What to Do on the Fourth of July Weekend in the French Quarter and Nearby

Photo by Jeffrey Hamilton on Unsplash

The upcoming Independence Day weekend is shaping up to be spectacular, filled with special events, fireworks, and — this being New Orleans — great food and music. If you’re planning to spend yours in the French Quarter, here are some things we suggest for you, your friends and your family to do.

Kick off the festivities with Go 4th on the River celebration: a free Dueling Barges fireworks show over the Mississippi River at the Riverfront. Pick up a muffuletta from Central Grocery on Decatur Street, or an “All That Jazz” po-boy from Verti Marte on Royal (we also heartily recommend the Cuban sandwich), and set up a picnic by the river at the Woldenberg Park while you wait for the fireworks.

There’s plenty of grass and benches, as well as street performances along the Moonwalk, which is a walkway named for former New Orleans mayor Maurice “Moon” Landrieu. Watch the boats go by and take in the public art that liberally dots the space.

Another option is to book a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River and watch the show from the deck while you party. Creole Queen’s Fourth of July Celebration Cruise boards starting at 7 p.m. and includes an open bar, a buffet, and lots of music (DJ, piano, and jazz band in three different rooms). The buffet’s menu is posted on the company website. Billed as “American favorites,” it includes BBQ chicken, pulled pork, corn on the cob, and apple pie.

Don’t want to commit to a cruise? Take a ferry across the river to Algiers Point for $2. A great view of the fireworks is guaranteed — en route and from the other bank.

While you are at the Riverfront, you can’t miss the French Market across the street. The best way to experience it is to walk through its open-air mall, starting with the food stands and ending at Esplanade. As the oldest continually operating public market in the country since 1791, the French Market has the structure of a traditional European market. It covers roughly five blocks, from Cafe Du Monde on Decatur Street across from Jackson Square to the daily flea market at the end of Esplanade Avenue.

The flea market has local artists and vendors from all over the world. You’ll find souvenirs, handmade art and jewelry, t-shirts, music, and more. Sample local food and cocktails from the food stands or the nearby restaurants sprawling in every direction, or pick up pralines and a beignet mix to take home from any of the surrounding retail shops.

In the mood for more shopping and maybe a movie? The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk is an indoor outlet mall hosting more than 75 retailers and restaurants, including Nordstrom Rack and Mike Anderson’s Seafood. It is a short walk/streetcar ride along the riverfront from the French Market.

The Shops at Canal Place is a short walk away from the Riverwalk, featuring dozens of upscale retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue and Brooks Brothers, plus a small food court and a movie theater. The sleek Prytania Theatres at Canal Place is located inside the mall if you want to catch a movie.

For yet more shopping, check out the shops along N. Peters Street, including H&M and Sephora.

Need a respite from the heat but don’t feel like hanging in the mall? The sprawling Harrah’s New Orleans casino is within walking distance from the riverfront as well, on Canal Street. The complex features everything a large casino could offer. Foodwise, you can get a taste of amazing food at the Emeril’s Brasserie, Nina’s Creole Cottage, and The Steakhouse New Orleans.

If you don’t mind venturing a bit further away from the French Quarter toward the Convention Center, the Mardi Gras World museum will give you a taste of Mardi Gras with a grand tour of all things Carnival and a free slice of King Cake.

The ESSENCE Festival of Culture is also held that weekend at the Superdome, wrapping up on Sunday, July 7, 2024. The music lineup is always stellar, and the areas in and around the Superdome will host temporary arts-and-crafts markets.

Happy eating, shopping and sightseeing, and have a wonderful time in New Orleans this Independence Day weekend!

Coming to New Orleans this summer?

We’d love for you to stay with us! Take advantage of our specials, group rates, and best-rate guarantee for greater savings to spend on New Orleans famous cuisine and enjoy everything this magnificent city has to offer. Reserve your room today!

Also, consider booking a guided tour of the famous St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to experience the hauntingly beautiful past of New Orleans. And, for easy, informative sightseeing, we recommend the City Sightseeing New Orleans city tour on the open-top, double-decker bus. It runs every 30 minutes through the Garden District, French Quarter, and CBD. You can hop on and off anytime!

French Quarter on a Budget

The streetcar is a reliable transportation option and only costs $1.25

The French Quarter can easily part you with your hard-earned cash in one evening if you are splurging on the swanky and the high-end (a dinner at Galatoire’s and drinks at French 75, for example), but, just as easily, you can have a great time on a limited budget. There’s a wealth of free attractions, reasonably priced food, low covers for live music, and happy hours with craft cocktails under $10. Here are some suggestions on how to do the French Quarter on a budget.

