The '''French Quarter''' is the oldest and most famous and visited neighborhood of New Orleans. It was laid out in French and Spanish colonial times in the 18th century. While it has many hotels, restaurants, and businesses catering to visitors, it is best appreciated when you recall that it is still a functioning mixed-use residential/commercial neighborhood where locals live.

Understand

The French Quarter or "Vieux Carre" ("old square" in French) stretches along the Mississippi River from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue (13 blocks long) and back from the Mississippi to Rampart Street (6 blocks wide).

"The Quarter" is compact. One can spend an enjoyable vacation here without leaving it for several days. If the French Quarter is your headquarters, consider leaving your car behind and not bothering to rent one if your health permits a few blocks walk. Parking is difficult, expensive, or both. Occasional trips to other parts of town can be made by streetcar or cab. The neighborhood is pedestrian friendly. Take care walking at night, particularly on dark or deserted streets. If you've been drinking, a cab is advisable.

The "Upper Quarter" (between Canal Street and Jackson Square) is the area most patronized by visitors, but the "Lower Quarter" (between Jackson Square and Esplanade Avenue) also has shops and restaurants sprinkled amongst the residences.

Get in

'''Bourbon and Royal Streets''' (see below) are the main avenues of the French Quarter. Take the streetcar in if you're in Uptown or Mid City. Driving in on Interstate 10, take the Orleans Avenue or Vieux Carre exit.

See

  • '''Bourbon Street''' - some 8 blocks of Bourbon from Canal Street down are given over to catering to the hard drinking tourists. If getting drunk with other tourists is the goal of your vacation, this is the place for you. Even if not, this notorious strip of tourist traps is worth at least a quick look for its abject sleaziness. Bourbon not only has countless bars, it also contains many fine restaurants featuring delicious local cuisine for people who want to experience the local foods.
  • '''Royal Street''' - strolling Royal Street by day is as essential a New Orleans experience as Bourbon Street by night. 1 block away in distance, a world in attitude. There are art galleries, upscale antique stores, landmark hotels and interesting specialty shops. Lots of temptations for those with money, but is also fun window shopping for those not spending a dime. Royal Street is also home to James H. Cohen & Sons which features rare coins, antique weapons, and jewelry. Mr. Cohen is extremely friendly and will gladly answer any questions about any of the antiques in his shop.
  • '''Jackson Square''' - the old town square, often live music is going on here, as well as street corner painters and tarot readers. Around the square are:
  • *'''Cabildo''' - colonial city hall, now a museum; Louisiana Purchase agreements transferring the city from France to the USA were signed here
  • *'''Presbytere''' - colonial church offices, now another museum, including a New Orleans Mardi Gras display
  • *'''St. Louis Cathedral''' - a symbol of New Orleans, this is the oldest Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States and has a giant statue of the Virgin Mary with her arms extended gracing the middle of the courtyard.
  • *'''Pontalba Buildings''' - 4 story brick apartment buildings have specialty shops, restaurants, and a tourist information office on the ground floors
  • '''Moon Walk''' is a brick walking path along the Mississippi River across Decatur Street from Jackson Square. The curious name comes from its dedication to former New Orleans mayor Moon Landrieu.
  • '''Chartres Street''' parallels Bourbon and Royal Streets, on block closer to the river than Royal. While less famous with visitors, those who enjoy historic architecture will find the city's greatest concentration of preserved colonial era buildings along Chartres, along with early 19th century town-houses. A pleasant walk with local shops and cafes scattered along the street.
  • '''Old French Market''', [http://www.frenchmarket.org/]. While souvenirs for visitors have taken over a good bit of the space at this 250+ year old market, there are still vendors selling fresh produce as in days of old. On weekends a much larger number of vendors set up here, with handicrafts and flea market type goods.
  • '''Lower Decatur Street''', [http://www.lowerdecatur.com/]. Right around the corner from the historic US Mint, and the French Market. A French Quarter neighborhood with shops, dining, and entertainment. Late at night the bars really hop with local color.
  • '''New Orleans Jazz Park''', Visitor's Center & Headquarters at 916 N. Peters, [http://www.nps.gov/jazz/]. Often has live music, lectures, and gives music history related walking tours. Many events are free; those that aren't are a bargain.
  • '''Jean Lafitte National Park and Preserve''', 419 Decatur Street, [http://www.nps.gov/jela/]. Headquarters for National Park that includes several historic sites in and near New Orleans. Has a small museum and visitor's center. Show up by 9am to get a place on the informative free walking tour of the French Quarter.
  • '''Historic New Orleans Collection''', 533 Royal Street, [http://www.hnoc.org/]. Free museum with changing exhibits of local history. Also has a research center nearby on Chartres Street.
  • '''Old U.S. Mint''', 400 Esplanade, ''by the French Market''. Coins haven't been minted in New Orleans for decades, so the building is now a museum, with the minting process downstairs and the world's top exhibit on New Orleans jazz upstairs.
  • '''Old Ursuline Convent''', 1100 Chartres St. Completed in 1752, open for tours
  • '''Pharmacy Museum''', 514 Chartres St. [http://www.pharmacymuseum.org/] Tel. 565-8027. See and learn about medical practices of the mid 19th century. Posted as open Tuesday through Friday, but calling ahead is reccomended.
  • '''Cigar Factory New Orleans & Museum''', 415 Decatur. 10a-10p [http://www.cigarfactoryneworleans.com] History and tradition of one of New Orleans' oldest traditions -- cigar rolling! Watch the masters at work daily in the only operating cigar factory since the 50's.
  • '''Musee Conti Wax Museum''', 917 Conti [http://www.get-waxed.com/] Tel 525-2605. Experience more than 300 years of History, Legend and Scandal with the 154 life-size figures displayed in historically accurate settings.
  • House Museums

