Things to Do in French Quarter New Orleans: What to Eat, See, and Skip
If New Orleans were a person, the French Quarter would be her boldest, brashest alter ego—equal parts glammed-up Southern belle and tipsy jazz diva who always insists on “just one more round.”
With streets that smell like powdered sugar and mischief, and balconies that have seen more drama than an entire season of Real Housewives, this neighborhood doesn’t just invite you in. It pulls you by the beignets at Cafe du Monde.
Whether you’re here for the haunted legends, the bucket drinks, or to live your best Interview with the Vampire fantasy, the French Quarter delivers on all fronts: spooky, steamy, and just slightly unhinged in the best way.
This guide breaks down all the must-do, must-eat, and must-wander moments so you don’t waste precious daylight hours googling “what’s actually worth it.”
Spoiler: Almost everything is, but we’re narrowing it down to the unforgettable stuff. Let’s do New Orleans right. Shoes optional, curiosity required!
Balconies, Cathedrals, and a Whole Lotta Stories
The best things to do in New Orleans French Quarter include getting face-to-face with its most iconic sights. Think spooky mansions, Spanish colonial stunners, and that cathedral you’ve definitely seen on a postcard.
Welcome to the dramatic heart of the city’s history.
Jackson Square
This is the French Quarter’s greatest hits album playing on repeat. Musicians are jamming, artists are painting, and street performers are giving it their all like rent’s due tomorrow.
Grab a beignet, park it on a bench, and watch the city do what it does best: put on a show!
St. Louis Cathedral
Iconic doesn’t even begin to cover it. The St Louis Cathedral is the oldest continuously active Catholic cathedral in the country, and it looks like something from a historical drama with a flair for the dramatic.
Whether you go in for a peek or just admire it from outside, it’s the kind of landmark that makes you pause mid-scroll.
The French Market
Part open-air food court, part souvenir scavenger hunt, and fully chaotic in the best way. You’ll find pralines, hot sauce, gator on a stick, voodoo dolls, and probably a t-shirt with something wildly inappropriate printed on it. Come hungry and ready to impulse buy.
Bourbon Street
This is where your “just one drink” turns into dancing in the street with a neon-colored cocktail in hand. It’s loud, crowded, and probably smells like sugar and sin, but that’s part of the charm.
Whether you’re bar-hopping or just taking in the madness, Bourbon Street is an experience.
Royal Street
If Bourbon is the wild night out, Royal is the quiet morning after, except with better shopping. It’s lined with antique shops, art galleries, and boutiques that make you consider becoming the kind of person who casually collects vintage chandeliers.
It’s calm, classy, and still has that unmistakable New Orleans edge.
The French Quarter’s Greatest Food Hits
The French Quarter is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in the United States, known for its music, mystery, and powdered sugar-coated chaos.
And one of the best things to do in French Quarter New Orleans is eat like you’ve got no return flight. Just pace yourself or bring stretchy pants. Preferably both.
Café du Monde
800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
If you’ve ever visited New Orleans and skipped Cafe du Monde, you owe yourself a return trip and a second chance at doing it right.
Open since 1862, this spot is famous for two things: pillowy beignets and chicory coffee strong enough to restart your soul.
Skip the indoor seating and grab a table outside for peak people-watching.
Carousel Bar & Lounge
214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Yes, the bar actually spins. Located inside the Hotel Monteleone, this vintage carousel-turned-cocktail-lounge rotates slowly as you sip classics like a Vieux Carré or French 75.
Come for the gimmick, stay because the drinks are genuinely good and the vibe is pure Gatsby glam.
Preservation Hall
726 St. Peter St, New Orleans, LA 70116
This isn’t a bar, but you’ll leave buzzing.
Preservation Hall is a legendary location in the French Quarter where you can hear live jazz so raw and real it vibrates through the floorboards.
It’s a tiny, no-frills live music venue that serves up traditional New Orleans jazz like it’s oxygen. There are no drinks and no microphones; just raw talent, creaky floors, and a room that shakes with soul.
More Local Cuisine
Look for spots dishing out New Orleans staples like gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, and red beans and rice. Places like Coop’s Place (1109 Decatur St) or Gumbo Shop (630 St. Peter St) get it right without the tourist trap markup. If you’re debating what to order, the answer is always “all of the above.”
Creepy, Quirky, and Surprisingly Educational
One of the most underrated things to do in the French Quarter New Orleans is dive into its museums and walking tours. From haunted houses to hurricane history, this neighborhood doesn’t just party. It tells a story.
And yes, some of those stories come with costumes, ghosts, or cocktails.
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
514 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
This museum is part science lab, part cabinet of curiosities, and 100% fascinating. Housed in the former apothecary of America’s first licensed pharmacist, it shows off everything from voodoo potions to vintage surgical tools.
It’s a must for anyone curious about how people used to treat headaches with leeches and sassafras.
