Jackson Square
Jackson Square
4.5
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
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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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1,246 within 5 kms
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460 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Terzah HHouston, Texas146 contributionsGreat place to spend a morning or afternoonI 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 2022Written December 17, 2022
- Robyn SEnglewood, Florida152 contributionsSo Much Going OnAlways 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 2022Written December 23, 2022
- Heather A8 contributionsMissed OpportunityIt'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 2022Written December 27, 2022
- Herman02Phoenix, Arizona411 contributionsPretty parkThis 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 2023Written January 3, 2023
- lilah407Tampa, Florida75 contributionsArtists, 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 2023Written January 4, 2023
- Heidiks1New York City, New York85 contributionsMules 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 2023Written January 11, 2023
- Jen TravelsDetroit, Michigan5,726 contributionsBeautiful 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 2022Travelled with friendsWritten January 18, 2023
- Matt PGainesville, Virginia1,389 contributionsA Must... Great PhotosYou 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 2022Written January 26, 2023
- Robin BIssaquah, Washington354 contributionsMust DoA 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 2023Written January 30, 2023
- Bijal PFlower Mound, Texas38 contributionsBeautiful cathedralJackson 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 2023Written February 6, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
16,379 reviews
Excellent
10,069
Very good
5,047
Average
1,096
Poor
123
Terrible
44
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.
Kyle D
46 contributions
How much time is needed to get the Jackson square “experience “
mandolin33333
Ottawa, IL53 contributions
An hour or so. It’s wonderful
Beth S
Mobile, AL70 contributions
Closest, decent-priced parking to French Quarter during a weekday? for at least 1/2 day?
dmrogers1972@gmail.com
Hermitage, PA6 contributions
There are plenty of parking lots. If you do a bing map search for lots close to your location or you can park further out and take the trolley cars in.
loggs
Aberdeen, UK24 contributions
Visiting in January pre cruise for a day and a half, and looking for recommendations for goof family things to see and do with kids aged 13, 11 and 7.
hashemsherif
Tinton Falls, NJ56 contributions
For young people, the difference in tastes between 13 years and 17 years is large so it is difficult to give you a definite recommendation. There are many activities in the Square itself, from jugglers, palm readers, musicians, that could suit the many tastes for the wide You could visit the cathedral and the Cabildo or good get a beignet in the Café du Monde (but the long lines may deter you). You could walk along to the French Market and the Jazz museum and stop by the many stalls on the way (about half a day).
A 3 hour tour of New Orleans could give you an overview of the the history and then you can continue the visit yourself . You could also take the Saint Charles streetcar to Uptown and eat in one of the districts restaurants.
AdamMorgan85
Sittingbourne, UK153 contributions
How much are the horse and carriage rides?
BretH_13
Greenbelt, MD
It’s $20 per person for a shared ride, but $100 for a private carriage for 30 minutes. We had a group of 4 so went ahead with the private ride, and were extremely happy we did. Highly recommended!
Ashley Nguyen
Beaumont, TX10 contributions
Is there a certain time that it's open?
63mimi
147 contributions
Hi. The actual park is open 8-6 every day. Have fun 😀
Ashley Nguyen
Beaumont, TX10 contributions
Is there a certain time that it's open?
Kendu24
265 contributions
The square itself is open everyday, 8am to 7pm. Most shops and restaurants around the square are open much later.
Amanda M
Florianopolis, SC214 contributions
Olá, e sobre o reveillon na cidade, você realmente recomenda, vale a pena? Qual melhor local você indica para passar a virada, pela sua experiência: restaurante, na rua, nos barcos?
Agnes M
Brasilia, DF511 contributions
nunca passei o réveillon em Nova Orleans então não posso dizer se é bom ou ruim deve ser muito cheio com certeza e bastante animado por causa do Rio Mississipi ser tão Grande pode ser interessante assistir de algum barco mas eu não poderia te precisar já que não passei o ano novo lá.
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Claim your listingJACKSON SQUARE - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Jackson Square
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Jackson Square:
- French Quarter Haunted Excursion In New Orleans (From C$47.99)
- City Sightseeing New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (From C$63.07)
- New Orleans Like a Local: Customized Private Tour (From C$65.81)
- New Orleans Ghost ,Voodoo,& Vampire Tour W/Haunted Bldg Access (From C$41.12)
- New Orleans Food Tour (From C$60.33)
- Hotels near Jackson Square:
- (0.17 km) Place d'Armes Hotel
- (0.23 km) French Market Inn
- (0.24 km) Bourbon Orleans Hotel
- (0.31 km) Saint Philip Residence
- (0.29 km) Omni Royal Orleans
- Restaurants near Jackson Square:
- (0.11 km) Doris Metropolitan
- (0.12 km) Muriel's Jackson Square
- (0.15 km) Pirates Alley Cafe
- (0.12 km) Sylvain
- (0.10 km) Tableau
- Attractions near Jackson Square:
- (0.02 km) 1850 House Museum and Store
- (0.02 km) Ask Art Gallery
- (0.02 km) City Sightseeing
- (0.02 km) Pontalba Buildings
- (0.04 km) NOLA Sight Fishing