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French Quarter
French Quarter
French Quarter
French Quarter
French Quarter
French Quarter
French Quarter
French Quarter
French Quarter
French Quarter
French Quarter
French Quarter
French Quarter
French Quarter
French Quarter
French Quarter
French Quarter
French Quarter
French Quarter
French Quarter
French Quarter

French Quarter

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The Stanley in New Orleans
Photo by Alice Daniels

The French Quarter: Heart of New Orleans’ Culture and History

Visiting the French Quarter in New Orleans: Ultimate Guide & Tips

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

Experience The French Quarter: What To Know Before You Go:

The French Quarter (Vieux Carré) is New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood and cultural heart, spanning 78 square blocks of history, music, cuisine, and revelry. This National Historic Landmark district combines French, Spanish, Creole, and American influences in its architecture, culture, and atmosphere.

Why Visit the French Quarter:

Where else can you stroll past 300-year-old buildings, enjoy world-class jazz, sample Creole cuisine, and experience a living museum of American history? The Quarter isn’t just a tourist destination; it’s a vibrant neighborhood where history happens daily.

Purple horse and carrage
Photo by Alice Daniels

Plan Your French Quarter Visit: Complete Travel Information

French Quarter Hours: What’s Open & When

  • Most shops: 10am-6pm (varies by establishment)
  • Restaurants: Generally 11am-10pm
  • Bars: Many open until 2am or later
  • Jackson Square: 8am -6pm
  • Bourbon Street: 24/7 street access

When is the Best Time to Visit the French Quarter

  • Morning: Best for photography, architecture tours, and peaceful exploration
  • Afternoon: Ideal for shopping and gallery browsing
  • Evening: Perfect for dining, music, and nightlife
  • Late Night: Experience the legendary Bourbon Street scene

Weather Considerations

  • Spring (March-May): Ideal temperatures, festival season
  • Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, afternoon thunderstorms common
  • Fall (September-November): Pleasant temperatures, hurricane season
  • Winter (December-February): Mild temperatures, less crowded
Mardi Gras
Photo By Infrogmation of New Orleans – photo by Infrogmation (talk), CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6037496

French Quarter Festival Calendar: Events & Celebrations

Major Annual Events

  • Mardi Gras (February/March)
    • Peak tourist season
    • Parades, masquerade balls, street parties
    • Book accommodations 6-12 months in advance
  • French Quarter Festival (April)
    • Largest free music festival in the South
    • Local food vendors and cultural exhibitions
    • Multiple stages throughout the Quarter
  • Jazz & Heritage Festival (Late April/Early May)
    • World-renowned music festival
    • Located at Fair Grounds Race Course
    • Easy access from French Quarter
  • Satchmo SummerFest (August)
    • Celebration of Louis Armstrong
    • Traditional jazz performances
    • Local food vendors
  • Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival (October)
    • Free festival featuring blues music and BBQ
    • Located in Lafayette Square
  • Gretna Heritage Festival (October)
    • Just across the river
    • Major music acts
    • Local food and crafts
    • Family-friendly environment
street artists
Photo by Alice Daniels
artist and her work in the french quarter
Photo by Alice Daniels

Best French Quarter Attractions: Ultimate Guide to Must-See Sites

Historic French Quarter Landmarks: Must-Visit Sites & Their Stories

  1. Jackson Square
    • St. Louis Cathedral
    • Historic heart of the French Quarter
    • Street artists and performers
    • Best photo opportunities
  2. Preservation Hall
  3. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
    • Oldest cemetery in New Orleans
    • Must visit with licensed tour guide
    • Marie Laveau’s tomb
    • Nicolas Cage’s future tomb
corner of Bourbon street and Orleans street
Photo by Alice Daniels

Authentic French Quarter Experiences: Local Culture & Traditions Guide

  1. Royal Street
    • Antique shops
    • Art galleries
    • Street performers
    • Historic architecture
  2. Bourbon Street
    • Famous nightlife district
    • Live music venues
    • Historic bars
    • People watching
  3. French Market
    • America’s oldest public market
    • Local crafts and souvenirs
    • Food vendors
    • Farmer’s market section
tour guide
Photo By Miguel Discart (Photos Vrac) – https://www.flickr.com/photos/151639852@N07/53552811124/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=146039175

Best French Quarter Tours: Ultimate Guide to Walking, Ghost & Food Tours

Best French Quarter Walking Tours: Historic Routes & Guided Option

rusty tomb
Photo by Alice Daniels
poured beers
Photo by Alice Daniels

Best French Quarter Pub Crawls: Top Bar Tours & Drinking Guides

jambalaya, shrimp and grits, shrimp tacos, seafood quesadilla, crawfish tails, crab claws
Photo by Alice Daniels

Must-Try French Quarter Food Tours: Tasting & Culinary Experiences

carriage tour
Photo by Alice Daniels

French Quarter Carriage Tours & River Cruises

Galatoires dining room
Photo By Bobak Ha’Eri – Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6208861

Best French Quarter Dining Guide: Restaurants, Bars & Famous Food Spots

Iconic French Quarter Restaurants: Historic New Orleans Dining Guide

  • Antoine’s (1840)
    • Oldest family-run restaurant in America
    • Invented Oysters Rockefeller
    • 14 dining rooms
  • Arnaud’s (1918)
    • Classic Creole cuisine
    • Sunday jazz brunch
    • Beautiful historic interior
  • Galatoire’s (1905)
    • Friday lunch tradition
    • No reservations first floor
    • Jacket required for dinner
beignet
Photo by Alice Daniels

