As the summer temps are starting to soar above 90F, going anywhere the air conditioning can reach you sounds appealing. However, the Louisiana heat shouldn’t deter you from making the most of exploring the French Quarter. Take it indoors with these seven museums, all within walking distance from one another, to stay cool and learn about local history at the same time.

1. The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is housed in a two-story historic building that was the site of the apothecary shop of Louis Joseph Dufilho, Jr., America’s first licensed pharmacist. The museum features a diverse and extensive collection dating back to the 19th century. The first floor contains surgical instruments, books, patent medicines, perfumes, and cosmetics, among other artifacts. The second floor showcases the pharmacist’s quarters including a physician’s study and sick room, plus a collection of spectacles and locally excavated bottles. There’s also a lovely courtyard. Guided tours are available Tuesday through Saturday ($10 admission).

2. The Cabildo

Both the Cabildo and the Presbytere, which flank the St. Louis Cathedral, are run by the Louisiana State Museum. The Cabildo replaced the building claimed by fire there in 1794, and served both as the seat of government during Spanish colonial rule and as the site of the signing of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. Now the building houses such precious artifacts as a painting of Marie Laveau by Frank Schneider; a self-portrait by Julien Hudson, an antebellum artist and free man of color; and a rare Napoleon’s death mask ($10 admission).

3. The Presbytere

Built in 1791 in a style to match the Cabildo, the Presbytere served as a courthouse in the late 19th century and now contains several exhibits. The dazzling “Mardi Gras: It’s Carnival Time in Louisiana” tells the story of Carnival traditions in Louisiana, including Cajun Courir de Mardi Gras, Zulu coconut throws, Rex ball costumes, and much more. The “Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond” exhibit documents the natural disaster, its aftermath, and the ongoing recovery with interactive displays and artifacts ($7 admission).

4. Arnaud’s Restaurant Mardi Gras Museum

The Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum is named after the daughter of Count Arnaud (local and honorary title only), who was the reigning Mardi Gras Queen of more than 22 balls between 1937 and 1968. The museum is located inside Arnaud’s Restaurant and is free to the public during business hours.

Since 1983, this unique museum showcases 13 of Mrs. Wells’ Mardi Gras queen costumes, plus the family Carnival costumes dating back to 1940s, including four king costumes of her father’s. The collection also includes dozens of vintage photographs, Mardi Gras masks, and related Carnival memorabilia such as party invites and favors.

5. New Orleans Jazz Museum

Built in 1835, the Old U.S. Mint uniquely served as both a U.S. and a Confederate Mint. The building is now a museum (free to the public) and research facility. It also serves as a site for music festivals and performances. The permanent collection showcases coins and stamping presses. Upstairs, you’ll find the “New Orleans Jazz” exhibit featuring priceless pieces like Louis Armstrong’s first cornet and Fats Domino’s Steinway grand piano, plus historic recordings and rare film footage.

6. The Historic New Orleans Collection

The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) is a museum, public research center, and publishing house, spread over three campuses in a dozen of historic buildings in the French Quarter. It’s free to the public (except for the guided tours). The Royal Street campus (533 Royal St.) houses the main museum with a permanent exhibit on state history plus rotating exhibits on history and art.

The Chartres Street campus (400 and 410 Chartres St.) houses art galleries and the Williams Research Center, which holds thousands of original documents, manuscripts, photographs, and other artifacts, as well as over 35,000 library items. The THNOC also offers docent-led and free self-guided tours of historic buildings and courtyards at several locations in the French Quarter.

7. The Irish Cultural Museum of New Orleans

The free Irish Cultural Museum explores the rich history of the city’s Irish residents dating back to the 1700s. The collection includes maps, photographs, genealogy resources, a documentary, and interactive kiosks. The historic building features a balcony and a courtyard. On the premises is also a coffee and whiskey bar, St. Patrick’s Coffee House.

All of these museums are in the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter, 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!

The 13-block of Bourbon Street stretches from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue and is packed with bars, clubs and restaurants. There’s more to the most visited street in the French Quarter than neon signs and brightly colored drinks in gigantic souvenir cups. Bourbon Street is home to some of the oldest bars and best restaurants in New Orleans. And after the recent renovation of the eight blocks of the Upper Bourbon (starting from Canal), it’s shinier and more walkable than ever. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, here are some suggestions for your bucket list.

EATING

Oysters and Other Gulf Seafood

Bourbon Street’s culinary offerings are a mix of high and low, with some local flair thrown in. The two seafood restaurants run by the Brennan family that are located on Bourbon Street would be solid choices for all things Gulf seafood and oysters in particular. The Red Fish Grill on the first block off Canal Street offers good happy deals and is child-friendly. Signature dishes include Shrimp Creole and double chocolate bread pudding. Brennan’s Bourbon House (on the same block) has an oyster bar and a large selection of small-batch and single-barrel bourbons.

24/7 Breakfast

For the pub grub and fast food, anything on the breakfast menu plus those famous little square burgers on steamed buns at the fast-food chain Krystal (116 Bourbon St.) would serve you well. The retro diner Clover Grill (900 Bourbon St.) has a huge breakfast menu and only-in-the-Quarter ambiance. Both are 24/7.

