French Quarter

New Orleans
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

Things to do


Top hotels in French Quarter

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 P7,265 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
P7,265
per night
1 Apr - 2 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! (2,485 reviews)
"Loved this place! Every staff member that we encountered was friendly and helpful. The lobby was beautiful. Our room was spacious, clean and super comfortable. The location could not be beat. We will definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 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 P10,087 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
P10,087
per night
29 Apr - 30 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! (2,784 reviews)
"Breakfast was terrible. Eggs were runny and gross. Also waaaay overpriced. But that is the only thing wrong with this place! From the doorman to the bellhop (gave me his card but I lost it) and the security girl who gave me a free orange juice before leaving for the airport! Would definitely stay ..."

Reviewed on Mar 28, 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 P7,372 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
P7,372
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! (3,226 reviews)
"This was our first time in New Orleans. The Wyndham is conveniently located in the French Quarter. It is around the corner from Bourban Street. You can walk to most places including great restaurants. There are many homeless people in the area and there is a huge police presence. Mario, the concierge, ..."

Reviewed on Mar 29, 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 P8,054 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
P8,054
per night
3 Apr - 4 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! (1,758 reviews)
"It is a beautiful property but you have to walk past homeless men sleeping on the street to get where you want to go. It is tragic, and a little scary. We encountered shouters from time to time. And the shouters are hating white people for invading their territory. Also, there was a strong smell ..."

Reviewed on Mar 29, 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,434 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
P7,434
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! (1,013 reviews)
"Eberyone nice. Its was ckean. Did not have that old hotel smell. Walking distance to a lot of place's didnt have to catch a cab all weekend"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P10,644 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
P10,644
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 Mar 26, 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

Saint Augustine Church which includes a church or cathedral and a sunset

Tremé

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
Frenchmen Street featuring street scenes and night scenes

Faubourg Marigny

Known for its abundant dining options and live music, there's plenty to explore in Faubourg Marigny. Top attractions like Bourbon Street and Frenchmen Street Jazz Clubs are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Saint Claude at Elysian Fields Stop or Saint Claude at Pauger Stop to see more of the city.

Faubourg Marigny
Canal Street showing a city and street scenes

New Orleans Central Business District

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 Caesars 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
National World War II Museum which includes a city, street scenes and a bridge

Arts/Warehouse District

Known for its ample dining options and fascinating museums, there's plenty to explore in Arts/Warehouse District. You can visit top attractions like National World War II Museum and Lafayette Square, and jump on the metro at St. Charles at Julia Stop or Saint Charles at Saint Joseph Stop to see more of the city.

Arts/Warehouse District
Great spot to get a great skyline photo of New Orleans!

Bywater

Live music, bars, and historic sites highlight some of the noteworthy features of Bywater. Make a stop by Decatur Street or Mississippi River while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Bywater
St Louis Cemetery

Mid-City District

While you're in Mid-City District, take in top sights like Fair Grounds Race Course or Mahalia Jackson Theater, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Canal at White Stop or Canal at Salcedo Stop.

Mid-City District


French Quarter