Become a Virtual Tourist Member Today!  Sign Up for Free | Sign In
French Quarter, New Orleans
Search:

New Orleans Hotels

Real reviews from real travelers.

French Quarter, New Orleans

Illuminata I by Frederick Hart - New Orleans
Illuminata I by Frederick Hart
by VeronicaG
French Quarter tips and photos posted by real travelers and New Orleans locals.

90 blocks
• 65 Photos
• 48 Reviews

See all New Orleans Things To Do
Sort By:  Most Recent | Best Rated
French Quarter: The heart of New Orleans, the French Quarter
  • Tip Rating:
  • melissa_bel
  • Updated By melissa_bel on August 16, 2004
  • New Orleans Page by melissa_bel
  • Bourbon Street in the morning is very quiet.. - New Orleans
    Bourbon Street in the morning
    is very quiet..
    by melissa_bel
    One of the most charming (but also wildest) area in the US is located in the heart of New Orleans: "the French Quarter" also known in French as "le Vieux Carre", tthe old square (as in square shapped), a rectangular area neighbourhood that has Bourbon Street as a main axis. This landmark of New Orleans has architecture you’ll find nowhere else in the country with its little houses ornated with iron balconies, patios, hidden courtyards… Funny detail… it should really be called the "Spanish Quarter" because the city was almost completely destroyed by 2 fires in 1788 and 1794 when it was under Spanish rule. The Governor, Don Francisco Luis Hector, had it rebuilt in Spanish style and most of the buildings in the French Quarter were built at that time. Since its creation, New Orleans had a reputation of being a very tolerant city… maybe a little much for certains and you can witness it during Mardi Gras but also, every night on Bourbon Street. So… you’ve been warned. If seeing young ladies take off their shirts and bras so they can get a plastic beads from unknown guys who are having a drink on one of the balconies… if feeling like you're in a live edition of "Girls Gone Wild" is not your cup of tea, try to avoid the area during the night and especially the week-end. I think you can put that on account of the “Hurricane” the local cocktai, that you can recognize easily thanks to its red colour and it should be served in a glass that vaguely looks like a giant champagne flute.

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful

    Visiting New Orleans?

    Read reviews about New Orleans Hotels

    Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

    French Quarter: French Quarter Architecture by Daylight
  • Tip Rating:
  • atufft
  • Updated By atufft on January 13, 2006
  • New Orleans Page by atufft
  • View along Bourbon toward CBD - New Orleans
    View along Bourbon toward CBD
    by atufft, 4 more photos
    The narrow streets and cramped buildings can make photography difficult, so as soon as you've had your latte and beignet, wander the streets aimlessly. A full day plus some can be spend wandering the French Quarter looking at the mostly Spanish style facades with ornate ironwork. The French Street names are on the signs, but many buildings have the Spanish occupation names as well.

    Leave a Comment

  • Directions: between Canal, Rampart, Esplanade and the Mississippi
  • Website: http://www.frenchquarter.com/
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    French Quarter: Walk The French Quarter
  • Tip Rating:
  • nomorewars
  • By nomorewars on March 30, 2009
  • New Orleans Page by nomorewars
  • French Quarter - New Orleans
    by nomorewars,
    2 more photos
    Stretching the entire length from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue, the French Quarter—the oldest & most celebrated neighborhood in New Orleans—is comprised of roughly 21 city blocks, containing an appearance that is more akin to present day Mexico than 19th century France. Even so, the French Quarter possesses a thriving atmosphere which is alive twenty-four hours a day. And though it’s the most visited tourist attraction in all of New Orleans, no trip to the city is complete without an expedition into the “Quarter.”

    The vast majority of my time in New Orleans was spent visiting the French Quarter, exploring all of the enchanting sites which hold great importance to the history of Jazz—J&M Studios, Danny Barker’s birthplace, & the Monteleone Hotel. Additionally, I was drawn to the French Quarter for its significance in America’s literary development: it was here where William Faulkner, while living in a house on Pirate’s Alley, wrote his novel ‘Soldier’s Pay.’ Moreover, the debauchery of the French Quarter—specifically Bourbon Street—mesmerized the great Truman Capote, completely consumed Tennessee Williams, & tickled the fancy of Sherwood Anderson.

    Leave a Comment

  • Directions: Between Canal, Rampart, Esplanade & the Mississippi River
  • Website: http://www.frenchquarter.com/
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    French Quarter: French Quarter
  • Tip Rating:
  • emilienoelle
  • By emilienoelle on March 31, 2004
  • New Orleans Page by emilienoelle
  • French Quarter Wall Sign - New Orleans
    French Quarter Wall Sign
    by emilienoelle
    The French Quarter is the original part of the city of New Orleans. Its buidlings are all historic and it is home to most of the city's hotels and many restaurants. It is nearly impossible to drive and park here so walking is best. Spend a day or two walking the streets and visiting the many boutiques and shops, or just sit in a cafe and watch people go by while you listen to live music.

