Quarter is the original New Orleans, founded by the French in 1718 and rebuilt in Spanish colonial style after fires in the late 1700s. Most visitors focus on three areas: Jackson Square, Royal Street, and the Riverfront.
Jackson Square
The heart of the French Quarter. The St Louis Cathedral, oldest active cathedral in the United States, faces the square. Street artists set up easels along the iron fence. Cafe du Monde sits at the corner serving beignets and chicory coffee 24 hours a day. The Mississippi River is just one block away.
Royal Street
Three blocks of antique shops, art galleries, jazz courtyards and ironwork balconies. Walk it slowly and listen for the live jazz drifting out of bar courtyards mid afternoon. The Hotel Monteleone, the Cornstalk Hotel, and the Court of Two Sisters all sit along Royal.
The Riverfront and the Steamboat Natchez
Behind Jackson Square the Moonwalk promenade runs along the Mississippi. The Steamboat Natchez departs from the Toulouse Street Wharf at the foot of Toulouse Street. The calliope plays daily before sailings, audible across the Quarter. See our Steamboat Natchez guide if you want to combine a walking tour with a river cruise.
Operator led vs self guided
If you want history and stories you cannot get from a guidebook, take an operator led walking tour. Most are two hours and cover history, voodoo and ghost stories, or food. If you prefer to set your own pace, a self guided loop hitting Jackson Square, Royal Street, Bourbon, Pirates Alley and the riverfront takes about 90 minutes.
Tips
- Walk in the morning, the air is cooler and the light is better for photos
- Stop at Cafe du Monde at the start or end of the walk for beignets
- Bring small cash, street performers and bathrooms in bars often expect a couple of dollars
- Wear comfortable shoes, the brick sidewalks are uneven
Ready to walk the French Quarter?
Book a guided French Quarter tour with local expert and free cancellation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes during the day and early evening. The core blocks around Jackson Square, Royal Street and the riverfront are heavily patrolled. Bourbon Street can get rowdy late at night. Use normal big city precautions and stick to well lit streets after dark.
Operator led tours run two to three hours, with food tours taking up to four hours including tastings. A self guided walk hitting the main landmarks takes about 90 minutes at a steady pace.
February to May and October to early December are ideal, with mild weather and major festivals like Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest and Halloween. Summer is hot and humid, walking tours are best in the morning then.
