Off-the-Beaten-Path Guide to the French Quarter

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

Located inside the apothecary of America’s first licensed pharmacist, this unique museum contains documents and artifacts depicting the history of 19th-century medicine and healthcare. This space also hosts other events, including concerts and lectures.

Hermann-Grima House

The Hermann-Grima House is a historic French Quarter house museum with exhibits and tours. The Urban Enslavement Tour looks at the experiences of those who were enslaved in an urban setting, how that differed from those enslaved in rural settings, and how the contributions of people of African descent have shaped New Orleans. They also offer seasonal holiday tours, demonstrations, and workshops.

Gallier House

Managed in partnership with the Hermann-Grima House, Gallier House is another historic home in the French Quarter. Seasonally, they offer the Creole Death and Mourning Tour. The home is dressed in traditional deep-mourning decor and the tour guides you through the customs and traditions of the time.

Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum at Arnaud's

Located upstairs in Arnaud's Restaurant, their Mardi Gras Museum features over two dozen ornate Mardi Gras costumes and gowns, plus lots of memorabilia. The museum is named after Germaine Cazenave Wells, daughter of restaurant founder Count Arnaud, who reigned as queen of more than 22 Mardi Gras balls. Best of all, it's free to visit. 

The Historic New Orleans Collection

The Historic New Orleans Collection is a free museum that dives into the history of the French Quarter. Permanent exhibitions cover the history as well as Louisiana’s natural environment, telling stories through original artifacts such as the earliest maps of the city, streetcar relics, hand-carved duck decoys, and even a signed Tennessee Williams manuscript. 

Old Ursuline Convent Museum

The oldest building in the Mississippi Valley, The Old Ursuline Convent was built in 1745 as a convent, orphanage, and school for girls. This historic building is now home to both permanent and changing exhibits. Both self-guided and guided tours are available.

Historic BK House & Gardens

The Historic BK House & Gardens is a National Historic Landmark built in 1826. Their tour explores two hundred years of French Quarter history through the lens of the diverse families and individuals who have called the Historic BK House home.

Faulkner House Books

Faulkner House Books is the former home of William Faulkner located at 624 Pirate's Alley. It now serves as a book shop selling classic and local interest books. Browse an array of rare finds and classic literature while saying hi to the resident cats that roam the store. 

The Art of Dr. Seuss

If you’re a fan of all things Seuss, this gallery features and sells pieces created and adapted from the art of Dr. Seuss himself. From “unorthodox” taxidermy to illustrations to bronze statues, there’s lots to find at this whimsical spot!

BMC Balcony Music Club

Located on lower Decatur near Frenchman Street, this venue showcases NOLA’s up-and-coming musical talent, mainly in the blues, jazz, and funk scenes.

Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub

Since 1969, Fritzel’s has become a favorite spot for both musicians and jazz-lovers alike. Pop in any afternoon or evening to catch some world-class live music from local artists in this beautiful and historic French Quarter building.

Buffa's Bar

Buffa's is a classic neighborhood tavern open 24 hours. Enjoy live music, great cocktails, and a dive-y feel at this haunt.

Cane & Table

For a taste of Caribbean flavors in NOLA, Cane & Table is a mini oasis. Its creative cocktails made this local gem a James Beard Foundation Outstanding Bar Program semifinalist; in other words, it’s an experience you can’t pass up!

Manolito

Manolito is a tucked-away Cuban restaurant serving arepas, ceviche, Cuban sandwiches, and lots of daiquiris. Their courtyard is tucked away from the street offering a romantic and private environment.

Sylvain

Located just steps away from Jackson Square, Sylvain feels like a private club, only without the attitude of exclusivity. While you can peer in from the street, you enter through a long alleyway along the side that empties into a charming courtyard. The dining room just feels cool­, with great, moody lighting and a menu that somehow perfectly straddles classic Southern cuisine with a fun, modern twist.  Just looking for a fancy snack? Opt for the champagne and French fries. It doesn’t get much cooler than that.

Bennachin

Bennachin is a long-standing, casual dining spot in the French Quarter serving authentic Gambian and Cameroonian cuisine. Enjoy dishes like Egousi soup served with fufu, fish stew, jollof rice, and their own take on gumbo.

Zhang Bistro

This hotspot for East Asian cuisine is a local favorite. Enjoy dishes like Peking Duck, spicy cucumber salad, hot and sour soup, steamed pork buns, pad Thai, curries, and Lo Mein. 

Mona Lisa

Keep it casual (but still tasty) at Mona Lisa on Royal Street. This Italian eatery is filled with riffs on da Vinci’s famous portrait as well as Italian favorites and affordable wines.

Patula

Patula is a quaint café located on Royal Street in the French Quarter with a stellar courtyard. Enjoy coffee and pastries from Ayu Bakehouse in the morning hours and nosh on Caesar salads, ham sandwiches, and other small plates as the day wears on. 

Coop's Place

This is the place for fried chicken and Cajun cuisine galore! Enjoy seafood gumbo, rabbit and sausage jambalaya, blackened redfish, red beans and rice, and of course, Cajun fried chicken. Feast on seafood platters, po-boys and sandwiches, and house specialty drinks.

Verti Marte

Verti Marte is a long-time deli known for its muffuletta sandwiches. Open 24 hours, snack on everything from po-boys to breakfast. 

Wakin’ Bakin’

This quaint café offers a host of healthy and hearty options to start your day. Fuel up properly with house specials like the Bayou Biscuit smothered in crawfish étouffée or the Love Bug - a yogurt bowl topped with fresh berries and fixings. No matter your craving, Wakin' Bakin' has you covered.

