Frenchmen Street
Frenchmen Street
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
This popular stretch is the go-to spot for the best live music venues in the city—the Faubourg Marigny area is particularly popular.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Bywater District
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,338 within 3 miles
Attractions
587 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- kirkgirlIreland400 contributionsHave to visit this street!A must see street in New Orleans, great buzz about the place especially in the afternoon when it is very family friendly. We had to go into the Spotted Cat for a drink and to see some music. Legendary place.Visited May 2023Written June 15, 2023
- Kristin RBoston, Massachusetts23 contributionsJazz & cultureFrenchman street is so much fun. So many different jazz bars to go to, but the Spotted Cat was our favorite. Dat Dog is also on this street which is delicious and usually has an impromptu jazz band pop up outside. There is also an outdoor art market with local artists. We came back here almost every night we were in NOLA. Loved the culture and music!Visited July 2023Traveled with friendsWritten July 6, 2023
- 𝕮𝖆𝖒Paris, France689 contributionsAmazing street artAmazing and colorful street art. I suggest to head this street early morning if you wanna take nice pictures before it's crowded. All bars and restaurants fully booked in the evening, we had no chance to experience the food or a show.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 25, 2023
- Tee V2 contributionsGreat timeI absolutely loved Frenchmen St. Eventhough, the area was crowded with people the vibe was chill. There's art, jewelry, drinks, live music and just good vibes. I preferred Frenchmen St to Bourbon St.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 29, 2023
- Mark VBailey, Colorado97 contributionsBetter than Bourbon StreetI have no idea why Bourbon Street gets all the hype. Unless you are a 21 year old college kid letting loose, there is nothing there for ya. Go to other parts of this amazing city, just like Frenchman, garden district, or across the bridge on Mardi grass Ave.Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 15, 2023
- redcanvasDryden, Canada137 contributionsMust do when in NOLA!Strolled here a couple different ways. Several clubs with live music in the evening. Stroll in, have a drink, and move on down the street. There’s music outside as well. There is a vendor’s market near the Spotted Cat. Evening is best. Many tourists..so if that’s not your jam..avoid!Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 14, 2024
- Paula A3 contributionsPleasant strollFrench Market lacked a high level of local artisans. Too much touristy mainstream merch. The street is teaming with live music, less drunks and homeless. Has a nice vibe.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 13, 2024
- MrPNashville, Tennessee101 contributionsMust go for lots of music and food choicesFrenchman area is a must go to. Lots of great bands playing at dba, Maison, etc etc. And food ranging from hot dogs to fine dining. A problem venue is Frenchman hotel: room is tiny; way too small to accommodate bands and patrons. For example Tuba Skinny was playing and zero room for dancers as well as patrons. Find a courtyard or use dba more.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 14, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
12,066 reviews
Excellent
8,017
Very good
3,028
Average
726
Poor
198
Terrible
97
jodipilot
Tri-Cities, WA28 contributions
Oct 2019
Frenchman Street has an old friendly neighborhood vibe. It is relaxed and welcoming. The outdoor market has local artists and vendors selling one of a kind items at reasonable prices. The bars have amazing music, mainly jazz, with easy listening. The drinks and food are good as well. The club staff are all friendly and draw you in with their charm. Frenchman Street isn't big, but it is well worth an evening trip.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan H
Elk Grove, CA62 contributions
Jan 2020
Frenchmen Street is alive with sparkling lights & music emanating from almost every storefront. We visited in Jan, 2020 on a warmish night with the fog settling in. Our first stop was Cafe Negril where a band (sorry, forgot the name) was playing music that reminded me of the Black Crowes. We had a great time dancing & drinking at the old bar. Next, we stopped by d.b.a. Lounge where classic Jazz was the theme of the night. The trumpet player/lead singer absolutely blew us away with his talent (I don't remember the name of his band either... sorry). We had such a good time on Frenchmen St, but I know there was more to explore. When I go back to NOLA (which I hope is soon) I'll spend more time there for sure!
