How to experience the French Quarter of New Orleans

The French Quarter in New Orleans, also known as the Vieux Carré, has been the site of commerce, arts, culture, and entertainment for more than 200 years, and has been referred to as the most exciting and vibrant area of the city. From its vibrant music, vibrant art scene, delectable cuisine, and exciting nightlife, there are plenty of ways to explore the cultural melting pot of this historic part of town.

Often considered the heart of the city and home to many famous spots such as Café Du Monde and Jackson Square, taking some time to explore the French Quarter can truly be an experience unlike any other. Whether you’re looking for music, food, art, or all three, here’s our guide to experiencing the French Quarter of New Orleans.

Music

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the French Quarter is the amazing music emanating from all corners of the area. Music and culture have gone hand-in-hand for centuries in this part of town, and the live performances that have become synonymous with the area are plentiful.

Check out Royal Street – Royal Street has some of the best live music in the entire city, so start your musical journey here. While walking around the Quarter you’ll hear top notch jazz, blues, and more dotting the streets. Try and time your visit for one of the Royal Street Stages series concerts where you’ll get to revel in some high quality NOLA jams with a big crowd.

Head to Preservation Hall – A New Orleans staple since 1961, Preservation Hall is well known for celebrating New Orleans musical traditions. While it may not be the kind of place you can dance the night away in (it’s quite small!), watching the talented musicians in this cozy venue definitely provides something special that you won’t get anywhere else in town.

Stroll to Frenchman Street – Frenchman Street is one of New Orleans’s iconic music venues and home to some of the hottest clubs in town. This is where you’ll get to dance away the night (or day) to some of the best jazz, funk, and other genres out there. Clubs like Spotted Cat Music Club, Three Muses, and The Apple Barrel are sure to give you an experience like no other!

Food

Of course, one of New Orleans’s main attractions is its food. From classic Creole dishes to contemporary cuisine from around the world, there are so many delicious dishes to try!

Start at Café du Monde – The most iconic café in town, Café du Monde is well known for its indulgent beignets, which are square-shaped pastries served with a tonne of icing sugar on top. You’ll even get a cup of their signature chicory coffee (known as Café au Lait) to enjoy while you eat your beignets! This iconic café is popular even amongst locals, so make sure you get there as early as possible!

Grab some Gumbo at Gumbo Shop – Before leaving town make sure you stop into Gumbo Shop for some classic Gumbo (a thick stew commonly made with shellfish or chicken). This delicious dish is essential for tasting true Cajun and Creole cuisine in New Orleans and Gumbo Shop does it justice!

Grab a Po Boy – A po boy is another classic sandwich dish unique to New Orleans that you simply can’t miss! Stop into Domilise’s Po-Boy & Bar or Parkway Bakery & Tavern to try different versions of this decadent sandwich filled with seafood or fried meat.

Art

From small galleries to larger museums, the French Quarter is a hub for art lovers everywhere. Whether you have a passion for fine art or are just looking for inspiration, there are plenty of places in town to admire beautiful displays of creativity.

Walk around Jackson Square – Jackson Square is an iconic spot near the center of New Orleans that is full of art galleries and street performers. Most of the galleries here will have an eclectic mix of modern art, photographs and folk art from independent artists from all over who come to show off their work here. There are also plenty of street performers here on any given day that bring gorgeous music, poetry and spoken word to liven up the atmosphere.

Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art or NOMA – The NOMA is a classic museum located on the edge of City Park where you can take in some beautiful classic French artwork including post-impressionist paintings as well as displays from antiquities throughout history. With daily tours taking place all around the galleries, you’re sure to learn something new or find inspiration in something you see here!

Nightlife

The French Quarter never truly sleeps when it comes to nightlife – it only gets busier! With plenty of classic bars and clubs found around town as well as unique outdoor spots such as Frenchman Street and Pirate’s Alley, partying in this part of town will never disappoint.

Head over to Frenchman Street – As mentioned earlier in this guide, Frenchman Street is home to many clubs featuring some fantastic music and dancing. Whether you want to experience a traditional New Orleans jam session at Three Muses or just cozy up with a cocktail at one of the corner bars; this diverse street provides something for everyone when it comes to nightlife.

Check out Pirate’s Alley – Pirate’s Alley isn’t just a memorable spot full of historic buildings; it’s also home to some great nightlife spots which tend to stay open late into the night. Whether you want an evening out listening to live music or just people watching over a few drinks; Pirate’s Alley has something for everyone in search of great entertainment!

In conclusion, the French Quarter of New Orleans is truly an experience unlike any other. The vibrant music scene ranging from traditional jazz styles to contemporary funk bands; the delicious cuisine served in traditional haunts such as Café Du Monde; and the unique culture embodied by galleries and nightlife venues create something truly special that has become synonyms with this incredible part of town. So if you’re looking to have a good time in NOLA this weekend make sure you don’t miss out on all that The French Quarter has to offer!