New Orleans French Quarter

Bourbon Street

This legendary thoroughfare glows with neon, live music spills into the street, and the festivities rarely slow down. It’s the ultimate spot to feel New Orleans’ nightlife in full swing.

Café du Monde

Since 1862, this beloved café has been serving powdered-sugar beignets and creamy café au lait. It’s a quintessential stop for anyone craving a true taste of the city.

French Market

The country’s oldest public marketplace buzzes with food vendors, handcrafted goods, and local flavor. It’s a place where the city’s trading traditions continue to thrive.

Jackson Square

Once the heart of early New Orleans, this historic plaza now hosts artists, performers, and iconic buildings. It’s the ideal place to experience the city’s vibrant street life.

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar

Set inside an 18th-century Creole cottage, this dimly lit bar is tied to the legend of pirate Jean Lafitte. It’s one of the oldest structures in the Quarter still standing today.

New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum

This intimate museum provides a window into the roots and influence of voodoo in the city. Its artifacts and displays bridge folklore with ongoing cultural practice.

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

Inside a preserved 19th-century pharmacy, this museum showcases the city’s medical history. Unusual cures and antique tools make it one of the Quarter’s most intriguing stops.

Old Ursuline Convent Museum

Completed in 1752, this building is the oldest remaining structure in the Mississippi Valley. Its understated beauty speaks to New Orleans’ deep Catholic heritage.

Pirate's Alley

This narrow passage is steeped in tales of duels, renegades, and literary figures. It’s a tucked-away lane that feels frozen in an earlier era.

Pontalba Buildings

These symmetrical red-brick townhouses frame Jackson Square with their ornate ironwork. They’re the oldest continually occupied apartment buildings in the nation.

Royal Street

Renowned for its galleries, antique shops, and street performers, Royal Street shows off the Quarter’s refined side. It’s perfect for a peaceful wander away from the revelry.

St. Louis Cathedral

Its iconic triple spires rise above Jackson Square, marking the oldest continuously operating Catholic cathedral in the U.S. It’s one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

The Cabildo

Once the headquarters of Spanish colonial rule, this building now recounts Louisiana’s rich history. It’s also the site where the Louisiana Purchase was formalized in 1803.

The Presbytère

Designed as the Cabildo’s architectural twin, the Presbytère features exhibits on Mardi Gras and Hurricane Katrina. It highlights both the joy and resilience of New Orleans.

The Historic New Orleans Collection

This museum and archive preserves artworks, artifacts, and stories that define the city. It’s a rewarding stop for those eager to explore New Orleans’ cultural heritage.

New Orleans Jazz Museum

Housed in the Old U.S. Mint, this museum honors the birthplace of jazz. Instruments, recordings, and exhibits trace the evolution of the genre and its legendary musicians.

M.S. Rau

This upscale Royal Street gallery displays rare fine art, antiques, and unique treasures. Browsing its rooms feels like wandering through a curated private collection.

Faulkner House Books

Once home to William Faulkner, this tiny bookstore now fills its shelves with literary gems. It’s a haven for book lovers tucked inside Pirate’s Alley.

Tennessee Williams House

The celebrated playwright lived and created here during his time in New Orleans. The home stands as a quiet nod to the Quarter’s lasting artistic influence.

Gardette-LePretre Mansion

Often called the Haunted House of the French Quarter, this mansion is surrounded by eerie lore. Its imposing Greek Revival architecture adds to its mystique.

Miltenberger Houses

These stately 19th-century residences reflect the elegance and prosperity of Creole New Orleans. They’re historic architectural gems hiding in plain sight.

Joan of Arc, Maid of Orleans Statue

This brilliant gold statue pays tribute to the French heroine who inspired the city’s name. It’s a striking sight near the entrance to the French Market.

Preservation Hall

Since 1961, this modest venue has been a sanctuary for traditional New Orleans jazz. Its nightly performances offer an intimate, unforgettable musical experience.

The Court of Two Sisters

Known for its courtyard jazz brunch, this storied restaurant serves up classic dishes in a charming setting. Dining here is as much about ambiance as it is about cuisine.