Jackson Square
Jackson Square
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksHistoric Walking Areas
About
This historic landmark in the French Quarter is the cultural center of the city, home to a vibrant and bustling open-air artist colony.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: French Quarter
A small and teeming network of laissez-faire living lounged out on the balmy banks of the Mighty Mississippi, the French Quarter has long been a port of call for folks in search of a good time and a great story. Perpetually inebriated Bourbon Street runs across its midriff like a strand of cheap ribbon tied around an otherwise rather pretty and impressively well-kept vintage dress. Throughout the rest of the Quarter, brightly colored Victorian homes and businesses, famously done up with wrought-iron features, provide a distinct and immediately recognizable backdrop for all varieties of fun. At any given moment in this historic riverside setting, some of America’s finest meals are being cooked, most potent cocktails are being mixed, and most engaging music is being performed.
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See what travellers are saying
  • Terzah H
    Houston, Texas146 contributions
    Great place to spend a morning or afternoon
    I went to visit the Basilica on a Tuesday morning before leaving town. The church was amazing and had a lot of history behind it. The square was beautiful but a bit small; it can be very crowded at certain times, so I would recommend early am for your visit.
    Visited October 2022
    Written December 17, 2022
  • Robyn S
    Englewood, Florida152 contributions
    So Much Going On
    Always surrounded by music, tarot readers and artists. We attended the Candlelight Christmas Caroling there and were so impressed. We also met up with our carriage there. For Christmas it was decorated so festive. We loved the area.
    Visited December 2022
    Written December 23, 2022
  • Heather A
    8 contributions
    Missed Opportunity
    It's a beautiful area and meticulously kept. However, if you don't read the plaques and don't know much about the area, you will miss out on the significance of the area. Andrew Jackson is prominently displayed, but what about the other events mentioned on the plaque? I only wish they were represented more.
    Visited December 2022
    Written December 27, 2022
  • Herman02
    Phoenix, Arizona411 contributions
    Pretty park
    This is not far off the famous Bourbon Street and well worth the walk. BEAUTIFUL small park! You can tour the church, go to the original Cafe Du Mond or get some local food to go and sit under the live oak trees. You are not that far to walk to the Mississippi River either.
    Visited January 2023
    Written January 3, 2023
  • lilah407
    Tampa, Florida75 contributions
    Artists, Musicians and Homeless, Oh My!
    The church is magnificent. The Museums are very interesting. Lots or artists and street musicians in the area, which I personally enjoy. Also a lot of homeless and folks trying to husstle you out of a buck. If they ask about where you got your shoes, just keep walking, lol.
    Visited January 2023
    Written January 4, 2023
  • Heidiks1
    New York City, New York85 contributions
    Mules with Glittering Hooves!
    Fun and festive square. You can often hear music from all different directions.... individual singers, sometimes standing atop their cars, marching bands, and various parades. We enjoy befriending the mules with the carriages..... and particularly liked meeting the one dressed up like a unicorn, and Marie with her glittery green hooves! Some of the drivers will give you treats to feed the mules, and the animals will remind you when they want another mint or granola bar. Speaking of which, who would have thought a driver would have fed their mules mints and granola bars....???
    Visited January 2023
    Written January 11, 2023
  • Jen Travels
    Detroit, Michigan5,726 contributions
    Beautiful large space for events, or sitting and relaxing.
    This is a large open area where events are held, local artisans can sell their creations, and you can take a nice leisurely stroll. It has three historical buildings next to it along the north side, St Louis Cathedral, the Presbytère, and the Cabildo. The Cathedral is important because it was named a minor basilica by Pope Paul VI, the Presbytère is important due to it being first planned for New Orleans' Roman Catholic priests, but then becoming a courthouse and finally a museum, and the Cabildo is historical due to it being the location of the final Louisiana Purchase signing. The Cathedral and Cabildo are actually rebuilds due to fire in 1789 and 1795, respectively. The square was also used as a place to publicly execute criminals and slaves during the 18th and beginning of 19th centuries. It's paved, but there is also grass to take your dog for a walk or fetch a stick. If you're meeting a friend, I'd say to pinpoint a specific area, as it can get confusing trying to find them if it gets crowded. Use St. Louis Cathedral as a meeting place, or Tableau restaurant, or the Andrew Jackson statue. There is a statue of Andrew Jackson in the middle, as the park was dedicated to him after his win in the Battle for New Orleans in 1815. The statue was dedicated February 9, 1856. At each corner is a statue that symbolizes each season of the year, apparently, according to a quick online search of the park I actually never noticed it while there.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with friends
    Written January 18, 2023
  • Matt P
    Gainesville, Virginia1,389 contributions
    A Must... Great Photos
    You must go to Jackson Square if you are in NO. It is a must... so many things to see and do around the square. It is amazing place to go. Great place to stop and chill and people watch. Go grab a horse carriage ride from here.
    Visited December 2022
    Written January 26, 2023
  • Robin B
    Issaquah, Washington354 contributions
    Must Do
    A nice spot to just sit and relax. We brought our lunch from the French Market over here and had a lovely time listening to live music and people watching while we ate. The Andrew Jackson monument is iconic and we saw many people having their pictures taken at the base. Certain areas of the square have local artwork for sale. It’s a must-visit while in New Orleans.
    Visited January 2023
    Written January 30, 2023
  • Bijal P
    Flower Mound, Texas38 contributions
    Beautiful cathedral
    Jackson square is an amazing place to venture out in that area and the Cathedral is a must. The inside of cathedral is so beautiful that have no words to describe. It was so calm and peaceful with serene music playing in background. This was one of best cathedral I have visited in US. I could spent hours sitting there. There is famous Cafe de Monde right across cathedral. Definitely would recommend anyone to explore this area. BTW - went with a friend and we had good times.
    Visited February 2023
    Written February 6, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