    Some elegant old homes which are now museums:
  • '''1850s House''', 523 St. Ann (in the lower Pontalba Building).
  • '''Beauregard-Keyes House''', 1113 Chartres Street. [http://www.neworleansonline.com/tours-attractions/museums/beauregardkeyes.html]
  • '''Hermann-Grima House''', 820 St. Louis Street. [http://www.hgghh.org/] 1830s mansion.
  • '''Gallier House''', 1132 Royal Street. Home of famous local 19th century architect.
  • '''Madame John's Legacy''', 632 Dumaine. 18th century Creole home
  • '''Williams Residence''', 718 Toulouse Street (entrance at 533 Royal Street). [http://www.hnoc.org/visit/buildings_williamsresidence.php] 1889 Italianate two-story residence.
  • Do

    Stroll the streets, look at the architecture, shops, and people. Hear music in the street.

  • '''Carriage Rides''': Mule drawn carriages have driven tourists around the Quarter since the gasoline rationing of the 1940s. Carriage drivers are known to give tourists a full blown tour consisting of a mix of history, architecture, restaurants & stories. All buggy drivers are licensed tour guides and are required by the city to take an extensive tour guide test, buggy driver test, drug test, local & federal background check & defensive driving course (although the animals have the right of way, even over pedestrians). There can be large variance in the quality of the tour, as each driver is required to do his or her own research and design their own tour; and sometimes drivers have been known to spin stories that are more colorful than factual.
  • Mules pull the buggies as they are more suitable than horses for New Orleans working conditions than horses & it is City ordinance. The mules are protected by the SPCA & Taxicab Bureau & have many guidelines that must be followed by the carriage companies for the animals to work safely in the Quarter & remain healthy & happy. Available to tourists is a 30 minute tour of the French Quarter, hour tour of the St. Louis No.1 Cemetery/French Quarter combo, hour and one half or two hour Garden District tour...or any combination thereof. Carriage drivers also do bar-hopping tours, shopping by carriage, Marigny tours & ghost tours. There are several options from group rates 6-8 people to private tours for 1-4 people. Things have changed quite a bit in the carriage industry in the past 7 years! Drivers are more customers service oriented & courteous.