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wetravel4u614
Columbus, OH444 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
A friend of mine told me that Frenchmen Street is the real attraction in New Orleans and he was absolutely right.
Still a tourist attraction but not as commercialized as the French Quarter, so upon checking into our hotel we headed right over to Frenchmen Street. We arrived on a Sunday and Frenchman Street was buzzing! Tons of people out and about and music blaring from every bar!
Places like Cafe Negril and Blue Nile were the soundtrack of the night as both had live bands playing great music. Then you have Wliie's Chicken Shack playing top hip hop music, options are plentiful. We bar hopped until early into Monday morning.
There is minimal food available so keep that in mind. You can get chicken from Willie's, there is also pizza available, and a spot that serves hotdogs but who cares about food when there is drinking to do!
There is also a Palace Market art gallery that is open late so you can browse the art and buy you a piece should you feel so inclined.
An overall great time. I must do! I would visit Frenchmen before visiting the French Quarter. The French Quarter is a lot bigger but it is also more expensive and commerical, so go where your heart desires.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erin dove_rosey
12 contributions
Feb 2020
Spotted Cat and BMC Balcony Music Club were our favorites.
The Cat had the best band starting at 6pm on a Saturday Night - WOW.
Also the BMC Balcony Music Club had the BEST bands and they are a new club, I think. GO THERE!
The Cat had the best band starting at 6pm on a Saturday Night - WOW.
Also the BMC Balcony Music Club had the BEST bands and they are a new club, I think. GO THERE!
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kevin G
Matawan, NJ158 contributions
Dec 2019
My wife and I spent our first night in New Orleans here. We wandered the street listening to pop up brass sections which were very entertaining and really got the crowd involved. We had dinner at Marigny Brasserie. Overall it was a great experience. The crowd was a little more upscale and a lot of artistic types. There were also a few open air markets open at the time with some really nice work.
We felt safe here and did not realize how nice this was until we spent a night on Bourbon Street. Well worth a visit.
We felt safe here and did not realize how nice this was until we spent a night on Bourbon Street. Well worth a visit.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
W14wanderer
London, UK42 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
This a great area of New Orleans to wander through. Stopped in several bars to taste local beer and enjoy the music. Particularly recommend Maison who do outstanding cocktails like this Bloody Mary and had brilliant house musicians - The Good For Nothing Band
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
trimyway
Fort Lauderdale, FL33 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Walking down Frenchman's Street, you are surrounded by exceptional music vary few steps. We stopped at the Spotted Cat at 3 in the afternoon and heard some wonderful music from Andy Forrest and this trio. Beer was cold and the audience was appreciative. Into the second set, "Lucky" joined the group playing a fabulous piano. Two hours flew by before we had to leave for a dinner but hanging out on Frenchman's Street is fun if you enjoy good music.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lisaegg2016
Everett, WA37 contributions
Oct 2021
I only wish that we had learned about this sooner. We visited Frenchmen Street on our last night in NOLA, per the advice of our food tour guide, and enjoyed some amazing live music in a couple of venues. Would've visited more places on this street on more evenings if we had known about it sooner. All of the music that we experienced was high quality. Highly recommend checking out this area (even over Bourbon Street, which is full of silly young adults)!
Written November 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yan Wang
McLean, VA29 contributions
Dec 2019
We went to this book store called "Frenchmen Art &books" at the corner of Frenchmen Street. The music was so old fashioned and beautiful, the store keeper lady was so warm. When I asked about Katrina she showed me the map indicating the impacted areas of New Orleans. She was emotional and even cried when she talked about how devastating the impact was - showing how much she loves the city and the people. We love the books, the music, and the whole atmosphere, and we bought several books.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John M
Maryland, USA60 contributions
Mar 2020
We have been to Frenchmen Street three times now and loved it so much the first time that we have since stayed at two different hotels right on Frenchmen Street itself. It is close enough to a streetcar station and close enough to much of the French Quarter to walk, that it makes it the perfect place to start and end the day. On this lasted stay, I hit the Apple Barrel for the first time. Small, crowded, but the music was amazingly intense. The Street band on the corner is always a crowd- pleaser as well.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kandpmcc
9 contributions
Is it safe to walk to Frenchman’s Street at night?
