French Quarter - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
French Quarter
French Quarter
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksHistoric Walking Areas
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
A must-see for its high energy and rich history, the French Quarter is New Orleans’ heart and cultural center. Enjoy the lively atmosphere amid magnificent colonial architecture and skilled street performers—and don’t miss the finest galleries in the city and landmarks like the sumptuous St. Louis Cathedral. Linger around till after dark to jam to live jazz in one of the district’s renowned clubs. For a full experience, you can join a food, haunted or jazz tour from a knowledgeable local guide. Book your visit between February and early March to attend the raucous street parties of Mardi Gras. – Tripadvisor
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The area
Neighborhood: French Quarter
A small and teeming network of laissez-faire living lounged out on the balmy banks of the Mighty Mississippi, the French Quarter has long been a port of call for folks in search of a good time and a great story. Perpetually inebriated Bourbon Street runs across its midriff like a strand of cheap ribbon tied around an otherwise rather pretty and impressively well-kept vintage dress. Throughout the rest of the Quarter, brightly colored Victorian homes and businesses, famously done up with wrought-iron features, provide a distinct and immediately recognizable backdrop for all varieties of fun. At any given moment in this historic riverside setting, some of America’s finest meals are being cooked, most potent cocktails are being mixed, and most engaging music is being performed.
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See what travelers are saying
  • Jules Adventures
    Lake Geneva, Wisconsin25 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Love the FQ! Stay alert and have fun!!
    Nice time in the big easy. Use common safety precautions as there is a large homeless population. However, the majority of the people we saw causing disturbances were over served tourists!! Great people and landmarks are beautiful. Second time and would recommend going between October-April (not including February) to avoid the heat and crowd.
    Visited August 2022
    Written April 26, 2023
  • Richard W
    Dublin, Ireland184 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Do visit for yourself - and don't be put off by the bad hype!
    I am a little surprised to read so many disappointing reviews of the French Quarter. My wife and I stayed at the Hyatt Centric in the French Quarter for five nights recently and had a really enjoyable time. We booked lots of trips, including a bicycle tour of the French Quarter, a tour of St Louis Cemetery No.1 and a Cocktail History Walking Tour. Also, we went on a Street Art & Murals Tour and took in a show in the Orpheum Theatre. Of course, we listened to plenty of Live Jazz too. I purchased several pictures in the all too seductive galleries on Royal Street. Sure there were a few drunken people around at times, particularly after dark, but let's not get carried away. They didn't try to bother us and there were no more than in any other city centre area in my experience. There were also people begging and others who appeared to be under the influence of drugs, but nothing beyond what I have seen elsewhere, including my home city. There is so much that is good about the French Quarter that should be experienced and explored on foot - but do watch out for the potholes! Their reputation is completely warranted! Outside of the French Quarter, if it all really becomes too much for you, take a Red Canal Streetcar to City Park and enjoy free access to the Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden or visit a plantation. Finally, we were in a queue to buy a $30 bottle of wine in a grocery near the French Market and the guy in front of us heard our accents, turned around, and insisted on buying the bottle for us. He said he wanted to spread the love! There's a first time for everything, I guess!
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 19, 2023
  • damurphy127
    Bluffton, South Carolina87 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mesmerizing
    The French Quater is exactly as described in magazines. We were able to walk Bourbon and Royal Streets. The only disappointing factor is we expected to see jazz bands along the way. While there were only a few bands out, they were NOT jazz related. However, it was quite an experience and we would do it again.
    Visited June 2023
    Written June 22, 2023
  • margaret a
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not just bourbon street
    Fun experience - bourbon st is just one place rto go at night . Go to the French market and water front - Jackson square ,royal street has nicer shops . Walk north to Armstrong park - unfortunately it was closed at night . Frenchman street is on the east edge of the quarter and has more art vendors and not as crazy as bourbon . Take a city bus tour to get out of the quarter . Take a good tour in the quarter
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 25, 2023
  • Nik P
    Melton Mowbray, United Kingdom19 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A place like no other!
    A busy full on place to be - anything goes! It’s busy all the time with lots of bars serving drink and food, few shops but shops are better further out. Quite a few people trying to sell beads and shots, but not pushy! In my opinion not somewhere I would take children- although there were some around
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 9, 2023
  • Kathy Z
    Rochester, New York5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A feast for the eyes, ears and palate!
    The French Quarter in New Orleans is like stepping into another world, and another century. It is always a joy to visit, whether it be Bananas Foster at Brennans, the Carousel Lounge at the Monteleone's or beignets and jazz at Cafe Beignet, you will not be disappointed. Be prepared with comfortable shoes as walking is the best way to enjoy the Quarter.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled on business
    Written July 19, 2023
  • CasandraTP
    Sydney, Australia1,097 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wouldn’t stay anywhere else
    This was my first time to New Orleans and I wouldn’t stay anywhere else but the French Quarter. From the minute we arrive the sound of jazz was everywhere. Everything is easy to walk around and there is so much to see and the history is amazing even if a little dark in places. The food is just so good and I have to admit I didn’t have a bad meal and do try all of the different dishes that NOLA has to give. Bourbon Street needs to be seen to believe but you don’t have to stay for long as it is the tacky part of the city. The worst part was the heat in summer which is so hot and humid but plenty of places to escape.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written July 28, 2023
  • Jclee827
    Miami, Florida13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Block party
    What is there to say, its the French Quarter. Non stop food and drinks on every corner from the time you wake up. The day time is calm, and the night is one big party. I look forward to my next trip.
    Visited July 2023
    Written August 2, 2023
  • Tracey D
    Adelaide, Australia16 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A trio of a life time
    OMG this area is just heavenly bliss. We stayed at a Hotel within the French Quarter. It was an easy walking to everything. The peacefulness of Chartres Street, the beautiful architecture, the cleanliness of the area too. This made our stay truly one to always remember. It was like a home away from home. We did walk down Bourbon Street, very noisey and busy but the crowds there were certainly enjoying themselves. The cafes, restaurants, tours just everything was perfect. Make sure you pop in to Croissant D’or OMG so good. And the best little laundromat ‘Suds dem duds’ on Bourbon street. Walking around the area is so easy to navigate, even we didn’t get lost. It truly is a wonderful place to visit, made it very hard leaving there. Thank you New Orleans
    Visited August 2023
    Written August 10, 2023
  • tvlady911
    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma36 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Vacation!
    We stayed in the French Quarter in August for a family reunion. We had a blast! Everything was easily accessible. We walked around every day and still didn't get to see all the French Quarter has to offer. The shops are really neat and you can find just about anything from art, liquor, souvenirs, food, necessities and FUN! I'll definitely be back.
    Visited August 2023
    Written August 11, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions

