6 Things to Do in the French Quarter

The French Quarter of New Orleans, also known as Vieux Carré (meaning “old square”), is the oldest neighborhood in the city. New Orleans was founded in 1718 and built around this Vieux Carré. But this quarter that is named for being French has a myriad of roots. Much of it was built after 1803 and the Louisiana Purchase, when France sold a massive swath of North America to the United States, and some of the buildings in the quarter were even built while the city was under Spanish rule. But today, all of these influences and more have boiled down into something so quintessentially New Orleanian that it cannot be viewed from any lens other than a Louisiana one. 

And whether you’re in the mood for something romantic, historic, mysterious, delicious, or exciting, these are New Orleans’ French Quarter must-sees.

6 Things to Do In the French Quarter

#1. Embrace Mardi Gras

Whether you come to New Orleans during Mardi Gras, or visit the French Quarter any time of year, you can always find a taste of Mardi Gras. Of course, if you come for the celebration itself you’re in for a raucous party atmosphere with a lavish parade, thrown beads, dancing and live music, and bar hopping or even ball hopping from one fancy gala to the next.

But if you come at a different time of year, one thing to do in the French Quarter is visit one of the local bakeries and try the famous King Cake. The King Cake is a rolled and braided cake colored in green, purple and gold, and hidden inside it is a small figurine of a baby. (The babies are generally plastic now, but at fancier parties in the past they have been porcelain or even pure gold). Tradition says that if you’re the person who finds the baby, you get to host the next party.

And of course, for French Quarter must-dos there’s always the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture, open year round to teach about Mardi Gras and its past and present.

#2. Explore the French Quarter’s Spookier Side With a Ghost Tour

The French Quarter is especially known for its ghost tours, and a visit wouldn’t be the same without stopping at one of these supposedly haunted French Quarter guided tours to see if you can spot a glimpse of something otherworldly. These ghost tours are mainly walking tours of the quarters, where you’ll be taken to places like the Lalaurie Mansion, May Bailey’s Brothel, and other places that have supposedly been haunted by ghosts from the slave trade, the many wars that took place in New Orleans, and the natural disasters that have hit the area. The tours will even show you where many famous Hollywood ghost stories have been filmed, featuring vampires, witches, and more.

#3. Dine At One of the French Quarter’s Famed Eateries

There is SO much to eat in New Orleans, that of the things to do in the French Quarter, half the trip could be devoted entirely to the food. From gumbo to grits and beignets to breakfast, there’s something for any time of day, both sweet and savory, both high class and street fare. 

One of the must-have hits is Killer Poboys (next to the foreboding Museum of Death) where the po’boys range from chicken confit to seared gulf shrimp to even a vegetarian sweet potato po’boy. Or head to the outer limits of the French Quarter and visit the 19th century Creole cottage called the Jewel of the South, where you can get the best cocktails in town–and the food is great, too. For a large and historic restaurant where patrons request their servers by name, Galatoire’s has lines running down the street for lunch. The best strategy here is to ask the server what to order and to always take their suggestion. Going upper class, head to the James Beard Award-winning bar Arnaud’s Restaurant. Every item on the menu (and off the menu) will dazzle you from the oysters Ohan to the cafe brulot to the souffle potatoes

And we’ve only begun to scratch the surface of the foods there are to find and things to do in the French Quarter!

#4. Relax in Jackson Square

For a post-meal rest, one thing to do in the French Quarter is stop by Jackson Square. While Andrew Jackson may not have the best reputation, this historic square named for him in the center of the French Quarter is always lively with street performers, magicians, and artists. After a hearty meal at one of the aforementioned restaurants, a bench in the 2.5 acre square is a perfect place to sit and watch the magic of the French Quarter go by. 

#5. Shop the Historic French Market

The French Market–just like New Orleans itself–has influences from a dizzying array of cultures, and one of the must-see things to do in the French Quarter is visit this charming and vibrant market. Originally a Native American trading post, it became a hub for the French and Spanish colonists coming up the Mississippi. Later would come the influence of Africans and Caribbeans, making the French Market one of the most diverse places to shop in all of Louisiana. 

The market is housed in a building designed by a famed African American architect, Joseph Abeilard, and one of the most famous parts of the market is called Dutch Alley, a pedestrian plaza at Dumaine and St. Philip Streets. 

#6. Get a Little Mystic at the House of Voodoo

A list of things to do in the French Quarter wouldn’t be complete without a taste of voodoo, and there’s no better place for that introduction than at Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo. Forget everything you think you know about voodoo–all the things Hollywood has taught you about pin-cushion dolls, and get ready to learn about a complex religion with historical and spiritual significance for the entire region. Part museum and part shop, while you’re there be sure to get a psychic or spiritual reading.

Conclusion

We’ve only barely scratched the surface of all the wonders there are and things to do in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Don’t hurry through the Quarter–take your time, explore the streets, and see what delights you find. We’re sure you’ll come to fall in love with this hub of one of the best cities in America.