French Quarter Neighborhood Stroll

Explore the Crown Jewel of NOLA’s Neighborhoods

When you think of New Orleans, chances are you envision the picturesque French Quarter with its soaring St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, iconic Royal Street, and all-around historic architecture.

Founded in 1718, this is the oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans. It is also known as the Vieux Carré, which translates to "Old Square." Throughout its timeline in the city, it has been home to a melting pot of shopping, restaurants, galleries, clubs, and much more. From 100-year-old businesses to new and contemporary ones, this area is certain to have something for everyone.

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1. French Market

Begin your leisurely stroll at the open-air French Market, where vendors set up each day with trinkets and goodies of all kinds. It's a wonderful stop for someone looking to pick up souvenirs for loved ones back home. This area of the quarter has played a 200-year-old role in development and trade, becoming an iconic stop for our visitors. Remember to bring cash, as many of the vendors here are cash-only.

2. New Orleans Jazz Museum

Just across the street from the French Market is the New Orleans Jazz Museum, which celebrates jazz in the city where it was born. Through dynamic interactive exhibits, multigenerational educational programming, research facilities, and engaging musical performances, the museum explores the music New Orleans made famous in all its forms. Housed in the historic Old U.S. Mint, and strategically located at the intersection of the French Quarter and the Frenchmen Street live music corridor, the New Orleans Jazz Museum is in the heart of the city's vibrant music scene. Through partnerships with local, national, and international educational institutions, the New Orleans Jazz Museum promotes the global understanding of jazz as one of the most innovative, historically pivotal musical art forms in world history.

3. Café Envie

From there, you can walk to Café Envie, a delightful stop along Decatur where you can grab a coffee, pastry, lunch, or drink after visiting the museum. This quaint café has been a local favorite along this block for almost two decades and attracts all sorts of faces. Occasionally, you might even see a chess tournament in play.

4. Old Ursuline Convent

From there, head over to Chartres Street to find the Old Ursuline Convent, which was erected in 1745, making it the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley. Open Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with tour availability, this convent museum, although no longer serving as a functioning convent, exudes charm. If you take a ghost tour while here, you might even hear lore of the Casket Girls, the original New Orleans vampires, who may or may not have lived in the attic.

5. LaLaurie Mansion

One block over on the corner of Royal and Governor Nicholls streets, you’ll find the LaLaurie Mansion. For those who watched "Coven," the third season of American Horror Story, you may be familiar with the dark history of this mansion portrayed by Kathy Bates. Although the current structure is not the original building that Madame Delphine LaLaurie lived in, the architecture of this house of horrors is on many to-do lists for its grandeur alone. However, the story of Madame Delphine LaLaurie is reprehensible and not for the faint of heart. We encourage you to navigate her tale with caution if delving deeper into the history of the French Quarter.

6. Gallier House

Gallier House of the Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses is a few doors down from LaLaurie. Completed in 1860, Gallier House was designed by famed New Orleans architect James Gallier Jr. Showcasing modern marvels of its time, such as indoor plumbing, hot and cold running water, and double skylights, this stop offers tours during its open hours to learn more about the lives of everyone under the roof of this kind of home during its heyday.

7. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar

Have you ever been to the oldest bar in America? Well, if you make your way over to Bourbon Street for a stop on your walk here, not only can you say you have been, but you can also snag a local favorite, their Voodoo Daiquiri, better known as the Purple Drink! Lafitte’s was built between 1722 and 1732 and has hosted all kinds of famous people for a drink. You might see someone you love posted on the wall!

8. New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum

Speaking of Voodoo but getting away from the daiquiri part, head over to the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum. Here, you can learn more about the practices of the New Orleans Voodoo religious practice. This museum space is small and filled with ceremonial tools and historic photos and paintings of the practice throughout its timeline in New Orleans.

9. Union Gallery

Royal Street itself is a wonderful block for those looking for some art to take home from the city. Filled with lots of local makers, we have to highlight Union Gallery, home to a mixture of artists. Not only does this space capture the charm and magic of artistry in the city, but it is also a women-owned and operated space that might just steal your heart between the charm of its owners and their sharp eye for art.

10. New Orleans Vampire Café

What is the lore of New Orleans without the tale of the vampire? Cue the intro theme to “Interview with the Vampire.” Ahem, we are, of course, the land of the great late Anne Rice. So why not turn your curiosity into an experience? This café mixes the vampire with drinks and comes up with some fun ways to sip, like their blood bag cocktails. Yes, you read that right.

11. Café Du Monde

I mean, it would be silly to take a stroll through the French Quarter without a stop at the iconic Café Du Monde. Like, do we really need to mention them? You already know. However, this is your reminder because what’s New Orleans without a beignet? The answer is sad. It is sad without a beignet.

12. Jackson Square & St. Louis Cathedral

Did someone say St. Louis Cathedral selfie? Click click! This is the stop. Steeped in history, this area can be considered the building blocks for the rest of the city. Housing the original government offices and lined by the Pontalba buildings, tge Jackson Square area is filled with food, sips, shopping, and more!

13. M.S. Rau

Have you ever been to a museum with price tags? The answer is probably not. I mean, most institutes are not selling Picasso-level art, but back over on Royal Street, M.S. Rau has been doing just that since 1912 from antiques to crown jewel-quality gems. This is the stop for those who want to take in the history and for some of us potentially even home.

14. The Historic New Orleans Collection

Itching for more knowledge of the history of New Orleans? Check out this free experience along Royal St. The collections and archives of this museum space are phenomenal, and so is their museum shop too. The museum offers permanent collections and rotating exhibitions and is never short of being inspiring when it comes to telling the story of our great city.

15. Antoine’s

When was the last time you ate at a restaurant that opened in the spring of 1840? Serving up food for generations and holding true to the tradition of dressing for dinner. This classic French-Creole fare will make your taste buds sing.

16. Bottom of The Cup Tea Room

Since 1929, Bottom of The Cup has been offering their services in the art of tea leaf reading and more. This establishment is steeped in history and is a great way of finding your fortunes in the city of New Orleans.

17. Hotel Monteleone

Known as the grand dame of Royal St., this hotel has been a staple in luxury stays since 1886. The exterior alone at this hotel is a marvel to see but tucked inside its front doors is even more glamour and the cherished Carousel Bar. Make this your final stop and have a sip to bask in all the art, culture, and historic sights you have seen for the day.