Have Breakfast at Cafe du Monde

If you hit Cafe du Monde (800 Decatur st.) in the morning, you’ll probably have to wait in line. But it’s worth the wait for a breakfast treat New Orleanians have been savoring since 1862. Order a plate of three fresh-from-the-fryer beignets dusted with powdered sugar, and dip them into a steaming hot cup of cafe au lait. Though light as air, beignets are surprisingly filling, and taste even better when you’re listening to live jazz while breezes waft off the nearby Mississippi.

Cost: about $6, plus tip.

Walk Along the Mississippi River, and Take a Trip on the Algiers Ferry

Strolling the banks of the Mississippi River is both delightful and free. And you don’t have to spring for a pricey ticket on a paddlewheel boat to cruise the river. It costs just $2 to board the Algiers ferry to the West Bank, which leaves from the foot of Canal Street, near the Aquarium of the Americas. You’ll enjoy sweeping views of the city’s skyline, and the towering spires of St. Louis Cathedral.

About five minutes later, you’ll dock at Algiers Point, a historic neighborhood with expansive views of the Crescent City along the Mississippi River levee. Reboard the ferry for another $2 when you’re ready to leave, and get back off where you started.

Cost: $4 round trip.

Grab a Sandwich to Go for Lunch

Central Grocery (923 Decatur St.) invented the muffuletta. It rivals the po-boy as the city’s most iconic sandwich. Layered with sliced Italian deli meats, rich provolone cheese, and hot and spicy olive salad, muffulettas are served on locally baked seeded buns and are big enough to feed two people. If it’s just you, opt for the half-sandwich.

Another great option, Verti Marte (1201 Royal St.) has dozens of sandwiches on its extensive menu, including the specialty gems like a vegetarian Green Giant and the meat-and-shrimp laden All That Jazz. Pro tip: Bring your lunch to the Moonwalk for a riverside picnic that will more than fill you up for the day.

Cost: $15.25 for a half of muffuletta; Verti Marte prices vary.

Walk Around and Window Shop

One of the best streets for window shopping is Royal Street, its pedestrian-only part in particular. There you’ll find dozens of antique, jewelry and vintage shops touting their stunning wares in their windows.

We’re especially impressed with a trove of priceless antiques worth a fortune at M.S. Rau Antiques (630 Royal St.), but it doesn’t cost a dime to drool over exquisite Victorian music boxes, dazzling diamond-encrusted brooches and elaborate player pianos. And Rau is just one of the many shops brimming with oddities and treasures on Royal Street.

The architecture isn’t shabby either, so enjoy all the wrought iron. Cap off an afternoon of aspirational window shopping by trying on one of the phantasmagorical wigs at Fifi Mahony’s (934 Royal St.).

Another fun street to walk is Chartres Street, which is studded with boutiques and interesting local stores. If you walk from Canal Street toward Esplanade Avenue, Chartres Street will lead you right to Jackson Square, where there’s usually a lot going on: street performances, brass bands, art displayed for sale, fortune telling, and just lots of local color and joie de vivre. Soak it up!

Cost: Free.

Hit a Happy Hour

New Orleans is a drinking town and boasts some of the best happy hours in the country. Lagniappe: many offer budget-priced small bites that can easily serve as an early dinner. These are just three to pick from, but really, the options are expansive.

Kingfish (337 Chartres St.)

Live like a king (on a budget) Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m., when you can drink draft beer ($4), wine ($6), or specialty cocktails ($7) while noshing on $9 small plates like duck and andouille gumbo and Louisiana crawfish bread.

Saint John (1117 Decatur St.)

You can’t go wrong with upscale Creole cuisine when the bar bites are $7 and the libations are $5. This French Quarter newcomer is garnering accolades left and right, and this is your chance to find out why.

The Bombay Club (830 Conti St.)

If you’re staying at the Prince Conti Hotel, one of the best and most leisurely happy hours in the Quarter is right downstairs at The Bombay Club, where it runs from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Wash down shareables and bites like Natchitoches meat pies and Ploughman’s Board with a couple of beers ($3), glasses of wine ($4), or specialty cocktails ($5). Cost: Depends on how heartily you imbibe, but about $20 plus tip for two drinks and two apps buys a nice buzz and something in your belly to offset it.

Want to be close to al these places and attractions? Book your stay at our beautiful French Market Inn! Our historic hotel is located in the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter, close to a multitude of popular New Orleans bars, restaurants and landmarks.

Decatur Street: A Block-by-Block Guide

Cafe du Monde on Decatur Street, French Quarter

What’s on Decatur Street? Let’s find out! But first, a little history.

Decatur Street runs parallel to the Mississippi River, starting on Canal Street and ending at St. Ferdinand Street in the Marigny. Decatur was previously known as Rue de la Levee (“Levee Street”) but was renamed in 1870 after Stephen Decatur, the American naval war hero and Commodore.

Basically a waterfront strip, the French Quarter part of Decatur Street has catered to sailors and hosted the kinds of businesses a big port would have. By the 80s it still retained its port feel, especially in the Lower Decatur near Canal Street, but the part closer to Esplanade and Frenchmen Street became a bohemian haven with a vibrant goth and punk scene.

