The French Market in New Orleans is a historic,5-block open-air shopping and dining district in the French Quarter established in 1791. Located near Jackson Square, it features a flea market, local craft vendors, specialty shops, cafes (including Café du Monde), and live music. It is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Often called the Crown Jewel of New Orleans, the French Quarter is one of NOLA's most historic neighborhoods. But you'll find plenty of new mixed in with the old. There's a reimagined French Market, modern boutiques and artisan cocktails mix with beloved antique stores and old restaurants.
Is it safe to walk around the French Quarter by yourself?
A Note on Safety
Don't walk alone in quiet and dark places. Stick to bright, populated areas with foot traffic. The French Quarter in particular is an enchanting place, and it's tempting to explore its nooks and alleyways, but do it only when there are other people around.
Location. The French Market stretches just inland from the Mississippi River in the section of the French Quarter downriver from Jackson Square, from the Café du Monde at the upriver end, to the flea market stalls across from the New Orleans Mint building.
The world-famous New Orleans French Market or “le marché français” was the central gathering place for the citizens of early New Orleans and has been operating pretty much continuously since 1791 -- that's 230 years of making groceries in the farmer's market and eating the best of what the city has to offer from the ...
What you NEED TO KNOW about the French Quarter New Orleans
What should I bring to a flea market?
Essential Tools and Accessories:
A toolkit can be a lifesaver for unexpected situations. Bring items like scissors, tape, zip ties, and spare parts for quick fixes. A multi-tool or Swiss Army knife can also come in handy.
✅ Cafe du Monde is cash only. ✅ Your server may ask you to settle up before you dig into your food. Prevents them from having to handle cash that's covered in powdered sugar. ✅ Be sure to walk around back, where you can see into the kitchen and watch them rolling out beignet dough and tossing it in the fryer.
A time when stock prices are declining and market sentiment is pessimistic. Generally, a bear market occurs when a broad market index falls by 20% or more over at least a two-month period.
It really depends. First, the southwest side of the French Quarter is more prone to crime than the northeast side. Bourbon Street spans the whole French Quarter but as you approach Canal Street, crime is more prevalent. The northeast end of Bourbon Street is more quiet than the opposite end toward Canal St.
While dressing up for a night on Bourbon Street or wearing a Halloween costume every day in October is perfectly acceptable, so is relaxed attire of jeans and a t-shirt. Bring comfortable shoes for strolling the narrow, winding streets of The French Quarter.
New Orleans style is relaxed and expressive, so you can have fun with your outfit. You'll see ladies out and about in breezy maxi dresses, jumpsuits, and stylish tops with jeans. For men, a button-down or polo with jeans or chinos is a good go-to.
Racial segregation in jails was required in 1920. Even in New Orleans, tolerant (if not friendly) interactions between white and African American residents all but disappeared. The Catholic Church established a segregated parish in downtown New Orleans, the Congregation of Corpus Christi.
Po' boys, jambalaya, gumbo, beignets — these dishes define New Orleans cuisine and culture to the outside world. Many also serve as part of a restaurant's identity and lore, like the gumbo z'herbes at Dooky Chase or turtle soup at Commander's Palace.
Equally as historic as it is iconic, the French Quarter is a must on any first-timers New Orleans bucket list. Beyond the world-famous Bourbon Street, the French Quarter is filled with history and charm that can't be duplicated.
Travel Costs Overview When planning your New Orleans adventure, anticipate an average daily expense of around $190. This includes meals averaging $40 per day, with a single meal at a casual dining spot around $15. Local transportation, including the iconic streetcars and occasional taxis, will cost about $45 daily.
Bourbon can be a bit “less safe” at night and during my trip it's the only place where I felt the LEAST safe since my girlfriends and I were followed a few times, but we'd just approach bouncers, security or police and hang with them for a minute.
Where should I stay in New Orleans for the first time?
For first‑time visitors, the French Quarter is often considered one of the best places to stay in New Orleans. It's centrally located, rich in history and music, and gives you easy access to iconic spots like Bourbon Street.
🇺🇸 First stop was obviously Café du Monde. I went in with really high expectations - it is Kim Kardashian's favourite dessert spot in the US after all. The beignets were warm, fluffy, and classic, but I did end up finding a version I liked even more (coming in a later post).
