Shopping Near the French Market Inn

The Shops at JAX Brewery, French Quarter, New Orleans. Image courtesy of The Shops at JAX Brewery on Facebook

You’re in luck when it comes to shopping options near French Market Inn, as there are three malls nearby, and the area is packed with boutiques (try Chartres Street) and souvenir shops (head down Decatur Street toward Esplanade Avenue when you leave the hotel).

The renovated JAX Brewery, a multi-story historic landmark packed with stores and restaurants, is only a block away. And you will definitely want to check out the upscale Shops at Canal Place, also just blocks away from the French Market Inn. You may also want to spend some time at the sprawling outlet shopping mall the Riverwalk.

Across the street from French Market Inn, you’ll find H&M, Urban Outfitters, Vans, and Sephora, all next to one another. If you walk toward Canal Street, you’ll find one of the best bookstores in the city, Beckham’s Bookshop (228 Decatur Street).

For unique, well-priced local art and souvenirs, try the French Market. The French Market’s Shops at the Colonnade is a strip of shops also worth a visit if you’re shopping for souvenirs (including the edible kind, like pralines or a beignet mix) or local specialties.

Nearby, the eclectic David’s Found Objects (1319 Decatur Street) has quite a collection of costume jewelry and vintage glass Mardi Gras beads. To stock up on New Orleans-themed ornaments and every possible take on a fleur-de-lis, check out the Christmas-themed Santa’s Quarters.

For vintage-inspired clothing, shoes and accessories try Trashy Diva and Dollz & Dames.

If you are visiting New Orleans and want to stay in the French Quarter, book your stay at our beautiful hotel, the French Market Inn! This historic hotel is close to a multitude of popular New Orleans shopping destinations, bars, restaurants, and landmarks.

Uniquely New Orleans Cocktails in the French Quarter

Café Brûlot at Arnaud’s. Image courtesy of Arnaud’s & the French 75 Bar on Facebook

From the eye-openers like milk punch to the decadent absinthe frappe, many of the cocktails you came to know and love (or can’t wait to taste while visiting) were either invented or perfected here. The rich and distinctive cocktail culture of New Orleans is full of history, lore and speculation, perfectly complementing the delicious melting pot of our cuisine. Here’s to the unique concoctions you can find in New Orleans, and the best places in the French Quarter to try them.

Absinthe Frappe

What’s in it: Absinthe, sugar, mint, and soda over crushed ice.

Where to try it: The Old Absinthe House, which invented this drink in 1874.

This deceivingly refreshing mint-green concoction packs a punch, and there’s no better place to chase the green fairy than at its historic birthplace, the Old Absinthe House, which has seen the likes of Mark Twain and Oscar Wilde among its patrons.

Cafe Brûlot

What’s in it: Brandy, Curaçao, Grand Marnier or Cointreau, hot, strong black coffee, sugar cubes, orange peel, lemon peel, cinnamon (sticks), cloves.

Where to try it: Antoine’s (where it was supposedly invented), Arnaud’s, Galatoire’s.

This signature after-dinner drink is way more than just coffee — a lot goes into the presentation, which includes setting brandy and Curaçao on fire and ladling the flaming liquid over a spiral of orange peel. In a nutshell, Café Brûlot involves “burnt brandy,” and it is said to have been invented at Antoine’s in the 1880s and originally made tableside in an ornate copper bowl.

French 75

What’s in it: Champagne, lemon juice, gin, simple syrup.

Where to try it: Arnaud’s French 75.

Invented during World War I by a New York bartender, this cocktail has become a mainstay across New Orleans barrooms. The version at its namesake bar, attached to the iconic Creole grand dame of restaurants, Arnaud’s, is made with Courvoisier VS, sugar, lemon juice, and Moët & Chandon.

Frozen Irish Coffee

What’s in it: Strong black coffee, cooled; sweetened cream, Irish Whiskey, chocolate.

Where to try it: Molly’s at the Market, Erin Rose.

Frozen Irish coffee was not invented in New Orleans, but it’s on many menus of the French Quarter bars. Molly’s at the Market and Erin Rose both have become known for their Irish coffee.

Grasshopper

What’s in it: Crème de menthe, crème de cacao, heavy cream.

Where to try it: Tujague’s.

The Grasshopper Cocktail is a sweet, mint-flavored after-dinner drink that derives its name from the green color lent by crème de menthe. It was created by Philibert Guichet, the former proprietor of Tujague’s Restaurant in the French Quarter. He created the cocktail for a drink competition in New York City in 1919, and it took the second prize. Ever since, the cocktail has been served at Tujague’s and other fine establishments across New Orleans and the country.

Hand Grenade

What’s in it: Gin, vodka, rum, melon liquor.

Where to try it: Any of the five French Quarter outposts of the “New Orleans’ Most Powerful Drink” inventor, the Tropical Isle.

The Hand Grenade is truly a Bourbon Street original, and it’s sold frozen or on the rocks exclusively through the Tropical Isle. You’ll see the memorable neon-colored, hand grenade-shaped containers clutched by many a passerby in the Quarter. You might also spot the drink’s own mascot, dressed in an inflatable grenade costume, bouncing along Bourbon Street.

The drink first debuted at New Orleans World Fair in 1984. You can take home the Tropical Isle’s Hand Grenade mix, which is a melon-flavored blend of liqueurs and “secret ingredients.”

Hurricane

What’s in it: Rum (both dark and light), lemon juice, passion fruit syrup, or juice. Might include simple syrup, grenadine and orange juice, and (in fancier establishments) such garnishes as pineapple leaves and slices, maraschino cherries, or slices of orange. Served in a tall, signature “hurricane” glass.

