Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in French Quarter

"One of the best examples of French architecture in the country, this triple-spired 18th-century cathedral is dedicated to Louis IX, the French king sainted in 1297. It's an attractive bit of Gallic heritage in the heart of an American city. In addition to hosting black, white and Creole Catholic congregants, St Louis has also attracted those who, in the best New Orleanian tradition, mix their influences, such as voodoo queen Marie Laveau."

"If you’re up for waking up early, Jackson Square, featuring the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral in the background, is about as Instagrammable as you can get. This area gets crowded later in the day though, so if you want the perfect shot with no people in it, you have to go early. Either way though, it’s a fantastic shot for your ‘gram."

"Some key points to check out in this small zone are: the artists along the street at Jackson Square, St Lous Cathedral (you can’t miss it), New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo, and shopping for antiques on Royal Street. Of course, Bourbon street is here too and always popping even in the daytime."

"Jackson Square is the main square in the heart of the French Quarter, originally known as Place d'Armes. In the center of the square, surrounded by trees and greenery, is an equestrian statue (1856) of General Andrew Jackson. Standing prominently at one end of the square is the landmark St. Louis Cathedral, with its white façade and cone shaped spires."

"Initially laid out with the rest of the old French Quarter, Jackson Square sits in front of the St. Louis Cathedral. Also called the Place d’Armes, it is the oldest space in the city. Trees and walkways were added to it in the 1830s and the equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson was added in 1856."

"You might be wondering why I haven’t mentioned the iconic French Quarter jazz venue, Preservation Hall. It’s absolutely possible to see a show here (40ish minutes) and then head to Frenchmen Street. Depending on the night of the week, prepare to wait in line for up to an hour and remember with no food, drink (BYOB), or AC and the likelihood of standing during the performance, this venue isn’t right for everyone."

"Preservation Hall is a famous Jazz venue that dates back to the 1950s. It is located on St. Peter just south of Bourbon Street. Its grungy exterior and unique doors are instantly recognizable, as you can see in the image below from Spencer Horsman of Illusions Magic Bar."

"Looking for things to do in downtown New Orleans pertaining to jazz and other musical wonders?. Preservation Hall is an amazing option!. As a traditional venue for jazz performances, it’s earned a reputation for being a favorite in New Orleans."

"Few places capture the essence of New Orleans like the Napoleon House: A 200 year old landmark that’s as casual and unique as its French Quarter surroundings. Owned and operated by the Impastato family since 1914 and Ralph Brennan since May of 2015, it’s a place that suspends you in time."

"One of the oldest bars in New Orleans is the famous Napoleon House. This historic building dates back over 200 years. Back in those days, then-mayor Nicholas Girod was living here."

"They also have tons of other amazing cocktails including Pim’s Cup, French 75, and their mixologist’s seasonal specials. Having a drink here is an experience."

"This is also where you can have a famous Café du Monde beignet covered in powdered sugar, have your tarot cards read at Hex, get a taste of voodoo culture at Voodoo Authentica, and shop for jewelry, clothing, and antiques all throughout the neighborhood. The Pharmacy Museum has quite an interesting tour – don’t let the name fool you!. It’s all about old school remedies and how they evolved through history, with a local twist."

"Of all the cemeteries in New Orleans, Lafayette exudes the strongest sense of subtropical Southern Gothic. The stark contrast of moldering crypts and gentle decay with the forceful fertility of the fecund greenery is incredibly jarring. It’s a place filled with stories – of German and Irish immigrants, deaths by yellow fever, social societies doing right by their dead – that pulls the living into New Orleans’ long, troubled past."

"I chose to do a tour of the Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery. It was fascinating to learn more about the history and symbolism behind the impressive mansions and decorated headstones and mausoleums. If you’d rather wander on your own, then check out this self-guided tour so you know what you’re looking at!"

"Tours run twice every evening (5pm and 8pm) and include visits to the Lalaurie Mansion (where American Horror Story Coven was filmed), LaFitte’s Blacksmith Shop, and more. Our guide had plenty of creepy tales to share and clearly believed a lot of the ghost stories herself, which made it all the more fun. Our tour group was a little on the larger side, but otherwise, the experience was entertaining."

"Wander down to Governor Nicholls Street to see Lalaurie Mansion, once the home of actor Nicholas Cage, and one of the homes used for American Horror Story Coven. There are also other fancy homes like the New Orleans home of Angelina Jolie down this beautiful street."