  • '''Street entertainers''': perform for tips from tourists, and vary greatly in talent. The still mime-ers are a sight to see, they stand still alone or with a partner and when you give them a tip they will move very slowly in tandem, like a robot. There are excellent musicians who enjoy keeping up their chops out of doors. There are also hacks with little talent other than scamming money. Beware of the ''Got-yo-shoes-ers''; these are scammers who go up to tourists saying '''"I bet you I know whe' you got yo' shoes!"'''. If they succeed in getting the tourist to take the bet, the answer is "You got yo' shoes on yo' feet!" They usually have a large and threatening looking friend or someone who looks like they just smoked too much crack nearby to make sure bets are paid. You will almost always encounter one of these burnt out hustlers, when they do just politely reply: "They are on my feet" and they will know the jig is up.
  • '''Walking tours''': are plentiful but can be pricy. Most cost between $10-$20 per person, but there are a couple of good, free walking tours. Or you can simply walk and see all of the landmarks since most are labeled and you can go in and read about it yourself.
  • *'''Jean Lafitte National Park''': [http://www.nps.gov/jela/ ]Park rangers offer a free walking tour of the French Quarter that is very informative. Space is very limited, and spots on the tour are only given out on the day of the tour at 9AM. You should try to show up at least half an hour early to reserve a spot. You'll learn the real history of New Orleans, which is often as colorful as the tall stories.
  • '''Audubon Institute''': [http://www.auduboninstitute.org 1 Canal St. Only aquarium in New Orleans and conveniently located in the French Quarter. Features aquarium, park, zoo featuring 1500 animals, and an IMAX theatre.
  • Buy

  • Art or high-end '''antiques''' on Royal Street.
  • '''Tacky t-shirts and souvenirs''' on Bourbon Street.
  • There are several good '''used book stores''' on Chartres, Royal, Pirates' Alley, and elsewhere in the Quarter.
  • '''Louisiana Music Factory''', 210 Decatur, [http://www.louisianamusicfactory.com]. Specializes in local music, with a wide selection new and used CDs, plus vintage vinyl upstairs. Local musicians often play free sets here for promotion when they come out with a new record. The staff here usually know their stuff and can make good recommendations.
  • Santa's Quarters. anta's Quarters. 025 Decatur St.. 00-626-8717. ttp://www.santasquartersno.com. 0AM - 6PM. If you're looking for Christmas decorations, this is the place. They have thousands of ornaments including New Orleans and Mardi Gras themed.

    Eat

    Budget

  • '''Acme Oyster House''', 724 Iberville St. No ambiance, but good, oysters and other southern delights. Be ready to wait in line. Great food, Great price. 12 oysters for 9.99 simply can't be beat, especially since Louisiana oysters are far superior in size to those from anyplace else. For an entertaining and social experience, sit at the bar, where you can talk to the oyster shuckers about the celebrities and pro athletes who they have recently seen in the restaurant.
  • '''Angeli''', on Decatur at Governor Nicholls, open long hours
  • '''Cafe EnVie Espresso Bar & Cafe''', 1241 Decatur, 232-6530. 7AM-11PM. Sandwiches, salads, omelets, quiches. Wireless internet access.
  • '''Cajun Cabin''', 503 Bourbon, 11am-late. Authentic Cajun recipes dating back to the 1900s, 6 flat-screen TVs, live Cajun music every night, largest balcony eating in French Quarter. Features a great local beer (Abita) and has specialties such as alligator sausage.
  • '''Benachin''' 1212 Royal. African food. Good lunch specials.
  • '''Central Grocery''', 923 Decatur. Old Italian-American grocery sandwich shop, famous for their enormous muffuletta sandwiches originated by this family in 1910. One is enough to feed four hungry people! Order 1/2 to start for 2 people!.
  • '''Clover Grill''', 900 Bourbon, [http://www.clovergrill.com]. Good eggs, burgers, and such 24 hours a day. Heavily (though not exclusively) gay clientele. They cook your burger under a hubcap!
  • '''Coop's Place''', 1109 Decatur (''near Ursulines''), [http://www.coopsplace.net/]. You can get good Cajun food at a really good price here. Locals favorite. Good food, good price. Best fried chicken in the City!
  • '''Felix's Oyster House''', 739 Iberville. The Acme's traditional competition.
  • '''Jimani''', 141 Chartres. when you want a great roast beef sandwich at 2 in the morning
  • '''Johnny's Po-Boys''', 511 St. Louis St. Lunch counter with some eat-in tables; one of the largest po-boy menus around. Excellent breakfast biscuit sandwich! Closes @ 3 p.m.
  • '''Mama Rosa's''', 616 N. Rampart. old style French Quarter Pizza.
  • '''Mona Lisa's''', 1212 Royal. Italian and Pizza.
  • '''Port of Call''', 838 Esplanade.
  • '''Sarafina's''', 81 French Maret Place. Coffee, sandwiches, salads, and made from scratch desserts.
  • '''Verti Marte''', 1201 Royal. Will deliver po-boys and similar cheap but yummy grub to your place in the Quarter. It's also a small neighborhood grocery with wine & beer.
  • '''Yo Mama's Bar & Grill''', 727 St. Peter ''(between Royal & Bourbon)''. limited but high quality grill menu, including 14 types of burgers.
  • Breakfast & Snacks

