Jackson Square Tours

New Orleans showing heritage architecture and a statue or sculpture


This communal park inthe French Quarter has a deep-rootedconnection to local artists and musicians.

Jackson Square is ahistoric city park surrounded by original 18th-century buildings. It's still apopular gathering place for local artists and musicians. This city block-sizedsquare was designed by Frenchman Louis Pilié and modeled on Paris’ popularoutdoor common areas. Originally called Place d'Armes, it was converted into anopen-air mall in 1971 with local vendors selling food, art and crafts.

Walkaround Jackson Square today and you won’t find much evidence of its colorfulpast. Long gone are the gallows that once dispatched defiant slaves in the 18thand 19th centuries. Now you can visit shops and museums in the 19th-centuryPontalba Apartments, which line two sides of the square. On the northwest ofthe square enjoy the peaceful interior of St. LouisCathedral. It’s the oldest continuously working cathedral in theUnited States. Take in some Louisiana history at the Cabildoand Presbytère, which are part of the Louisiana State Museum and located oneither side of the cathedral.

The Jackson Square oftoday is famous for its collection of resident artists, whose works adorn thepavements and wrought iron fences. Have your portrait painted or buy acaricature from one of the 200 artists allocated a spot in the square eachyear.

Relax and watchpassers-by at nearby Café du Monde, which dates from the 1860s. This historiccafé is just across the road on Decatur Street and is famous for its café aulait and its sweet pastries, known as beignets.

Throughout the year,Jackson Square is host to a variety of festivals and exhibitions. Enjoy jazzbands and pick up some local food and gifts in the marketplace during theFrench Quarter Festival held every April. In the few days before Christmas beentertained by carolers who fill the square. This event began in 1946 andattracts thousands of visitors every year, reinforcing Jackson Square’s historyfor social gathering.

JacksonSquare is a bustling part of the French Quarter, and parking can be hard tocome by. The square is along several city bus lines.

Plan a trip to see Jackson Square

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Ramada by Wyndham Luling
WeStay Suites - Belle Chasse
The Hotel Legends

Browse tours and tickets to explore Jackson Square

Reviews of Jackson Square

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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3 - Okay
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2 - Disappointing
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Make sure to go before the square is closed!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

A great place to watch people. Unfortunately, there were a lot of homeless persons there.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice place for photos! Take a horse and carriage ride!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The hotel needs to have an old day restaurant

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Everything is close to you food bars anything to have a good time

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Beautiful and iconic visit while in NOLA!

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Jackson Square

Bourbon Orleans Hotel
Bourbon Orleans Hotel
4 out of 5
717 Orleans St., New Orleans, LA
Bourbon Orleans Hotel
Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Qtr - Astor
Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Qtr - Astor
4.5 out of 5
739 Canal Street at Bourbon, New Orleans, LA
Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Qtr - Astor
The Westin New Orleans
The Westin New Orleans
4.5 out of 5
100 Rue Iberville, New Orleans, LA
The Westin New Orleans
Dauphine Orleans Hotel
Dauphine Orleans Hotel
3.5 out of 5
415 Dauphine St., New Orleans, LA
Dauphine Orleans Hotel
Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter
Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter
4 out of 5
124 Royal St, New Orleans, LA
Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter
French Market Inn
French Market Inn
3 out of 5
509 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA
French Market Inn
Omni Royal Orleans Hotel
Omni Royal Orleans Hotel
4 out of 5
621 Saint Louis St, New Orleans, LA
Omni Royal Orleans Hotel
New Orleans Marriott
New Orleans Marriott
4 out of 5
555 Canal St, New Orleans, LA
New Orleans Marriott
Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Hyatt Regency New Orleans
4 out of 5
601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA
Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.