Jewel of the South

This gorgeous Creole cottage on the edge of the Quarter is definitely worth a stop for any craft cocktail enthusiasts. We'll put you onto the side-alleyway-to-back-courtyard entrance: the indoor dining room is intimate enough to feel like not everyone is in on the secret. They also have a full menu if you’re feeling hungry–or you can treat yourself to their caviar service.

Bar Tonique

Hidden off the beaten path in the French Quarter, Bar Tonique has long been a favorite of locals looking for quality cocktails without the pretense. This casual hang has a fun and varied menu of booze and offers special discounts for service industry workers.

Napoleon House

A beloved landmark on the corner of Chartres and St. Louis in the French Quarter, Napoleon House is known for its iconic Pimm's Cup and muffuletta sandwiches. Old-world charm, courtyard dining, and timeless hospitality come together to create a truly unique dining experience.

Fives

Located in the Lower Pontalba Building, Fives has the added benefit of some of the best people-watching you can do while throwing back oysters served with marinated crab claws. With seafood towers galore, you can't get much fresher than this. Go for the Columns Martini–a vodka and gin martini that comes on a golden tray with a sidecar of pickled veggies, olives, and a lemon twist to dress it up to your heart’s content. 

Patrick’s Bar Vin

For a more upscale evening in the Quarter, this wine bar caters to the casual and knowledgeable wine enthusiast who desires a tasteful atmosphere where they can have a unique experience unlike any other in the French Quarter. Patrick's Bar Vin is the perfect gathering place; before going out or winding down after a night in the Vieux Carré.

The Black Penny

For all its flashy tourist spots, the French Quarter’s dive bars are often laid-back, local hotspots and the Black Penny is one of them. With a beer menu that’s over three pages long, a fun crowd of eclectic locals, and even a bingo night, it’s definitely worth a stop inside.

Cosimo’s

Cosimo’s is known across the city for its legendary bar food, including specialty personal pizzas, mozzarella sticks, cheese fries, wings, calzones, and sandwiches all made to order. On Tuesday nights in the spring, be sure to check out their crawfish boils.

Erin Rose

This quintessential Irish pub is best known for its frozen or hot Irish coffee – a perfect treat for any time of year! Watch a football match and catch up with some friends in this homey French Quarter dive. In the back of the bar you'll find Killer Poboys, which offers creative takes on the classic New Orleans sandwich.

The Gold Mine Saloon

This iconic local dive’s claim to fame is the Flaming Dr. Pepper shot, and its funky atmosphere and arcade cabinet-lined walls bring you straight back to the 1980s. Dance the night away, play some pool, and hang out.

The Will & The Way

The Will & The Way is a casual bar open late night. Enjoy creative cuisine like loaded Korean hot fries, double crunch salt-n-peppa wings, Louisiana hot chicken, and sweet potato al pastor tacos. 

Molly's at the Market

Also known for their frozen or hot Irish coffees, Molly's at the Market is a laid-back pub with Celtic decor. 

Gimme

Gimme is home to all things pink, sparkly, and unique. This shop is full of accessories, cosmetics, jewelry, local artwork, and much more. For a one-of-a-kind souvenir, costume piece, or a quirky way to spice up your wardrobe, look no further than this French Quarter boutique.

UAL (United Apparel Liquidators)

This treasure trove of apparel offers high-fashion brands at affordable prices – around 70-90% off retail. With an abundance of shoes, clothes, and more, you may want to bring a second suitcase.

Mortal Machine

This art gallery brings the best of Modern Folk/Outsider, Low-Brow, Pop Surrealism, New Contemporary, and Street Art to the Vieux Carré. They focus on mid-career and emerging artists who are both innovators and masters of their craft.

NOLA Rock Co.

With a location on Royal Street in the French Quarter, NOLA Rock Co. sources hand-picked collections of jewelry, mineral specimens, art, and stone furniture. Their extensive collection and price ranges mean there’s something for everyone.

Fifi Custom Wigs

In New Orleans, every occasion calls for a costume, whether that be Mardi Gras, Halloween, and everything in between. Specializing in custom wigs, headpieces, and jewelry, it's the perfect accessory to complete any outfit.

Dutch Alley Artist's Co-op

Featuring a vibrant collection of artwork from over 25 local artists, Dutch Alley Artist's Co-op is the perfect place to find your uniquely New Orleans souvenir. Shop paintings, jewelry, ceramics, and mixed media at this shop.

The Celestine

Located in the heart of the Quarter, The Celestine is just off Bourbon Street. But don't let that scare you, the vibe is all about relaxation—just step out into their private courtyard and enjoy the sounds of jazz wafting through the air from a distance.

Audubon Cottages

Audubon Cottages has seven one- and two-bedroom suites surrounding lush courtyards and the French Quarter’s oldest saltwater pool. Comfortable and located on the edge of the Quarter on Dauphine Street, enjoy a relaxing retreat not too far from the action.

Hotel Provincial

Located on Chartres Street, Hotel Provincial is a historic hotel with a private pool and secluded inner courtyard. Close to the French Market, this hotel is right near lots of shopping and dining.

One11 Hotel

One11 is a boutique hotel located on Canal near Audubon Aquarium. Guests praise its central location and balcony views of the Mississippi River.

Hotel St. Pierre 

Hotel St. Pierre is a historic boutique hotel situated in a restored French Colonial cottage dating back to the 1700s. Enjoy its quiet location and proximity to many bars and restaurants.

Homewood Suites New Orleans French Quarter

This hotel is great for those who want to stay near the action but away from the hubbub. Situated on the edge of the French Quarter, enjoy low rates with everything in walking distance from your room.