French Quarter
French Quarter
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
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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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1,129 within 3 miles
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454 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
22,715 reviews
Excellent
13,161
Very good
6,252
Average
2,218
Poor
699
Terrible
385
Grigdon
Las Vegas, NV204 contributions
Oct 2022
So many talented people are here to keep you entertained. This is my 2nd visit and I will return. While we have great offerings here in Las Vegas it’s mostly from the big stage and often expensive. The French Quarter offer small, intimate performances and you pay with your alcohol and tips.
Written February 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alison S
Huddersfield, UK7 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
I really liked New Orleans during the day. It was a vibrant city with lots of interesting things to do and places to visit. The people seemed friendly but always busy. However, by night the mood changed and I felt a little bit intimidated. I was glad there were 4 of us. The bars were full of live music which was wonderful but walking between them was a little scary.
Written February 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NYCenteroftheUniverse
New York City, NY169 contributions
Feb 2023
Energetic and fun with great shopping and dining. Some of the top rated restaurants are here (Arnaud's, Galatoire's, Tableau, Brennans ,etc.) with tasty chicory coffee at Cafe du Monde. There are many little fun shops to explore. The beautiful antique shops are impeccably curated with noteworthy pieces. Frenetic, good energy abounds as you bustle through this vibrant part of town. (I recommend Royal and Decatur streets for great shopping and more civility (our cup of tea) and Bourbon Street for hard, HARD partying.) Enjoy y'all!
Written February 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jen P
Fort Lauderdale, FL170 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
Went here in January for a quick get away with the spouse. Had a good time . We heard so much about New Orleans that we had to try but I think it’s one and done.
Food is 5 stars- so many amazing restaurants. Try Luke’s Arnauds , Dominica’s and of course Café beignet.
Atmosphere - so much to see and can be very quaint but unfortunately there is so much homeless in and around the French quarter. It was very sad to see. Much worse than Philadelphia and New York. The homeless can be very aggressive, literally coming up to you and asking us for $20.
Took A trolley street car to the garden district for the day and it was so lovely. Quaint shops and some cute restaurants.
The last night we did a dinner Jazz cruise. We read bad reviews about the food so we just opted for the cruise and not the buffet. It was January so it was a little cold and we landed up inside listening to the jazz band which was great.
Overall it was nice to get away with the husband but I can’t say that I’d return back for a second visit. I felt like we did it all in three days and that was enough.
Food is 5 stars- so many amazing restaurants. Try Luke’s Arnauds , Dominica’s and of course Café beignet.
Atmosphere - so much to see and can be very quaint but unfortunately there is so much homeless in and around the French quarter. It was very sad to see. Much worse than Philadelphia and New York. The homeless can be very aggressive, literally coming up to you and asking us for $20.
Took A trolley street car to the garden district for the day and it was so lovely. Quaint shops and some cute restaurants.
The last night we did a dinner Jazz cruise. We read bad reviews about the food so we just opted for the cruise and not the buffet. It was January so it was a little cold and we landed up inside listening to the jazz band which was great.
Overall it was nice to get away with the husband but I can’t say that I’d return back for a second visit. I felt like we did it all in three days and that was enough.
Written January 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GeorgeLisaMerseyside
Merseyside21 contributions
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.
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.
April G
West Allis, WI23 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
Visiting the French Quarter was just as rowdy as I thought it would be. I was down right scared to visit. But I sucked it up and came with my family. I enjoyed exploring during the day time more. I loved the energy. The tourism is so diverse here. Different ages and different cultures. Everyone together enjoying the same thing. I loved seeing many different aged people in such a high energy place. So surprised to see 80 year olds walking about enjoying the Day and night life. 😃
The downside is the street and sidewalk. Watch out for holes and loose pavement as your walking. The cleanliness is very poor. The bathrooms are disgusting in every building. Sad to see so many homeless on the streets. However they look like they are enjoying the energy of the environment just as we are. Strange to see that many of these buildings are residential. I saw people step out from behind their shutters to sit on the stoop. Such a crazy place. We saw a pick pocket and shoe shining guys, but they were shining a pair of Birkenstock 🙄 and they got $40 from the couple. Monks say nice things to you and then offer you a "gift" and then ask you for $ .🙄by our third night I was ready to leave 😌 enough for me 😅
The downside is the street and sidewalk. Watch out for holes and loose pavement as your walking. The cleanliness is very poor. The bathrooms are disgusting in every building. Sad to see so many homeless on the streets. However they look like they are enjoying the energy of the environment just as we are. Strange to see that many of these buildings are residential. I saw people step out from behind their shutters to sit on the stoop. Such a crazy place. We saw a pick pocket and shoe shining guys, but they were shining a pair of Birkenstock 🙄 and they got $40 from the couple. Monks say nice things to you and then offer you a "gift" and then ask you for $ .🙄by our third night I was ready to leave 😌 enough for me 😅
Written February 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cheri D
1 contribution
Sep 2022
I have been to New Orleans several times over the years and this trip was a disappointment. The Jazz charm is gone. What made the City attractive has been replaced with, frozen Alcoholic slushy machines, junk shops, extremely long lines to get into restaurants, an overabundance of fried chicken shops, homeless, filthy over crowded streets with an air of BO, urine & Mildew. My Husband and I decided this would not be a future destination of choice. Sadly, it's a shame.