Must-Try French Quarter Foods: Famous Dishes & Where to Find Them

willies cock tail new orleans stiffest drink
Photo by Alice Daniels

Historic French Quarter Bars: Oldest & Most Famous Drinking Spots

streetcar
Photo by Alice Daniels

French Quarter Travel Tips: Essential Advice & Local Secrets

How to Get Around the French Quarter: Transportation Guide & Tips

  • Walking: Best way to explore the Quarter
  • Streetcar: St. Charles line nearby
  • Pedicabs: Available for tired feet
  • Rideshare: Use for longer distances

Is the French Quarter Safe? Safety Tips & What to Know

  • Stay aware of surroundings
  • Keep to well-lit streets at night
  • Watch for uneven sidewalks
  • Carry minimal cash
  • Use hotel safes
  • Keep hydrated (especially in summer)
french market
Photo by Alice Daniels

French Quarter Deals & Savings Guide

Save Money in the French Quarter: Budget Tips & Free Things to Do

French Quarter Deals & Savings Guide

Go City®

French Quarter Restaurant Deals and coupons

French Quarter Discount Tickets: Best Deals on Tours & Attractions

Hotel Deals

French Quarter Vacation Packages

Transportation Deals

Four Points hotel
Photo by Alice Daniels

French Quarter Lodging Guide: Hotels, Areas & Best Places to Stay

Best Hotels in the French Quarter: Ultimate Guide

Holiday inn Gretna la red lights on circle hotel
Photo by Alice Daniels

Where to Stay Near the French Quarter:

Hotels near the French Quarter

French Quarter Travel Resources: Helpful Tips & Planning Information

Best Photo Spots in the French Quarter: Photography Location Guide

  • St. Louis Cathedral from Jackson Square
  • Royal Street balconies
  • French Market archways
  • Mississippi River at sunset
  • Streetcar on N. Rampart
  • Pirates Alley
  • Colorful Creole cottages
Steamboat Natchez cruises

Things to Do with Kids in the French Quarter: Family Guide & Tips

Is the French Quarter Wheelchair Accessible? Complete Access Guide

  • Most restaurants and shops are wheelchair accessible
  • Some historic buildings have limited accessibility
  • Many hotels offer ADA rooms
  • Recommend calling ahead for specific accommodations
tombs in a cemetery
Photo by Alice Daniels

French Quarter Local Secrets: Insider Tips & Hidden Gems

  • Visit Bourbon Street once, then explore elsewhere
  • Morning is best for photos and peaceful walks
  • Dinner reservations recommended for popular restaurants
  • Carry water during summer months
  • Take advantage of courtyard seating
  • Ask locals for recommendations
  • Explore side streets
girl with a ton of mardi gras beads
Photo By satemkemet – Flickr: Choking Hazard, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24480727

French Quarter Tourist Scams: How to Avoid Common Cons & Tricks

The historic French Quarter offers unique experiences and authentic New Orleans culture, but like any tourist destination, visitors should stay alert. Here’s your complete guide to avoiding common scams and staying safe.

The Shoe Scam

  • What it is: Someone approaches saying “I bet you $20 I can tell you where you got your shoes”
  • The trick: The scammer’s answer is always “on your feet”
  • How to avoid: Politely decline any bets about your shoes
  • Risk level: Low, but common

Three-Card Monte

  • What it is: Street gambling with three cards
  • The trick: Accomplices pretend to win to draw you in
  • How to avoid: Never participate in street gambling
  • Risk level: High, can lose significant money

Shot Girls Scam

  • What it is: People offering cheap shots on the street
  • The trick: Watered-down alcohol at inflated prices
  • How to avoid: Only buy drinks from licensed establishments
  • Risk level: Medium, potential health risk

Mardi Gras Bead Targeting

  • What it is: Scammers target tourists wearing beads off-season
  • The trick: Marks you as an out-of-town visitor
  • How to avoid: Save beads for Carnival season
  • Risk level: Low, but makes you vulnerable

Common Panhandling Schemes

  • “Need money for bus ticket”
  • “Lost wallet” stories
  • “Broken down car” tales
  • How to avoid: Direct people to official assistance

The Name Spelling Scam

  • What it is: Stranger bets they can spell your last name or count its letters
  • The trick: They spell “L-A-S-T N-A-M-E” or say “12 letters”
  • How to avoid: Decline any bets about your name
  • Risk level: Low, but common on busy streets
  • Common locations: Bourbon Street, Royal Street

The Welcome Rap Scam

  • What it is: Friendly person offers personalized rap about you and your hometown
  • The trick: Demands payment after performance
  • How to avoid: Politely decline when they start to rap or walk away
  • Risk level: Low, but persistent
  • Common locations: Primarily Bourbon Street

Street Safety Tips

Night Safety

  • Stick to main streets
  • Stay in populated areas
  • Keep to well-lit paths
  • Use buddy system

Remember: The French Quarter is generally safe for tourists who stay alert and use common sense. Most scams can be avoided by being aware and not engaging with strangers offering deals or bets.

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