All that changed drastically in modern times, though some places remained, like Cafe du Monde, Central Grocery and Tujague’s. These days, Decatur Street is as vibrant as ever, even though the punk clubs and dive bars had been replaced by restaurants that cater to tourists, and bars and clubs that have more traditional jazz bands. There seems to be a candy store and a visitor center on every other block, and the number of places that sell po-boys, daiquiris and Mardi Gras masks is staggering.

There’s nothing wrong with that, of course. Decatur Street features a diverse selection of restaurants, a few funky bars, lots of shopping (from national chains like Sephora to unique local artist co-ops and vintage stores), and plenty of live music. In just 14 short blocks, Decatur packs a few legendary, centuries-old institutions, historic landmarks, an amazing bookstore, and so many zydeco-blasting souvenir shops that all your hot sauce and mask needs could be addressed within one block.

Let’s start walking from Esplanade Avenue to Canal Street, noting the highlights. Two places stand out when you are on Esplanade and Decatur — the live-music bar Checkpoint Charlie and the firehouse, at the beginning of Frenchmen Street. This is where the French Quarter ends and Faubourg Marigny begins.

On the corner of Esplanade and Decatur (1331 Decatur St.) is the Balcony Music Club (BMC), a live-music bar with music spilling onto the street at all hours, from brass bands to rock to traditional jazz.

Across the street, the Old U.S. Mint takes up a chunk of space on the block. Built in 1835, the Old U.S. Mint uniquely served as both a U.S. and a Confederate Mint. The building is now home to a New Orleans Jazz Museum (free to the public). It also serves as a site for music festivals, like the French Quarter Festival and Satchmo SummerFest. 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.

One more place of note on the same block is the eclectic David’s Found Objects (1319 Decatur St.). Its quirky display of collectibles and antiques often spills onto the street, from costumes to kitchenware to paintings. David’s also has quite a collection of costume jewelry and vintage glass Mardi Gras beads.

The next block is home to the always-busy Envie Espresso Bar & Cafe (1241 Decatur St.), The Artist’s Market and Bead Shop (1228) and Palm Court Jazz Cafe (1204). Envie is an airy coffeehouse with comfortable sidewalk seating, popular with the locals. It has a full bar and a big breakfast menu, plus small plates like hummus, panini and burgers.

Palm Court Jazz Cafe is a must for jazz and Creole cuisine fans alike. The dining room is pure old New Orleans elegance, with high ceilings, a mahogany bar, mosaic-tiled floor, jazz photos all over its brick walls, and a Steinway grand piano. The place has hosted numerous jazz greats and their fans since 1989. Palm Court closes for a few weeks at the end of summer, but otherwise, the bands play every Wednesday through Sunday. The menu is classic Creole: shrimp remoulade, gumbo, oysters, chicken Clemenceau, and so on.

The 1100 block is a heavy hitter with a slew of legendary bars, longtime popular restaurants, and a relative newcomer that brings fresh elevated takes on the local cuisine and cocktail scene. Cane & Table (1113) is a sleek foodie haven with a menu of small plates and the ambiance of Old Havana. The cocktail menu showcases seriously crafted concoctions, many of which are rum-based, imaginative updates of the classics.

If you can settle for less than a craft cocktail, the 24-hour dive next door, The Abbey (1123), or Molly’s at the Market (1107) are two classic, laid-back, and welcoming bars of the French Quarter you should definitely check out. Molly’s is home to an excellent jukebox, a back bar courtyard, and frozen Irish coffee. The bar was (and, to an extent, still is) a favorite of local musicians, journalists, and service industry workers since late founder Jim Monaghan opened it in 1974.

One of the French Quarter’s bright stars and mainstays is the always-bustling Coop’s Place (1109 Decatur St.). Coop’s is a no-frills bar and restaurant with an extensive and excellent menu that goes way beyond bar-food grub. The hands-down standouts are the seafood gumbo and rabbit and sausage jambalaya (the “supreme” version also has shrimp and tasso). Cajun fried chicken won’t steer you wrong either. Popular with the locals and visitors, Coop’s can get busy and loud. Please also note that it’s 21 and older only, even the restaurant seating area, because of the video poker machines on the premises.

Moving on past the little park with a gazebo, the next, 1000th block, has the Christmas-themed Santa’s Quarters (1025 Decatur St.), which is open all year round and is positively magical, especially if you want to wow your kids with lavish decorations and elaborate holiday toys. It’s also a great spot to stock up on NOLA-centric ornaments in Mardi Gras colors and every possible take on a fleur de lis.

On the same side, you can’t miss the striped awning of the Original French Market Restaurant & Bar (1001). Open since 1803, the restaurant specializes in Cajun/Creole cuisine and seafood in particular. Across the street, two adjacent restaurants also serve Cajun/Creole fare, but the biggest draws of The Market Cafe (1000 Decatur St.) and the Gazebo Cafe (1016) are their patios and the constant stream of live music.

