French Quarter Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
French Quarter
This historic neighbourhood encapsulates the soul of New Orleans and has become one of the city’s most iconic attractions.

The focal point of New Orleans’ fabled music scene is the French Quarter, a collection of historic and ramshackle streets in the heart of the city, which is the spiritual home of authentic New Orleans jazz.

This life-affirming music was brought here by the slaves who moved into the ancient settlement between Canal Street and the Mississippi. Freed from working in the sugar and cotton plantations, the families gravitated towards the city and began to establish their own community. Over the years, as immigration brought new cultural influences, the raw sounds of the cotton fields evolved into something more refined and unique. Jazz, as it was called, became synonymous with the city and the authentic New Orleans sound is still recognised and performed the world over.

The French Quarter pulsates with life all year round, but if you can, time your visit to coincide with one of the jazz parades that regularly transform the narrow streets into one huge, noisy, colourful party. However, there’s also a darker side to the area, as you will learn on a visit to the LaLaurie House on Royal Street. said to be haunted by the ghosts of tortured slaves. The St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is also part of the city’s spookier side and it contains the bones of the queen of Voodoo, Marie Laveau. Many superstitious people visit her grave to leave a gift and make a wish, hoping her restless spirit will bring them luck.

A romantic way to appreciate the area’s colonial architecture and historic landmarks is by taking a ride in a traditional horse-drawn carriage, which can be hired from Decatur Street, followed by a candle-lit dinner at one of the stylish French restaurants that have sprung up in some of the city’s oldest and most atmospheric buildings. Alternatively, catch a taxi, bus or tram to explore this compact quarter on foot, making sure you leave time to enjoy a spicy Creole snack or catch a live band pumping out red-hot jazz in one of the teeming bars – a time-honoured way to experience the authentic flavour of old New Orleans.


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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$233 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
AU$233
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,490 reviews)
"The property was close to all attractions I wanted to visit. The room was clean and spacious."

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Qtr - Astor
Bourbon Orleans Hotel
Bourbon Orleans Hotel
4 out of 5
717 Orleans St., New Orleans, LA
The price is AU$337 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$337
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this historic hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,775 reviews)
"Great access to the French quarter and Jackson square. Engaging staff. Clean and quiet place to rest."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Bourbon Orleans Hotel
Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter
Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter
4 out of 5
124 Royal St, New Orleans, LA
The price is AU$237 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
AU$237
per night
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,215 reviews)
"Property was well kept, staff helpful and friendly. Shower stall seemed to need deep cleaning and there was a musty /moldy smell in Bathroom (not overwhelming but to the discerning nose) ."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter
Maison Dupuy Hotel
Maison Dupuy Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1001 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA
The price is AU$241 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
AU$241
per night
16 Apr - 17 Apr
Stay at this historic hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,753 reviews)
"Perfect spot for walking distance to the French Quarter"

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Maison Dupuy Hotel
Holiday Inn FRENCH QUARTER-CHATEAU LEMOYNE, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn FRENCH QUARTER-CHATEAU LEMOYNE, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
301 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA
The price is AU$237 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$237
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, valet parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,017 reviews)
"The location, room, and parking were all great, but the staff were all exceptional. We would absolutely stay here again the next time we visit NOLA!"

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

Holiday Inn FRENCH QUARTER-CHATEAU LEMOYNE, an IHG Hotel
The Westin New Orleans
The Westin New Orleans
4.5 out of 5
100 Rue Iberville, New Orleans, LA
The price is AU$358 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$358
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this luxury hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,219 reviews)
"The hotel is beautiful, we had the king bed River view room on the 28th floor and loved watching the boats pass by. The location was perfect just outside of the party zone but a quick walk to everything. Daisy, from the concierge service, went above and beyond and had sparkling wine and balloons ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

The Westin 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 Lafayette Square 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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