Jackson Square is the heart and soul of the French Quarter in New Orleans — a vibrant, historic plaza surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic architecture, art, music, and culture. Whether you’re visiting for the history, the street performers, or the incredible photo ops, a Jackson Square Tour is a must on any NOLA itinerary. 🎷🎨🏰
📍 Where Is Jackson Square?
📍 700 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
📌 Located in the center of the French Quarter, just across from the Mississippi River and adjacent to St. Louis Cathedral.
🏛️ What You’ll See on a Jackson Square Tour
🌟 St. Louis Cathedral
- The oldest continuously active cathedral in the U.S.
- Stunning Gothic-style architecture and a must-see interior
🏛️ The Cabildo & The Presbytère (Louisiana State Museums)
- Exhibits on Louisiana history, Mardi Gras, and Hurricane Katrina
- Located on either side of the cathedral
🐴 Equestrian Statue of Andrew Jackson
- Bronze statue at the center of the square
- Honors the hero of the Battle of New Orleans
🎭 Live Artists, Musicians & Street Performers
- Local artists display and sell their work along the iron fence
- Street musicians, jazz bands, magicians, and performers line the plaza daily
🍩 Café du Monde (right across the street!)
- Famous for beignets and chicory coffee
- A perfect stop before or after your tour
🚶♂️ Tour Options
1️⃣ Self-Guided Tour
🕒 30–60 minutes
💰 Free (museum entry optional)
📱 Walk the square at your own pace, using a printed map or audio app for info on landmarks
2️⃣ Guided Walking Tours
🕒 1–2 hours
💰 ~$20–$35 per person
✅ Includes stories about:
- Colonial New Orleans
- The Louisiana Purchase
- The architecture of the square
- Ghost legends and voodoo lore
📌 Often paired with French Quarter or cemetery tours
3️⃣ Photography or Art Tours
📸 Led by local artists or photographers
🎨 Focuses on capturing the beauty and character of the square
💰 ~$30–$50 depending on the group size
📸 Best Photo Spots
- 🏰 In front of St. Louis Cathedral (especially at sunset)
- 🐎 Andrew Jackson statue with cathedral backdrop
- 🎭 Street artists along the fence
- 🎷 Musicians and jazz bands in action
- 🌴 Washington Artillery Park across Decatur St — great aerial view!
❓ Jackson Square Tour – FAQ
1️⃣ Is Jackson Square free to enter?
✅ Yes! The square and surrounding streets are open to the public year-round.
🎟️ Entry is required for museums like the Cabildo and Presbytère.
2️⃣ Are there restrooms?
🚻 Public restrooms are available nearby, including at Café du Monde (for customers) and French Market.
3️⃣ Is it family-friendly?
✅ Absolutely! Kids love the performers, open plaza, and local artists.
📸 Great for families, especially in the morning or early evening.
4️⃣ When is the best time to visit Jackson Square?
| Time of Day | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| Morning | Fewer crowds, soft light for photos |
| Afternoon | Street performers and artists in full swing |
| Evening | Sunset glow, live music, and beautiful ambiance |
📆 Best Seasons: October–April for cooler weather and festival energy
5️⃣ Are there food options nearby?
🍽️ Yes — tons!
- Café du Monde for beignets
- Muriel’s Jackson Square for upscale Creole dining
- Central Grocery (nearby) for muffulettas
- French Market for casual eats and snacks
✅ Bonus Tips
- 🎷 Bring cash for tipping performers or buying local art
- ☀️ Wear a hat and sunscreen — there’s little shade
- 📱 Download a free walking tour app or scan QR codes on-site for historical info
- 🎭 Don’t miss local legends about ghosts and voodoo in the area!
🎟 Want help booking a Jackson Square walking tour or combining it with a French Quarter or ghost tour?
Let me know! I can help you plan a perfect New Orleans day full of culture, history, food, and music in the most iconic spot in the city 🎷🏛️✨
🏛️ Jackson Square Tour – FAQ
Planning to visit Jackson Square in New Orleans? This quick FAQ has all the answers you need to enjoy a tour of this iconic, historic plaza — located in the heart of the French Quarter, surrounded by stunning architecture, culture, and street life. 🎷🎭🍩
1️⃣ What is Jackson Square?
Jackson Square is a historic park in the French Quarter, known for:
- 🏰 St. Louis Cathedral – the oldest cathedral in continuous use in the U.S.
- 🐴 Statue of Andrew Jackson – namesake of the square
- 🎨 Street artists and performers
- 🏛️ Surrounded by historic buildings like the Cabildo and Presbytère
2️⃣ Where is Jackson Square located?
📍 700 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Right in the center of the French Quarter, across from the Mississippi River and near Café du Monde.
3️⃣ Is it free to visit Jackson Square?
✅ Yes! The square is open to the public, and walking through or touring the area is free.
🎟️ Entry fees apply for nearby museums like The Cabildo or The Presbytère.
4️⃣ Do I need a tour guide to explore it?
🟡 Not required, but a guided tour adds fun facts and history.
📱 Self-guided audio tours or mobile apps are also a great option if you want to explore at your own pace.
5️⃣ What types of tours are available?
| Tour Type | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 👣 Walking Tours | Local history, architecture, and culture |
| 📸 Photography Tours | Best angles, lighting, and photo ops |
| 🎭 Ghost/Voodoo Tours | Legends of the French Quarter (includes the square) |
| 🎨 Art or Music Tours | Street performers, local artists, and jazz culture |
6️⃣ How long should I plan to spend there?
⏳ 30–60 minutes for casual strolling
⏳ 1.5–2 hours with a guided walking or photo tour
7️⃣ What is the best time to visit?
| Time of Day | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| Morning | Soft lighting, fewer crowds |
| Afternoon | Street performers and artists out in full force |
| Evening | Romantic vibe, sunset photos, live music nearby |
📆 Best season: October–April for cooler temps and festivals
8️⃣ What are the top things to see around Jackson Square?
- 🏛️ St. Louis Cathedral (free to enter)
- 🖼️ Art along the fence from local artists
- 🏛️ The Cabildo & The Presbytère museums
- ☕ Café du Monde – just across Decatur Street for beignets and coffee
- 🌊 Moonwalk Riverfront and Washington Artillery Park – great views of the Mississippi River
9️⃣ Is Jackson Square family-friendly?
✅ Yes! Kids love:
- Watching live performers (magicians, musicians, mimes)
- Exploring the open green space
- Visiting the cathedral and nearby attractions
🔟 Are restrooms and food nearby?
🚻 Public restrooms are limited, but available at nearby cafés, museums, and the French Market
🍴 Tons of food nearby — beignets, muffulettas, gumbo, and more
✅ Bonus Tips
- 💵 Bring cash for tipping performers or buying art
- ☀️ Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated
- 📷 Best photo: From across the square with St. Louis Cathedral in the background
- 🎭 Check out local tour combos that include Jackson Square + French Quarter + Ghost Tour
- 🕊️ Be respectful — it’s a public park and historic site
🎟 Need help booking a Jackson Square tour or planning a full day in the French Quarter?
Let me know! I can help you build the perfect New Orleans experience — with history, food, jazz, ghost stories, and plenty of beignets! 🎷🍩🏛️
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