Attend a fest, enjoy your favorite foods and discover something new in the French Market District
New Orleans’ French Market District is a six-block stretch within historic French Quarter. Filled with endless shopping, dining, attractions, events, art and more - a day can easily be spent exploring its confines.
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.
Photo courtesy of New Orleans Jazz Museum
Louis Armstrong’s Cornet - 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.
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.
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. Stop by this Sicilian-style deli for a muffuletta to-go.
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. Visit here to learn more.
The centerpiece of the French Market District is the historic French Market. It is the largest and oldest open-air market in America. Open seven days a week and 365 days a year, the French Market is home to a massive collection of local artisans. Painters, chefs, photographers, and more make their way to the market to share their goods with the thousands of guests who visit each day. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite, listen to live music and find a unique New Orleans keepsake.
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.
Zack Smith, NOTMC
French Market Creole Tomato Festival
Festing in the French Market District
Some of the city’s best fests take place within the French Market District. The beloved French Quarter Festival celebrates New Orleans’ oldest and most visited neighborhood each April. Bayou Bacchanal, hosted every November in Crescent Park, is the premier Caribbean festival of New Orleans highlighting the music, food, dance and culture of our island neighbors. The annual French Market Creole Tomato Festival takes place each year in June to kick off the Creole Tomato season with a number of delicious tomato-based bites and treats.