Wetravel4u614
Columbus, OH444 contributions
Absolutely! Tons of people out. Such a great time
Lili H
Quebec City, Canada7 contributions
Endroit où loger tout le mois de mars, 2 adultes moins de 2 000$
Philippe F
Courcelles, Belgium137 contributions
Bonne question ! Sans doute AIRBNB, loin du centre et en négociant... bonne chance !
Discover717715
1 contribution
I am researching music venues on Frenchmen St and finding that many require a pre purchased dinner package or a dinner reservation. We just want to wander in and out. The Spotted Cat and DBA are two places that fit our plan for today. Are there any others that you would recommend? Thanks!
FunlovingJohn
Clearwater, FL375 contributions
We just showed up one night and walked up and down. Visited about 3-4 clubs and there was no dinner charge or cover. Had a great time. Enjoy.
Are there any live Cajun bands that regularly play?
lovelycls
New Orleans, LA11 contributions
Yes. When you visit go down to Frenchmen St. They have a variety of bars down on that end that have a variety of live band music. Hope this help✌🏽
Sandra T
Winnsboro, United States2 contributions
Where is Frenchman St?
gro B
Prague8 contributions
Hello, Frenchmen street is on the edge of French Quarter. It starts where Decatour street is crossing Esplenade. On the corner there, you find Music Factory in a yellow building. That is a big music store. It is also a garage for a fire brigade, and the sign says engine nr 9.
Hope you find it.
rcmrunner70
Palatine, IL179 contributions
I have 2 teenaged boys (17yr & 14yr) who love jazz. Will they be allowed into the venues if they are with me? Unfortunately, all advanced tickets for Preservation Hall are sold out next week during their Spring break.
wrjseisen
Houston, TX185 contributions
We ate and listened to a set of jazz at Snug Harbor. Maybe call there and ask. I don’t remember seeing children, but since it’s a restaurant too that might help.
Suzy M
Venice, FL27 contributions
Are there any outdoor restaurants that are pet friendly?
JaneDeHart
Fort Collins, CO20 contributions
A small word of caution (and a small bit of wonderment about the cooking pets crack). There is a substantial transient population that hangs out along Frenchmen Street and then Decatur Street. Many of these folks travel with dogs that seem well behaved enough.That said, I'm not sure I would want to take my pet for a stroll in the evening. I suggest taking a nice walk in Audubon Park. It's beautiful and friendly to all animals.
sherip15
humboldt
We will be in New Orleans at Christmas time with four adults and two children ages eight and 11. What are some Recommended family friendly activities that we all could enjoy?
Blitz Poston
Foley, AL46 contributions
Make sure you take St. Charles Avenue Streetcar # 12 from Canal Street to the end and back for the most exquisite Christmas decorations on the antebellum homes. Plus both the children and adults would love all of the seasonal events going on at Audubon Park & Zoo. It is best if you buy a "Jazzy Pass" for unlimited streetcar and bus travel for only $3 PP for 24 hours so you can get on, off and back on as many times as you want. There are many sights to see on that route! Have fun!
justjanica
Tigard, OR10 contributions
Where do you find the best bar/restaurant on Frenchman street for food and some tunes? Any recommendations?
FlyButterflySly
Chicago, IL19 contributions
Just walk up and down Frenchman street and peek in each bar and just listen. Every night is different, so the bands, and vibe will be different. It will depend on what you like and what moves you at that moment. There's great food up and down the street, but most close their kitchens too early (9 pm). Again, you'll have to peek in the various restaurants and preview the menus to determine what floats your boat at that particular time. We were on Frenchmen street 2 nights of our 4 night's stay and had an absolute BLAST partying with the locals until 2 am. Better music with grown folks! Bourbon Street is cute for the youngsters, but Frenchman street is better for the 40+ crowd.
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