The Market Cafe has been around since the early 80s, occupying the building that dates back to 1823, and was part of the French Market (check out the original cypress ceiling and columns). Bloody Marys and baked muffuletta are the restaurant’s specialties. Gazebo Cafe‘s covered patio and courtyard are often packed, the bands mostly play jazz, and the ice cream daiquiris are delicious.

Check out the historic Dutch Alley nearby on N. Peters (home of the one and only radio station, WWOZ) and French Market’s Shops at the Colonnade. The strip of shops, some with Decatur and some with N. Peters address, is worth a visit if you’re shopping for souvenirs or local specialties like pralines. Another Christmas store, Merry Christmas & All That Jazz, has lots of cool ornaments with local flair.

Moving past the gold statue of Joan of Arc, we come to yet another New Orleans landmark —  and home of the muffuletta — Central Grocery & Deli (923 Decatur St.). This sprawling old-fashioned Italian grocery store is still run by the family of its founder, a Sicilian immigrant named Salvatore Lupo. He was credited for creating the famous sandwich, which now ships worldwide, along with Central Grocery’s famous olive salad by the jar. You can eat your made-to-order muffuletta at one of the few tables in the back or take it to go.

Pop City, at 940 Decatur St., which sells collectibles, toys, and clothes, is a good destination for a novelty souvenir.

As we approach the Dumaine Street intersection, you’ll go by the Magnolia Praline Co. Next, we come to two city institutions, Cafe du Monde (800 Decatur St.) and Tujague’s (823). The grand dame of cafe au lait and beignets needs no introduction ever since it opened in 1862, so let’s just say no visit to New Orleans would be complete without getting powdered sugar all over yourself. Hectic yet charming, Cafe du Monde is open round the clock and is busy at all hours.

Tujague’s also hardly needs an introduction. The second oldest restaurant in the city, it was founded in 1856 and has since been offering traditional, fixed-price Creole menus to many a president and celebrity. Its iconic bar takes credit for inventing the Grasshopper cocktail, and the restaurant may or may not take credit for creating brunch.

Now you’ve reached Jackson Square! Here, you can have a beer and a po-boy at Monty’s on the Square, whose French doors offer a view of the square (casual southern with modern twists, and local craft beer). This is where you’ll also come to grab a mule-drawn carriage tour, by the park’s gate on the Decatur side.

Then, past the Shops at Jax Brewery (a multi-story historic landmark that holds retail stores, cafes, restaurants, and a small museum dedicated to the brewery), Big Easy Daiquiris, The Fudgery, and Walgreens, you’ll come to the corner of Toulouse Street, the home of Cafe Maspero (601 Decatur St.). The always-open enormous windows provide a great view of the busy corner, and you might like its heaping seafood platters. Also on this block is the Pepper Palace (609 Decatur), a chain that sells salsa, seasonings, rubs, hot sauce, and so on.

The next two blocks are light on restaurants, represented by the Crescent City Brewhouse (527 Decatur St.). The Brewhouse is a two-story, 17-barrel microbrewery with balcony and courtyard seating, an oyster bar, and lots of live jazz. Get the boudin balls and the jambalaya, and enjoy the bistro ambiance.

Across the street, you’ll find the sprawling H&M, Urban Outfitters, Vans, and the most recent addition, Sephora, next to one another. Past the souvenir shops blasting zydeco, French Market Inn, and PJ’s coffee shop, you’ll come to a historic landmark — the monument to the city’s founder, Jean Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville.

Past Conti Street, Decatur Street becomes quieter, with the exception of the House of Blues which takes up most of the 200th block with its concert venue and the restaurant/bar. The block livens up on most afternoons, with the trucks unloading band gear and people lining up to see the shows. The dimly lit, laid-back Kerry Irish Pub (331 Decatur St.), also features live music, but on a much smaller scale.

Across the street from the House of Blues between Bienville and Iberville, you’ll find one of the best bookstores in the city, the bi-level Beckham’s Bookshop (228 Decatur St.). It specializes in used, antiquarian, and rare books, as well as vinyl. A gem of a place, Beckham’s has been around since 1979 at this location. It’s crammed floor to ceiling, and is beer- and dog-friendly.

On the same block, at number 216, is a funky retro-inspired boutique not unlike Trashy Diva, called Dollz & Dames. It has a sister store in Seattle and sells vintage-inspired clothing, shoes and accessories. You can’t miss its eye candy of a storefront on an otherwise sleepy side of the block.

Two restaurants close the journey up to Canal Street. Coterie Restaurant & Oyster Bar at 135 Decatur St. has all the New Orleans classics, from seafood platters to gumbo. Creole House Restaurant & Oyster Bar, located in a historic building on the corner at 509 Canal St., rounds up the tour of Decatur Street with its “casual Creole” menu.