  • '''Cafe du Monde''', 1039 Decatur Street, [http://www.cafedumonde.com/]. Serves coffee and beignets, 24 hours a day, across Decatur from Jackson Square. A local landmark since the 19th century.
  • '''CC's''', Royal at St. Philip. The French Quarter branch of a small local chain. Great iced coffee drinks for hot days.
  • '''Croissant d'Or''', Ursuline Street. French pastries and light breakfasts & lunch. Closes at 2.30pm.
  • '''Cafe EnVie''' see entry in section above.
  • Mid-range

  • '''Bacco''', 310 Charters, [http://www.bacco.com]. Tuscan.
  • '''Bayona''', 430 Dauphine. Mediterranean food.
  • '''Bistro at Maison de Ville''', 727 Rue Toulouse, [http://www.maisondeville.com/dining/]. Award-winning French Creole cuisine and legendary wine list.
  • '''Coop's Place, 1109 Decatur''' serves Cajun fare including rabbit jambalaya, seafood gumbo, and a selection of wines and beers. Entrees run from $10 to about $15.
  • '''French Market, 1001 Decatur''' serves boiled crawfish and other down-home delicacies including a Monday through Friday happy hour 3pm - 5pm - raw oysters $.50 each. Has both downstairs restaurant and balcony seating upstairs.
  • '''El Gato Negro''', 81 French Market Place. A local favorite for Mexican, 11a - 9pm.
  • '''Gumbo Shop''', 630 St. Peter, [http://www.gumboshop.com]. An institution for gumbos and similar traditional Louisiana dishes.
  • '''Louisiana Pizza Kitchen''', upscale custom pizza, French Market at Barracks Street.
  • '''Margaritaville Cafe''', Decatur St. ''near the French Market'', [http://www.margaritavillecafe.com]. Don't waste away, Jimmy Buffett fans! OK this place isn't so great, but it had to be mentioned. The great ironies of Margaritaville are this: 1) It is downriver on Decatur where, thankfully, fewer tourists venture even though the place is mostly designed for the tourist trade and 2) Some of the finest musicians in New Orleans that don't play stereotypical New Orleans music (Dixieland jazz or R&B covers) play there and they ''don't'' play Jimmy Buffett covers.
  • '''Mr. B's Bistro''', 201 Royal, [http://www.mrbsbistro.com].
  • '''Petunia's''', 817 St. Louis, [http://www.petuniasrestaurant.com]. French crepes, breakfast, lunch or dinner.
  • '''Ralph & Kacoo's''', 519 Toulouse St. Seafood.
  • '''Remoulade''', 309 Bourbon. [http://www.remoulade.com/home.html]. A casual spin-off of Arnaud's where you can try their famous caesar salad dressing and the eponymous remoulade without wearing a jacket and tie. Same shrimp remoulade and gumbo as the main restaurant for a lower price.
  • '''Stanley''' 547 St. Ann (at the corner of Chartres), tel. 587-0093. Good casual food. Some visitors may remember them on Decatur Street years ago; here at their new location on Jackson Square they added a soda fountain.
  • '''Tujague's''', 823 Decatur (''just down from Jackson Square''), [http://www.tujaguesrestaurant.com]. Pronounced "Two Jacks" Despite the weird spelling, it's been here since 1856 so they must be doing something right. The locals swear by it.
  • Splurge