Where to try it: The bar that gets the credit for inventing this fruity, bright-red concoction, Pat O’Brien’s.

Pat O’Brien ran a speakeasy in the 600 block of St. Peter street in the French Quarter until the repeal of Prohibition. Then he opened a bar in 1933 at the 718 St. Peter street location. During the war, domestic liquor was scarce but rum was freely flowing from the Caribbean islands via the Mississippi River. The long story of finding the right mix of juices and rum short, passion fruit has won as a mixer of choice, and the new (and very potent) drink was served in a glass shaped like a hurricane lamp. These days you can take home of a bottle of Pat O’Brien’s signature hurricane mix and a souvenir hurricane glass.

Milk Punch

What’s in it: Brandy or bourbon, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, with nutmeg sprinkled on top. Served cold.

Where to try it: Brennan’s or Galatoire’s, but you can find it all over the city, and several places have their own take on this eye-opener.

Milk Punch is a Sunday brunch and winter holidays staple in New Orleans. It’s enjoyed a revival since 1901, when it appeared in The Original Picayune Creole Cook Book’s first edition. It might remind you of eggnog, minus the eggs. And don’t be fooled by its creamy and sweet nature — this boozy milkshake packs a punch.

Pimm’s Cup

What’s in it: Pimm’s #1, lemonade, topped up with 7up and garnished with cucumber.

Where to try it: Napoleon House.

Pimm’s Cup was introduced to New Orleans at the famous Napoleon House in the 1940s. When Emperor Napoleon was captured by the British in 1815 and exiled to the Island of St. Helena, the Mayor of New Orleans famously offered Napoleon sanctuary. This was not to be, but Napoleon House persisted, first being in the Impasto family for 101 years and then being purchased by the Brennan family in 2015. Pimm’s Cup, at only 50 proof, was introduced to New Orleans in the 1940s, with a slightly different recipe than its U.K. counterpart. This gin-based, refreshing aperitif has become a summertime favorite in the American South for obvious reasons.

Ramos Gin Fizz

What’s in it: Gin, heavy cream or milk, lemon juice, lime juice, simple syrup, powdered sugar, orange flower water, egg white, and club soda (to top).

Where to try it: The birthplace of the cocktail, the Carousel Bar & Lounge.

This frothy floral cocktail was named after the bartender Henry Ramos who is said to have invented it in 1888. It was also reportedly the favored drink of Huey Long, Louisiana’s most infamous governor. The Ramos Gin Fizz gets its fizzy part from the combination of orange flower water and egg white, requiring prolonged and vigorous shaking to reach the right texture. Legend also has it that during Carnival 1915, Ramos’s bar employed over 30 bartenders to mix this famous drink, to meet the demand.

Sazerac

What’s in it: Rye whiskey or cognac, bitters, sugar, lemon peel, and an absinthe substitute (such as Pernod or Herbsaint).

Where to try it: The Bombay Club, The Sazerac Bar, but, really, many restaurants serve this elegant cocktail.

The origins of Sazerac are somewhat unclear, but New Orleans claims it has invented this very first cocktail ever. Reportedly it was developed in 1838 by New Orleans apothecary Antoine Amedie Peychaud using his special bitters and the Sazerac de Forge et Fils brand of cognac brandy (hence the name). By 1850 Sazerac was the country’s first branded cocktail, and its popularity hasn’t dimmed since.

Vieux Carré

What’s in it: Rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, Angostura bitters, Peychaud’s bitters.

Where to try it: The Carousel Bar & Lounge, though you can find it at pretty much any craft cocktail bar in New Orleans.

Hotel Monteleone bartender Walter Bergeron invented this cocktail in 1938, named after the French Quarter. Bergeron was actually the head bartender of the hotel’s cocktail lounge that predated the current Carousel Bar, which opened in 1949. Basically, this is the New Orleans’ take on Manhattan.

Voodoo Daiquiri

What’s in it: Bourbon, Everclear (190 proof, grain alcohol) or vodka, grape juice; served frozen.

Where to try it: Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop.

The Voodoo Daiquiri is often also called “Purple Drank.” This sweet, grape-flavored frozen daiquiri is the signature cocktail at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, which has been operating since 1722, making it not only one of the oldest structures in New Orleans but also one of the oldest buildings that serve as a bar in the nation. It is said to have hosted the infamous privateer Jean Lafitte and his posse. Beware: The drink is super potent. Just look at the ingredients!

Happy imbibing!

If you are visiting New Orleans, book your stay at a beautiful New Orleans hotel close to the sounds of the city, the French Market Inn! This historic hotel is located in the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter, close to a multitude of popular New Orleans bars and restaurants.

This quaint hotel also gives you old New Orleans charm, without sacrificing any of the modern-day amenities that you want when staying at a hotel. When you stay at the French Market Inn, you can walk through meandering gardens and a beautiful stone-paved courtyard that allows you to enjoy a little oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Get the Most Out of French Quarter Fest

Big Chief Juan Pardo and the Golden Comanches. Photo by Justen Williams

For four days (April 13-16, 2023), a big chunk of the French Quarter — also known as the Vieux Carré, French for the “old square” (or “old quarter”) — will be transformed into a series of festival stages, each showcasing a different brand of music either rooted in, or heavily influenced by, the sounds of Louisiana.

Getting around the Quarter when there’s not an enormous music festival can be daunting. Getting around when there’s a band on, seemingly, every corner, is kind of intimidating. Here’s our guide to getting the best out of French Quarter Fest — a map, if you will, to the musical treasures of the weekend.