    Leave a Comment

  • Directions: French Quarter
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    French Quarter: Art Galleries Aplenty
  • Tip Rating:
  • VeronicaG
  • Updated By VeronicaG on December 20, 2008
  • New Orleans Page by VeronicaG
  • Illuminata I by Frederick Hart - New Orleans
    Illuminata I by Frederick Hart
    by VeronicaG, 1 more photos
    As we traveled the streets of the French Quarter, two New Orleans art galleries particularly caught our eye:*The Angela King Gallery and *The Mann Gallery.

    This stunning lucite sculpture pictured at The Angela King Gallery is a piece by Frederick Hart, who also crafted a stone sculpture for the National Cathedral and a bronze sculpture for the Vietnam War Veterans Memorial--both pieces are in Washington,DC. What a multi-talented individual! We were given a thorough background on the late artist and his place in history by art consultant, Deborah Choate.

    That same afternoon, we dropped by The Mann Gallery where we spied the Impressionistic work of French artist, Luc Didier, whose oil painting, Chaussee sur la vonne a Vivonne, truly moved us (pic #2)! After being briefly schooled in his body of work, we were guided around the gallery by assistant director, Jill McGaughey.

    If you have a love of art and especially enjoy galleries, go to the website below for a list of other galleries to visit while in New Orleans.

    *The Angela King Gallery, 240 Royal St., New Orleans (504-858-1609); see Deborah Choate, executive art consultant
    *The Mann Gallery, 305 Royal St., New Orleans (504-523-2342); see Jill McGaughey, assistant director

  • Directions: 90 blocks between Canal, Rampart, Esplanade and the Mississippi
  • Website: http://www.frenchquarter.com/
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful

    Visiting New Orleans?

    Read reviews about New Orleans Hotels

    Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.

    French Quarter: Antique Shops in the French Quarter
  • Tip Rating:
  • VeronicaG
  • Updated By VeronicaG on December 8, 2008
  • New Orleans Page by VeronicaG
  • The 'Louis XV Regulateur' Clock at M S Rau's - New Orleans
    The 'Louis XV Regulateur'
    Clock at M S Rau's
    by VeronicaG,
    2 more photos
    Shop windows filled with wonderful treasures beckon visitors to come in to appreciate fine antiques in the French Quarter. Whether it's a rare King Louis the XVth regulateur clock or a one-of-a-kind crystal chandelier imported from Europe or marriage chest from the Renaissance, you'll get a kick out of visiting these merchants.

    We found several of these shops enticing:

    M S Rau, 630 Royal Street (opening pic)
    Moss Antiques, 411 Royal Street (pic #2)
    Keil's Antiques, 325 Royal Street
    Whisnant Galleries, 229 Royal Street (pic #3)

    These particular antique shops were all within walking distance of each other. Stop by to admire some truly fine antiques, but come with deep pockets!

  • Directions: 90 blocks between Canal, Rampart, Esplanade and the Mississippi
  • Website: http://www.frenchquarter.com/
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    French Quarter: People Watching in the French Quarter
  • Tip Rating:
  • jadedmuse
  • Updated By jadedmuse on August 8, 2004
  • New Orleans Page by jadedmuse
  • Typical street scene in the Quarter - New Orleans
    Typical street scene in
    the Quarter
    by jadedmuse
    In the 20 years I've been acquainted with New Orleans, I've yet to visit the French Quarter and NOT see some poor hapless idiot gripping one of those streetlamps (just like you see in the cartoon postcards), spilling his guts out onto the street.

    The weird thing about drinking in New Orleans is that the alcohol feels different - instead of throwing up and reading that as a sign that the night's over, you somehow become reborn, able to rededicate yourself to more obnoxious behavior on Round #2 toward Intoxication.

    Whether by day or night, you'll see street performers and mimes on the hustle, watch transsexuals catwalking down Bourbon to reach their area of town (past the 800 block), catch strippers in sleazy bar entrances (long mirrors are situated at the entrances so you can see them do their stuff - sometimes a single dancer is hired just to lie face down on the mirror), or simply observe your fellow visitor laying prone on the street or catching a few zzzzzzzs on a streetside curb, in presumably in between drinking sessions.

    If you're lucky, you'll even get to watch the police holding back hecklers as the Jesus Freaks quietly picket outside an establishment, condemning the revelers to an afterlife in Hell without a get-out-of-jail pass.

