Summary
The French Quarter is New Orleans’ oldest and most-visited neighborhood. Wrought-iron balconies on Spanish-inspired buildings make up the city’s most iconic vistas, and the tastes, sounds, and smells of the Quarter, or the Vieux Carré, are unique to this city.
The Quarter’s popularity among visitors, however, has resulted in a district filled with tourist traps: cheesy t-shirt stores, mediocre restaurants serving “gumbo” that no local would touch, and overpriced souvenirs. Tucked among these commercial establishments, however, are many of the city’s finest restaurants, most intriguing museums, and best music venues. Therefore, knowing where to look is essential.
Breakfast at Café du Monde
Start your day off at one of the world’s most famous coffee shops, Café du Monde, at 800 Decatur St. A breakfast of crispy, sugar-coated beignets (French donuts) and a generous cup of steamy café au lait (chicory-laced coffee with milk) costs less than $5 (it’s cash-only, though, so be prepared). While you sip and chew, enjoy the view of the St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square, an old-world style plaza surrounded by scenic buildings. If beignets don’t appeal, try other excellent breakfast spots in the French Quarter for different options.
If you have time to spare between breakfast and 10:30 a.m., when the next activity starts, consider a stroll through the French Market (adjacent to Café du Monde) looking for souvenirs, or head into Jackson Square to watch street performers or have your fortune told.
A Morning Tour
As 10:30 a.m. approaches, head toward the 1850 House Museum bookstore, where you’ll meet up with a docent from the Friends of the Cabildo historical preservation society for a fascinating walking tour of the French Quarter, focusing on history, architecture, and folklore. Tours are $22 ($17 for students, seniors, and active military) and do not require an advance reservation.
Alternatives: The Historic Voodoo Museum at 724 Dumaine St. offers a three-hour supernaturally themed French Quarter walking tour that includes entry to the museum and a trip to Marie Laveau’s tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. This tour also starts at 10:30 a.m. and costs $29; reservations are recommended.
If a walking tour doesn’t interest you, consider a tour in a horse-drawn carriage. A one-hour tour with Royal Carriage Tours (located at Decatur Street at Jackson Square) costs $230 (includes up to four people, no reservations required). The drivers are licensed tour guides and will share fascinating insights about the city.
Lunch at Central Grocery
For a unique, affordable, and hearty lunch, head over to Central Grocery at 923 Decatur St. for a muffuletta, an enormous sandwich (you can order half or split a whole one with someone) stuffed with olive salad, cured meats, and cheese. Take the sandwich and stroll over to the river’s edge to sit on a bench and enjoy the view while eating your lunch.
Alternatives: If you prefer a wider variety of po-boys (New Orleans’ answer to a sub), try Johnny’s Po-Boys at 511 St. Louis St. For a heartier meal, go for Coop’s Place at 1109 Decatur St. for Cajun fare, including jambalaya and gumbo. If you need something lighter, Green Goddess, at 307 Exchange Place, offers a delicious, affordable lunch menu with an international flair that includes green vegetables.
Afternoon Browsing
Use the afternoon to revisit any sites you saw but didn’t have a chance to explore fully. Consider a quick jaunt to the captivating New Orleans Pharmacy Museum at 514 Chartres St., and if you opted for the Friends of the Cabildo walking tour, stop by the Historic Voodoo Museum at 724 Dumaine St. Both museums are small yet impactful, taking less than an hour to visit.
If you enjoy art, strolling down Royal Street to see various art galleries may be worthwhile. Antique lovers shouldn’t miss M.S. Rau Antiques, a high-end antique dealer whose storefront resembles a decorative arts museum.
A fun stop for souvenirs is Rouses Market at 701 Royal St. While it may just be a grocery store, browsing the spice or seasoning section at a Louisiana grocery store is a rewarding experience.
Ultimately, this time can simply be spent wandering aimlessly. The Quarter is quite safe, and enjoying people-watching while window shopping can be a delightful way to spend the afternoon.
Dinner at an Old-Line Restaurant
For dinner, consider visiting one of New Orleans’ old-line restaurants, most located in the French Quarter, for a taste of history. Antoine’s, the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States (dating back to 1840), is a recommended choice, but remember to wear a jacket, as they are required for men.
Alternatives: While old-line restaurants are fun, the food is often less impressive than the ambiance. For real foodies, dinner at Susan Spicer’s Bayona at 430 Dauphine St. or Emeril Lagasse’s NOLA at 534 Saint Louis St. offers excellent gourmet cuisine grounded in New Orleans flavors with a global twist. If that feels too rich, or if you want something different, try Bennachin at 1212 Royal St. for beautifully crafted West African cuisine.
Live Music
You can’t visit New Orleans without enjoying some live music, and one of the top venues in town is Preservation Hall, at 726 Saint Peter St. Doors open at 8 p.m. almost every night (except during festivals), and music starts at 8:15 p.m. The venue is all-ages, with no drinking or smoking allowed, and features world-class performances. The remarkable Preservation Hall Jazz Band frequently performs, but if they are on tour, other talented jazz musicians will fill their seats. Admission starts at $20 per person.
Bourbon Street
After your thrilling jazz experience, it’s time to explore Bourbon Street. Stroll down to 941 Bourbon St., where you’ll discover Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, the oldest continuously operating bar in the United States. It’s said that pirate Jean Lafitte used this establishment as a front for smuggling, and it is reputedly haunted, offering a unique atmosphere lit only by candles. It’s a great place for a romantic drink or some ghost-hunting—or perhaps both.
From there, you can choose your adventure—return to your hotel for a good night’s sleep, continue down Bourbon Street to chase more fun, or find a combination of both. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