Written October 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pamela R
25 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We spent 4 days here. The French Quarter is unlike any other place you have been. So much history on these streets. Modern buildings have gone up around it, but this part of NOLA remains timeless. The cuisine is authentic creole/cajun, and if you enjoy seafood, you’re in the right place. Bourban Street during the daytime is family friendly-but about 4pm, it turns into party central. ADULT party central. Anything goes. If you like to drink and party, you will have a blast. Just be prepared to not be shocked because it gets wild. Walking is the best way to get around this area of the city, as the streets are narrow, and congested, with occasional jazz bands walking through, along with the horse drawn carriage tours. The locals are friendly and colorful.
Written October 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
N6797RMcathy
18 contributions
Oct 2021
This was my first visit so I had nothing to compare it to but I found it to be it's own little world. My sister and I visited together (we are in our 50s and she had been before). We had great weather and nothing was crowded. We stayed in the French Quarter and visited restaurants, the French Market, Cafe du Monde, went on a Lucky Beans walking tour (historical walking tour is a MUST - do it first so you have all the history to ponder while you're enjoying your stay) and Cajun Encounters swamp tour.
We also checked out Bourbon street, stopped into a couple clubs (no cover fees anywhere), tried Absinthe, took the street car through the garden district, all the things you're supposed to do when visiting! Yes, it was gritty in the Bourbon Street area, and there were homeless around and panhandlers but I never felt unsafe, they were not aggressive and are always a part of any city.
At first I was hesitant to visit due to COVID but the shops, street cars, etc. were really diligent about requiring masks and 99% of people complied. I was glad the restaurants required the vaccination proof (which they all checked). For such a touristy area I felt they did a great job and we really enjoyed our visit. I will definitely go back some day and do it again!
We also checked out Bourbon street, stopped into a couple clubs (no cover fees anywhere), tried Absinthe, took the street car through the garden district, all the things you're supposed to do when visiting! Yes, it was gritty in the Bourbon Street area, and there were homeless around and panhandlers but I never felt unsafe, they were not aggressive and are always a part of any city.
At first I was hesitant to visit due to COVID but the shops, street cars, etc. were really diligent about requiring masks and 99% of people complied. I was glad the restaurants required the vaccination proof (which they all checked). For such a touristy area I felt they did a great job and we really enjoyed our visit. I will definitely go back some day and do it again!
Written October 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Carpe-DiemJE
Ladera Ranch, CA8 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
We really enjoyed our walking tour of the French Quarter with our tour guide Elliot. He was very knowledgeable about New Orleans history and quite engaging when he shared all his insights during our walking tour. The 2 hours was just the right amount of time to see the most significant sights in the French Quarter. Though it was a very warm and sunny day, Elliot chose nice shady spots for our stops when discussing the points of interest in those areas. Elliot, being an aspiring musician/singer also was able to share with our group the best places to hear great jazz as well as all genres of New Orleans music🎶🎤. Thank you Elliott for an enjoyable walking tour😊.
Written May 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Can you park your rv in a hotel parking garage
Allen A
Balsam, NC224 contributions
Wow...not sure. Give the hotel a call.
