French Quarter Festival NOLA

A Walking Guide to the French Quarter Fest

french-quarter-fest
Bonerama by David Fary

You could — and probably should — splurge on a one-day ticket to Jazz Fest this spring. But you should also consider coming to New Orleans a few weeks earlier, from Thursday, April 16, through Sunday, April 19, 2026, for the largest free music festival in the south that celebrates its 42nd anniversary this year.

During French Quarter Festival, the weather is better (read: less hot); there are plenty of restaurants where you can escape the crowds and relax over a meal — and, did we mention the festival is entirely free?

These are just a few reasons why thousands of music fans get their groove on at French Quarter Fest, and there are even more reasons for you to come this year as the Fest is expanding with a new site and more programming on all four days. Over 300 acts total will be held on stages scattered throughout the French Quarter, playing traditional jazz, zydeco, and every Louisiana music genre in between.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of four days of music spread across multiple stages, that’s totally understandable. Here’s your walking guide to the French Quarter Festival — so you can plan your day for minimum trekking and maximum music enjoyment.

2-minute walk from Hotel Place d’Armes: Jackson Square

Don’t be surprised if you can hear the St. Louis Cathedral bells ringing from the hotel lobby — that’s because you’re literally steps away from Jackson Square, which hosts the outdoor stage. Jackson Square’s palm-tree-lined park offers a shady place to dance the day away, and don’t forget to swing by the Pirates Alley Cafe while you’re at it. Pirates Alley was one of William Faulkner’s favorite hangouts — he used to live and write there.

Jackson Square is also the spot for the festival’s opening ceremony. The festival kicks off on Thursday, April 16, with a parade starting at 10 a.m. in the 200 block of Bourbon Street and making its way to Jackson Square for an opening ceremony.

3-minute walk: Bourbon Street

Bourbon Street is bustling, it’s bawdy, and no trip to New Orleans would be complete without a visit. Fortunately, several stages in the 300-700 blocks provide ample excuses to indulge in this booze-soaked thoroughfare.

5-minute walk: Royal Street

On any given day, sections of Royal Street are closed to traffic. Buskers, bands, and other performers fill the streets while pedestrians browse antique shops, galleries, and boutiques. But French Quarter Fest pushes Royal Street’s everyday ambiance to a new level. You’ll find several music stages nestled in the 400-700 blocks of Royal Street.

10-minute walk: Woldenburg Park

This narrow, grassy strip overlooking the Mississippi River is where you’ll find the lion’s share of the action, with musicians on several main stages pumping out the jams.

12-minute walk: Old U.S. Mint

Functioning as a branch mint of the United States Mint from 1838 to 1861, this historic building now hosts a Jazz Museum. During the French Quarter Fest, you’ll find two stages there. A first-aid station, restrooms, ATM, merch shop, bike parking, and food tents round out the offerings at this oh-so-essential stop.

It’s also situated near the Decatur Street stages and is right on the edge of the French Quarter, where the funky, music-club-lined Frenchmen Street begins. After dark, head this way to keep the party going at legendary venues like The Spotted Cat, Blue Nile, and d.b.a.

What Is New in 2026?

This year, the festival organizers are providing more space by expanding to the new site at the Woldenberg Riverfront Park near Governor Nicholls Street wharf, allowing more space for food and music along the Mississippi River.

According to the organizers, there are some stage location changes. The Pan-American Life Insurance Group Stage will return at Governor Nicholls Park at the foot of Esplanade, and will feature four full days of programming.

Due to construction at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, the Louisiana Fish Fry Stage will temporarily move to the riverfront in front of the Audubon Aquarium. The stage will feature an expanded mix of DJs and brass bands, with the schedule also extended to four days.

The House of Blues Voodoo Garden Stage will feature an expanded music lineup with four full days of stage programming and a Thursday night FQF After Dark show.

Although the New Orleans Jazz Museum is undergoing reconstruction, it will remain a major site for programming Friday through Sunday, including performances at the Loyola University Esplanade in the Shade Stage and the Songwriter Stage.

There’s also a 5K race this year, taking place on Saturday, April 18. Registration is now open, with details available at https://runsignup.com/fqf5k.

Music Lineup

The who-is-who of the local music scene is returning or joining this year, over 300 acts total. Expect beyond excellence when it comes to the French Quarter Fest music lineup. That includes Irma Thomas, the Soul Queen of New Orleans, Hasizzle with TBC Brass Band, Cyril Neville, and Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars, along with a highly anticipated debut from Dawn Richard. Grammy-winning native PJ Morton is the headliner, marking his first appearance since 2014. Check out the full music schedule on the fest’s website.

