Location: French Quarter
Top Things to do in French Quarter
10 Things to do in French Quarter That You Shouldn't Miss
Laissez les bons temps rouler! In New Orleans the good times are perpetually rolling down Bourbon Street, which, thanks to the city’s annual Mardi Gras celebration, has quite a party animal reputation. Once you’ve soaked up the scenery of the historic French Quarter, tour the elegant Garden District and meet the colorful characters of Frenchmen Street. Experience the city's supernatural vibe at the Voodoo Museum or by taking a guided ghost or vampire tour through taverns, alleyways, and cemeteries.
Restaurants in New Orleans
1. M.S. Rau
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 69 reviews
M.S. Rau has been a French Quarter landmark for over 100 years, earning the trust of discerning antiques collectors worldwide. Our 30,000 square foot gallery literally overflows with remarkable collections of fine art, exquisite jewelry and, of course, exceptional 18th-and 19th-century antiques, and our highly trained staff of sales associates, research associates and support personnel are second to none. Our primary mission is to provide our customers with an unparalleled antiques shopping experience. So, whether you are looking for a rare diamond, a Paul Revere sterling bowl or a painting by Renoir, you are likely to find it here, at M.S. Rau.
Reviewed By lapaz97 - Buenos Aires, Argentina
I am an ancient art dealer of over 40 years experience and I am qualified to fully recommend M.S.Rau's store as one of the finest opportunities in America to examine and purchase true museum quality artwork often with incomparable lineages. Bill Rau and his team are eager buyers in the world market seeking to obtain the best possible examples of meaningful artwork for their customers to enjoy and acquire. As a dealer I have found that MS Rau offers opportunities to purchase the best examples of important art, at reasonable prices, which can grow in value over time ( just ask Brad Pitt) and eventually be gratefully sought by prominent museums for their collections. I bought a one of a kind artifact from them for a six figure price and I am delighted with my purchase and, like many museum curators, will continue to monitor their offerings looking to buy more. They go way out of their way to be informed and any purchase is thoroughly overseen for customer satisfaction. But don't be afraid if not buying today, they love to share their treasures. Enjoy.
2. Jamie Hayes Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 644 reviews
Jamie Hayes has had a gallery in the heart of the French Quarter for nearly 20 years and has become synonymous with New Orleans culture. Since Jamie is severely colorblind, pastels are all grey to him, so he uses bright, vivid colors to create all of his whimsical designs. Our wide selection of souvenirs (including mugs, voodoo dolls, tote bags, and many more) and artwork all designed by Jamie Hayes is sure to give anyone a unique remembrance of our amazing city!
Reviewed By plainhorsefarmm
Sad to hear from the Gallery that Jamie has died. He was such a part of New Orleans, and I will treasure some of the pieces I've purchased there over the years.
3. Our Sacred Stories
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 208 reviews
Reviewed By BorneAppetit - Indianapolis, United States
Denise has many roots in NOLA. So if you are wanting a tour from an authentic Voodoo practitioner who is well educated in the Christian Saints as well as the St Louis cemetery residents, stories, and symbols then book your tour with Denise.
4. French Quarter
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22,334 reviews
The heart and cultural center of New Orleans is the French Quarter, a must-see for its high energy, rich history, diverse architecture, music, street performers, renowned jazz clubs, lively nightlife and the finest art galleries and restaurants in the city.
Reviewed By clarissajg1 - East Haven, United States
the music the people the history the mystery the atmosphere the lore the legends the smell the eclectic air its all the French quarter. you either love it or hate it. I love it it is a part of me. there are great restaurants fun shops wonderful music amazing architecture people watching shopping walking cocktails - its truly amazing -- wear your walking shoes and come experience life
5. Jackson Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16,042 reviews
Fun area with street painters, musicians and jugglers.