  • '''Antoine's''', [http://www.antoines.com]713 St. Louis St., Phone: (504) 581-4422. Antoine's lays claim to being the oldest same family owned restaurant in the country. Opening in 1840, this French Creole restaurant is the very place where oysters rockefeller was invented in the 1890s. Antoine's is the only restaurant where ''authentic'' oysters rockefeller can be eaten, as the recipe is a closely guarded secret. To experience the rich history and tradition of the restaurant, ask your server to give you a quick tour. There are over fifteen separate dining rooms, all of which reek of tradition and are steeped in history. Make sure to take a peek down the vast and cavernous wine cellar, which can take the breath away from a true wine lover. Antoine's has recently opened a beautiful new bar. Step off of St. Louis (between Bourbon and Royal) and step into history.
  • '''Arnaud's''', 813 Bienville St., Phone: (504) 523-5433, [http://www.arnauds.com/]. Another of the great old French Quarter classics.
  • '''Brennan's''', 417 Royal St., Phone: (504) 525-9711, [http://www.brennansneworleans.com]. One of the famous local traditions; fine Creole cuisine, known for their gourmet breakfasts. Ask to sit in the courtyard, on the balcony, or in one of the upstairs rooms. Be sure to try the Bananas Foster, which was invented here. Great for upscale New Orleans breakfast.
  • '''Court of Two Sisters''', 613 Royal St., Phone: (504) 522-7261, [http://www.courtoftwosisters.com/]. A place for daily brunch (with a live jazz combo) and post-night out hangover cures; beautiful courtyard.
  • '''Galatoire's''', 209 Bourbon St., Phone: (504) 525-2021, [http://www.galatoires.com/]. Classic Creole on Bourbon Street. Despite being in the tourist strip of Bourbon Street, locals do eat here. For the true experience, wait in line for the downstairs dining room (reservations can be made for the upstairs room, but locals don't eat there), and refuse the menu when you're seated. Let your waiter know your tastes and let him feed you.
  • '''K-Paul's''', 416 Chartres Street, Phone: (504) 524-7394, [http://www.kpauls.com]. Chef Paul Prudhomme's place; this is the restaurant that taught New Orleans and the world not to sneer at the Cajun food of rural Southwest Louisiana. Does not take reservations. Not a major dress code kind of place.
  • '''NOLA''', 534 St. Louis St, Phone: (504) 522-6652, [http://www.emerils.com]. Very good, run by chef Emeril Lagasse, not quite as pricey as his namesake restaurant in the Central Business District, and not as severe a dress code.
  • '''Peristyle''', 1041 Dumaine, Phone: (504) 593-9535.
  • Drink

    The French Quarter has a wide variety of bars for all sorts of tastes. The legal drinking age is 21, sometimes though not always strictly enforced. If you are over 18 but under 21, you generally won't have much problem in New Orleans. Just play your cards right, act like an adult, drink responsibly and you'll have a good time. Don't argue with bartenders, liquor store owners nor police officers unless you want to spend the night in OPP (Orleans Parish Prison) -- not pleasant. Rule of thumb for anyone wanting to party in Louisiana, regardless of age, don't drink and drive -- those staying in the Quarter will find bars within an easy walk, and others can take a cab.

  • '''The Bombay Club Restaurant and Martini Bistro''', 830 Conti Street, [http://www.thebombayclub.com/]. High end cocktails with a dress code.
  • '''Cafe Lafitte in Exile''', 901 Bourbon St. Claims to be the USA's oldest gay bar; "in exile" since the original Lafitte's (see below) went straight some 50 + years ago. Everyone welcome.
  • '''Crescent City Brewhouse''', 527 Decatur St. Microbrewery, also serves food.
  • '''The Dungeon''', 734 Toulouse, [http://www.originaldungeon.com]. Dark gothic bar opens at midnight.
  • '''Fritzel's''' 733 Bourbon St. Good draft German beer, live Dixieland bands in the evenings.
  • '''Johnny White's'''. Down home bar. There are two, one on Bourbon Street and the other on St. Peter near Bourbon. The first has a restaurant, the second just booze. Open 24/7.
  • '''Kerry Irish Pub''', 331 Decatur St.
  • '''Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop''', Bourbon & St. Philip: Piano bar towards the end of the touristy part of Bourbon Street. Supposedly once the in-town headquarters of pirate & smuggler Jean Lafitte, many colorful stories are told about this location. They pour great Hurricanes.
  • '''Le Roundup''', St. Louis St. ''between Bourbon and Dauphine''. The ultimate dive bar, home to transsexuals, hookers, transsexual hookers, cowboys, and Quarter eccentrics.
  • '''Molly's at the Market''', lower Decatur Street. A great Irish/Quarterpunk bar, long a favorite of bohemian locals.
  • '''Napoleon House''', Chartres St. at St. Louis St. The place to go if you like the thought of good drinks in a 200+ year old building whose owners are proud that the interior hasn't been repainted since World War I, with classical music playing over the sound system. Napoleon never made it here, as he died before the local plan to rescue him from exile and start his empire afresh in Louisiana could be carried out. Napoleon House also serves good sandwiches and a limited food menu, with service at a speed somewhere between leisurely and glacial-- don't stop here if you're in a hurry to be somewhere else.
  • '''Oz''', 800 Bourbon St. Loud hip gay disco.
  • '''Parade''', 801 Bourbon, across from Oz. NO's largest gay nightclub since 1974.
  • '''Pat O'Brien's''', 718 St. Peter St. (''between Bourbon and Royal''). Famous for strong Hurricanes, Mint Juleps, TNTs, Purple People Eaters; Popular tourist hangout for a reason. Has been trendy for generations. Has an impressive fire/water fountain and patio.
  • '''Tropical Isle''', 600 Bourbon (original). Home of the Hand Grenade, "New Orleans's Most Powerful Drink" is a staple of Bourbon Street decadence. Definitely a must-try.
  • '''Whirling Dervish''', 1135 Decatur St. Goth bar on lower Decatur Street.
  • Live Music