Food Vendors

As in the previous year, expect a mouthwatering melting pot of traditional New Orleans dishes such as fried shrimp or catfish, stuffed crabs, locally brewed beers, meat pies, crawfish macaroni and cheese, and hot sausage po-boys. Beyond that, there will be plenty of global flavors.

The organizers promise “over 275 culinary experiences.” (Here’s the vendor info.)

A new vendor this year is Chicken’s Kitchen. Our favorite vendors that are returning include Vaucresson Sausage, Ms. Linda the Yakamein Lady, Thai Nola, Southern’s, Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House, Loretta’s Authentic Pralines, and many more.

The Mike’s Amazing Culinary Stage also returns with live cooking demonstrations and storytelling that celebrate New Orleans’ rich food traditions. Mike’s Amazing team will be sharing recipes and pairing ideas.

There’s also a new beverage from a major festival sponsor, Abita. The company will debut Upbeat Vodka Cocktails.

Special Events

Every year, the festival features special events. Here are the 2026 highlights.

The French Quarter Festival Kickoff Parade and Opening Day Ceremony

The annual parade is held this year on Thursday, April 16, at 10 a.m. The parade departs from the 200 block of Bourbon Street down to St. Ann Street, where it turns and makes its way to Jackson Square for the Annual Opening Day Ceremony.

Dance Classes

The French Market Traditional Jazz Stage and the Chevron Cajun-Zydeco Showcase will feature dancing and classes in traditional Jazz, 1920s Charleston, swing, Cajun jitterbug, and zydeco. Classes are taught by professional dancers and are free and open to the public. Check out the lesson schedule on the festival’s website.

French Quarter Fest After Dark

The festival offers nighttime programming at various local venues from 9 p.m. to midnight to keep the good times rolling after the last festival stage closes at 8 p.m.

… And more

On top of all this, the festival features installations, exhibits, immersive experiences, kids’ events, the 2026 French Quarter Fest Official Poster signing, interviews, and more.

Getting Around

Getting around the Fest should be fairly easy if you’re walking or biking. Parking will be limited, so arrive early and try these lots: French Market, 500 Decatur Street, 300 North Peters Street, 211 Conti Street, The Garage at Canal Place, plus street parking within walking distance.

We do suggest that instead of driving, you use RTA buses, streetcars, rideshare services, bikes, cabs, or the ferry to get to the festival. In addition to increased traffic, some streets will be closed for the duration of the festival, beginning at approximately noon until 8:30 p.m.

Planning a trip to New Orleans to attend the French Quarter Festival?

Check availability for your travel dates and book your stay online. Also, make sure to take advantage of our low weekday rates and special offers. If you find lower rates on your Place d’Armes room at the time of booking, we will match the rate! See you at the French Quarter Fest!

running of the bulls new orleans

Feel the Thrill at Running of the Bulls in New Orleans

Experience the thrill of a lifetime at this year’s Running of the Bulls (San Fermin in Nueva Orleans) festival, a unique spin on the traditional event that takes place in Pamplona, Spain. We think it’s safe to say New Orleans’ version is a lot less dangerous — and maybe even more fun!

On the weekend of Friday, July 11 through Sunday, July 13, 2025, the runners and the “bulls” will come from all over to partake in this exciting festival that involves runners who wear all white with the exception of a red piece of cloth, running from the bulls, who are actually the Big Easy Rollergirls with wiffle ball bats.

Running of the Bulls takes place in the Central Business District in downtown New Orleans, and features a number of delicious local restaurants, food carts, and drinks for you to consume while you are out in the streets defending yourself from the ruthless bulls.

On the day of the run, Saturday, July 12, 2025, the fun starts as early as 6:30 a.m., centering around the Gallier Hall (545 St. Charles Ave.). Live music, sangria and food trucks will help get the party started, and, after the Procession of San Fermin (Pamplona’s patron saint) and the Invocation, the run begins at 8 a.m. sharp.

Running of the Bulls is not just meant for the runners and the bulls to enjoy — spectators are more than welcome to this public event (to run, though, you need to register and pay). And there will be plenty to see, as the bulls will be chasing after the slowest runners first, whacking them with wiffle ball bats. (This part is similar to the traditional Spanish festival, minus the actual goring from the live bulls.)

While many of these feisty bulls will be sporting black and red horns and various accouterments, you will have the chance to see some wild and ornate costumes from both bulls and runners. This is New Orleans, after all.