"This thoroughfare is one of a few streets like Laurel Street and Tchoupitoulas Street that curves with the course of the Mississippi through Uptown and the Garden District between Audubon Park in the west and the Central Business District to the east. Most likely named after an 18th-century ammunition magazine, this is a shopping artery but with a refreshing lack of chain stores. What you get along these six miles is sudden knots of art studios, restaurants, bakeries, po’ boy joints, bars, cafes and one-off shops for fashion, antique furniture, jewellery, cosmetics, books, homewares, decorations and the like."

"Magazine Street is a great place to grab a meal (we loved the Red Dog Diner) and then duck into some shops to check out Mardi Gras costumes, eccentric souvenirs, antiques, and more! Spend the evening on a ghost tour."

"Magazine street is a long street full inquisitive and interesting shops. Taking a walk through this enchanting street, will prepare you for a pleasant surprise."

"A vegetarian poke bowl includes tofu over brown rice or spring greens and toppings choices including avocado, edamame, seaweed salad, mango, ginger, cilantro, onion, wasabi aioli, tamari, sesame and chili paste."

"7724 Maple St., (504) 518-6735; www.facebook.com/catalinosllc. Kak’ik is Guatemalan turkey stew made with tomatoes, onions and cinnamon served with corn tortillas and rice."

"When District landed on Magazine Street, its easily Instagrammable donuts were an instant hit. But don’t let that fool you: The perfect sliders and coffee are also worth the stop, so it’s easy to make a full meal out of your trip no matter what time you stop. They’re best known for their rotating cast of 200+ fanciful flavor combinations, with options like a maple-bacon-Sriracha donut topped with candied thyme, king cake and even cannoli."

"Over in the Garden District, check out District Donuts Sliders Brew, which has earned 4.5 stars out of 1,756 reviews on Yelp. You can find the spot to score coffee and tea, doughnuts and burgers at 2209 Magazine St. This story was created automatically using local business data, then reviewed and augmented by an editor."

"Whether you crave a sugar rush or savory treat, this cool spot on Magazine Street has you covered. The dishes at this New Orleans cheap eats superstar include donuts, sliders, and beer. Locally sourced ingredients are the focus and the spirit is always fun and lively."

"Port Orleans Brewing Co. focuses on having the highest standard of quality and creating the finest selection of craft beers with consistent taste. Flagship brews include the Riverfront Lager (a moderately sweet golden lager with a peach nose, a soft malty character and a crisp finish), the Kennerbrau Kolsch (a slightly fruity German-style ale with a light toasted wheat flavor) and the Bucktown Brown Ale (a smooth ale with hints of caramel, chocolate and coffee). The brewery offers seasonal and a rotating selection of beers on tap."

"One of Port Orleans’ investors/owners is former New Orleans Saint Zach Strief, and the Saints love is everlasting — witness beers like Sean Payton blonde ale and the recently released Gl37son IPA (a portion of the profits go to the care (and adventures) or people with ALS, like Steve Gleason.) But it’s not a sports brewery. It’s a brewery that takes pride in a beer well made, and the importance of enjoying those beers with friends and over food."

"The plates are made to pair with the beers at Port Orleans Brewing’s casual taproom & adjoining brewery. Additionally, they’re just a few blocks down from NOLA’s taproom. During my visit, there were 15 beers on tap, ranging from classic lagers to boozy and complex bourbon barrel-aged brews."

"Atelier Vie is a craft distillery that produces a hefty lineup of spirits including Euphrosine Gin #9 Bottled in Bond; a standard version of Euphrosine; and a nine-month, barrel-aged version called Barrel-Finished Reserve. The Atelier Vie lineup also includes Louisiana Single Malt; Riz, a Louisiana rice whiskey; Calio Rum and Barrel Aged Calio Rum; Orphan Street Brandy and Orphan Street Brandy “El Jefe” Edition; Toulouse Green, a traditional-style absinthe distilled with Louisiana wormwood; and Toulouse Red, an American absinthe colored red with hibiscus. Atelier Vie also bottles Buck 25 Vodka and Orphan Street Bourbon."

"Founded in 2011, Atelier Vie produces vodka, gin, whiskey and even absinthe, from its South Broad Street location in Mid-City New Orleans.Atelier Vie’s two varieties of absinthe include the traditional green absinthe and a red version colored and flavored with hibiscus flowers. Try: Louisiana Single Malt Whiskey, Calio Rum, Orphan Street Brandy, and Euphrosine Gin, which took the Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition."