Advertisement
French Quarter

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
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience French Quarter
The area
Neighbourhood: 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.
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • Justin W
    21 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Safe for younger kids
    Stayed in New Orleans after getting off a cruise, was really looking forward to Bourbon Street and French Quarter. Having young children, we felt the French Quarter was a great and safe place to walk. Tons of restaurants and shops.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 15 October 2023
  • Peter H
    Mississauga, Canada545 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Historic part of town.
    This historic part of town is a must see location with its unique architecture. Highlights include Bourbon Street, Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral. Stop by the famous Cafe du Monde to try their beignets and Cafe au Lait. There are numerous shops and restaurants in the area and it’s close to the waterfront with an excellent view of the city.
    Visited November 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written 18 October 2023
  • Jennifer
    26 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Can’t wait to go back!
    This city is amazing! The people are magnetic. So much history and talent. They are welcoming and lovely people. Look past the negatives, every city has the same issues, but don’t let it deter you from going. Never felt unsafe. There is so much to learn and everyone is willing to share their stories and help. From the cemetery to the ghost tour to the plantation and swamps, food is beyond delicious! We will definitely be back! Bless you NOLA!
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 18 October 2023
  • Vikki T
    Sacramento, California66 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    New Orleans- we loved it!
    My wife and I celebrated our 12th anniversary with my bucket list vacation to New Orleans. We stayed in the French Quarter and we had by far, the best vacation we’ve had in a long time! The people, food, sights, sounds, everything was magical! There is so much to see and do a the FQ! We walked everywhere and had no need for a car. Transportation was easy! Carriage, On Off Bus Tour, Cable Cars … easy! If you want fun, romance, great food and culture, please don’t hesitate to visit New Orleans!
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 October 2023
  • leelee
    Cleveland, Ohio12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Can't wait to go back!
    While there are some very bad smells in certain spots, I just hold my breath & walk fast. There are so many places to visit. Coffee shops, jazz brunch at the Court of Two Sisters, palm reading, voodoo museum. 2nd Lines parading down the street & other street performers. Touristy places like the Vampire Cafe & the secret speak easy, Potions Lounge. Fantastic dinners at historic places like Antoines & Nepolian House. The Krewe of Boo Parade & Jackson Sqare. Great bars with great live music & some interesting shops. October is a great time to go.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 14 November 2023
  • COTraveller33
    Silver Spring, Maryland3,660 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    French Quarter is definitely a place one has to experience at least once...
    The French Quarter is back. It's insane. It's crazy. It's fun. It's drunken. Some of the older establishments have closed and moved on, but Pat O's, Tujacques, Crescent city Brewery and Lafite's are still there. Beads are still thrown, Boob are still flashed. (Bourbon Street only) Lots of great food - Red Fish Grill, Crescent City Brewery, Evangelines, etc.... There is definitely a Daytime feel and a night time feel Would recommend: Yes Would re-patronize: Hopefully soon
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 20 November 2023
  • DAVID TANKARD
    Hammondville, Australia48 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The place to stay in The Big Easy
    Great part of town and felt quite safe walking around here, even at night. There are a lot of freaks and tweekers wandering around, but we walked around as a couple and never felt uneasy. We stayed 2 blocks from Bourbon St, and I would recommend this as a minimum if you like to sleep. We stayed at St Ann Street, a 20 minute walk to the superdome, 3 mins to Bourbon st, 10 minutes to the Mississipi river walk, 10 minutes to Canal St, 10 minutes to the markets and plenty of bars and restaurants nearby. We walked everywhere for a few days, and this was definitely the place to stay in New Orleans.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 18 December 2023
  • HRHElizabeth
    Houston, Texas101 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    No Place Like NOLA Music, Eats, & Architecture
    New Orleans has changed quite a bit the last time I was there several years ago, and it was the first time for my husband and adult son. The homeless persons, beggars, and foul smells have quadrupled and would not have felt safe on my own. Weather was perfect. There were many tourists so that was comforting. The food was fantastic, so was Jackson Square museums. The art scene is one note - loud, bold colors and topics. Security was amplified everywhere. We walked though an impromptu office party on the street and saw a spontaneous parade too! Both unique to NOLA so that was fun. We visited the garden district via St. Charles trolley - but the local cemetery was closed. The architecture throughout NOLA is wonderful even the restorations through the centuries and after hurricanes is something g to behold. So much culture and things to experience like eating beignets and listening to jazz being played around the city.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 26 December 2023
  • jlantern3
    Columbia, South Carolina12,931 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Iconic
    Famous city district= loved walking the streets and hearing the music. Great structures and a great vibe. Yes, the streets and sidewalks were in need of help, but hey... it was a fun time. Take your time, eat, party and enjoy!
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 29 December 2023
  • DutchLace
    Holland, Michigan1,174 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Let yourself get lost
    Hop on a trolley or park at Crescent Park and walk to French Quarter. From Crescent Park, it is about 1.25 miles to the French Market. Make your way through the people and streets. Let yourself get lost and enjoy walking area. We didn't do a formal tour since there are so many resources to put your own itinerary together. We were surprised how clean the city is compared to what we had heard.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 16 January 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Reviews may contain information about traveller safety at this business.

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 waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles22 882 reviews
Excellent
13 247
Very good
6 284
Average
2 233
Poor
722
Terrible
396

dapper777
Monaco67 482 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 6 February 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 079 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 6 January 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, Italy39 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 8 January 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 5 February 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, Italy19 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 3 August 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, NY90 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 19 January 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
Merseyside28 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 15 June 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, IL481 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 1 January 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, CO744 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 23 March 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 20 February 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.

Showing results 1-10 of 20,662
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

FRENCH QUARTER (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

All New Orleans HotelsNew Orleans Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in New Orleans
All things to do in New Orleans
Day Trips in New Orleans
RestaurantsFlightsHoliday HomesTravel StoriesCruisesCar Hire