What is Frenchmen Street? The music-filled street in New Orleans that you must visit

Frenchmen Street is a bustling stretch of road in New Orleans’ 7th ward whose nightlife is bursting with life. It’s been a mainstay for quality jazz, funk and blues music experiences in the area since the early 19th century.For locals and visitors alike the street provides a unique opportunity to experience New Orleans’ musical soul up close. From traditional local brass bands playing on the balconies to some of the most progressive contemporary jazz groups performing inside the clubs and venues – there is a lot to explore on Frenchmen Street regardless of taste in music.The street is a major and very active tourist attraction, but unlike other tourist locations in the city – it is still very much rooted in its local culture and music scene. This makes a visit to any of the venues along the street a must-do on any trip to New Orleans.

What to expect on Frenchmen Street

Frenchmen Street is located just off 12th Street, close to the intersection of Rampart Street and Esplanade – very close in proximity to the French Quarter. It is a local favorite for bar hopping and locals often refer to it simply as “The Street”. Visitors should expect an eclectic mix of establishments – from traditional funk and jazz venues, to open air bars and more modern dance music spots. Of course, the streets namesake Frenchmen Street also provides its own unique take on music – mostly French pop, Creole and zydeco (an accordion-based type of music that originated in Louisiana).At night, Frenchmen Street is alive with activity. Locals and tourists come together to enjoy live bands, drink specialty cocktails, mingle over drinks, and dive into the unique culture of New Orleans. The street traditionally has a festive atmosphere that lasts late into the night.

The History of Frenchmen Street

Frenchmen Street has been an important part of the cultural life of New Orleans since the early 19th century, when it was known as “Rue des Arts”, or Art Street. During this time, it served as a hub for popular cultural activities such as parades and festivals, as it was lined with shops selling unique artwork and souvenirs. In later years, music started to gain traction on Frenchmen Street. Local jazz and funk bands set up shop outside and started playing live music in a bid to attract customers. This led to more establishments that focused on music, such as small bars and venues, dotted up and down the street. These days, some of the most acclaimed jazz artists come together on Frenchmen Street to play their original tunes. Down the years, Frenchmen Street has also acted as a haven for experimentation – jazz clubs hosting emerging hip-hop acts space share with venues that offer zydeco music and traditional New Orleans brass bands. The area has continued to evolve over time and innovative acts from all genres frequently come to find their home on “The Street”.

The Must Visit Locations on Frenchmen Street

With so many unique places to see on Frenchmen Streets here’s a rundown of some of the must-visit locations for visitors coming to explore:

• Three Muses – Three Muses is a casual restaurant and live music venue offering an intimate setting with an extensive menu that adds a twist on traditional New Orleans cuisine. With frequent live jazz and blues performances by local musicians this really is one of the premier locations for seeking out some quality music on Frenchmen Street.
• Maison – Maison offers more modern takes on traditional New Orleans music as well as hosting smaller independent events showcasing acts like Manchester Orchestra and Titus Andronicus.
• Maple Leaf Bar – Maple Leaf is an iconic live music venue that has certainly earned its place among New Orleans’ top attractions; opened since 1976, Maple Leaf has hosted incredible live music acts such as Dr John, Irma Thomas and The Radiators.
• F&Q Pub – F&Q Pub is a perfect venue for visitors seeking out a bit more nightlife – as F&Q stands for Food & Quench (by quench they mean beer, whiskey and cocktails!), this corner bar offers a relaxed atmosphere that often features live local acts late into the night.
• Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro – This is another premier location for checking out top quality jazz performances. It opened up has been going strong as a live jazz venue since 1983.

These are just some of the many locations that visitors can easily explore while visiting Frenchmen Street. With its development being rooted in its local culture and character there is always something new and exciting to experience around the area.

What Makes Frenchmen Street Unique?

Frenchmen Street is unique for many reasons but its eclectic mix of venues have arguably established it as one of the top tourist hotspots in New Orleans. Visitors can experience both contemporary and classic New Orleans music mixed in with live bands every night offering something for everyone. The vibrant nightlife that is present along Frenchmen Street lends itself particularly well to tourists as there are many great locations packed side by side so you can easily visit multiple venues within one night without having to travel too far distances. Additionally, the traditional feel held by many venues on the street makes it more attractive to first time visitors who can easily enter their surroundings without feeling overwhelmed by too much modernity brought by newer establishments that are overpopularized around other tourist attractions we find in cities around the globe.

Conclusion – What You Should Do On A Night Out At Frenchmen Street

A visit to Frenchmen Street will likely ensure visitors have an unforgettable experience within their price tag. As mentioned before, visitors can easily take advantage of the diversity available around Frenchmen Street as many different genres of music are represented on this street alone. It goes without saying that visitors should seek out venues with live music performances – although some locals do recommend seeking out underground events that are usually hosted in new emerging venues that open along Frenchmen Streets – these are usually filled by locals and usually provide amazing experiences at an affordable price tag; art galleries are also recommended to explore in between bar hopping during one night out on Frenchman Street! Overall, a visit to Frenchman Street provides an easily accessible opportunity to dive into authentic experiences of contemporary culture in New Orleans without having to wander off too far from any points most likely marked off in any tourist itinerary (or map!). As mentioned before, locals freely refer to it as “The Street” – no explanation needed for why Frenchmen Street serves as yet another testament to the uniqueness of New Orleans culture through its strong connection with music and arts!