15 Best Things to Do in New Orleans French Quarter
The historic French Quarter throws a party that never really stops. Centuries of culture, music, food, and history are packed into just 13 blocks along the river, so you can fill your days with almost anything you want.
The real struggle is deciding where to start. Here are 15 fun things to do in New Orleans French Quarter.
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1. Visit Historic Jackson Square
Jackson Square sits right in the center of the Quarter’s action. Street musicians, artists, and palm readers mingle with locals and tourists by the fountain, while the St. Louis Cathedral towers overhead, one of America’s oldest working cathedrals.
It’s a solid spot to grab beignets from a nearby cafe and just people-watch. Artists hang their paintings along the fence, and you might even commission a portrait or a quick caricature.
Right in the middle stands Andrew Jackson on horseback, marking the heart of this National Historic Landmark, a gathering place for centuries.
2. Tour The St. Louis Cathedral
The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis King of France anchors Jackson Square with three dramatic spires that reach for the sky. The oldest continuously active Roman Catholic cathedral in the U.S. with roots that stretch all the way back to 1789.
Step inside during visiting hours or go for a VIP tour with early access before the crowds. The Gothic Revival architecture and ornate altar make for some epic photos; guides share stories that bring the cathedral’s history and its role in New Orleans to life.
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3. Explore The French Market
The French Market stretches for six blocks near the Mississippi River and claims to be one of America’s oldest public markets. Fresh produce, local art, handmade jewelry, souvenirs—you’ll see vendors set up year-round, rain or shine.
Treat yourself at the food stalls with New Orleans classics: beignets, pralines, and hot sauce in every flavor under the sun.
The iconic streets and old-world architecture of the Quarter wrap around the market, and artists show off their crafts throughout, so you might just find something you didn’t know you needed.
4. Experience Live Jazz At Preservation Hall
Preservation Hall has kept classic New Orleans jazz alive since 1961. Tucked away at 726 Saint Peter Street, this legendary venue hosts local musicians every night in a cozy room that holds fewer than 100 people.
The 45-minute jazz sets start each evening, giving you a real taste of the city’s musical roots. There’s no bar service; it’s raw and real, just how jazz should be.
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5. Stroll Along Bourbon Street At Night
Bourbon Street comes alive after dark with neon lights, live music pouring out of every doorway, and crowds drifting between bars and clubs. The stretch from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue is packed with places to sip hurricanes, catch jazz, and soak up that wild, unmistakable New Orleans vibe.
The party ramps up as the night goes on, with folks spilling onto balconies and sidewalks. Just watch your step and keep your wits about you; Bourbon Street can be a lot, in the best way.
6. Take A Guided Walking Tour
Walking tours are a solid way to dig into New Orleans history, Mardi Gras traditions, voodoo, and even a few ghost stories. Guides lead you past landmarks like the Mississippi River, the French Market, and the Ursuline Convent, throwing in all sorts of local secrets you’d probably miss solo.
Free Tours by Foot guides know their stuff and always have a tip for the best eats or drinks. Tours usually last a couple of hours and cover the big sights, but keep things personal and low-key.
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7. Dine At Café Du Monde For Beignets
Leaving the French Quarter without trying Café du Monde’s beignets? That’s just not right. These hot, fluffy squares of fried dough come buried under a blizzard of powdered sugar.
The cafe’s been serving this sweet New Orleans staple since 1862. Order a plate of three, throw in a café au lait, and embrace the powdered sugar mess. Sitting in the French Market, the original location is open late every day.
8. Shop Antiques And Art On Royal Street
Royal Street runs parallel to Bourbon, but it’s a whole different world with elegant galleries, antique shops, and those classic balconies overhead.
There are over 15 antique shops filled with treasures like vintage chandeliers and 19th-century absinthe glasses. From late morning to mid-afternoon, much of Royal Street goes pedestrian-only, so you can browse in peace.
Owner-run gift shops and galleries showcase local artists, so whether you’re after a Baccarat chandelier or something quirky, Royal Street mixes high-end with the unexpected.
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9. Enjoy A Riverboat Cruise On The Mississippi
Climb aboard a classic paddlewheel steamboat and drift down the Mississippi right from the French Quarter. You’ll glide past city skylines and historic spots while live jazz bands keep things lively on deck.
Many cruises serve up Creole dinners and signature cocktails as you catch the sunset over the river. The river gets as deep as 191 feet (about 58 meters) near the Quarter, and the current’s no joke as it barrels toward the Gulf of Mexico.
10. Visit The New Orleans Jazz Museum
The New Orleans Jazz Museum sits inside the old U.S. Mint building, right where the French Quarter bumps into Frenchmen Street’s music scene. Inside, interactive exhibits walk you through the story of jazz in its hometown.
There are live performances, educational programs, and original instruments and rare recordings on display—plenty to geek out over if you care about music history.
The location makes it easy to roll straight into Frenchmen Street for more live music after. This historic venue is a must for anyone curious about the roots of jazz.
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11. Check Out The French Quarter Festival
The French Quarter Festival is one of the city’s biggest free parties, set right in the heart of the Quarter. Over 20 stages pop up during this annual spring event.
Since 1984, it’s grown into a major Louisiana tradition. The world’s largest Louisiana music showcase happens here, with local musicians and real-deal New Orleans sounds.
Wander from stage to stage, catch all kinds of performers, and soak up the Quarter’s atmosphere. Admission is free, so it’s a no-brainer for budget travelers or anyone who just wants to catch some tunes.
12. Try Classic Creole Dishes At Antoine’s
Eating at Antoine’s Restaurant means you’re stepping into New Orleans’ oldest family-run restaurant, in business since 1840. They’re famous for French-Creole dishes like Oysters Rockefeller (which they invented) and their signature soufflé potatoes and Eggs Sardou.
Still run by the same family after all these years, this French Quarter institution keeps traditions alive. Make reservations because Antoine’s is always busy with locals and out-of-towners after that authentic Creole fix.
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13. Listen To Street Performers On Decatur Street
Decatur Street runs along the Mississippi River and serves up some of the best free entertainment in town. Musicians, dancers, and artists show off their skills day and night.
Jazz trumpeters, guitarists, and bucket drummers create a soundtrack for your walk through the Quarter. Many are professionals who just prefer the street vibe and the chance to connect with people.
14. Visit The Cabildo And Learn Local History
The Cabildo sits right on Jackson Square, smack in the middle of the French Quarter, and this Spanish colonial building holds some seriously cool pieces of Louisiana’s past.
Rare artifacts inside paint a vivid picture of New Orleans—from its scrappy beginnings to big moments like the Louisiana Purchase. It’s right next to St. Louis Cathedral, so you can wander between two historic icons without breaking a sweat.
Inside, exhibits highlight the city’s wild mix of cultures and show just how many different groups left their fingerprints on New Orleans. The building itself has seen fires, wars, and hurricanes. Yet it’s still standing, and full of stories.
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15. Sip Cocktails at the Carousel Bar
The Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone takes bar hopping to a whole new level. Debuting in 1949 as New Orleans’ first and only rotating bar, it’s still spinning, decades later.
You’ll be perched on a circus-themed carousel, making a slow circle every 15 minutes while bartenders shake and stir in the glowing center. The gentle movement is just enough to keep things interesting.
Grab a Sazerac or Hurricane as you spin by. The Hotel Monteleone has anchored the French Quarter since 1886, so you’re sipping cocktails in the middle of some real-deal New Orleans history.