Woldenberg Riverfront Park

Most of the FQ Fest’s main stages are concentrated along the waterfront of the Mississippi River in the French Quarter. The 2019 festival also added a new stage, the Pan-American Life Insurance Group Stage, on the riverfront moonwalk, right across from Jackson Square.

There you’ll see the steps that lead down to the water, marking the spot where, every Mardi Gras, the Society of St. Anne enters the waters to bid farewell to something from the previous year and pay tribute to the departed loved ones. The Riverfront will also participate again in the “world’s largest jazz brunch” — one of the festival’s signature events.

Need a tropical drink to beat the heat? While we’re not a city immediately known for tiki drinks, one of the finest tiki bars in the South is located just nearby: Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29.

The French Market & The Mint

The other side of Jackson Square is also a nexus of music stages and, importantly, food! Dozens of this city’s best vendors will be at the New Orleans Jazz Museum located in the Old U.S. Mint building at the corner of Decatur Street and Esplanade Avenue. The Mint, incidentally, will have indoor music along with lectures and other special events, which makes it a good spot for cooling off should the days get too hot.

The French Market features FQ Fest’s International Stage. Check it out to get a taste of music from around the world. If you’re in need of a bite to eat and want to try a classic Cajun diner, you can’t go wrong with Coop’s Place. If you want some liquid refreshments, Molly’s at the Market is one of our favorite neighborhood bars in the city.

Royal Street

Usually, Royal Street is an unbroken string of serious antique shops and art galleries. During French Quarter Fest, expect that scene to get livened up by several smaller music stages.

Decatur Street

Notable for the Bienville Statue, Decatur Street is where you’ll find Cajun and Zydeco music playing all weekend long. This is some of our favorite dance music anywhere.

Jackson Square

The “town square” of New Orleans, as it were, Jackson Square is a geographic lynchpin for the entirety of the French Quarter, so expect it to be filled with food vendor booths for the duration of the fest, and as vibrant as ever. It will also be the location of many of the French Quarter Festival’s special events, including the opening-day second line and the St. Louis Cathedral annual spring concert.

Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street has a reputation as a hard-partying locus of bachelor parties and wild weekend trippers, but during French Quarter Fest it showcases no less than four smaller musical stages, including the lovely Jazz Playhouse at the Royal Sonesta. The festival will also kick off with a parade on the 100 block of Bourbon St.

So, what’s the history of the French Quarter?

Glad you asked!

They don’t call this neighborhood the “old square” for nothing. The French Quarter was the original city of New Orleans, founded in 1718 by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville. Rampart Street is named as such because it once marked the actual city walls (or ramparts) of New Orleans. The city centered on the Place d’Armes, now known as Jackson Square, was originally built as a military parade ground where criminals were hanged in public.

The name “French Quarter” is a bit of a misnomer; New Orleans was under Spanish rule from 1762-1802, and it was during this period that two huge fires (in 1788 and 1794) seared away much of the original architectural façade of the Quarter.

Thus, the buildings you see today retain more of a Spanish than French sensibility, as evidenced by wraparound balconies (which create a shady, breezy median space between the street and private residences — a useful architectural trick in hot, pre-AC New Orleans) and lush courtyards painted in bright colors, which form a reflective patina that wards off the sun.

The best example of actual French colonial architecture in the Quarter is the Old Ursuline Convent, which is also the oldest building in the Mississippi River Valley (built in 1752). With that said, the streets of the French Quarter are largely named in honor of French nobility — Burgundy, Chartres and, yes, Bourbon.

If the French Quarter marks the original layout of New Orleans, then the original inhabitants were the Creoles, people of French, Spanish, and eventually mixed French and Spanish descent. That phenomenon is eloquently realized when one considers the names of two of the main buildings on Jackson Square: the (Spanish-origin) Cabildo and (French-origin) Presbytère. It is also worth noting that St. Louis Cathedral, which dominates Jackson Square, is the oldest continuously operating cathedral in the USA, and a fine example of French Colonial architecture in its own right.

Although the Creoles called the French Quarter home for many decades, they began moving out as the area became more depressed and ramshackle, especially in the early 20th century. That was when city officials shut down the vice in the red-light district of Storyville.

In response, the purveyors of sin crossed Rampart Street into the Quarter, and the Creoles moved out, to be gradually replaced by Italian immigrants. Later, also came the bohemians, attracted by the area’s undeniable architectural charms, as well as the members of the LGBTQIA+ community seeking tolerance.

In 1965, the Vieux Carré Historic District was established, allowing for the preservation of the Quarter’s historic character. The 1984 World’s Fair turned the Quarter into a bustling tourism destination, which is around the same time that many residents began leaving the neighborhood.

The Quarter tends to weather hurricanes and storms pretty well. Power lines are built underground, and the neighborhood itself was built on “high ground” (well, a few feet of elevation, but that’s enough) — which keeps it immune from flooding.

Today, while the Quarter is largely an area for tourists, thousands of residents still call it home.

Coming to the French Quarter Fest this spring? Take advantage of the French Market Inn specials, group rates, and best-rate guarantee for greater savings to spend on New Orleans famous French Quarter cuisine and enjoying everything this magnificent city has to offer. Reserve your room today!

Top 10 Reasons to Stay at French Market Inn in the New Orleans French Quarter

The French Quarter is the crown jewel of New Orleans, steeped in history and bursting with attractions that draw hordes of visitors year-round. Finding the perfect place to stay is the first step of your journey, and the French Market Inn has everything you need to make your vacation truly memorable.

1. An Affordable Oasis in the Bustling Heart of the Quarter

French Market Inn offers a unique New Orleans feel that is both beautiful and authentic. Originally an 18th-century French Creole bakery, French Market Inn has a timeless ambiance that provides a lovely oasis from all the round-the-clock attractions just outside your door.