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dapper777
Monaco32,705 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Friends
New Orleans is a party town: the one place in the US where you can booze in the streets and the bars never close.
After all, with plenty of affordable attractions and easy-going vibes, it is called 'The Big Easy' and the city's motto is "Laissez les bon temps rouler," translates to "let the good times roll."
The first thing we planned to do was visiting the French Quarter. It takes ninety minutes to two hours if you just walk without browsing shops, bars, and markets.
The architecture here is lovely and you can take in all the history of a past era.
It is filled with numerous tourist-friendly stores, bars, restaurants and more.
The street performers are pleasant, and the historical sites are worth a look, as well.
There are some parts which are absolutely amazing and gorgeous and historical.
There is also a big difference between day and night in New Orleans.
In the morning it looks gorgeous with all plants and flowers hanging from lovely balconies, street musicians at any corner, artists and fortunetellers in Jackson Square, boats sailing along the river, sweet and cakes shops, bakeries and grocery's smell.
At night, when things get crazy, there is a completely different show.
Beggers, homeless people, dirt, urine, bad alcohol and vomit smell.
Such a big contrast between beautyful and squalid.
Bourbon Sreet is unbearable with massive crowds of tourists and overwhelming noise. It's nothing but t-shirt shops, singing and shouting tourists, overpriced drinks that are watered down and general filthiness.
Go instead to Royal Street or Decatur Street if you like antiques and you are looking for some nice restaurant.
We went one night to Frenchmen Street looking for some decent jazz. We were almost harassed by drunk persons that were outside of the jazz clubs trying hard to persuade people to go inside.
We thought it would have been much better and safer to go back to Canal Street and we left.
Final warning for people visiting the Quarter : never walk or visit alone, but always be with friends or family.
We had mixed feelings : we felt both pleased and disappointed about it at the same time.

