New Orleans French Quarter
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The French Quarter is located on the banks of the Mississippi River in New Orleans, LA. It was founded by the French in 1718. Its history is rich thanks to the French, Spanish, Creole, and classic American influences that are obvious in this famous part of New Orleans. In spite of the French Quarter's French background, much of its architecture is Spanish in origin due to multiple fires that broke out during Spanish rule. Roughly 20,000 people used to live in the French Quarter, but only about 4,000 people live here today due to the area's rising emphasis on tourism. Historic buildings, famous nightclubs, and more await you in this great Southern treasure.
How to Get There
The French Quarter is located in New Orleans and is close to Slidell and Houma. Nearby airports include Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, Stennis International Airport, and New Orleans Lakefront Airport. You can use New Orleans's City Sightseeing tour busses, streetcars, and pedicabs to get around the French Quarter.
Rent an RV For Your Visit to New Orleans French Quarter
Visit New Orleans French Quarter
Bourbon Street is one of the biggest attractions in New Orleans in general and the French Quarter in particular. The 13 blocks of this famous street named for French royalty include attractions like Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar, Fat Catz Music Club, and Old Absinthe House.
Jackson Square is another top-notch place to visit in the New Orleans French Quarter. This 2.5-acre square on the Mississippi River is home to destinations like the St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, and the Presbytere. You can check out the Jackson equestrian statue and the Pontalba Buildings when you're not touring these historic buildings.
New Orleans is world-famous for the festival of Mardi Gras, which is a celebration that takes place in the month before Ash Wednesday. Parties, parades, flamboyant costumes, themed drinks, live music, and more provide adult party-goers with plenty of opportunities to "Laissez les bons temps rouler."
Ticket Information
No tickets are necessary to enter the French Quarter.
Family-Friendly Options
Those who want to introduce their children to this fascinating part of America should consider French Quartour Kids tours. This tour group provides teacher-led tours for children who are four to 18 years old. Ghost hunts, pirate treasure hunts, Creole history tours, and more bring this vibrant portion of New Orleans to life for kids in an age-appropriate manner.
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is a fantastic place to take children in the French Quarter. This aquarium on the Mississippi River is home to over 3,600 animals and multiple stunning exhibits. Also part of this complex is the Audubon Insectarium, which contains a butterfly garden and a museum containing some of the world's most interesting insects.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Early morning, you could head to the legendary Cafe du Monde for cafe au lait and beignets. This famous French Quarter restaurant was established in 1866 and is open 24/7, but it's often crowded, so visiting early in the morning or late at night is sensible.
Cafe du Monde is close to Jackson Square, so you could easily visit top-grade attractions like the Cabildo, the St. Louis Cathedral, and the Presbytere after breakfast.
All that exploration would work up an appetite so that you could have lunch at Johnny's PoBoys or the Croissant D'or Patisserie.
If you want to do afternoon shopping, you could explore The French Market, a center of commerce and community since 1791. Another nearby French Quarter attraction is the Old Ursuline Convent Museum, the Mississippi River Valley's oldest building.
The French Quarter isn't lacking in stellar dining establishments so you could have dinner at Galatoire's, Antoine's, Arnaud's, or any number of other high-quality restaurants.
If you're not too full of delicious New Orleans cuisine, you can sample some of Bourbon Street's legendary nightlife. Attractions like Fritzel's European Jazz Pub, The World Famous Cats Meow, and Bourbon Street Drinkery await.
New Orleans French Quarter Accommodations
On Site Accommodations
If you want to stay on Bourbon Street, consider the Royal Sonesta. This elegant hotel features wrought-iron balconies, a luxurious courtyard, and multiple top-notch dining options. Another classic French Quarter hotel is the family-owned Hotel Monteleone. This Royal Street hotel has a rooftop pool, valet service, and a spa. Place d'Armes Hotel is close to Jackson Square. This hotel has amenities like free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool.
Campgrounds Nearby
French Quarter RV Resort offers RV camping in New Orleans. This RV park is gated, and it features a large hot tub. It also includes a French Quarter-style courtyard, and it is within walking distance of attractions like the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum.
Pelican RV Park is right off Interstate 10. The property is close to downtown New Orleans, and the park features a security gate. It is the oldest campground in New Orleans, and it offers free Wi-Fi.
What this place lacks in facilities it makes up for in prime location and unbeatable prices. Just a short drive from the French Quarter, you can easily take public transport only two stops to Canal Street. The buses in this area run every 30 minutes until midnight, and if you stay out later than that, a cab ride is very affordable.
Activities Near New Orleans French Quarter
Things to Do
Boating
You can enjoy Mississippi River cruises on classic steamboats such as the Steamboat Natchez and the Creole Queen. Or charter a sailboat or motorboat to explore Lake Pontchartrain instead.
Fishing
If you are interested in fishing on Lake Pontchartrain, you have two options. You can go fishing on your own or hire a fishing charter such as Wicked Fishing Charters or A Fishing Fool to take you out on the lake. If you prefer to fish in a more relaxed setting, you can also consider fishing in the lagoons at New Orleans City Park.
Hiking
City Park boasts a total of 24 miles of hiking and walking trails. Choose the South Loop trail for a leisurely stroll or bike ride or check out Couturie Forest for some bird watching as you hike.
National Sites
Weather, Safety & Accessibility
Weather & Packing
Spring and autumn are the most temperate seasons in the French Quarter; unsurprisingly, people host the most festivals during these seasons. Comfortable shoes, jackets, and seasonal attire are helpful these times of year. High humidity makes winter and summer challenging in the French Quarter, but you can beat the cold with boots and jackets and the heat with light clothing and bathing suits, respectively.
Safety & Accessibility
The French Quarter has a solid police presence and decent lighting. Do your best to not walk alone at night and to beware of pickpockets. If you're on Bourbon Street, drink responsibly and stay aware of your surroundings.
Plenty of places like Jackson Square and the Hotel Monteleone are accessible. Many of the French Quarter's busses and streetcars are wheelchair-accessible. Other easily accessible places include Cafe Du Monde, French Market, and Mr. B's Bistro.
Conclusion
The French Quarter is a popular part of the Big Easy known for its architecture, history, and nightlife. It's also known for Mardi Gras, a famous celebration featuring vibrant costumes, loud music, exciting parades, and plenty of good times.
FAQ
Camping options include the French Quarter RV Park, New Orleans RV Site & Marina, and New Orleans KOA Holiday.
The French Quarter RV Park is the only place in the French Quarter to park your RV. You could park your camper at some of New Orleans's other RV parks and take transportation to the French Quarter.
Hurricane season peaks in August, so check the Gulf of Mexico for hurricane activity if you're planning to visit at that time. Mardi Gras and New Orleans Saints games can impact traffic volume and flow.
French Quartour Kids tours and the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas are family-friendly options in the French Quarter.
Jackson Square and the Mississippi Riverfront are pet-friendly. Most places in the French Quarter allow service animals.