  • '''Bourbon Street''' — upper Bourbon has been given over to catering to hard drinking out of towners, and this part of the street has a number of music venues (not named here) whose owners make their money off them, with loud mediocre bands hired cheaply. None the less, despite what some say it is still possible to find New Orleans jazz on Bourbon Street.
  • *'''Jazz Parlor Storyville''', 125 Bourbon St., (504) 410-1000.
  • *'''Maison Bourbon''', 641 Bourbon St., [http://expage.com/page/maisonbourbon]. Sometimes does (though as often doesn't) have decent bands, as many good local Dixieland players for the moment lacking a better gig often wind up here. As the doors are open to the street, you can listen a bit from outside, judge for yourself whether they have a band you'd enjoy on a given day, and walk on by or go on in as appropriate.
  • *'''Fritzels''' at 733 Bourbon St., (504)561-0432, has good house bands in the evenings, and is often the venue for out of town and out of country musicians versed in the New Orleans style to play.
  • '''Donna's Bar & Grill''', 800 N. Rampart (''at the corner of St. Ann, on the edge of the Quarter''), [http://www.donnasbarandgrill.com/]. Donna's is a center of the modern New Orleans Brass Band style that combines the old jazz with such influences as funk and hip hop, producing a style that's up to date while still distinctively and uniquely New Orleans. Donna's attracts a mixed clientele of downtown New Orleanians, college students, and in-the-know visitors
  • '''House of Blues''', 225 Decatur St., [http://www.hob.com/venues/clubvenues/neworleans/]. The New Orleans branch of the corporate chain presents national talent and a gospel brunch on Sundays.
  • '''Margaritaville''', 1104 Decatur St. ''see mention above in Eat''.
  • '''New Orleans Jazz Park''', 916 N. Peters, [http://www.nps.gov/jazz]. Often has free live music Weekend afternoons and sometimes other times.
  • '''Preservation Hall''', 726 St. Peter St. (''between Bourbon & Royal''), [http://www.preservationhall.com]. Traditional Dixie jazz that you'll pay $40 a concert anywhere else. Here for only $8. Talk about atmosphere! Listen to real jazz and nothing else (no booze, no bathrooms). You'll have to stand in line, and it's cheap. Music starts at 8pm and runs until midnight. The band plays several 30 minute sets and your ticket is valid all night.
  • '''Palm Court Cafe''', 1204 Decatur St., [http://www.palmcourtcafe.com]. Those who prefer their old style New Orleans jazz in a somewhat more upscale atmosphere where dinner and drinks are served should be sure to visit this place in the lower Quarter. Some of the same musicians who play Preservation Hall play here on other nights, along with other top local classic style jazz greats. The owner's husband runs the Jazzology record company, featuring the world's largest independent label catalogue of trad jazz, so you can pick up CDs by your favorites from Bunk Johnson to current Dixielanders while you're here.
  • '''Tipitinas'''. The older more famous one is uptown, but the French Quarter branch presents some fine music as well, although on a less regular schedual.
  • Sleep

    Places within the French Quarter or just outside of it on Canal Street are the most centrally located, and also cost more than rooms in other parts of town. Those wishing a fuller immersion in the city may wish to go ahead and pay extra for a location from which they can find many days of things to do with no need of a car or transit.

