The French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana

Home to shops, museums, churches, hotels, and a plethora of notable buildings, New Orleans’ French Quarter is certainly the most famous neighborhood in this lively Southern city. Known to the French for centuries as Vieux Carre, the French Quarter is rich in history and ripe with wonderful architecture, earning it a place on the National Register of Historic Places. And, thankfully, due to its higher elevation, it didn’t suffer terribly during the wrath of Hurricane Katrina though there was indeed some damage.

Known to many locals as simply “The Quarter”, this neighborhood has a somewhat deceiving name. Though it was originally settled by the French and once included a ton of French-inspired buildings, most of what visitors now see in the French Quarter is Spanish-style architecture. Much of the original French Quarter burned down in the late 1700s and its wonderful French Colonial buildings were consumed by two different fires. What went up in their place were buildings that were built by the Spanish during Spain’s occupation of New Orleans. Many popular Spanish touches are found in the most notable structures in the neighborhood including the French Quarter’s famous iron railings.

Nonetheless, the French Quarter is a joy to explore and there’s so much to see that tourists usually need to spend more than one day wandering through this area, which measures about 78 square blocks. Start by visiting some of the beautiful buildings here which include the Town Hall, known as the “Cabildo” and the Presbytere, which is similar in style and built to compliment the town hall. The Cabildo is quite historic because was the site of The Louisiana Purchase.

Also of note is the St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest continually active Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States. Completed in 1794 with further additions and renovations in the 19^th century, this Renaissance/Spanish Colonial ecclesiastic structure overlooks attractive Jackson Square and was originally built in homage to St. Louis, King of France from 1226 to 1270.

Visitors should be sure to also make a stop at The French Market. The oldest continuously operating market of its kind in the nation, this market has sat at the same location since 1791. Today, it includes dozens of stalls that offer everything from standard farmer’s market fare like fruit, vegetables, meat, and poultry to crafts, fine art, clothing, candles, gifts, and much more.

Family-friendly fare in The French Quarter includes the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, which has an impressive collection of sea life from around the planet, including an award-winning shark collection, which is among the largest in the world.

Another popular attraction is the Musee Conti Wax Museum, which tells the story of New Orleans through the use of a series of vignettes that feature realistic wax figures of some of the most important characters in the city’s history.  For a slightly more macabre experience, head to the New Orleans Voodoo Museum, where you can gather accurate information about voodoo practices and how this religion played a part in the development of New Orleans.

If you want to stay in the thick of all the action, you’ll find a ton of hotels and B&Bs located within the French Quarter, ranging from luxury chain hotels set in historic buildings, to independently-owned gems and less expensive offerings.

Shops in the French Quarter:

 

Kites, Tails, and Toys

Southern Candymakers

 

Restaurants in the French Quarter:

 

Landry's Seafood House

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