Top 10 Things to Do in New Orleans’ French Quarter: A Travel Guide to Culture, Color & Charm
Table of Contents
Stepping into New Orleans’ French Quarter is like walking into a living, breathing piece of art. Cobblestone streets, wrought-iron balconies, pastel facades, and the constant hum of jazz music make this iconic neighborhood a sensory feast. As the oldest neighborhood in the city and the heart of its historic and cultural soul, the French Quarter is where past and present collide—in the most beautiful way possible.
According to New Orleans & Company, the city welcomed over 18.5 million visitors in a recent year, and the French Quarter topped nearly every traveler’s list. And it’s easy to see why. From its rich Creole history to its unbeatable food scene, the French Quarter offers a unique blend of old-world elegance and lively street energy.
This curated guide highlights the top 10 things to do in the French Quarter for visitors who appreciate artful design, warm hospitality, and timeless charm. Whether you’re sipping chicory coffee in a shady courtyard or exploring antique stores beneath Spanish moss, these handpicked experiences deliver unforgettable moments—with a home decor and lifestyle twist.
Stroll Royal Street for Art, Antiques & Architecture
- Boutique galleries, antique shops, and historic homes
- Ornate balconies with hanging ferns and intricate ironwork
- Buskers playing classical, jazz, and blues
- Best visited in the early morning for quiet charm
- Great for finding vintage decor inspiration
Table: Royal Street Highlights
| Stop | What You’ll Find |
|---|---|
| M.S. Rau | Museum-quality antiques and fine art |
| Angela King Gallery | Local contemporary artists |
| Historic Homes | French & Spanish Colonial architectural gems |
Visit Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral
- Central gathering space framed by 18th-century buildings
- Live painters, musicians, and palm readers line the square
- Iconic St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest in North America
- Carriage rides available from nearby Decatur Street
- Photogenic spot for lifestyle travel blogs and Instagram
Sip Coffee at Café du Monde
- Open since 1862—famous for beignets and chicory coffee
- Outdoor seating with river breezes
- Best visited early morning or late night to avoid lines
- Powdered sugar warning: embrace the mess
Explore the French Market for Local Goods
- Open-air market featuring artisan vendors and food stalls
- Great for gifts, spices, and regional home decor finds
- Local art, candles, kitchenware, and vintage prints
- Try a praline or hot sauce sample along the way
Take a Courtyard Garden Tour
- Hidden courtyards reveal New Orleans’ private beauty
- Many homes open their courtyards for seasonal tours
- Brick pathways, tropical plants, and ornate fountains
- Inspiring for patio and garden design at home
Table: Notable Courtyard Styles
| Courtyard Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Wrought-Iron Features | Decorative gates, trellises, railings |
| Lush Planting | Ferns, palms, citrus, flowering vines |
| Fountains & Statues | Spanish-style, often weathered and mossy |
Shop Boutique Finds on Chartres Street
- Small-scale shops with curated fashion, decor, and books
- Great for lifestyle-minded travelers seeking unique souvenirs
- Find handmade candles, apothecary items, or linen scarves
- Stop at Faulkner House Books for cozy literary charm
Listen to Live Jazz on Frenchmen Street
- Just outside the Quarter, but worth a short walk
- Live jazz, brass bands, and swing music nightly
- Cozy clubs like The Spotted Cat and d.b.a.
- Local vibe with fewer tourists than Bourbon Street
Take a Haunted History or Ghost Tour
- Explore legends, cemeteries, and haunted mansions
- Nighttime tours showcase gas lamps and eerie alleyways
- Great storytelling and atmospheric photo ops
- Optional: choose architecture-focused ghost tours for home design lovers
Visit the Presbytère Museum
- Part of the Louisiana State Museum complex
- Exhibits on Hurricane Katrina and Mardi Gras history
- Beautiful historic building with French Colonial elements
- Indoor option ideal for rainy afternoons
Sunset Stroll on the Moonwalk Riverfront
- Walk along the Mississippi River with views of steamboats
- Best enjoyed at golden hour with a café au lait in hand
- Benches, live musicians, and views of the Crescent City Connection
- Romantic way to end your day in the Quarter
Detailed Content Expansion
Stroll Royal Street for Art, Antiques & Architecture
Royal Street may be less wild than Bourbon, but it’s full of timeless charm. Lined with art galleries, antique stores, and beautifully restored buildings, it’s the go-to spot for those who love history, design, and a quieter, more elegant side of New Orleans.
Start your walk near the intersection of Royal and St. Peter and head toward Esplanade. On the way, stop into M.S. Rau, a fine art and antique gallery known for its museum-worthy pieces. Across the street, Angela King Gallery showcases bold works from Southern contemporary artists.
What really sets Royal Street apart, though, is the atmosphere. You’ll see gas lanterns flickering during the day, iron balconies dripping with greenery, and street performers playing jazz violin beside 18th-century doors. The architectural mix—French, Spanish, Creole—makes every block a masterclass in New Orleans design.
| Stop | What You’ll Find |
|---|---|
| M.S. Rau | Museum-quality antiques and fine art |
| Angela King Gallery | Local contemporary artists |
| Historic Homes | French & Spanish Colonial architectural gems |
Whether you’re seeking a vintage map, a dreamy photograph, or decor ideas to bring home, Royal Street offers a peaceful, inspiring place to wander and collect memories.
Take a Courtyard Garden Tour
Beyond the wrought-iron gates and pastel shutters of the French Quarter lie some of the city’s most beautiful secrets—its hidden courtyards. These private garden oases are where tropical plants, cast-iron fountains, and climbing vines thrive in the dappled sunlight.
While many courtyards are part of private residences or historic hotels, several tours give you exclusive access. Look for seasonal walking tours hosted by preservation societies or visit iconic courtyards at spots like The Historic New Orleans Collection or Hotel Monteleone.
Design lovers will find endless inspiration in these serene spaces. From Spanish-style terracotta tiles to overgrown trellises and softly trickling fountains, the textures and color palettes blend tropical and antique with effortless elegance.
| Courtyard Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Wrought-Iron Features | Decorative gates, trellises, railings |
| Lush Planting | Ferns, palms, citrus, flowering vines |
| Fountains & Statues | Spanish-style, often weathered and mossy |
A courtyard tour is a welcome pause from the city’s buzz—a breath of cool air filled with jasmine and the murmur of old-world elegance.
Conclusion
The French Quarter isn’t just a destination—it’s an immersive experience full of layered charm, sensory delights, and architectural romance. Whether you’re admiring art on Royal Street, discovering tucked-away courtyards, or enjoying a beignet under oak trees, every moment here feels intentional and steeped in story. For travelers who appreciate design, detail, and cozy cultural touchpoints, this New Orleans neighborhood delivers a treasure trove of inspiration. With the right blend of planning and wandering, you’ll leave the French Quarter not just with souvenirs, but with stories worth styling your next home around.