    Leave a Comment

  • Directions: French Quarter (Downtown)
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    French Quarter: French Quarter
  • Tip Rating:
  • tompt
  • Updated By tompt on November 22, 2003
  • New Orleans Page by tompt
  • French Quarter - New Orleans
    by tompt
    When In New Orleans you have to go to the French Quarter. It is the neighbourhood where the bars and the distinctive buildings are.
    It is also the oldest neighbourhood of New Orleans. This is where the city was born .
    The area is authentic, not a reproduction of history. Many of the buildings here date back to the 1700's. But most of the architecture is Spanish, not French. That is because the city was destroyed by a huge fire and rebuilt in when it was in spanish hands.

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    French Quarter: Royal Street
  • Tip Rating:
  • cromette
  • By cromette on September 22, 2003
  • New Orleans Page by cromette
  • Stony B. & Grampa singing the Blues - New Orleans
    Stony B. & Grampa singing the
    Blues
    by cromette
    You have to check out Royal Street.

    This is where you'll find A Court of Two Sisters Restaurant. The brunch buffet is extensive and the mimosa's in the damp morning air hit the spot. The food's not the absolute greatest, but I still can't tear myself away from this old standby. We just love it.

    The antiques along Royal are unrivaled. You'll never see anything like the collection you will find here.

    Everyday they block off the street to car traffic, and the performers come out. It's just a great way to spend the afternoon.

    One of our favorite acts frequenting Royal is Stony B. & Grampa. They have a very entertaining, gitchy show! Definitely stop and watch if you get the chance! They will keep you laughing. Stony has a raw sense of humor and a natural talent. Grampa is incredible on the harmonica! Never heard anyone like him!

    Leave a Comment

  • Directions: French Quarter
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    French Quarter: New Orleans French Quarter
  • Tip Rating:
  • spartan
  • Updated By spartan on May 30, 2003
  • New Orleans Page by spartan
  • French Quarter - New Orleans
    by spartan
    The magical name that conjures up images of history, architecture, food, drink, and fun in the minds of people throughout the world. New Orleans is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the universe. Visit and you will see why.

    It's easy to fall in love with New Orleans and be romanced by the world famous French Quarter. This 10 block square is a mosaic of colors, sounds, tastes, smells and feelings like no other place in the world. Nestled in the Mississippi River's crescent, the Quarter is a blend of old and new traditions, cultures and customs.

    Leave a Comment

    Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    More New Orleans Tips
    Overview
     
    Hotels and Accommodations
    Tips: 441 - Photos: 342
    Things To Do
    Tips: 1,138 - Photos: 1,472
    Nightlife
    Tips: 470 - Photos: 384
    Transportation
    Tips: 211 - Photos: 151
    Restaurants
    Tips: 887 - Photos: 663
    Shopping
    Tips: 150 - Photos: 139
    Off the Beaten Path
    Tips: 234 - Photos: 296
    Tourist Traps
    Tips: 108 - Photos: 57
    Warnings or Dangers
    Tips: 217 - Photos: 115
    Local Customs
    Tips: 202 - Photos: 201
    Packing Lists
    Tips: 55 - Photos: 11
    Sports Travel
    Tips: 25 - Photos: 20
    General Tips
    Tips: 428 - Photos: 379
    Flights
    Tips: 20 - Photos: 0

    Best New Orleans Travel Deals

    New Orleans Package Deals
    Save 70% Off Plus Free Room Upgrade Book French Quarter Area Today!

    New Orleans, LA Hotels
    Stay Smart in New Orleans, LA. Free Breakfast Bar & Free WIFI.

    NEW ORLEANS HOTELS
    Located At The New Orleans Airport & Mins From The Action. Book Now!

    French Quarter Hotel
    Simply relax & enjoy your travels. Official Site. No Booking Fees!

    Harrah's® New Orleans
    Award Winning Luxury Hotel & Casino Book Direct For Low Rate Guarantee.

    Sponsored Links

    More New Orleans Travel Deals

    Royal Sonesta New Orleans
    New Orleans French Quarter Hotel. Book Online Today and Save!

    New Orleans Tours
    City, Plantation, and Swamp Tours Book Online Today - Sale Prices

    New Orleans Hotel Guide
    New Orleans hotels reviewed & links to official hotel websites provided

    Sponsored Links


    New Orleans Hotels





    About VirtualTourist |  10 Great Things to Do On VirtualTourist |  Contact Us |  Press Center |  Help |  User Agreement |  Privacy Statement
    Virtual Tourist® ©1994-2009 VirtualTourist.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.