Balcony Dining

For balcony dining with a view of the French Quarter, head to Cornet (700 Bourbon St.) or Pier 424 Seafood Market Restaurant (424 Bourbon St.). Both restaurants serve traditional Cajun and Creole fare like gumbo, crawfish etouffee, and other local favorites. Pier 424 also has oysters, blackened specialties, boiled seafood, and plenty of po-boys on its menu (this might be your chance to try an alligator po-boy).

Galatoire’s: Old-World Upscale Creole

If you’re going to try just one restaurant on Bourbon St., make it Galatoire’s (209 Bourbon St.). This fine-dining institution should be on everyone’s New Orleans bucket list. Since its opening in 1905 generations of New Orleanians had been lining up for the Creole classics like crab maison, duck crepes, foie gras, and turtle soup. Galatoire’s old-world, decadent ambiance is something to experience.

DRINKING

Absinthe

The Old Absinthe House (240 Bourbon Street) dates to 1806 and has hosted its share of famous patrons, including Oscar Wilde and Franklin Roosevelt. Sidle up to the classic copper bar and have one of the potent signature absinthe cocktails. Enjoy the old-fashioned yet quirky saloon ambiance.

Hurricane and Hand Grenade

Having one of those is pretty much a must if you’re hanging out on Bourbon Street, so do it right by going to the source. Sip your Hurricane in Pat O’Brien’s courtyard (624 Bourbon St.), and make sure your Hand Grenade comes from one of the Tropical Isle locations on Bourbon St. (435, 600, 610, 721, 727 Bourbon St.). The Bourbon and Orleans location has one of the largest balconies with a view of St. Louis Cathedral (you may have seen it on TV because it’s often used for live broadcasts).

One of the Oldest Bars in America

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (941 Bourbon St.) is a must-stop, period. Housed in a crumbling Creole cottage on the corner of Bourbon and St. Philip streets, it was built between 1722 and 1732, making it one of the oldest structures used as a bar in the U.S. Legends swirled for centuries that this location was used by the infamous Lafitte Brothers, Jean and Pierre, as a base for their privateer operation in Barataria. The bar has a unique ambiance and is popular with locals and visitors alike. If you’re feeling brave try the signature drink called Purple Drank, a frozen daiquiri concoction.

MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT

Jazz

If you want straight-up jazz, the Jazz Playhouse (inside Royal Sonesta at 300 Bourbon St.) is a reliable choice. It’s located on the lobby level of the hotel and serves craft cocktails.

The Musical Legends Park (311 Bourbon St.) also hosts live music shows among its life-size bronze statues of local musical legends like Louis Prima, Allen Toussaint, Irma Thomas, Fats Domino, and others. While you’re at it, have some beignets and cafe au lait at the outside seating at Cafe Beignet inside the park.

Maison Bourbon (641 Bourbon St.) is an old-school jazz club “dedicated to the preservation of jazz” (the outdoor sign says). Take in the gleaming bar, the brick walls and the beamed ceilings. It also has a courtyard and a big balcony.

Fritzel’s European Jazz Club (733 Bourbon St.) is another great spot for live jazz and Dixieland. It’s been around since 1969, and it’s reflected in the memorabilia and the black-and-white photos lining the walls. Seating is limited because the space is intimate, but there’s more seating outside in the back where you won’t be able to see the action but still hear it pretty well. Nightly shows start at 8 p.m. on Sunday through Tuesday and 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. There are afternoon shows as well and they tend to be less crowded.

LGBTQIA+

Once you walk past St. Ann St. you’ll start seeing the rainbow flags. The LGBTQIA+ section of Bourbon St. has two popular dance clubs across from one another, Oz (800 Bourbon St.) and Bourbon Pub & Parade (801 Bourbon St.). Both have several dance floors, drag shows, DJs, and wraparound balconies for people-watching. The Pub serves as the annual headquarters of Southern Decadence. Just down the block, Cafe Lafitte in Exile (901 Bourbon St.) is open 24/7 and hosts disco parties and karaoke nights. It’s been around since the 50s, which makes it one of the oldest gay bars in the country.

Karaoke and Riding the Bull

Speaking of karaoke, The World Famous Cat’s Meow (701 Bourbon St.) is THE karaoke spot to be if you must indulge and don’t mind the rowdy crowd. The party atmosphere is helped by drink specials. Riding the mechanical bull is another one of the favorite pastimes on Bourbon St., and you can try your luck at Boot Scootin Rodeo (522 Bourbon St.). The honky tonk also has a large dance floor.

Psychic Readings

See what the stars have in store for you at Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo (739 Bourbon St.). Psychic and spiritual readings are available daily starting at noon. In addition to the city and ghost tours, the Bloody Mary’s Tours office (941 Bourbon St.) also offers psychic readings.

Book a stay at our historic French Quarter boutique hotel, right in the epicenter of all of the action and blocks away from Bourbon Street!