French Quarter
Time Needed: full-day
Experience Type: American icon, historic landmark
The French Quarter, New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood, brims with French, Spanish, and Creole influences. From ornate balconies to jazz-filled streets, it’s a feast for the senses. Explore historic landmarks, savor beignets, and immerse yourself in the culture, cuisine, and music.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Explore Jackson Square – Take in the grandeur of St. Louis Cathedral, the Presbytère, and the Cabildo, where the Louisiana Purchase transfer officially took place.
- Eat Beignets – Savor New Orleans’ signature powdered-sugar pastries with a café au lait at Café du Monde, a beloved icon since 1862—or try Café Beignet on Royal Street.
- Delve Into Local History – Explore the New Orleans Jazz Museum and The Historic New Orleans Collection, a museum devoted to the city’s people, culture, and Gulf South heritage.
- Listen to Jazz on Frenchmen Street – Step beyond Bourbon Street to find intimate clubs and open-air venues where locals gather for soulful, world-class jazz played with true passion.
- Visit Mardi Gras World – Go behind-the-scenes to see massive parade floats and learn how artisans create the magic of Carnival season.
Itinerary Idea: On a French Quarter walking and storytelling tour, stroll past Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the Mississippi River, while your guide shares the architecture, legends, and lesser-known stories that shape this iconic district.
Photo Credit: USA-Reiseblogger/Pixabay