French Quarter Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
French Quarter
New Orleans' most atmospheric neighbourhood is filled with history, wonderful architecture and the best people-watching in town.

The French Quarter, also known as Vieux Carré, or simply the “Quarter” to locals, is the city's cultural hub bar none and has long exerted a spell over writers, artists and musicians. Lining the Mississippi River in a crescent shape, New Orleans’ oldest neighbourhood is as vibrant as ever.

The French Quarter is where the original settlers built their homes and where many of the freed slaves, who no longer had to toil in the nearby sugar or cotton plantations, resettled. The Quarter's architecture is a heady blend of Spanish, French, Creole and American styles. If you can, take a peek into some of the house's walled courtyards, a reminder of the Spanish influence. Many homes have been turned into hotels and restaurants, and they usually have beautiful and atmospheric cast-iron balconies which are the perfect spot from which to watch the crowds. The quarter's architectural gems can be enjoyed from the inside too if you join a tour. Then you can learn how the houses were designed to remain cool despite the city's heat and humidity.

Aside from its architecture, the quarter offers visitors a plethora of different experiences. This is where local jazz, the music of slaves, originated, and the quarter is still a jazz focal point, with parades held throughout the year. The famous Jackson Square is a wonderful place to relax, and the French Market, which has a flea market, farmers market and many other shops and restaurants, spans six blocks and dates back to 1791.

Given its association with slavery, it's no surprise that the history of the quarter has a darker side. The LaLaurie House on Royal Street is one of the most famous haunted houses in the country, where the house's slaves were gruesomely tortured in a secret attic in the 19th century. Nearby, journey through the city of the dead at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 where Marie Laveau, a free-born Creole woman considered the high priestess of Voodoo, is thought to be buried.

The French Quarter is best seen on foot, but you can get there by taxi, bus, or streetcar.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best French Quarter Hotel Deals

Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Qtr - Astor
Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Qtr - Astor
4.5 out of 5
739 Canal Street at Bourbon, New Orleans, LA
The price is NZ$184 per night from 24 Jun to 25 Jun
NZ$184
per night
24 Jun - 25 Jun
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,699 reviews)
"Good location"

Reviewed on 24 May 2024

Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Qtr - Astor
Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter
Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter
4 out of 5
124 Royal St, New Orleans, LA
The price is NZ$229 per night from 2 Jun to 3 Jun
NZ$229
per night
2 Jun - 3 Jun
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,137 reviews)
"Crowded, no traffic organization, no signs at hotel for unloading. Everyone has their hand out for a tip."

Reviewed on 23 May 2024

Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter
Bourbon Orleans Hotel
Bourbon Orleans Hotel
4 out of 5
717 Orleans St., New Orleans, LA
The price is NZ$273 per night from 17 Jun to 18 Jun
NZ$273
per night
17 Jun - 18 Jun
Book a stay at this historic hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,019 reviews)
Nice stay
"The staff were excellent and helped with anything that was asked."

Reviewed on 23 May 2024

Bourbon Orleans Hotel
New Orleans Marriott
New Orleans Marriott
4 out of 5
555 Canal St, New Orleans, LA
The price is NZ$284 per night from 10 Jun to 11 Jun
NZ$284
per night
10 Jun - 11 Jun
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,723 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 25 May 2024

New Orleans Marriott
The Westin New Orleans
The Westin New Orleans
4.5 out of 5
100 Rue Iberville, New Orleans, LA
The price is NZ$324 per night from 17 Jun to 18 Jun
NZ$324
per night
17 Jun - 18 Jun
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,163 reviews)
"I left my GUCCI SHADES in the lobby and a man working front lobby doors returned them as soon as I returned to property."

Reviewed on 24 May 2024

The Westin New Orleans
The Royal Sonesta New Orleans
The Royal Sonesta New Orleans
4.5 out of 5
300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA
The price is NZ$286 per night from 18 Jun to 19 Jun
NZ$286
per night
18 Jun - 19 Jun
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and a nightclub. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,569 reviews)
"No bottled water in room for coffee or drinking. Had to call the front desk."

Reviewed on 24 May 2024

The Royal Sonesta New Orleans
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around French Quarter

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Tremé

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

Tremé is noteworthy for its live music, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Mahalia Jackson Theater and Louis Armstrong Park.

Tremé
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Faubourg Marigny

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

Known for its ample dining options and great live music, there's plenty to explore in Faubourg Marigny. You can visit top attractions like Bourbon Street and Frenchmen Street Jazz Clubs, and jump on the metro at Saint Claude at Elysian Fields Stop or Saint Claude at Pauger Stop to see more of the city.

Faubourg Marigny
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New Orleans Central Business District

4.5/5(74 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and great live music, there's plenty to explore in New Orleans Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Canal Street and Mercedes-Benz Superdome, and jump on the metro at Carondelet at Poydras Stop or Poydras Street Stop to see more of the city.

New Orleans Central Business District
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Arts/Warehouse District

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Arts/Warehouse District. Top attractions like National World War II Museum and Confederate Memorial Hall Museum are major draws, and you can catch the metro at St. Charles at Julia Stop or Saint Charles at Saint Joseph Stop to see more of the city.

Arts/Warehouse District
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Bywater

Live music, bars and historical sites are some highlights of Bywater. Make a stop by Decatur Street or Mississippi River while you're exploring.

Bywater
St Louis Cemetery

Mid-City District

If you're spending time in Mid-City District, check out sights like Fair Grounds Race Course or Mahalia Jackson Theater and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Canal at White Stop or Canal at Salcedo Stop.

Mid-City District


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