There you have it — lots to see, eat, drink, and buy on the historic yet young-at-heart Decatur Street!

If you want to stay in the French Quarter during your visit, book a room at the French Market Inn, located right on Decatur Street. This quaint hotel 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.

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!

French Market Inn’s Ultimate Guide to the French Quarter

The French Market Inn is located on the bustling Decatur Street, in the center of the French Quarter of New Orleans and within six blocks of renowned New Orleans attractions like Jackson Square, the French Market, Aquarium of the Americas, Bourbon Street, and Harrah’s New Orleans Casino.

Not sure which room to choose? Or what to do around the hotel? Read on!

Choosing the perfect room at the French Market Inn

The historic French Market Inn is renowned for its meandering garden and stone-paved courtyard. Its antique brick facade opens onto a lobby adorned with period paintings, chandeliers, and columns. There are seven room types, with either a king or a queen bed, and we also have rooms with two queen beds.

The one-bedroom rooms are ideal for solo travelers, couples, or besties who don’t mind sharing a bed. The rooms with two queen beds are well suited for families, friend trips, girl trips, and any small groups that are OK with sharing a room.

Minimalists will love the petite room, it’s well-appointed and offers great value. If you treasure your privacy and are sensitive to noise, the windowless interior room also offers great value and all the peace and quiet you need.

Our beautiful deluxe room offers a little more space than the petite room, and a street or courtyard view (great for people-watching!). The balcony room features a balcony that faces the busy Decatur Street and is perfect for people who want the full French Quarter experience.

Getting around

The French Market Inn places you within walking distance of numerous New Orleans attractions, restaurants, art galleries, museums, and more. You will be able to browse through famous New Orleans art galleries and antique shops, grab a delicious beignet at Cafe Du Monde, and shop at the Riverwalk Mall and French Market in just minutes when you stay at the French Market Inn.

So what’s on Decatur Street? The 14 blocks of the French Quarter part of Decatur Street is a waterfront strip that in the past has hosted the kinds of businesses a port would have, becoming a bohemian haven with a vibrant goth and punk scene in the 80s.

Some places, like Cafe du Monde, Central Grocery and Tujague’s remained to this day; others are long gone. Today, the street is as vibrant as ever even though the punk clubs and dive bars had been replaced by restaurants that cater to tourists, and bars and clubs that have more traditional jazz bands.

You will also find a lot of zydeco-blasting souvenir shops lining the street, a few funky bars, and lots of shopping (from national chains like Sephora to unique local artist co-ops and vintage stores).

If walking around the French Quarter isn’t quite your speed, you can opt for a pedicab, which is an easy way to navigate through the French Quarter and surrounding areas. If it’s a nice day out, why not do some sightseeing and burn off all that delicious Creole food at the same time? From bike tours to paddlesports, there are many ways to explore New Orleans while you stay active.

Other transportation options include streetcars, buses, cabs, Uber and Lyft, and even a ferry that goes to Algiers on the West Bank. One of the most versatile and easy options for visitors to the city is the City Sightseeing New Orleans Hop-On, Hop-Off double-decker bus tour. It’s a nice way to travel from the French Quarter to the Garden District and Magazine Street shopping district, and the price includes two- or three-tour packages. The buses come to each stop every 30 minutes, allowing you to travel and sightsee throughout New Orleans at your own pace.

Where to eat

Starting earlier in the day, from the iconic Creole grand dames to contemporary wonders helmed by award-winning chefs, you can easily find tasty renditions of the New Orleans and southern staples on many local brunch menus.

Got a New Orleans food bucket list? Gumbo, jambalaya, po-boys, crawfish étouffée — all sorts of deliciousness await within walking distance from the hotel — including excellent, fresh local seafood.

Whether you prefer to be guided through a narrated tour by a savvy local or explore on your own, there are some very interesting culinary and cocktail tours available in the French Quarter and nearby, plus cooking demos and classes if you want to take it to another level.

Is there a better place to indulge your sweet tooth than New Orleans? We think not. With its French and Spanish roots, and its rich Creole and Cajun cuisines, the Crescent City is not a place to count calories. From Doberge cake to Bananas Foster there is an abundance of confections that will satisfy even the most discerning dessert lover. Learn more about our top picks for the best spots to get dessert in the Quarter, from the iconic beignets to southern staples like pralines and bread pudding.

The French Quarter knows no meaning of the last call, being open for business 24/7, and that includes quite a few restaurants. So when the late-night cravings hit, you have plenty of choices within walking distance from the French Market Inn, from the wallet-friendly takeout-only Verti Marte to the chic Justine. (Read here about a few of our favorite spots where you can eat after 9 p.m. in the French Quarter.)

What to do

The world is your oyster when it comes to exploring the many attractions of the French Quarter. Being over 300 years old, the Quarter is packed with historic buildings and museums. Just walking around gawking at the many architectural gems (The wrought iron! The balconies and courtyards!) can take hours.

