Jackson Square
Jackson Square
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksHistoric Walking Areas
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.
    Free entry
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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
  • hbhakh
    Roanoke, Virginia2,279 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice spot
    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.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 9 October 2023
  • Mrs. Romence
    Grand Rapids, Michigan152 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful 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 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 11 November 2023
  • 2berries
    Lake George, New York283 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Kind of a city center
    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
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 20 November 2023
  • CharlieinTexas
    Austin, Texas5,146 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great 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 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 3 January 2024
  • Shey
    36 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful but crowded
    The 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 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 28 January 2024
  • Dawna P
    Long Island City, New York33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must stop in New Orleans
    This 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 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 1 March 2024
  • Angela C
    238 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Don'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 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 2 March 2024
  • 83lovetotravel
    566 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great hangout place
    Great 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 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 11 March 2024
  • Heather
    Las Vegas, Nevada1,330 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must see
    Jackson 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 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 17 March 2024
  • Michael O
    Lichfield, United Kingdom809 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great square with a great atmosphere
    This 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 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 2 April 2024
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles16,403 reviews
Excellent
10,083
Very good
5,055
Average
1,097
Poor
124
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44

Sheryl G
Saint Paul, MN34 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
3.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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
3.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.

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JACKSON SQUARE (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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