Reviewed By debbiesE2403PL
Jackson Square is a beautiful little area filled with local artists, music, gorgeous flowering plants (these are inside the gated area), horse-drawn carriages, and tons of opportunities to people watch. A definite must-see when visiting New Orleans.
6. St. Louis Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,299 reviews
The major landmark of the French Quarter is the oldest continuously active cathedral in the U.S.
Reviewed By Michellereneelove - Chaska, United States
Good opportunity to see beautiful art and architecture even if you aren’t Catholic... gorgeous old church that is meticulously maintained.
7. Gallier House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Gallier House is a historic home in the New Orleans French Quarter and was built in 1857 by James Gallier, Jr. This home offers a glimpse into the past with opulent decorations, innovative household features and many personal touches. Guests will learn not only about the Galliers and enslaved residents of the property but also about New Orleans during the time period. Guided tours are available on the hour Thurs-Sun to enjoy the architecture, decor, and history of both the Gallier family and this breathtaking residence they once called home. For group tours and more, please contact us for more detaills.
Reviewed By kmullett2018 - Campbell River, Canada
Excellent tour. We happened to come during a slow time and as a result had our own private tour. We were shown through nearly the entire townhouse and yard filled with period accurate furniture. We learned of the family who lived in the home in the mid 1800’s and of the house itself. How it was built what was unique about it and how the family lived during this era. We love looking at old homes and learning about the history so this was a dream tour for us. Our tour guide was excellent and passionate about history. Highly recommend it.
8. Old Ursuline Convent Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 256 reviews
The Old Ursuline Convent was erected in 1745 and occupied until 1824 by Ursuline nuns as a convent, orphanage and school for girls. This historic building is now home to a brilliant museum with both permanent and changing exhibits.
Reviewed By dendres
An opportunity to tour one of the oldest buildings in New Orleans -- the former Ursuline convent. There is not too much on the sisters themselves, but good exhibits on local Catholic history and a chance to see the former bishop's chapel in the nearby church (not open otherwise to the public).
9. Preservation Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,774 reviews
New Orleans' Preservation Hall was established in 1961 to honor one of America's truest art forms - Traditional New Orleans Jazz. Operating as a music venue, a touring band, and a non-profit organization, Preservation Hall continues its mission today as a cornerstone of New Orleans music and culture. Situated in the heart of the French Quarter on St. Peter Street, the Preservation Hall venue presents intimate, acoustic New Orleans Jazz concerts over 350 nights a year featuring ensembles from a current collective of 100+ local master practitioners. On any given night, audiences bear joyful witness to the evolution of this venerable and living tradition.
Reviewed By 226tandyc - Six Mile, United States
Preservation Hall was a lot smaller and more intimate than I had envisioned, but it was perfect, and we loved our experience. We booked tickets ahead of time, which was fortunate since the line of people waiting to get in was extraordinarily long, and those without reservations who were able to buy on-site tickets had to sit on the floor or stand at the back. We sat on a bench at the front; the wooden benches are probably original, hard and unpadded (for those with bad backs). Surprisingly, there are no bathrooms inside; they send people to the bar next door. You can bring food and drinks inside. The musicians are gifted, funny, and engaging. The whole experience was memory-making. So glad we booked this piece of historic New Orleans.
10. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,785 reviews
Founded in 1789, this cemetery is the oldest in New Orleans and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Reviewed By ALEXP241 - Moscow, United States
There seems to be some misunderstanding in some of the recent reviews. There is a $20 per person admission fee now and that does include an tour by a knowledgeable guide. There also are several tour companies that will be at the cemetery at the same time. You don’t need to use one of these companies because the cemetery has their own guides as well. There is a man usually right outside the cemetery gates that will sell you water for two dollars a bottle. I’d recommend you take a bottle especially on a hot day. The tour is very informative and covers the history of this cemetery including the famous Nicholas cage pyramid and of course the mystery of the voodoo queen crypt. Definitely worth the time just for the history of burials in New Orleans.
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