Whether you’re here on a girls trip, business trip, a romantic couple’s adventure, a family visit with the kids in tow, on the budget, or only a short visit, there’s lots to do and explore on any given day, 24/7. Theater, live music, excitement for all ages on the magnificent Mississippi River — it’s all within walking distance from the hotel.

Where to shop

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 St. near Canal) and souvenir shops (head down Decatur toward Esplanade when you leave the hotel). 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 or local specialties.

Also, why not stock up on edible souvenirs before you head home? You can buy pralines, hot sauces, Zapp’s special edition chips, beignet mix, chicory coffee, and many more of your favorites near the hotel.

The best time of the year to visit

So, when should you visit? It really depends on your stamina and tolerance for the heat, because we’ve got something going on all year round. In New Orleans, we honor just about every local food there is (and some drinks) with a festival, not to mention the packed party schedule that never lets up, from the Carnival to Super Sunday to the Saints football season.

In other words, the Crescent City’s dance card is pretty much always full, even when the heat and humidity descend on the city in late spring and till mid-fall. Come fall, the city ramps it up with Halloween and a calendar full of foodie-haven and music festivals. There’s a festival, sometimes two, going on every weekend!

No matter when you visit and with whom, 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!

Sightseeing and Ways to Stay Fit for Active Visitors

Photo by Carl Barcelo on Unsplash

If you plan to stay active and keep fit while you’re visiting New Orleans, the many versatile ways to explore the French Quarter and nearby areas like City Park, Bayou St. John, and the Marigny could mean anything from kayaking along Bayou St. John to doing yoga at the Cabildo. Depending on your stamina and interests, these indoor and outdoor suggestions, below, can’t be beat if you’re looking for a self-powered, self-guided adventure throughout the city or just need to squeeze in a quick workout while on the road.

Bike tours and rentals

New Orleans is getting more bike-friendly with recently repaved roads, new dedicated and shared bike lanes, and increased bike safety awareness. Whether you’d prefer to strike out on your own or be guided in a group, the local nonprofit and bike safety advocate Bike Easy has a city bike map to help you navigate. Plus, no hills! If you do just want to rent a bike and be on your own, we recommend Blue Bikes, an inexpensive rideshare option that came to New Orleans relatively recently.

Most tour companies that offer guided bike tours will also let you rent a bike for several hours and up to several days, and most of the time helmet, bike lock, maps, and “concierge support” are included in the rental fee.

Crescent City Bike Tours offers several bike tours that focus on New Orleans history. There are nighttime tours, seasonal tours, and tours in French. You can also rent a bike for half a day, the whole day, and up to a week.

Free Wheelin’ Bike Tours last three hours on average, and cover about 10 miles each. The Creole & Crescent tour includes the French Quarter and the Marigny; the Beyond the Bourbon Street tour takes you through the Marigny and the Bywater. The company also has rentals for both kid and adult cruisers (multi-day rental fees vary; please check the website).

Nation Tours offers Segway tours. There are several time slots throughout the day, and you can book a New Orleans Experience tour, the Historic French Quarter tour, or a Haunted History tour.

Drop-in exercise classes

Exercise surrounded by opulence at the New Orleans Athletic Club on N. Rampart Street on the edge of the Quarter. Established in 1872, the club has seen quite a few famous people, from Tennessee Williams and Huey Long to the contemporary Hollywood celebrities who film here. As one of the oldest athletic clubs in America, NOAC boasts a pool, sauna, steam room, a well-stocked library, spa, coffee stations, and even a bar. A daily drop-in includes access to group exercise classes, or come as a member’s guest. Bring your ID and hotel room key to register.

Downtown Fitness Center has locations at the New Orleans Healing Center in Bywater and on the third floor at the Shops at Canal Place in the French Quarter. Visitor passes are for one, two, or three days; classes include Zumba, yoga, pole fitness, and aerobics.

Yoga

“For residents and travelers at all levels of practice,” Yoga at the Cabildo classes are held at the historic Cabildo on Jackson Square on Saturdays at 9 a.m. History meets fitness in a sun-filled gallery inside a 1700s Spanish colonial building, now housing an excellent museum.

Wild Lotus Yoga is located Uptown. It offers sliding-scale community classes like family yoga, alignment, and yoga for new moms. Swan River Yoga is popular among the locals and offers restorative, beginner, and prenatal classes at its Mid-City location on Canal Street (ask about a single-class drop-in rate). 

Paddlesports

The two-hour bayou tour by Kayak-iti-Yat is a good fit for first-time kayakers to explore Bayou St. John with not too much athletic commitment. It focuses on history, community and architecture; and, even though the tour will take you through residential areas, you’ll get to spot some wildlife like birds and turtles.