We’re also one of the Quarter’s best bargains. With special offers, weekday rates, and seasonal savings, you can always snag one of our lovely guest rooms for a great price.

Beautifully-appointed balcony rooms with street views overlooking the French Quarter are perfect for romantic getaways, while more petite guest rooms are just right for brief business trips. We also offer terrific group rates for large parties that occupy 10 or more guest rooms.

Planning a New Orleans destination wedding? French Market Inn rolls out the red carpet for guests who want to host their wedding party in a unique French Quarter hotel with a charming swimming pool in our central courtyard. We also offer valet parking, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour concierge service that ensures you won’t miss a thing when you’re staying at French Market Inn!

2. Location, Location, Location

When you visit New Orleans, you don’t want to make a long trek to all the fabulous places you’ve read about. At French Market Inn, located on the historic waterfront strip of Decatur Street, most of the Quarter’s top attractions are just minutes away by foot.

In nearby Jackson Square, a bustling hub of New Orleans street artists and colorfully-garbed fortune-tellers ply their trades in front of the stately St. Louis Cathedral. Woldenberg Park, the site of many free festivals, is just across the way on the banks of the Mississippi. And you can easily stroll down Decatur to the famous Cafe du Monde and dip sugar-dusted beignets into chicory-laced coffee before browsing the colorful wares at the French Market.

Also close at hand: the adult playgrounds of Bourbon Street and Harrah’s Casino New Orleans, along with family-friendly attractions like the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.

If walking around the Quarter isn’t quite your speed, you can opt for a pedicab, which is a fun way to navigate through the streets, or take a romantic mule-driven carriage ride. In a hurry? Taxis abound, and an Uber or Lyft is as close as the app on your phone.

3. You’re Surrounded by Live Music

New Orleans dances to the beat of live music all over town. But here in the Quarter, the music practically oozes out of the streets, from the crowd-pleasing cover bands on Bourbon Street to the solo sax player crooning on the corner.

Just steps from French Market Inn, you’ll find something for every musical taste and mood, whether you’re looking to rock out hard, dial it down for a romantic evening, or soak up New Orleans’ storied Dixieland musical past.

House of Blues presents great rock and blues acts touring acts and lets the good times roll New Orleans style, while The Bombay Club showcases some of the best jazz in town if not the country. And you don’t have to be Irish to enjoy hoisting a Guinness while enjoying the folksy live music at Kerry Irish Pub.

Looking for some razzle-dazzle? One Eyed Jack’s hosts everything from top touring bands to flashy burlesque shows, while the Fillmore New Orleans, inside Harrah’s Casino, presents national headliners.

For traditional New Orleans jazz, stroll down to Palm Court Jazz Cafe on the other end of Decatur, where some of the city’s greatest musical legends take the stage several nights a week. Then cross Esplanade to the live-music mecca of Frenchmen Street, which is lined with clubs and restaurants where the music starts early and continues through the wee hours.

4. Front Row Seat for French Quarter Fest

While you’ll find great music in the Quarter on any given day, you’ll be at the epicenter of the city’s live music universe in mid-April, when the French Quarter Festival rolls around, if you’re staying at French Market Inn.

The largest free musical event in the South, French Quarter Fest takes over the entire Quarter with over 20 stages of live music and has become the city’s biggest magnet for out-of-town visitors. A four-day celebration of music, culture and food, it features hundreds of musical acts in genres including traditional and contemporary jazz, rhythm and blues, Cajun and zydeco, New Orleans funk, classical, swing, rock, and international sounds from all over the globe.

Many of the Fest’s biggest acts play right across from French Market Inn at Woldenberg Park, and other smaller stages are a just stone’s throw away. Dozens of different food stalls help Fest-goers eat their way from one end of the Quarter to the other, feasting on spicy Creole and Cajun dishes before they burn up all those calories dancing to hot local bands.

The best part? When you need a break from all that action, you can pop over for a swim at French Market Inn, emerge refreshed, and hit the streets once again to let the good times roll!

5. Brimming With Festivals All Year Round

Spring is peak festival season in New Orleans. Right on the heels of Quarter Fest comes the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the city’s other marquee music event, followed by Bayou Boogaloo, held along the picturesque banks of Bayou St. John.

But festivals are going on all year round, many of which are within walking distance or a just short cab or bike ride away from French Market Inn.

The Quarter rolls into summer with the French Market’s two-day Creole Tomato Festival, and the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival, all free and within easy walking distance. Ditto the spectacular dueling-barges fireworks display over the Mississippi River that marks Independence Day in New Orleans with Go 4th on the River and ESSENCE Fest.

July also brings Tales of the Cocktail, a lively six-day festival packed with tastings, seminars, and special events that includes spirited pub crawls; and the Running of the Bulls, where the Big Easy Rollergirls don horns and chase their human quarry through the Quarter while wielding plastic bats. (For more summertime fun, see “Great Place for a Summer Getaway,” reason #6).

Other Quarter-based festivals throughout the year include the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival, where March goes out like a lion with the raucous Stella & Stanley Shouting Contest. Krewe of Boo marks Halloween in the Quarter with a spooky kid-friendly float parade. And come Christmas, the Quarter decks itself for the holidays with caroling in Jackson Square, Reveillon dinners, and the famous fleur-de-lis drop near Jax Brewery on New Year’s Eve.

Then, boom, it’s Carnival time! Mardi Gras season kicks off every year on January 6 with three Twelfth Night parades, including a lovely Krewe de Jeanne d’Arc procession on horseback and foot that winds its way through the Quarter.

And that’s just for openers. Whatever time of year you visit, there’s always something happening right outside the doors of the French Market Inn.