    A few of the better hotels with good locations in the Quarter:

  • '''Alexa Hotel''' - This hotel gives guests the best of two worlds ? the old world allure of Royal Street in the Quarter, with its elegant Creole restaurants and world renowned art galleries and antique shops, and busting Canal Street, the city_fs Main Street.
  • '''Andrew Jackson Hotel''', 919 Royal Street. Enjoy and relax in one of the spacious guest rooms and suites overlooking the tropical courtyard. Is also one of the oldest hotels in the French Quarter.
  • '''The Astor Crown Plaza''' - The Astor on Canal Street by the corner of Bourbon Street .
  • '''Bienville House - A Historic French Quarter Boutique Hotel''', 320 Decatur St., ''just 3 blocks off Bourbon St.'', Phone: (504) 529-2345, [http://www.bienvillehouse.com/]. lovely courtyard, pool and balconies.
  • '''Bourbon Orleans - A Wyndham Historic New Orleans Hotel''', 717 Orleans St., ''just off Bourbon St.'', Phone: (504) 523-2222, [http://bourbon.wyndham-hotels.com/]. Built in 1817 in the heart of the French Quarter.
  • '''Chateau Dupre Hotel''' - This 80-year old inn offers a complimentary continental breakfast in its elegant lobby.
  • '''Corn Stalk Fence Hotel''', 915 Royal St.
  • '''Dauphine Orleans Hotel''' - An unforgettable hotel in the heart of the French Quarter. Its historic townhouse walls and a palm-filled courtyard surround you with luxury in a bed-and-breakfast atmosphere.
  • The Frenchmen Orleans. 19 Frenchmen Street New Orleans, LA 70116. 04-943-3100. ttps://www.vacation-offer.com/special/new/30. p.m.. 1 a.m.. Within walking distance of all the world-famous French Quarter attractions and the newly acclaimed cultural and arts district of Frenchmen Street

  • '''Historic French Market Inn''' - Great location with reasonable rates, it's known for its courtyard atmosphere. It's in the heart of the French Quarter
  • '''Iberville Suites''', 910 Iberville, Phone: 504-523-2400, [http://www.ibervillesuites.com]. "The best kept secret in New Orleans". Located 2 blocks from Bourbon St. Caters to business, leisure, family, and is also gay/lesbian friendly. Spacious suites with huge bed, kitchen, large bathroom, living room with fold out, and 2 TVs. Valet parking, free bell-hop, lots of amenities, and free breakfast. They also feature fantastic massages at their spa.
  • '''Inn on Bourbon''', 541 Bourbon St, Phone: (504) 524-7611, [http://www.innonbourbon.com]. Located at the corner of Bourbon and Toulouse on the site of the old French Opera House. Notable for its balconies over Bourbon st.
  • '''Holiday Inn Chateau Le Moyne New Orleans Hotel''', 301 Rue Dauphine, Phone: (504) 581-1303, [http://www.hiclneworleanshotelsite.com]. An historical hotel one block from Bourbon Street.
  • '''Inn on Bourbon Hotel''' - The Inn on Bourbon, a beautiful historic hotel which has just been completely renovated ... located right in the heart of the French Quarter with balconies overlooking Bourbon and Toulouse Streets and a beautiful courtyard with pool.
  • '''Lafitte Guest House''' - Lafitte Guest House is a luxury boutique hotel located in the residential area of Bourbon Street. Visitors will enjoy the sights and sounds of Bourbon Street as well as a retreat into their own personal French Quarter home.
  • '''Hotel Maison de Ville and Audubon Cottages''', 727 Rue Toulouse St., (''just off of Royal Street, and Jackson Square''), Phone: (504)561-5858, [http://www.hotelmaisondeville.com]. (re-opened on Feb. 18, 2006) Is one of the most historic hotels in the Quarter, everyone from Tennessee Williams to Audobon has spent time there. For the best deals try Summer and Winter -- especially mid-week. The hotel's website offers some great deals that you can't find on any of the major travel sites.
  • '''Monteleone''', 214 Royal St., in an elegant early-20th century sky-scraper (the only one within the confines of the Quarter itself, just constructed just before large new constructions were prohibited here) has long been one of the top upscale Quarter hotels.
  • '''Omni Royal Orleans''', 621 St. Louis Street, Toll free: (888) 444-6664, [http://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/default.asp?h_id=17]. The Omni Royal Orleans is a recipient of the AAA four-diamond award for the past 27 years. The Omni Royal Orleans offers luxury hotel accommodations on the fashionable corner of St. Louis and Royal Streets.
  • '''Royal Barracks Guest House''' - Every Suite and Room features a Queen size bed, private bath and fireplace, and private entrance to our lush courtyard.
  • '''The Royal Sonesta Hotel''', 300 Bourbon St, Phone: (504) 586-0300, [http://www.sonesta.com/neworleans]. Located in the heart of the French Quarter within steps of world class dining and entertainment.
  • '''Saint Louis Hotel''' - Rated #1 hotel in the French Quarter by Conde Nast, has just been completely renovated. Luxurious furnishings, with a beautiful courtyard.
  • '''Hotel St. Pierre''' - Located two blocks off Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, embodies the architecture and ambiance of the 18th Century French Quarter.
  • Ursuline Guest House. 08 Ursuline Ave.. etween Bourbon & Royal St.. 00-654-2351 or (504) 525-8509. ttp://UrsulineGuestHouse.com. pm. 1am. 69-$235. 9.961236. 0.061927. Ursuline Guest House offers 13 guest rooms, each with private bath, ceiling fan, air conditioning/heating, cable television and wireless Internet access.<br><br>

