Jackson Square
Jackson Square
4.5
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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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Top ways to experience Jackson Square
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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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
1,486 within 3 miles
Attractions
624 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- hbhakhRoanoke, Virginia2,279 contributionsNice spotJackson 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.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 October 2023
- Mrs. RomenceGrand Rapids, Michigan152 contributionsBeautiful Location However Homeless People Galore!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.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 November 2023
- 2berriesLake George, New York283 contributionsKind of a city centerA 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 interestingVisited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 November 2023
- CharlieinTexasAustin, Texas5,146 contributionsGreat People Watching!Very cool place. Nice gardens. All kinds of shops and food surround the square. Great people watching. All kinds of artwork and artists. Lots of psychics. Also musicians, jugglers, and other types of street entertainers can spend hours at a time or just pass through. Always something to see and, of course, ready access to the waterfront or the French Quarter.Visited January 2024Travelled soloWritten 3 January 2024
- Shey36 contributionsBeautiful but crowdedThe buildings, specifically the church, are stunning and offer gorgeous architectural views. The square is beautiful, and I'd be sad if we'd missed it. However, the square is very crowded by tourists (just like us), people selling things, singing, fortune telling, street shows, and unfortunately, lots of homeless individuals as well. It's a sad fact that smacks you in the face at every literal corner. I wish New Orleans had a better plan for these people in need.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 28 January 2024
- Dawna PLong Island City, New York33 contributionsA must stop in New OrleansThis is my fourth time on New Orleans and I never get tired of Jackson Square. The street musicians are always amazing and it is fun to see all the local artists at work (especially on the weekend when all sides are full). Of course the Cafe Du Monde is a must stop in New Orleans. Pro - tip- go mid week to avoid long lines. (Or to the City Park location). It is enjoyable to go up the stairs and downs the river walk as well.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 1 March 2024
- Angela C238 contributionsDon't miss it!There is so much to see and do in the Jackson Square area. Carriage rides, Art sellers, Museums, Cathedral, souvenirs, Beignets, Mississippi river, statues, music, random weddings. Just don't miss it!Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 March 2024
- 83lovetotravel566 contributionsGreat hangout placeGreat spot to visit and explore. Find a close by parking garage and walk to this square. The famous cafe du Monde, Joan of arc statue, French market, boat rides are walkable distances from this square. Wear comfortable shoes and enjoy the live music that bands or individuals play to entertain folks. Do tip them.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 11 March 2024
- HeatherLas Vegas, Nevada1,330 contributionsA must seeJackson Square is a vibrant area with street performers and artists all displaying their talents (or lack there of) lol. At night the lamps and fog give spooky Anne Rice vibes. It's surrounded by restaurants and within walking distance to most everything in the French Quarter.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 17 March 2024
- Michael OLichfield, United Kingdom809 contributionsA great square with a great atmosphereThis square was part of the original city design renamed after Andrew Jackson who saved NO from the British in 1812. Some great places to pause at and some interesting art work on display. usually a smattering of entertainers after your money - in the nicest possible way...usually!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 April 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
16,403 reviews
Excellent
10,083
Very good
5,055
Average
1,097
Poor
124
Terrible
44
Sheryl G
Saint Paul, MN34 contributions
Feb 2020
A lovely square in the French Quarter. I could imagine what it would have been like there 300 years ago. At our visit there were fortune tellers everywhere surrounding the park; performers singing, dancing, telling stories. Lots and lots of people everywhere having a good time. It was very enjoyable.
Written 13 March 2020
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.
wendy L
Evanston, IL482 contributions
Dec 2019
When you see photos of New Orleans, this is often what is highlighted - the Cathedral, fountains and buggies out front. It is indeed a lovely, historic area on Decatur Street at the Riverfront in the French Quarter, and it is flanked by streets with wrought iron balconies, little shops, street performers and artists. It is a great location for photos, and some touristy stuff as well. It is also home to the original Cafe du Monde and crowds can be brutal on the streets around here. But it is classic NO, and worth a look if you want to say "been there, done that".
Written 4 January 2020
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.
Kathryn O
9 contributions
Aug 2020
Why would you want to hang out in a park across from Cafe du Monde, surrounded by artists, mule carts, palm readers and fronted by the glorious St. Louis Cathedral? Why wouldn't you? Sit on a bench or in the grass and just BE in the heart of the French Quarter.