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george p
San Luis Obispo, CA4 contributions
Dec. 2022 • Friends
Primary reason for the visit was the World War II museum. It was well worth a trip, and the extras just made the visit more enjoyable.
Written November 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

2berries
Lake George, NY292 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
A lot going on here. Impressive architecture, diverse artists, musicians, street performers and street people. Worthwhile to spend a little time in this area. Not the highlight of our trip but interesting
Written November 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mick B
59 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Interesting place with lots of photo opportunities and live music along the street. Well kept park with some historical landmarks.
Written November 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

0207jane
Chicago, IL81 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
This is great place to sit, rest and people watch. It’s also a great place to get some amazingly cool pics.
Written November 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mrs. Romence
Grand Rapids, MI125 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Jackson square is located close to the French Quarter and the famed Cafe du Monde. It is a nice plot of land and vegetation in front of the St. Loius Cathedral, however there were homeless people, street performers, etc. that are very prevalent in the area and tend to take away from the beauty of the square. If you are visiting New Orleans for the day, then I would make sure to visit this place. If I were to come back and visit the city, I would not feel the need to visit this square again.
Written November 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jlawall
Newtown, PA5 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
We had a nice time in New Orleans. Jackson Square had a lot of outside vendors selling art and other items. It is right near the Cafe du Monde. Great times!
Written October 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Raymond F
Massena, NY93 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Cultural center of the city with many nearby restaurants, artists and art galleries as well as lots of entertainment to take in
Written October 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

hbhakh
Roanoke, VA2,144 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Jackson Square is a great, historic spot in NOLA. It's in the heart of the French Quarter and offers a respite from the bustle. It's also nice to see that the statue of Jackson remains, despite those who'd like to "cancel" him. Without Jackson, NOLA's history could be quite different.
Written October 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Eric H
Minneapolis, MN9 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Nice place to get off the street and hang out for a while. Comfortable benches an nice views of the square
Written October 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Natalie F
7 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Business
A must see! It is so beautiful and rich in history. Lots of shopping and entertainment. Can spend some time browsing around or just walking to take in the views
Written October 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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JACKSON SQUARE - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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