Massey’s rentals include canoes and kayaks, both solo and tandem. You can rent one for a few hours to take out on the bayou, or for a weeklong fishing expedition out of town. If you need a kid kayak, Bayou Paddlesports offers those along with adult ones.

Finally, the New Orleans City Park offers good deals for bike and boat rentals, morning to sunset, weather permitting. Since personal boats are not allowed in the City Park’s historic bayous and lagoons, your best bet is to rent. The four miles of the Park’s bike paths can take you from Bayou St. John to Lake Pontchartrain, plus there are additional trails around the lake and on festival grounds.

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

french quarter fall

Exploring the 19th-Century Architecture of the French Quarter

french quarter fall

Few cities in the U.S. are brimming with as much well-preserved, irresistible architecture as New Orleans. Think about it: There are 20 historic districts on the National Register in this city! We have French doors, Caribbean colors, high ceilings, wrought-iron fences, stucco exteriors, wooden shutters, hardwood floors, antique mantels, and lush tropical courtyards.

The French Quarter in particular is great for exploring as you’ll find lots of examples of Creole cottages and townhouses, plus the ubiquitous shotguns and camelbacks dating back to the 19th century. Then there are those seductive courtyards with gurgling fountains, bursting with flora, plus all the unique porches and lacy Victorian ironwork.

Below are our suggestions on how to best view the architecture of the French Quarter — either with a guided tour or by walking on your own — with a focus on historically significant 19th-century buildings. Whether you decide to go inside some of those or just admire the exterior, unveiling the city’s colorful past with these gems is as easy as taking a stroll.

Guided architecture tours

The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) offers docent-led tours of buildings and courtyards with emphasis on their architectural styles and the history of their residents. THNOC also offers free, self-guided iPod and cell phone tours (check the website for instructions). Locations include the Merieult House (533 Royal St.), the Williams Residence (718 Toulouse St.), and the Louis Adam House (722 Toulouse St.).

Explore French and Spanish Colonial and Greek Revival styles by taking a walking tour with New Orleans Architecture Tours. You’ll get to see St. Louis Cathedral, Ursuline Convent, Napoleon House, and witness four types of Creole townhouses during this tour.

Preservation Resource Center also offers guided tours. They are seasonal and have specific themes, so please check the website for tour info.

19th-Century Historically Significant Buildings of the French Quarter

With fires in 1788 and 1794, and a post-Louisiana Purchase Victorian makeover on the Quarter, only a handful of “first-generation” Creole buildings in the original French colonial style has survived. Most buildings you see today are “second-generation” Creole and Greek Revival.

The 1820s were hailed as the most thriving decade in terms of adding to the structure of the French Quarter we’re seeing today, with elements of French and Spanish colonial, and Caribbean influences. During that time, the original Spanish architecture was gradually replaced. To prevent fires, strict building codes were enforced, and a lot of brick was introduced to replace the wood.

The 1850 House

523 St. Ann St., Lower Pontalba Bldg., Jackson Sq.

Built in the late 1840s by Baroness Micaela Almonester Pontalba, the Lower and Upper Pontalba Buildings flank the sides of Jackson Square. The Upper Pontalba buildings at 1008 N. Peters St. house residential apartments, but you can tour the 1850 House of the Lower Pontalba buildings to get a glimpse at how the upper middle class lived in prosperous antebellum New Orleans.

Old U.S. Mint

400 Esplanade St.

Built in 1835, the Old U.S. Mint served as both a U.S. and a Confederate Mint. Now a museum, research facility and site for music festivals and performances, the building houses several exhibits, including its permanent collection. You’ll find a display of coins and stamping presses, a jazz exhibit with Louis Armstrong’s first cornet, plus historic recordings and rare film footage. Current exhibits explore the life of Louis Armstrong, showcase Southern art, and display a collection of musical instruments, including Fats Domino’s Steinway grand piano. Free admission.

Beauregard-Keyes House and Garden

1113 Chartres St.

Built by Confederate General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard in 1826, the Beauregard-Keyes House stands opposite the old Ursuline Convent, boasting a splendid garden and lavish interior. The house changed hands many times and is now owned by the Keyes Foundation, which was established by the late resident, Frances Parkinson Keyes, who has restored the house.

Gallier House

1132 Royal St.

Tour the gilded Victorian splendor of Gallier House, designed by a prominent architect, James Gallier, more than 150 years ago. The house is full of antique children’s toys, chandeliers, and period art that reflect life in New Orleans at that time.

The tour touches upon the lives of enslaved people and domestic servants who made this luxurious lifestyle possible. For the summer, portions of the house are redecorated in the “Summer Dress” tradition of protecting the furnishings from the elements and insects, to show what life was like here during the hot months — before air conditioning, fans and screens.

