French Market District Neighborhood Guide

New Orleans’ French Market District is a six-block stretch within historic French Quarter that houses the country's oldest public market of its kind, open seven days a week. Start with beignets and cafe au lait at Cafe du Monde, wander the Farmers Market and Flea Market stalls for Louisiana produce and handmade work from local artisans, and walk toward Esplanade Avenue for the Jazz Museum. 

What is the French Market District?

The French Market District spans a six-block stretch along Decatur and North Peters streets in the French Quarter, running from Jackson Square down to the Old U.S. Mint (Jazz Museum). The market dates back to the 1700s, and the district has remained a cultural destination for shopping, live music, and celebration. Throughout the year, it's home to several free festivals including French Market Creole Tomato Fest, Satchmo Summerfest, and French Quarter Fest.

What to Eat, See, and Shop for at the French Market

Cafe du Monde

Start your day with the iconic French Market District duo - beignets and cafe au lait from Cafe du Monde. This world-renowned beignet cafe has been a French Quarter staple since 1862. The powdery pastry and signature coffee of the Crescent City can be enjoyed to the sounds of local musicians while overlooking the sunrise on Jackson Square. 

Central Grocery Co.

No trip to New Orleans’ French Market District is complete without a muffuletta from Central Grocery - home of the original muffuletta. The traditional Italian sandwich made here in New Orleans is stacked high with cured meats, provolone cheese and a special olive dressing. With a refresh in 2024, their French Quarter location is running strong.

Cafe Pontalba

Satisfy you all of your Cajun & Creole cravings at the Cafe Pontalba. Classics like crawfish etouffee, BBQ shrimp, gumbo and more are served daily. Enjoy the music and sounds of the Quarter while dining at its convenient location near the heart of the French Market District. 

Loretta’s Pralines

Having been in business for over 40 years, Loretta was the first African American woman to successfully own and operate her own praline company in New Orleans. Today Loretta’s Authentic Pralines is a thriving business with two locations. Both are in the French Market; head to the Farmers Market for her famous praline beignets!

The Farmers Market and Flea Market 

Within the Farmers Market and Flea Market, you can't go wrong with any of the food and drink vendors. Restaurants include Holy Crepes, J's Seafood Dock, Meals from the Heart Cafe (vegan cuisine), and Organic Banana.

Live Jazz and Other Music Near the French Market District

The French Market District sits blocks from Frenchmen Street, one of the city's best strips for intimate, local live jazz. Visit The Spotted Cat, Cafe Negril, d.b.a., and other Frenchmen Street clubs. Closer to the French Quarter side, Preservation Hall offers traditional New Orleans jazz in an intimate, all-ages setting, while Fritzel's European Jazz Pub keeps late-night sets going on Bourbon Street. For a sit-down dinner with music, Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro pairs Cajun plates with a listening room upstairs. Most clubs are casual and welcome walk-ins, but arriving 30 to 45 minutes before a set starts is the best way to get a seat.

Museums, Parks, and Landmarks Near the French Market

New Orleans Jazz Museum

While in the birthplace of Jazz, it’s only fitting to pay a visit to the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Located just on the edge of the French Market District, the New Orleans Jazz Museum is home to a number of dynamic exhibits, live performances, art showcases and more. Learn the history of New Orleans’ jazz just blocks away from one of the city’s most lively music scenes - Frenchmen Street.

Dutch Alley Artists Co-Op

Owned and operated by over 20 regional artisans, the Dutch Alley Artists Co-Op is a unique space nestled within the French Market District’s Dutch Alley. In addition to showcasing their arts and crafts, the artists also work out of the co-op creating new pieces inspired by the city.

Crescent Park

Tucked away from the typical hustle and bustle of the French Quarter, Crescent Park is a cozy escape. It stretches 1.4 miles just alongside the Mississippi River making it and ideal biking and picnic destination. Enjoy city views and the annual 4th of July fireworks atop the Rusty Rainbow - Crescent Park’s bridge. It’s also home to a number of French Market District events like their weekly farmer’s market and fitness classes.

Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park

Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park is 16 acres of sprawling green space stretching between the Mississippi River and the historic French Quarter. The park features a pavilion with food and drink vendors, plus live music and space to relax in the shade. Children will love the playground which features Louisiana marsh animals-turned playscape. 

Festivals in the French Market District

French Market Creole Tomato Festival

 French Market Creole Tomato Fest is a summertime classic, held at the French Market Farmers Market in the Quarter every June. Enjoy music, art, food, drinks, cooking demonstrations, and plenty of sweet, juicy tomatoes for sale. This fest is free to attend.

Satchmo Summerfest

Every August, this summer festival honors the life and legacy of New Orleans’ own Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. Festgoers can expect live music throughout the French Quarter, local food, second lines, outdoor concerts, music history seminars, and more. Plus, it’s free to attend!

French Quarter Festival

French Quarter Festival is an annual celebration of the vibrant French Quarter neighborhood of New Orleans. With dozens of stages featuring local musicians and over 60 food and drink vendors - not to mention the gorgeous riverfront scenery and charming French Quarter streets to stroll - there’s no reason to miss this four-day-long event. The festival is free to attend. See our Ultimate French Quarter Fest Guide here.

Getting There and Parking

The French Market is accessible by several of the RTA’s streetcars and buses, including the Riverfront Streetcar, Marigny-Bywater Bus #5, and Elysian Fields Bus #55. There are several paid parking lots available for those who drive and park. Find more information and plan your visit here.

French Market Frequently Asked Questions