Also, my baby liked chasing the birds.
Currently it seems to be closed due to COVID but we normally stop by multiple times per visit.
Also, my baby liked chasing the birds.
Currently it seems to be closed due to COVID but we normally stop by multiple times per visit.
Written 7 August 2020
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.
MICHELLE F
Bertram, TX124 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Just Beautiful! Must see. You can spend hours in this one spot. Go into St. Louis Cathedral, you will not be disappointed. The street artists are amazing weather you watch them paint, listen to them sing, or watch a majic show. Lots to do.
Written 2 February 2020
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.
Kate49002
Portage, MI12 contributions
Oct 2019
Walking through the park was pleasant but just out side of the park along the streets is where you can meet many artists of music. I was very impressed by one man who was playing a electric violin. HE WAS AMAZING! Not sure why he was not in a recording studio as he should have been. I think the park draws all kinds of people there and if you are not in a hurry to go somewhere they will tell you history about New Orleans just to have conversation and you may get lucky and be able to listen to beautiful played music.
Written 4 February 2020
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.
tisforturtles
Las Vegas, NV11 contributions
Feb 2020
Park was very beautiful and looked even more wonderful sitting in front of the Cathedral -- incredibly beautiful and well-maintained statues as well. Lots of unique street performers doing shows constantly; however the main downside to the street performers is how they hassle you for money or "donations" constantly throughout their show. Lots of homeless people are also lurking about asking for money and they try to make you feel bad if you don't give them any, so that ruins the ambiance.
Written 28 February 2020
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.
christa m
Fort Worth, TX135 contributions
Mar 2020
Jackson Square is full of life. People of all ages were enjoying magicians, artists, entertainers, and the shops and eateries. We visited St. Louis Cathedral and the Presbytere, had a cool drink and snack at Monty’s On The Square. Just a terrific place to spend time in New Orleans.
Written 18 May 2020
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.
Dale H
Orange, Australia672 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Jackson square is a great place to visit whilst in New Orleans. A beautiful park surrounded by beautiful historic buildings. During the day there are artists selling their works and at any time you can have your fortune told by any number of fortune tellers. Lots to see and do in this area.
Written 11 February 2020
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.
Aprilp2412
Oceanside, CA529 contributions
Feb 2020
I am sure if you walk around New Orleans at some point you will stumble across Jackson Square. Not the most amazing place I have ever been but still pretty cool. This is good spot to get a feel for New Orleans. There are artists making and selling their art, there are musicians, and fortune tellers. People are generally hanging out, people watching, and enjoying the atmosphere. My friends and I went to one of the fortune tellers and had received informative readings.
Written 20 March 2020
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.
shakazeke
Chicago100 contributions
Jan 2020
Jralackson Square is a beautiful part of New Orleans, including the cathedral and the park. Take one of the carriage rides that start here. The highlight for me are the street performers. They are GREAT. I could sit for hours watching the musicians, magicians, dancers, acrobats, etc.
Written 2 February 2020
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.
I am considering going on the first week of May. Would you recommend? (Not really into the party scene) going mostly for the Voodoo, Beauty and Budget. :-)
Written 22 September 2024
foodmanJackson_NJ
15,824 contributions
Where is the best store or place in Jackson Square to get the best price for bottle water and soda and snacks ( chips , pretzels... )?
Written 5 June 2024
How much time is needed to get the Jackson square “experience “
Written 17 April 2021
Closest, decent-priced parking to French Quarter during a weekday? for at least 1/2 day?
Written 11 June 2019
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.
Written 12 June 2019
There are many options: research city guide online or any travel website. Ask your hotel for suggestions. There are many tourist information spots throughout the area too. Good luck
Written 7 March 2019
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.
Written 12 December 2018
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.
Written 12 December 2018
How much are the horse and carriage rides?
Written 9 October 2018
BretH_13
Greenbelt, Maryland
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!
Written 4 January 2019
Is there a certain time that it's open?
Written 24 July 2018
Is there a certain time that it's open?
Written 24 July 2018
The square itself is open everyday, 8am to 7pm. Most shops and restaurants around the square are open much later.
Written 25 July 2018
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