Belen Johanna L
Cartagena, Colombia32 contributions
Hola, Viajo en Noviembre a Nueva Orleans y me gustaria saber que bus puedo tomar desde el aeropuerto al barrio Frances, agradezco su ayuda
ngasbush1458
Auckland, New Zealand7 contributions
Am planning on going to nee orleans after cma fest 2022 isthis a good time to gop
YES GO! One thing life should have taught us with Covid is that it is short and unpredictable. Your average temp is 74 in June. It's 80's -90's in NOLA. Plan and you will be fine. Do outdoor activities in early morning. It does cool off. Take a purse size poncho in case of rain. Stay at a hotel with a fridge so you can freeze a couple of bottles of water. Have lunch at the court of Three sisters where there's tables with umbrellas, fans, and beautiful overhead vines, or just eat indoors. If you are doing the zoo, do it on a rainy, or cloudy day. Take a nap in the middle of the day when it's hot, and wear comfortable clothes during the day. Please don't pass up a wonderful city and opportunity. The shops are air conditioned. The City Tour by bus is air conditioned. The trolley is not but it is cheap and gets you out of the direct sun and is so enjoyable. Even a wet wash cloth in a baggie is nice to wipe your face, neck, and arms off. When you return hone with wonderful memories you will forget about the heat. Stay hydrated. Drink your your alcohol at night but during the day drink water, sweet southern tea, lemonade, or Gatorade. Enjoy!!!!!! You will be the envy of all of your friends.
Larry D
Saint Louis, MO23 contributions
Going to the French Quarter late March. How bad is the lockdown? Any chance of things opening up by then?
zombienic
Minnesota1,255 contributions
Depends on why you're going there. If you're going to visit shops and look at architecture it's a great trip, if you're going to party on Bourbon Street stay home. We were there in Nov and had a great time (we don't drink).
Sandra B
Sherfield On Loddon, UK4 contributions
My friend and I are due to go to NO, next March 2021, but are now changing our dates to later in the year due to COVID, what is the best month to visit New Orleans please
Pghkris10
Pittsburgh, PA15 contributions
We went in October. It wasn't hot and sticky and things were decorated for Halloween!
Lablover
7 contributions
Are there currently any protest planed or happening in our near the French Quater?
The last thing we want to do is drive 6 hours for vacation and have it ruined with protest!!
lolaqueen3
Capitol Heights, MD63 contributions
Not that we know of. My son attends college there and he said he hasn’t heard of anything.
I currently have a trip planned to visit the French Quarter in September. It is for my 21st birthday and I've had this trip planned for a couple of months and I've wanted to go there for a very long time. But here recently everyone is trying to talk me out of going. I've only heard one good review from someone but everyone else is telling me that it is really dirty and not very safe. My cousin who is going with me is ready to drop out on the trip. So if you guys could tell me about your experiences, I would greatly appreciate it. I really don't want to cancel my trip, so any good reviews would be great but please keep it honest, that way I really know what I'm getting myself into. Thank you!
mary h
Hilton, NY37 contributions
It is pretty cool there. We went in April and it was HOT and Humid. Dirty and very stinky. Also a lot of creepy homeless people. Awesome food. Great music and drink specials. Honestly, better if you were going with a male inside of two young ladies. Stay to the main streets or take an Uber. You wanted honest.
Michelle S
Moultrie, GA18 contributions
headed there now....what's the best place to park for the day??
Voyager1041478707
61 contributions
Sorry for the delay. Take an Uber of Lyft.
Kamil J
131 contributions
What tshirts we can buy at Police Station? I heard is that possible.
French Quarter (New Orleans) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about French Quarter
- French Quarter is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- We recommend booking French Quarter tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 147 French Quarter tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience French Quarter:
- French Quarter History Tour with Cafe Du Monde Option in New Orleans (From $15.99)
- City Sightseeing New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (From $46.00)
- Adults Only New Orleans Ghost, True Crime, Voodoo and Vampire Walking Tour (From $29.00)
- New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter with Small-Group Option (From $71.50)
- French Quarter Haunted Excursion In New Orleans (From $35.00)
- Hotels near French Quarter:
- (0.10 mi) Place d'Armes Hotel
- (0.06 mi) Bourbon Orleans Hotel
- (0.11 mi) Four Points By Sheraton French Quarter
- (0.14 mi) Olivier House Hotel
- (0.14 mi) Hotel St. Marie
- Restaurants near French Quarter:
- (0.01 mi) Royal Cafe
- (0.01 mi) Roberts Gumbo Shop
- (0.01 mi) Spitfire Coffee
- (0.02 mi) Gumbo Shop
- (0.03 mi) Fat Boys Pizza
- Attractions near French Quarter:
- (0.00 mi) The Voodoo Bone Lady Haunted Tours
- (0.02 mi) Happy Hookah
- (0.02 mi) Bijounola Jewelry
- (0.02 mi) Royal Mask
- (0.02 mi) La Vie New Orleans Private Tours