6. Great Place for a Summer Getaway

Summer used to be the sleepy season in New Orleans. Not anymore. The Quarter becomes a lively hive of activity in the dog days of summer when the temperatures go up and the rates go down at French Market Inn. And the best month of all to score great deals is August.

August kicks off its first weekend with two simultaneous festivals. Music lovers make a beeline for Satchmo SummerFest, held at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint, which celebrates the music and legend of Louis Armstrong, while see-and-be-scene art mavens don their best summer whites and throng to the Julia Street galleries on White Linen Night.

On the second Saturday of August, guys and gals alike hit the streets in their prettiest ruby frocks for the Red Dress Run, where they act silly and get giddy for good causes. Then they regroup for free libations at the Royal Street galleries during Dirty Linen Night, White Linen’s cheeky cousin.

Throughout August, foodies can graze on gourmet cuisine at the city’s top restaurants during COOLinary New Orleans. The prix fixe multiple-course dinner, brunch and lunch menus are very reasonable.

Come Labor Day weekend, it’s all hands on deck for the 24/7 Southern Decadence when anything and everything goes. This massive four-day festival celebrates LGBTQIA+ culture and attracts participants from all over the world. Most activities are centered in and around the Quarter and include two parades with fabulous costumes, many of them quite scanty.

7. Dreamy Romantic Getaway for Couples

New Orleans is one of the most romantic cities in the world. And you’ve got a head start on a dreamy vacation if you’re staying at French Market Inn, where brocade curtains frame the windows of charming rooms decorated in classic Quarter style.

While it may be tempting to ensconce yourselves amid the cushions on your comfy bed, a whole world of romance beckons from the streets just outside your door. The best part? You still have that lovely room to come back to when you’re ready to call it a night.

You know what they say about oysters, right? Jumpstart your romantic evening with a dozen or two freshly shucked oysters at the Bourbon House, just a short walk from the hotel, then stroll over to a candlelit dinner at Antoine’s or Arnaud’s. Both old-school Creole restaurants are housed in historic buildings in the heart of the Quarter and serve classic French dishes like Chateaubriand. More in the mood for nouveau cuisine? Head for Bayona, chef Susan Spicer’s flagship restaurant, which serves beautifully plated dishes in a lovely atmospheric setting.

After dinner, keep the magic going with a carriage ride through the Quarter. Book a ride in one of the many mule-drawn carriages parked in front of Jackson Square; they’re steered by savvy local drivers who can help you find the perfect romantic backdrop if you’re looking to pop the question or renew your vows.

Cap off your fairy tale date in one of the swanky curtained private booths at The Bombay Club, where you can sip Bombay’s signature martinis or other classic cocktails while listening to the cool jazz stylings of some of the city’s top artists. Then end your night on a high note in your lovely French Market Inn room, and pop that champagne you have chilling on ice.

8. Plenty of Family-Friendly Fun

New Orleans has its share of adult attractions, but it’s also one of the kid-friendliest cities in the country. You’ll find a wealth of G-rated fun in and around the Quarter near the French Market Inn.

Get to know the neighborhood with a teacher-led French Quarter Kids Tour. Younger kids can go ghost-hunting on the popular Spooky Tour, where mischievous spirits come out to play, while their bolder older siblings can take a chilling Twilight Tour or learn about old New Orleans on the Creole Kids Living History Tour. Families can also book customized private tours.

For a crash course in New Orleans jazz, take the whole family to one of the early shows at Preservation Hall, where master New Orleans musicians raise the roof for an all-ages audience. Come early to grab a good seat on the benches (though many kids prefer the floor). And be sure to feed your brood first; there’s no food or beverage service.

Jackson Square, just a hop, skip and a jump from French Market Inn, offers a passing parade of only-in-New-Orleans colorful characters. Directly across from the square, steps leading up to the Mississippi Riverwalk serve as an ad hoc stage for clowns, jugglers, acrobats, and other crowd-pleasing artists, whose free antics are sure to delight the kids for hours.

For a more structured family outing, visit the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, where kids can bug out with creepy crawlies, walk through a flutter of iridescent wings in the enchanting butterfly garden, get to know the locals at Boudreaux’s bait shop, and crunch down on some tasty bugs in the cafeteria.

That’s a full afternoon’s entertainment, so save the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas for another day. There, kids can watch penguins and sea otters at play, get up close and personal with magical jellyfish, and even reach out and touch a stingray (yikes!).

Between the free street performers and the fabulous ticketed entertainment, neither you nor the kids will ever be bored during your French Market Inn stay.

9. Near Iconic and Trendy Bars & Restaurants

The French Quarter is home to some of the best restaurants in the country, if not the world, beginning with the Creole grand dames: Arnaud’s, Antoine’s, and Galatoire’s. You’ll also find casual eateries like the no-frills Coop’s Place, just down the street on Decatur, which offers excellent versions of local favorites like seafood gumbo and shrimp remoulade at affordable prices.

Like the city itself, Quarter restaurants continue to evolve, and Susan Spicer’s Bayona was just the first in a series of hotspots experimenting with the less classical fare. Some standouts include the aptly-named Jewel of the South.

Many of the world’s classic cocktails were invented in New Orleans. Napoleon House, just up the block from French Market Inn, first whipped up the Pimm’s Cup, a gin-based aperitif, in the 1940s. Like most iconic New Orleans drinks, it’s also widely available at other Quarter bars, and the best time to sample local spirits is at happy hour.

Home of the award-winning French 75, Arnaud’s French 75 serves discounted signature cocktails on Friday afternoon, paired with light bar fare like shrimp egg rolls. And Kingfish keeps it classic during daily happy hours when it offers iconic cocktails like the Sazerac, Vieux Carre, and Mint Julep with heartier bar food like gumbo.

