Top 10 Things To Do, Activities 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."

"In the 1960s a big chunk of the Tremé neighbourhood, across Rampart Street from the French Quarter, was razed to make way for the 32-acre Louis Armstrong Park. Tremé had a crucial role in the development of African American music, and Congo Square, preserved in the park, was its epicentre. Slaves were given the day off on Sundays from 1724, and from 1817 until the 1850s this space was a gathering point where a multitude of African dances and musical styles collided with European genres and instrumentation."

"New Orleans, Louisiana, isn’t particularly known for being lush with greenery. That’s probably why Louis Armstrong Park is one of the top green tourist attractions that New Orleans has to offer. It’s close to the teeming French Quarter so isn’t far displaced from the cultural aspects of the city, and with a huge 32-acre space, it’s often become the home of events and festivals."

"Armstrong Park’s stunning archway welcomes visitors from the edge of the French Quarter. It’s an eye-catching sight that is hard to miss. But a grand entrance suits the park’s gorgeous grounds and rich history."

"The St. Louis Cemetery was founded in 1789 and is the oldest burial ground of New Orleans’ most illustrious residents. There, you’ll find the gravesite of Voodoo queen Marie Laveau, as well as actor Nicolas Cage’s future tomb. Book with Save Our Cemeteries to have an up close and personal look at an array of wall vaults and tombs just steps from the French Quarter—and don’t forget the sunscreen."

"I recommend Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1 to see the tomb of Marie Laveau, a famous mixed race Voodoo priestess. Though other cemeteries are free to explore, to see this one you’ll need to take a walking tour offered Monday through Saturday at 10am, 11:30am and 1pm, and Sunday at 10am."

"If you’re looking for unique stuff to do in New Orleans, then definitely consider dropping by St. Louis Cemetery No. 1."

"Following lunch we decided to head out of town and explore another unit of the Jean Lafitte NHP, Chalmette Battlefield, home of the Battle of New Orleans. Like most battlefields, you won’t find much other than a large open field but it is still an interesting stop. You should watch the short film at the Visitor Center to get an overview of the battle."

"For something a bit more lively, head to Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Located within the French Quarter, Bourbon Street is the place you want to head to when the sun goes down and the lights come on, as the colourful lights entice you to come inside on of the bars that line the streets for a drink or two. Honestly, it’s a total assault on the senses, which initially took me back."

"Take your pick for nightlife: Bourbon Street or Frenchmen Street. New Orleans is famous for its nightlife, and no New Orleans itinerary would be complete without including it: this isn’t a place to call it quits and head back to the hotel after dinner."

"Whether it's late night in the Quarter or it's noon and you're still in the mood for breakfast, Clover Grill always delivers. Perched on the corner of Bourbon and Dumaine and usually open 24 hours a day for the last 81 years, this little diner is a quintessential NOLA spot. "We love to fry and it shows" is the motto, so don't be surprised if there's a little grease on your spoon."

"For over 60 years this coffee shop has been feeding revelers from the nearby clubs and bars. Breakfast is served round-the-clock in case you sleep through the more conventional serving hours. If you are more in the mood for dinner food, try a burger – Clover Grill grills them up great!"

"Clover Grill is a classic greasy spoon that's generally chock-full of stereotypical Bourbon Street denizens. It's noisy and service is brusque, but that's part of the charm. Nothing on the menu will change your life, but it does the trick."

"1122 Decatur St., Suite 1, (504) 566-6003; www.bellesdinerneworleans.com. An avocado BLT includes a fried egg on sourdough bread. Reservations accepted for large parties."

"Pontchartrain Hotel, 2031 St. Charles Ave., (504) 323-1455; www.silverwhistlecafe.com. A pimiento cheese omelet is served with hash browns and hollandaise."

"In City Park twirling amongst the Spanish Moss Though all of the above are fantastic options for your New Orleans itinerary, here are a few more:"

"Founded in 1854, this 1,300-acre expanse of moss-draped oaks and 11 miles of gentle lagoons is just 2 miles from the French Quarter,…"

"A scenic ride through Uptown on the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line takes you right to the park’s entrance. Stunning oak trees draped with Spanish moss, tranquil lagoons, and sprawling green lawns can be found in every corner of the park, along with exciting attractions like the Audubon Trail Golf Course and Audubon Zoo. This natural space dates back to 1898, and its beautiful landscape draws visitors and locals alike."

"Formerly the plantation of Etienne de Boré, the father of the granulated-sugar industry in Louisiana, this large, lush patch of greenery…"

"Long before lines were forming down the street for Chinese grub at Dian Xin, chef Doug Crowell took a serious leap of faith by opening a little dumpling and noodle joint, appropriately named Bao and Noodle, in the Marigny. It was only 2014, but it seems like the dark ages. A time where Chinese food in New Orleans felt like a vast wasteland of Americanized take out joints frequented by the lovers of gloopy, sweet, bastardized versions of Asian fare."

"Whether you’re in the mood for Scallion Pancakes, sweet Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste, or Yellow Curry, Mock Duck and Mung Bean Bao, there are always vegan options at this Chinese restaurant."

"Adventurous eaters love this Metairie hot spot for its exotic Chinese menu offerings. If bean curd skin, tripe with special sauce, and fried pork intestines aren’t your jam, crispy duck, orange beef and other traditional dishes more than suffice. Daily lunch specials are cheap and good."

"China Rose was my introduction to the New Orleans soup dumpling. A chef friend told me about it, and it felt like Fight Club. The first rule of dumpling club is to not talk about dumpling club."