19 Things to Do in the French Quarter That Capture Its Magic

Things to Do in the French Quarter

1. Experiencing Bourbon Street: Day vs. Night

Bourbon Street is the heart of the French Quarter, stretching 13 blocks from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue. It’s famous for its nightlife, but depending on when you visit, the experience is completely different.

During the day, Bourbon Street is quieter, making it easier to appreciate the historic architecture and the intricate ironwork balconies that once signified wealth. If you’re lucky, you might come across a street jazz band, adding to the magic of the Quarter.

At night, Bourbon Street transforms into a non-stop party. Crowds flood the streets, music blares from every direction, and balconies fill with people tossing beads. It can be fun and chaotic—if that’s your scene. If not, step a few blocks away, and you’ll find a more relaxed side of the French Quarter.

2. Take a Walking Tour of the French Quarter

A walking tour is a great way to explore the history and hidden corners of the French Quarter, especially if it’s your first visit. Guides share fascinating stories, from the city’s colonial past to pirate legends and haunted landmarks, pointing out details you might otherwise miss.

We recommend Free Tours by Foot, which offers excellent pay-what-you-wish walking tours covering everything from history to ghost stories. It’s an engaging way to see the Quarter through a local’s eyes.

Jackson Square, a National Historic Landmark, is the heart of the French Quarter. It sits right in front of the St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest continuously operating Catholic cathedral in the U.S. This iconic spot is one of the most photographed in New Orleans, offering a picture-perfect backdrop with the Andrew Jackson statue and cathedral.

Take a stroll through the square and enjoy the beautifully maintained park, where you can sit, people-watch, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Local artists display their work around the square, and on our last visit, we picked up a watercolor painting of Café du Monde—a perfect keepsake. If you’re feeling adventurous, tarot readers in the square offer readings for a cost.

If the St. Louis Cathedral is open to the public, don’t miss the chance to step inside. It’s more grand than it appears from the outside, and you can take a self-guided tour with a $1 donation to explore its stunning interior.

Right in Jackson Square, the Presbytère Museum is housed in a former courthouse and offers two compelling exhibits.

One showcases the history and pageantry of Mardi Gras, displaying elaborate costumes, floats, and the traditions that make this celebration so unique. The other tells the powerful story of New Orleans’ resilience, focusing on Hurricane Katrina and the city’s response to past storms. Through personal accounts, interactive displays, and striking visuals, it offers a deeper understanding of the challenges the city has faced.

5. Eat Beignets

No trip to New Orleans is complete without trying beignets. If it’s your first visit, Café du Monde should be at the top of your list. Known for its iconic powdered sugar-dusted beignets, it’s a classic French Quarter experience. Grab a serving of 3 or 6 beignets with a café au lait, find a seat, and enjoy them while they’re hot.

While Café du Monde is a must-visit, it’s not the only spot to enjoy beignets. Loretta’s at the French Market and Café Beignet (also open late) are excellent stops. I certainly eat my weight in beignets when I’m there; you gotta try them all.

One of my favorite stops in the French Quarter is the French Market (also known as the Shops of the Colonnade). This six-block market is packed with food stalls, local shops, and artisan stands, making it a great place to explore and eat.

Go hungry! You’ll find a variety of local treats, including Loretta’s praline-filled beignets—hands down the best I’ve had. Locals also recommend trying crab-stuffed beignets next time. If you’re into seafood, you can’t miss the fresh-shucked oysters and other local eats like muffulettas at Alberto’s.

Feeling adventurous? Alligator might be on the menu—give it a try! And if you’re looking for souvenirs, the French Market is perfect for picking up a few local finds.

7. Don’t Forget to Try a Muffuletta

A classic New Orleans dish, the muffuletta is a sandwich made with round sesame bread, Italian meats, cheese, and a tangy olive tapenade.

The most famous spot to grab one is Central Grocery & Deli (currently closed due to the hurricane). However, after my first trip to New Orleans, I have to say that I prefer the muffuletta at Alberto’s at the French Market—it’s worth seeking out.

No matter where you have it, the muffuletta is a must-try food experience in New Orleans.

8. Experience the Local Food

New Orleans is for foodies. Known for its rich Creole and Cajun flavors, fresh seafood, and iconic dishes that have developed over generations. There’s something delicious at every turn, from charbroiled oysters and boudin balls to gumbo, po’boys, shrimp boils, and beignets.

Acme Oyster House is a top spot for charbroiled oysters, serving them up sizzling with butter, garlic, and cheese. If you’re in the mood for a classic New Orleans dessert, try Bananas Foster, invented at Ralph Brennan’s Brennan’s Restaurant, where they still flambé it tableside for the full experience and history lesson. And, of course, don’t miss beignets at Café du Monde, the most historic spot to try them.

I recommend booking a food tour to experience the city’s flavors truly. It’s a fun, filling way to sample dishes you might not pick and get local recommendations for even more great eats.

9. Moonwalk Riverfront

After enjoying your beignets at Café du Monde or a bite at the French Market, head to the Moonwalk Riverfront, a pedestrian path accessible from Decatur’s side streets. The walk offers scenic views of the Mississippi River and the Crescent City Connection Bridge, and it ends at Washington Artillery Park, where you’ll find another great view of Jackson Square.

10. Go Antique shopping

As you wander through the French Quarter, you’ll come across plenty of antique shops. It’s the perfect opportunity for window shopping or finding unique treasures, from vintage artwork and furniture to quirky home trinkets.

11. Visit The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

A must-see in New Orleans, the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum dates back to 1823 and is one of the oldest apothecaries in the U.S. It offers a fascinating glimpse into pharmacies before modern medicine, with two floors filled with historic pharmaceutical items.

You’ll see everything from vintage eyewear and antique medicine bottles to superstitious cures and birthing chairs. How far we’ve come in medicine is incredible and a little creepy. Plan to spend about 30-60 minutes here.

12. Take a Ghost Tour

New Orleans is home to some of the most haunted spots in the country, and a ghost tour is the perfect way to experience them. As you explore the French Quarter, you’ll uncover chilling tales New Orleans is known for its spooky history, and a ghost tour is the perfect way to explore the city’s most haunted spots. As you walk through the French Quarter, you’ll encounter eerie tales of ghostly spirits, tragic events, and cursed landmarks that still haunt the city today.

Some of the most infamous haunted locations you’ll encounter include:

• The Lalaurie Mansion: Home to Madame Delphine LaLaurie, a socialite infamous for torturing her slaves. The spirits of those who suffered are said to haunt the mansion, with reports of phantom footsteps, moaning, and unsettling energy.
• Muriel’s: A historic restaurant with a ghostly bread and wine dinner table set out for Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, whose spirit continues to haunt the establishment.
• The LaBranche House: Another eerie stop on the tour, this house is rumored to be cursed due to a deal with the devil, leaving a trail of restless spirits behind.
• Andrew Jackson Hotel: A former boys’ orphanage destroyed by fire, this hotel is said to be haunted by the ghosts of children, with guests reporting laughter, flickering lights, and even ghostly pranks.

Some ghost tours also include visits to New Orleans’ historic cemeteries, where you’ll see the city’s famous above-ground tombs and hear eerie stories of the spirits said to still linger. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the most famous, home to Marie Laveau’s tomb, where visitors leave offerings in hopes of having their wishes granted.

These haunted locations are just a few you’ll encounter on a ghost tour, where guides bring New Orleans’ eerie past to life with chilling stories and firsthand accounts.

Tour Options:
New Orleans Haunted History Ghost Tour [book here]
New Orleans #1 Haunted Ghost, Voodoo, & Vampire Tour [book here]

The Marie Laveau House of Voodoo is a unique spot in New Orleans, combining a small museum, a store full of Voodoo items, and even an altar.

Marie Laveau, known as the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, has a fascinating history that’s quite different from the portrayal in shows like American Horror Story. She was a hairdresser who gained insight from gossip and conversations she overheard while working, and used that information to provide counsel and help protect people from evil spirits.

Visiting the House of Voodoo is a great way to learn more about the Voodoo religion. Pictures are not allowed inside, so show respect during your visit.

Are you curious to learn more about voodoo? The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum is a small but fascinating spot with artifacts and history. If Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo interests you, this place dives even deeper into the city’s voodoo roots.

Tour Ideas:
New Orleans Voodoo & French Quarter Cultural Walking Tour [book here]

Located on Bourbon Street, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar is the oldest structure used as a bar in the United States. As soon as you step inside, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time.