Historic New Orleans Collection
520 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
This is where New Orleans gets scholarly, but in a cool, not-boring way. The collection spans art, documents, and artifacts that tell the city’s complicated, colorful story. It’s free, beautifully curated, and perfect for anyone who loves the history behind the party.
Steamboat Cruise
Toulouse Street Wharf, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Climb aboard the Steamboat Natchez, one of the last authentic paddlewheelers still cruising the Mississippi River! We offer tickets for daytime jazz cruises and Sunday brunch sailings, both featuring live Dixieland music, open-air decks, and optional Creole buffet add-ons.
You’ll float past the French Quarter skyline, historic riverfronts, and maybe even catch a tugboat race while sipping sweet tea or something stronger from the onboard bar.
Ghost Tours
Let’s be honest, the French Quarter is just as famous for its spirits as it is for its Sazeracs. Book a Ghosts & Spirits Walking Tour with Augmented Reality for a high-tech scare-fest that brings legends like Marie Laveau to life.
Want the full chill-down-your-spine experience? Try the 4-in-1 Witches, Ghosts, Vampires & Walking Tour or go all-in with the Most Haunted Stories Night Ghost Tour.
St Louis Cemetery No. 1 is one of the city’s most visited graveyards, famous for its above-ground tombs and eerie beauty just beyond the Quarter’s edge.
Ghost tours often include chilling tales of voodoo queen Marie Laveau, whose spirit is said to linger near her tomb and in the stories passed down for generations.
And no worries, these Tripster tours are steeped in real New Orleans lore and led by a tour guide who knows exactly how to keep you both terrified and entertained.
Other Things You Absolutely Shouldn’t Skip
Some of the best things to do in New Orleans French Quarter have nothing to do with eating, drinking, or ghost hunting. From street music to secret gardens, this neighborhood is full of little surprises that deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Think of this as your cheat sheet to the “wait, we have to do that too” list.
Hop On, Vibe Out
Catch the St. Charles Avenue streetcar just outside the French Quarter at Canal Street and feel like you’re in a vintage movie montage.
It’s around $1.25 for a ride past live oaks, jaw-dropping mansions, and that dreamy Garden District architecture. It’s slow, scenic, and the opposite of your usual commute, which is exactly the point.
Get Lost in the Best Way
Wandering the French Quarter is the main event, not just filler between tours. Duck into side alleys like Pirates Alley, peek through ivy-covered gates, and let your inner architecture nerd go wild over those shuttered balconies and Creole townhouses.
No map, no rush, just you, your iced coffee, and about 300 years of character.
Pro Tip: The Audubon Aquarium is just a short stroll from the Quarter and makes a perfect stop if you need a break from cocktails and cobblestones.
Festivals Worth Planning a Trip Around
French Quarter Festival in April is a full-on block party with more than 20 music stages, local eats, and dancing in the streets. It’s free, it’s massive, and it’s the locals’ favorite fest for a reason.
Mardi Gras might steal the spotlight, but this fest brings the music, food, and street dancing without the crush of crowds or flying beads.
Not here in April? Hit up Satchmo SummerFest for jazz vibes in August or catch Krewe of Boo in October if you like your parades with costumes and cocktails.
Still Haven’t Done the French Quarter?
It’s giving “book the trip already.” Got questions, must-dos, or wild stories from Bourbon Street? Drop them in the comments and help the next traveler plan their perfect Quarter debut!
Things to Do in New Orleans French Quarter FAQs
Where Should I Go For The Best Beignets?
Head straight to Café du Monde at 800 Decatur Street. It’s open 24 hours, and yes, you’ll end up covered in powdered sugar—but that’s part of the fun.
What Makes Jackson Square So Popular?
It’s the French Quarter’s beating heart, packed with street performers, local artists, and that postcard-perfect view of St. Louis Cathedral. Grab a bench, a beignet, and enjoy the show.
Can I Visit St. Louis Cathedral?
Absolutely. It’s open for self-guided tours most days, and its historic architecture makes it one of the most photographed spots in New Orleans.
Where Can I Find The Best Shopping In The French Quarter?
Head to Royal Street for antique shops, art galleries, and chic little boutiques. It’s quieter than Bourbon Street and perfect for leisurely window shopping.
What’s The French Market Known For?
It’s a lively open-air market filled with food stalls, crafts, and quirky souvenirs. You’ll find everything from hot sauce and pralines to local art and gator-on-a-stick.
Is Bourbon Street Really Worth Visiting?
Yes, but go in with the right expectations. It’s loud, wild, and smells vaguely of sugar and rum—but it’s the kind of chaos everyone should experience once.
Where Can I Hear Authentic Jazz Music?
Preservation Hall on St. Peter Street is your must-visit spot. No microphones, no gimmicks, just pure, soulful New Orleans jazz in an intimate setting.
What Local Foods Should I Try?
Order gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, and red beans and rice. Coop’s Place and Gumbo Shop both serve up authentic versions without the touristy fluff.