  • '''Maison Dupuy, New Orleans Hotel''' - A wonderful boutique hotel in our French Quarter only 2 blocks from Bourbon Street ... this hotel has a beautiful courtyard with a real New Orleans atmosphere; renovated historic homes surround what is now the courtyard with a fountain and pool.
  • '''Hotel Royal''' - Located on the finest shopping street in the French Quarter, this hotel has a European feeling complemented by authentic laced iron balconies, high ceilings with fans, and enclosed courtyards with fountains.
  • - '''French Quarter Landmark Hotel''' -Feel the atmosphere of the French Quarter when you step inside The Landmark. Within walking distance of the hotel, explore the historic, artistic and eclectic charms around you.

    - '''Saint Ann Marie Antoinette Hotel''' - The St. Ann Marie Antoinette has a beautiful courtyard pool and breakfast area -- check out its internet specials, always at a lower price.

    Bed and Breakfasts

  • '''Biscuit Palace''', 730 Dumaine St., Phone: (504) 525-9949, [http://www.biscuit-palace.com]. (''between Bourbon and Royal streets'') gay-friendly bed and breakfast in the center of the Quarter.
  • '''Hotel Masion de Ville and the Audubon Cottages''' 727 Rue Toulouse, ''+1 800'' 634-1600, French Quarter Hotel [http://hotelmaisondeville.com]
  • '''Maison DuBois Bed and Breakfast''' 1419 Dauphine Street, ''+1 866'' 948-1619, French Quarter Bed and Breakfast [http://maisondubois.net]
  • Get out

    Walk across Canal Street and you're in the Central Business District. Take the red Canal Streetcar line to the attractions of Mid-City, or the green St. Charles Streetcar line to Uptown and Carrollton. The ferry at the foot of Canal Street (free for pedestrians, $1 for cars) will take you across the Mississippi to the Algiers neighborhood, and give you a scenic budget mini-cruise of the River in the process.

    Just "below" (down river) from the French Quarter is the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, across Esplanade Avenue, with hip music joints and restaurants. A little further downriver and you are in the Bywater, a funky neighborhood with genuine corner bars, great restaurants and a friendly atmosphere.

    Inland or "back" (away from the Mississippi River) from the Quarter is the Treme neighborhood.

    Located on the 800 block of Bourbon Street is the French Quarter's gay district recognizable by its rainbow flags. On this stretch of Bourbon, you will find various bars, nightclubs, and eateries. Don't worry though, the district is very straight-friendly.