Grab a beer and soak in the unique atmosphere—imagining the building’s history is easy. At night, candles light up the bar, creating a dim, cozy ambiance, while live music brings the place to life. It’s hands down one of the best bars on Bourbon Street.

15. See the Iconic The LaBranche House

The LaBranche House is a historic and iconic home with a legend that adds to its mystique. The house is one of the most recognizable locations in New Orleans on Royal Street, frequently appearing in films and TV shows set in the city.

The legend surrounding the LaBranche family dates back to the 1800s when a member of the family, Pierre LaBranche, was said to have made a deal with the devil. According to local lore, this deal granted him immense wealth but at a dark price—his soul. Some say that the family’s fortunes came at a steep cost, and whispers of ghostly apparitions and unexplained happenings still surround the house today.

When we visited, we were lucky enough to enjoy the vibrant sounds of a street jazz band playing nearby, adding to the charm and atmosphere of this iconic spot.

16. Take a Steamboat Ride

A Steamboat Ride on the Natchez is an experience I’ve yet to try, but it is highly recommended as a fun, touristy thing to do. It’s a fun riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River, offering stunning views of the French Quarter. If you’re visiting during the right time of year, a dinner cruise is a great way to catch a lovely sunset over the river. This is an experience everyone can enjoy, so be sure to plan and book in advance to secure your spot.

Tour Options:
New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise [book here]
Steamboat Natchez Evening Jazz Cruise with Dinner Option [book here]

Located inside the Hotel Monteleone, the Carousel Bar & Lounge is one of the most iconic and unique spots in the French Quarter. This rotating bar is unlike anything else in New Orleans—it’s a carousel! It’s a fun, whimsical experience that’s hard to beat, and it’s no wonder this place is always so packed.

Even when we stayed at the hotel on our last visit, the bar was crowded every time we went. Seating can be challenging, so I recommend arriving early to secure a spot. Once seated, you can sip your drink while the bar slowly rotates—a one-of-a-kind experience that adds to the French Quarter’s charm. Tip: As a hotel guest, you can try to reserve early access to experience the bar without the long wait.

If you love jazz, then Preservation Hall is a must. This iconic venue is home to some of the best jazz musicians in New Orleans, offering an intimate, timeless experience that transports you back in time. The performance will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip if you’re a fan of live music.

Due to the venue’s small size and limited seating, reservations are required in advance. It’s part of the charm, though—this cozy spot keeps the performance personal. Just a heads up: no bathrooms are available, so plan accordingly before you arrive.

19. Join a Second Line

If you have the opportunity to experience a Second Line, you should. It’s one of the most fun and festive traditions in New Orleans, blending music, dance, and celebration.

What is a Second Line? Led by a brass band, the “first line” consists of the main participants—such as a wedding or funeral procession—while the “second line” is made up of anyone who joins in, dancing, waving handkerchiefs or parasols, and tossing beads along the route.

I had a fantastic time celebrating a friend’s wedding in the French Quarter, with locals and tourists joining in. Since I was part of the first line, I bought a masquerade mask to wear, which is actually part of the tradition. It was one of the best experiences we’ve had in New Orleans.

Second Lines happen year-round for weddings, jazz funerals, festivals, and special events. Check local event calendars to see if one is happening during your visit.

A Few Tips for Your Visit to The French Quarter

• Street Signs on Sidewalks: In New Orleans, street names are found on the corners of the sidewalks, not on hanging signs. It’s something to remember, especially if it’s your first time navigating the area.
• Where to Stay in the French Quarter: We love staying in the heart of it all because it’s so walkable—everything you want to see and do is within easy walking distance. In the past, we’ve stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott Iberville, the Place d’Armes Hotel, and most recently, Hotel Monteleone. Each location has its own charm or modern amenities, and being in the French Quarter made it easy to explore everything nearby. You might want to avoid Bourbon Street, as it can get noisy at night.
• Book in Advance: Book your hotel months in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the holidays or around major festivals (New Orleans around Halloween is jam-packed!).
• Reserve for Popular Restaurants: If you’re eager to try a popular spot, check to see if they accept reservations and try to book ahead. This can save you a lot of time waiting.
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: The cobblestone streets of the French Quarter can be tough on your feet, so be sure to bring comfortable shoes for all the walking.
• Safety at Night: The French Quarter is relatively safe, but it’s always important to be aware of your surroundings and cautious of scams.