Everything You Should Know About Frenchmen Street

Do you want to experience the cultural vibrancy and music of New Orleans? Frenchmen Street is the place for you! This entertainment district is full of funky jazz bars, restaurants and art galleries. But there’s much more than that — from its storied history to its free street performances, Frenchmen Street is an experience like no other. Here’s everything you need to know about Frenchmen Street.

History of Frenchmen Street

Frenchmen Street is located in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans. The street was originally part of a plantation owned by Bernard de Marigny in the early 1800s. When Marigny decided to subdivide, it was intended to be a residential area for the wealthy of New Orleans. Unfortunately, many of the homes were destroyed during a deadly yellow fever epidemic.
The street eventually came to life again in the 1960s as an art and music hub. During this time, many of the art galleries and performance theaters that line Frenchmen Street were established, and the street was considered to be an alternative arts district. This eventually led to Frenchmen Street becoming one of the city’s most famous music destinations.
Today, Frenchmen Street is a beloved entertainment district with plenty of music venues, restaurants, art galleries, and more. It’s full of vibrant street performers and some of the best jazz clubs in New Orleans.

Things To Do On Frenchmen Street

1. Attend a Concert: Concerts are one of the main reasons why people come to Frenchmen Street. There are several live music venues and jazz clubs throughout the district, such as The Spotted Cat Music Club, Maison, Blue Nile, and d.b.a., just to name a few. If you’re looking for an intimate evening with great music, this is the place for you.
2. Shop at Hip Boutiques: Frenchmen Street is known for its eclectic shops, so if you’re looking for some souvenirs or just want to browse around, this is a great place to do it. There are several stores along the street where you can find artsy apparel, vintage items, jewelry, and more. A few of the more popular boutiques are: Funky Monkey, Schiro’s Café and Gallery, and Belladonna Day Spa & Boutique.
3. Listen to Free Music: Every Wednesday evening in front of Café Negril, several bands come together for a free live show. It’s an awesome way to experience the local music scene that New Orleans is so famous for. The performances are always full of energy, so make sure to check it out — especially if you’re on a tight budget!
4. Watch Artisans at Work: If you want to get in touch with the local art scene of New Orleans, Frenchmen Street is the place to go. There are lots of galleries and studios throughout the street where you can watch artisans at work as they create their masterpieces. Stop by ateliers like Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art or Terrance Osborne Gallery and learn about their unique crafts.
5. Enjoy Some Creole Cuisine: No trip to New Orleans is complete without trying the local cuisine! On Frenchmen Street, you’ll find some excellent restaurants serving up Creole favorites like gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys, and beignets. Make sure to check out places like The Praline Connection and Finn McCool’s Irish Pub for some delicious food!

Visiting Tips for Frenchmen Street

Now that you know what awaits you at Frenchmen Street, here are a few tips on how to make the most out of your visit:
1. Timing Matters: As mentioned before, Wednesday nights are full of free live performances. But if you want to really experience the spirit and culture of the street, don’t visit on weekends when it becomes more touristy. Try going during weekday afternoons instead and you’ll find it to be much more intimate.
2. Stay Nearby: The accommodations nearby Frenchmen Street are really convenient and quite affordable too. Staying near Frenchman Street will allow you to explore the area at your own pace — even after all the restaurants and music venues have closed up for the night! The Maison Dupuy Hotel or Le Chez Marignyprom is a highly recommended choice for those looking for convenient lodgings for their New Orleans trip.
3. Go on Walking Tours: If you want to get an up-close-and-personal experience with some of the locals who frequent the street, a guided walking tour is your best bet! Take a tour with Free tours by Foot or Go-NOLA Walking Tours and get ready for an amazing day learning about the history and culture of Frenchmen Street — it’s an experience that you won’t forget!
Finally, be sure to check out real-time updates and online events happening throughout Frenchmen Street on Frenchmenstreetlive, where you can keep up with all the musical happenings in order to make sure you don’t miss out on anything!
Frenchmen Street is an absolute must-visit when you’re in New Orleans — it’s one of my favorite places to go when I’m in town! With its history-rich architecture, diverse culture, and world-class musicians putting on free shows, there truly is something for everyone here — all you have to do is stroll down this vibrant street and let all its wonders take you away!