Throughout your stay, you can eat and drink your way around the Quarter if you take judicious breaks at PJ’s Coffee, French Market Inn’s on-site caffeine purveyor. Grab a go-cup of joe and relax poolside to refresh yourself for the next round of indulgence.

10. Near Shopping Meccas Big & Small

When it comes to nearby shopping options, French Market Inn guests hit the jackpot. There are three major malls a stone’s throw away, and you don’t have to venture far to explore cool boutiques and souvenir shops full of New Orleans mementos.

The renovated Jax Brewery, a multi-story historic landmark packed with stores and restaurants, is only a block from French Market Inn. Across the street, you’ll find H&M, Urban Outfitters, Vans, and Sephora, all right next to one another. Hunting for discounts on major brands? Hit the Riverwalk outlet mall, which boasts the Mississippi River as its front yard.

Looking to live large? Walk down Canal toward the river to the Shops at Canal Place. The city’s premier retail emporium is home to luxury labels like Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Tory Burch, and Lulu Lemon as well as famed local jeweler Mignon Faget and exquisite artisanal handcrafts from the Louisiana Craft Guild.

Pick up unique, affordably priced local art and souvenirs at the French Market, or SecondLine Arts & Antiques on the Esplanade end of Decatur. For glam vintage-inspired clothing, shoes and accessories, hit Trashy Diva and Dollz & Dames.

Whatever your taste or price range, you’ll find something you covet near French Market Inn. Ready, set, shop!

Best Rate Guarantee

The French Market Inn, a historic New Orleans hotel, invites you to take advantage of super-discounted weekday rates. Receive even deeper discounts when you prepay in advance. If you find lower rates on your French Market Inn Hotel room(s) at the time of booking, we will match the rate.

We also invite you to take advantage of exclusive seasonal savings on our rooms. Check your available dates and book a true New Orleans experience online, or speak with one of our friendly reservation agents at (888) 626-2725. We’d love to have you, and we hope you have a great visit!

Best Edible Souvenirs Near French Market Inn

Image courtesy of Aunt Sally’s Pralines on Facebook

If you’re like most New Orleans visitors, you’ll spend a great deal of your time feasting on the bounty of local foods that originated here, a spicy blend of Creole, Cajun, French, Caribbean, and West African cuisines. The best part? You can take many of these distinctive flavors home with you. Before you leave town, go shopping for edible souvenirs near the French Market Inn and stock up on your favorites.

French Market Hot Sauces

Authentic Louisiana hot sauces top most visitors’ must-buy lists. You’ll find hundreds of variations in the shops that line the six-block French Market District, ranging from mildly spicy brews to nuclear-level mouth bombs. The 200-year-old market’s open-air bazaar also offers a wealth of unique non-edible mementos.

Cafe Du Monde Beignet Mix & Coffee (800 Decatur)

Many tourist shops sell this two-for-one souvenir package, but the best place to buy it is at the source. Stop by Cafe Du Monde for a final plate of sugar-dusted beignets, dipped in a cup of chicory-laced cafe au lait, and pick up a gift pack on your way out.

Aunt Sally’s Pralines (810 Decatur)

Proceed directly from Cafe Du Monde to Aunt Sally’s, where you can load up on the city’s most iconic sweet treat. Aunt Sally’s also boasts a host of other culinary souvenirs, from Cajun seasonings to muffuletta olive mix to Steen’s Cane Syrup.

Zapp’s Potato Chips

Bet you can’t eat just one — flavor, that is! Widely available at every corner grocery and drugstore, Zapp’s chips come in multiple variations, each of which has diehard fans. Hotter ‘N Hot Jalapenos, Spicy Cajun Crawtators, and Voodoo deliver the heat, Mesquite Bar-B-Que chips are deliciously smoky, while Cajun Dills are tanged with vinegar. And don’t overlook Regular Flavor — the thin, salty crunch that started it all.

All the places where you can get your edible souvenirs are located just a few short blocks from French Market Inn. Book a stay at our historic French Quarter boutique hotel, right in the epicenter of all of the action!

Kid-Friendly Fun In and Around the Quarter

The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

New Orleans has its share of X-rated attractions, most of them clustered on Bourbon St. But it’s also one of the kid-friendliest cities in the country. You’ll find a wealth of G-rated fun for the whole family in and around the Quarter during your stay at the French Market Inn. Here’s a guide to some of the best.

French Quarter Kids Tour (Book online in advance)

Get to know the neighborhood with teacher-led tours for kids. Younger kids can go ghost-hunting on the popular Spooky Tour, where mischievous spirits come out to play, while their bolder older siblings can take a chilling Twilight Tour or learn about old New Orleans on the Creole Kids Living History Tour. Group tours ($24 per person) include two designed for teens and run for 1.5 hours. Families can also book a customized private tour ($250 for up to 12 people).

Preservation Hall (726 St. Peters St.)

Dedicated to preserving traditional New Orleans jazz, Preservation Hall is no museum. It’s a lively all-ages venue where master New Orleans musicians make a joyful noise and raise the roof at several nightly shows, which start at 5 p.m. (There are earlier, afternoon shows on some days.) Come early to grab a good seat on the benches (though many kids prefer the floor). And be sure to feed your brood first; there’s no food or beverage service. ($25 general admission).

Jackson Square (Decatur St. in front of St. Louis Cathedral)

Sidewalk artists. Street performers. A passing parade of colorful characters. Jackson Square, in the heart of the Quarter, is a hub of only-in-New-Orleans sights and sounds. Directly across Decatur St., steps leading up to the Mississippi Riverwalk serve as an ad hoc stage for clowns, jugglers, acrobats, and other crowd-pleasing artists, whose antics are sure to delight the kids.