Written February 6, 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.

SFTRVLR
San Francisco, CA2,097 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
The French Quarter is a lot more than Bourbon St, or Royal, or Bienville, or many of the other more well trafficked streets. Highly recommend coming out in the early morning and walking through some of the quieter streets to the west of the main tourist streets- the quarter is a nice and quiet neighborhood- very charming. Early morning is also your main chance to get great photographs.
Written January 6, 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.

rafaotero7
Bologna, Italy40 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2019
There is not much to say, you go there to drink, eat, and buy useless souvenirs. You need to pace yourself on the drinking or you might become one of the many viral videos of Bourbon street. Don’t go to any of the museums unless they are free it doesn’t worth the money. You may want to stay within a walking distance because the traffic is horrendous. I made the trip, I enjoyed it, and I will go somewhere else next time…
Written January 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.

Fred
Ottawa, Canada23 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
The week my husband and I visited there wasn’t anything going on, so we got to walk around without checking out the area without the crowds, which if you haven’t done so you should give it a try. It’s great to be able to walk into a restaurant without huge lineups and browse through stores.
We had a lot of fun, and would definitely visit again.
Written February 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.

Brian A
Province of Catania, Italy22 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
First week of August 2020, things are quietly opening, although bars remain closed. Local businesses and restaurants are extremely welcoming and cordial, nighttime guided tours (after the summer sun fades a bit) are flourishing. Food and walkabouts have been perfect, even if the usual city din has diminished a bit in recent times.
Written August 3, 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.

doxieann
New York City, NY77 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Friends
I’ll just go ahead and say it, there is no more culturally and historically unique and interesting city in the entire United States than New Orleans. The food, tone, colors, smells, textures, people, sights of this city make it a mandatory visit if you’re even remotely close by. It’s just so much fun and such a culture of its very own, and you must visit New Orleans if you can!
Written January 19, 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.

GeorgeLisaMerseyside
Merseyside22 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022 • Couples
We were really looking forward to visiting New Orleans but couldn't wait to get out of the place.

The place stinks of urine everywhere, probably due to no public toilets. The level of deprivation is astounding. You are stepping over unconscious drug users on practically every corner. Then there is the smell of weed everywhere. We witnessed a women exit from a shop on Canal Street in the middle the afternoon, squat down and pee in the doorway. There was also a women passed out on the pavement with injection marks at 10.00 am with her skirt around her waist and no underwear on. Aggressive beggers everywhere. We are fortunate to have visited many cities in Europe and America but have never felt so uneasy after 6.00 pm as we did in this city. It seems to have a bad undertone. The pavements are falling to pieces everywhere and having to constantly watch your footings. The rubbish is piled up and stinks.

The only plus was our hotel was fantastic (NOPSI) and the majority of the music we watched was great. However that alone is not a reason to visit. Apparently the city has gone hugely downhill since hurricane and COVID.

I would not recommend this place at all unless in the next couple of years it addresses its issues.
Written June 15, 2022
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.

wendy L
Evanston, IL498 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
Several places come to mind when describing the French Quarter. It has the energy and crowds of Times Square, the people watching of South Beach, the bar scene and nightlife of Vegas, the music of Nashville or Memphis and food which stands alone in its diversity. Then you mix in the stunning Spanish and French architecture, with buildings painted the colors of the rainbow, and put it alongside the Mississippi River with a paddleboat or two in the water, and some horse drawn carriages navigating the streets and there you have it. The French Quarter - don't miss it.
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.

luvlifeandtravel
Colorado Springs, CO759 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2021 • Family
Easy to find pay parking. Park in one of the big lots and take off walking! Lots to see. Take comfortable walking shoes!! Go early to avoid the bigger crowds which tend to sleep in and come out after noon! Take lots of pictures!
Written March 23, 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.

Kmccherubs
Wrentham, MA9 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Friends
The French Quarter has many personalities... and at night the week before Mardi Gras it is getting wound up. Loved the energy and the street performers - and there is always a place to eat, drink, and be merry!
Written February 20, 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.

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French Quarter - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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