Hermann Grima House

820 St. Louis St.

This restored Federal mansion was built in 1831 and features the only working open-hearth kitchen in New Orleans. The interior is furnished with period pieces and historically accurate reproductions of carpets and upholstery. Both the house, adjacent outbuildings and the courtyard tell a story of what life was like for wealthy Creole families in the 1830-1860s. November through April, open-hearth cooking demonstrations are offered in the outdoor kitchen, using traditional recipes and techniques of the 19th century.

And then there’s all that romantic ironwork

Always a hit with visitors and locals alike, the intricately decorated wrought-iron balconies, gates, doors, and fences of the French Quarter are a timeless treasure. To take it all in, try walking the length of Royal or Chartres streets from Esplanade to Jackson Square.

Cornstalk Hotel

915 Royal St.

Cornstalk Hotel is one such (stunning) example of ironwork. It was built in 1816 for the first Attorney General of Louisiana, Francois Xavier-Martin, and then bought in 1834 by Dr. Joseph Secondo Biamenti. The legend goes that his wife grew homesick, so the doctor had commissioned a decorative iron fence depicting corn, abundant in her native state of Iowa. The hotel has had its share of famous visitors, including Elvis Presley, who stayed there in 1958 while filming King Creole.

All of these attractions are located 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!

24 Hours in the French Quarter

french quarter church

New York is not the only City That Never Sleeps, which is especially evident if you’ve ever strolled the French Quarter in the wee hours. And the bars aren’t the only establishments that stay open 24 hours, so it’s pretty easy to lose yourself in a round-the-clock itinerary. Here are just a few suggestions.

Morning

Can’t sleep? Stroll to the Riverfront on the Mississippi River to catch the sunrise and watch the boats go by. Steamboats straight out of a Mark Twain novel idle on the water, and public art dots the promenade. If you feel like a longer walk or going for a run or a bike ride, head to Crescent Park, a 20-acre, 1.4-mile urban space nearby, with bike lanes and a dog run.

Next, grab a quick breakfast at the French Quarter Inn’s PJ’s Coffee shop, or savor it at any number of the French Quarter coffee shops and patisseries. We always recommend one of our favorites, Croissant d’Or.

Are you all fueled up? We hope you’re wearing comfortable shoes and ready to do some sightseeing!

There are numerous options, from free walking tours with one of the park rangers at the French Quarter Visitor Center to culinary tours and everything in between. Do you feel like squeezing in some exercise while you learn about the history of the French Quarter? Consider doing some sightseeing on the bike.

Not into organized tours? Just take a stroll through Jackson Square and explore the St. Louis Cathedral, or admire the wrought-iron balconies while walking down Royal Street (and do some window-shopping as it packs many unique antique and vintage stores). Just walking around in this historic neighborhood is a history lesson in itself.

Afternoon

Are you hungry yet? Lunch at Galatoire’s  is a time-honored tradition in Crescent City. Many generations of New Orleanians packed its tiled dining room for some boisterous merriment, and you’re in for a treat. (Just make sure to follow the dress code.)

Not into fine dining? No problem. It’s easy to eat well in the French Quarter on a budget, and we also hope you take advantage of the abundance of spots that serve excellent seafood nearby.

After lunch, why not go shopping? There are two malls nearby, one outlet and another upscale, plus Jax Brewery with several stories worth of shops, and Chartres Street with all its boutiques and local gift shops. You can get all the souvenirs and gifts (edible and otherwise) to take home at the French Market or along the bustling Decatur Street.

Not in the mood for shopping? Hit a casino right across Canal Street from the Quarter, or one of the many museums within walking distance from the hotel. Both the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and the Insectarium are close by, and are a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Evening

Time for happy hour! The Bombay Club has a really good one, with many types of martinis and other classics, and a tasty bar menu. For dinner options, we don’t even know where to begin as there’s a myriad of options. For ideas, check out this dining guide, but, really, the world is your oyster when it comes to eating in the French Quarter. From the Creole grand dames to the James Beard luminaries to the cheap eats on the go, you’re in the right place.

Night

Want to cross Bourbon Street off your list? Don’t forget to grab a hurricane from Pat O’Brien’s while you do. As you make your way down Bourbon toward Esplanade Avenue, check out the historic Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. It’s the longest operating bar in America, and privateer Jean Lafitte was said to once have held court there.

How about some live music next? As you continue across Esplanade, you’re leaving the French Quarter and entering Faubourg Marigny, so keep going till you hit Frenchmen Street. Even if you don’t enter any bars or clubs there, we guarantee there will be decent music even just on the street corners (a brass band here, Dixieland there), but you should really check out what’s playing at the Blue Nile or Spotted Cat or the d.b.a.

Depending on how much energy you have left, you can hit the dance floor at Santos, which is open till 5 a.m., or have some beignets at Cafe du Monde (open 24/7). By then, you’ve truly had an epic 24 hours in the French Quarter and nearby!

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!

 

 

 

 

7 Best Museums in the French Quarter

The Cabildo, French Quarter, New Orleans

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!