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen (Departs from Poydras Dock at Spanish Plaza)

All aboard! No trip to New Orleans is complete without a cruise on the Mississippi River, and it doesn’t get more authentic than the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen. Two daily Historic River Cruises in the morning and afternoon revisit New Orleans history with a stop at the Chalmette Battlefield, where the pirate Jean Lafitte helped defeat the British. Fare ($39/adults, $15/kids 6-12) includes a narrated cruise and land tour. Full Creole buffet available on board ($59/adults, $24/kids 6-12, $10 kids 0-5).

Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium

Kids love to bug out at the Insectarium, the largest museum in the country devoted to nature’s vast kingdom of insects. Walk through a flutter of iridescent wings in the enchanting butterfly garden, get to know the locals at Boudreaux’s bait shop, and crunch down on some tasty bugs in the cafeteria. Highlights include Awards Night, a hi-def film starring superstar bugs voiced by Jay Leno, Joan Rivers, and other celebs.

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas (1 Canal St.)

Reach out and touch a sting ray (yikes!). Watch penguins and sea otters at play. Get up close and personal with magical jellyfish. These are just a few of the wonders that enthrall kids and grownups alike at the Audubon Aquarium, which boasts a massive 400,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico exhibit. Families can also try to Escape Extinction by predatory sharks in an interactive experience presented by Escape My Room.

(Please note that the Insectarium and the Aquarium are currently closed while the Insectarium is moving to the Aquarium site. Both are slated to reopen in the summer of 2023. We’ll update the admission prices then.)

Book a stay at our historic French Quarter boutique hotel, right in the epicenter of all of the action!

 

 

 

 

The Neighborhoods Next to the French Quarter

Lafayette Square in CBD, New Orleans

By some counts, there are as many as 73 neighborhoods in New Orleans. They are divided by the lakes, bayous, and the Mississippi River; by the railroad and streetcar tracks; and, sometimes, by arbitrary geographical boundaries. In modern times, the unofficial geography of “By the Lake” and “Little Palermo” of the 19th century got more defined, and towns like Lafayette and Carrollton got incorporated into the city of New Orleans.

The city is a culturally rich tapestry of its neighborhoods, with some of the oldest ones clustered around the French Quarter. They make up the core part of what makes the city unique and draw visitors to its architecture, history, food, and magic. New Orleans remains on the list of the most visited cities in the U.S., receiving millions of visitors annually, who spend billions of dollars here.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the three neighborhoods adjacent to the French Quarter, and what to see, do, and eat there.

CBD/Warehouse District

Boundaries

The City Planning Commission defined the CBD as a 1.18 sq. mi. area bound by Iberville, Decatur and Canal Streets to the north; the Mississippi River to the east; the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, Julia and Magazine Streets, and the Pontchartrain Expressway to the south; and South Claiborne Avenue, Cleveland Street, and South and North Derbigny Streets to the west.

History

The Central Business District (CBD) was once the plantation of Jean Baptiste LeMoyne de Bienville, founder of New Orleans. The land changed hands until Bertrand Gravier subdivided the plantation after the fire of 1788, and named the subdivision Faubourg St. Marie after his deceased wife. After the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, the area experienced an influx of Americans, who built brick townhouses and Protestant churches.

What it’s like today

The modern CBD is a long departure from its 18th-century, largely residential ancestor. It’s now home to many office high-rises, restaurants, boutique hotels, retail stores, and lots of historic commercial and residential buildings.

What to see and do

The area contains the South Market District, an upscale shopping destination, and Orpheum, Joy, and Saenger theaters. The area around Canal Street, which borders the French Quarter, is home to numerous retail stores and restaurants, as well as the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, the Insectarium, and the Harrah’s casino.

Clusters of art galleries on Julia Street known as the Warehouse/Arts District, host openings on the first Saturday of the month and special annual events like White Linen Night. There’s also much to see at the Contemporary Arts Center, the World War II Museum, and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. The Superdome, the Ernest Morial Convention Center, and the Outlet Collection at the Riverwalk are all located in the CBD.

Get a taste of how Mardi Gras is done by touring Mardi Gras World, find a statue of the Confederacy of Dunces hero Ignatius J. Reilly at the site of the now-closed D.H. Holmes department store on the 800 block of Canal St., or simply walk the trendy Warehouse District, restored to its former industrial glory — to get the feel of what was the “American Sector” of the city.

CBD is remarkably easy to access from other areas of the city too: Cross Canal Street, and you’re in the French Quarter. Several streetcar lines can take you to Mid-City, Marigny, and Uptown. If you walk to the river, you can take a ferry to Algiers on the West Bank.

Where to eat, drink and hear music

The culinary destination hits keep coming, especially in the Warehouse District, so there’s no shortage of innovative restaurants to choose from. Donald Link’s Cajun-Southern Cochon on Tchoupitoulas Street has some of the best pork ribs in the city.

The curried goat by chef Nina Compton at Compere Lapin is divine and draws from the Caribbean culinary influences of the chef’s native St. Lucia. Herbsaint is always a good choice for the upscale-French dining experience, and Domenica has some of the best pizza in the country.

The nightlife in the CBD is best represented by Republic NOLA, a music venue and nightclub in a former warehouse space. The Howlin’ Wolf, located on S. Peters Street in the old New Orleans Music Hall, is also a must-stop.

Treme

Boundaries

The 442-acre Treme is defined by Esplanade Avenue to the east, North Rampart Street to the south, St. Louis Street to the west, and North Broad Street to the north.

History

It’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, settled in the late 18th century and heavily populated by Creoles and free people of color. The area was named after Claude Treme, a French hatmaker and real estate developer who migrated from Burgundy in 1783.

What it’s like today

Treme is known for its music clubs and soul food spots (some double as both), Creole architecture, and cultural centers celebrating the neighborhood’s African-American and Creole heritage. It’s a vibrant, diverse neighborhood, home of many a second-line parade and the star of popular HBO’s namesake series.

What to see and do

The beautiful St. Augustine Church is the most famous African American Catholic church in the city (though not the oldest). It was founded by free people of color in 1842. Don’t miss the Tomb of the Unknown Slave, a tribute to the victims of the African diaspora, located on the church grounds at 1210 Governor Nicholls Street. Two blocks away, on the same street, is the New Orleans African American Museum of Art, Culture and History.

Treme is also home to the excellent Recreation Community Center. You’ll find an incredible collection of Mardi Gras Indian costumes and other cultural memorabilia at the Backstreet Cultural Museum, founded (and manned for many years) by Sylvester Francis.

One of the city’s most famous “cities of the dead,” St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, is located at Basin and St. Louis Streets. (You may remember it from Easy Rider.) Civil rights activist Homer Plessy and voodoo queen Marie Laveau are buried in this cemetery, which was founded in 1789. Across N. Rampart Street from the French Quarter stretches the 32-acre Louis Armstrong Park, home to the Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts, the iconic Congo Square, Armstrong’s statue, and several annual food and music festivals.

Where to eat, drink and hear music

Treme is said to have invented jazz, and it’s still a great place to hear live music. The Candlelight Lounge is an excellent option for Creole food and brass bands. Kermit’s Treme Mother in Law Lounge on N. Claiborne belonged to the late R&B and jazz legend Ernie K-Doe and his wife Antoinette. When both passed, Kermit Ruffins bought it and continues the tradition with live music and BBQ.

The family-owned (since the 1960s) Willie Mae’s Scotch House may look like a white-painted shack, but it serves some of the best friend chicken in New Orleans and other delicious soul food. Another legendary soul food restaurant is Dooky Chase’s. The late chef Leah Chase’s Creole staples include gumbo z’herbes, which is not easy to find on the restaurant menus in the city. It’s a meatless version of gumbo made with several types of greens.

Not far away on Orleans Avenue, Greg and Mary Sonnier reopened their famous restaurant, Gabrielle, which used to be in Mid-City on Esplanade Avenue but has been shuttered after Katrina. And, speaking of Esplanade, Li’l Dizzy’s Cafe is a popular choice for a casual soul-food breakfast.

The Marigny

Boundaries

The Marigny is defined by North Rampart Street and St. Claude Avenue to the north, Press Street to the east, the Mississippi River to the south, and Esplanade Avenue to the west.

History

The Marigny is named after Bernard de Marigny, a French aristocrat with well-documented joie de vivre, whose plantation and its subdivisions formed the area in the early 19th century. Just like Treme, the neighborhood was inhabited by a vibrant mix of Creoles and free people of color.

What it’s like today

Faubourg Marigny is one of the city’s most densely populated neighborhoods with an eclectic mix of residents. It’s peppered with excellent bars and restaurants, covetable historic houses, iconic music venues, and funky B&Bs. A viable alternative to the French Quarter for where to stay while visiting, it should also be lauded for the lack of retail chains, its walkability, and the fact that it’s one of the oldest gayborhoods in the South.

What to see and do

Just taking a walk down Royal or Chartres streets might be immensely rewarding because of all the Creole cottages, funky little stores, and bars and restaurants. Or take a stroll down Frenchmen Street any time of day. Most music shows start later at night, but you don’t even have to enter any clubs to hear an excellent brass band — it’s often spilling out on the street corners.

The Marigny is also home to a sprawling indie record store, Louisiana Music Factory. On Elysian Fields by Frenchmen is Washington Square, a lovely little park with swaths of green and a small playground. The Healing Center on St. Claude Avenue is a multi-story community center that contains restaurants, a bookstore, a botanica, a performance space, a co-op, and more.

Where to eat, drink and hear music

Frenchmen Street and St. Claude Avenue have the highest concentration of live music venues, including the legendary Spotted Cat and d.b.a. Though regularly packed, Frenchmen Street is still an unsurpassed destination for local music and nightlife. Many nightclubs double as excellent restaurants, like the upscale Marigny Brasserie (sidewalk dining!), the popular Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro with its big acts and Creole fare, or the Three Muses (small plates, great jazz shows).

Mona’s Cafe, an inexpensive Middle Eastern restaurant and international market combo at the foot of Frenchmen, is a must-stop for falafel, and the cozy and romantic Adolfo’s is not easy to spot (it’s upstairs from the live-music hangout dive Apple Barrel), and has some of the best seafood on its Creole/Italian menu.

Marigny Opera House on St. Ferdinand Street, a popular performance venue with great acoustics converted from the church that was built in 1853, hosts everything from puppet shows to Sunday musical meditations.

Marigny is home to a slew of neighborhood bars you wouldn’t want to leave, like the Friendly Bar, Buffa’s (with live music and bar food), the R Bar, and many more.

SukhoThai is a popular neighborhood restaurant with exposed brick and specialty Thai cocktails, or head to the Bao & Noodle on Chartres Street on the edge of the Marigny for Chinese tapas. The AllWays Lounge & Theatre, Siberia and the Hi-Ho Lounge on St. Claude are all great choices on any given night for indie bands, DJ nights, burlesque, and experimental music and theater shows.

Book a stay at our historic French Quarter boutique hotel, right in the epicenter of all of the action!