The route begins and ends at Gallier Hall, and the run will end around noon. After that, you can attend the traditional La Fiesta de Pantalones held at Espiritu Mezcaleria (520 Capdeville St.), or just stick around to join the other revelers to partake in some downtown bar crawling.

Also, don’t miss the festival’s opening and closing parties. The opening party takes place on Friday, July 11, 2025, at High Grinds Coffee (1724 St. Charles Ave.), from 6 to 9 p.m. Called El Txupinazo (and pronounced “el choo-pin-AHT-so”), it features a live auction, music, and food from some of the top local restaurants. (This party is 18+ only.)

The closing party, called El Pobre de Mi (“Poor Me”), will wrap things up on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Gallier Hall, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. This will be your chance to recover from the run with burlesque, food, and cocktails.

Check out all the events happening during Running of the Bulls and get tickets online.

Don’t miss your chance to participate in a unique New Orleans experience! We’d love for you to stay with us! Take advantage of our specials, group rates, and best-rate guarantee for greater savings to spend on New Orleans famous cuisine and enjoy everything this magnificent city has to offer. Reserve your room today!

Also, consider booking a guided tour of the famous St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to experience the hauntingly beautiful past of New Orleans. And, for easy, informative sightseeing, we recommend the City Sightseeing New Orleans city tour on the open-top, double-decker bus. It runs every 30 minutes through the Garden District, French Quarter, and CBD. You can hop on and off anytime!

trumpet players New Orleans

New Orleans Summer Festivals

trumpet players New Orleans

Here’s what’s on tap for the upcoming summer months in terms of festivals and other fun events you should consider attending if you’re visiting New Orleans this summer.

Enjoy Music Like Never Before

Music has been an integral part of New Orleans’ history, culture, and traditions. It comes as no surprise that people come from near and far to experience the unique music scene in this culturally diverse city. This summer, you will have the opportunity to hear outstanding live music at a number of local festivals.

ESSENCE Festival of Culture, taking place Thursday, July 3, through Sunday, July 6, 2025, over the Independence Day weekend, will be returning this year to the Caesars Superdome for the nightly concerts, plus there will be a packed schedule of free daytime events at the Convention Center, including motivational seminars, beauty and style presentations, celebrity interviews, cooking demos, and lots more.

Expect a stellar music lineup of major headliners and the best of local talent. This year’s theme is “We Are Made Like This.” Performers include Boyz II Men, Davido, Maxwell, Master P, GloRilla, The Isley Brothers, Nas, and Summer Walker.

You can get tickets online and download the festival’s app for streamlined navigation and more information.

ESSENCE After Dark, a series of late-night jam sessions, comedy shows, underground performances, live podcast recordings, and more, is returning once again to the Superdome.

Since ESSENCE is so much more than music, a slew of exciting conferences, exhibitions, roundtables, and other experiences are also scheduled, including a series of keynotes. The celebrated ESSENCE Eats will once again have cooking demos and a food court with vendors from all over the South.

Another festival of note is Satchmo SummerFest (Saturday and Sunday, August 2-3, 2025), which started as a tribute to Louis Armstrong over a decade ago, on his 100th birthday. The two-day festival is held at the New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint at the foot of Esplanade Avenue, and will have music all weekend on its outdoor, tented stages. Other events will include a Sunday morning Jazz Mass at the historic St. Augustine Church in Tremé, seminars and film screenings, kids’ activities, and a second-line parade.

More Exciting New Orleans Summer Events and Festivals

June

Kick off the summer fest season with the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience (NOWFE), held on Wednesday through Sunday, June 11-15, 2025. In its 33rd year in 2025, NOWFE is a smorgasbord of food and wine tastings, tours, master classes, and the annual champagne-soaked burlesque brunch. Each year, hundreds of wineries and restaurants participate, offering menus featuring local flavors and innovative new creations inspired by diverse cuisines.

Top chefs from around the city create unique culinary experiences, so much so that the event regularly makes a few national “best of” festival lists. The organization behind this popular event is a nonprofit that donates 100% of its proceeds to beneficiaries ranging from food banks to culinary schools. You can see all the events and get tickets online.

Launched in 2011, New Orleans Pride (Friday-Sunday, June 13-15, 2025) is a celebration taking place in the French Quarter to celebrate and honor LGBTQ+ communities and their allies in New Orleans and surrounding areas. It is the only official Pride Festival in New Orleans, the largest in Louisiana, and one of the fastest-growing Pride celebrations in the nation.

Special events include the Pride Gala, the PrideFest block party at the Phoenix bar, and the annual parade. The parade is held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, starting at 5 p.m. in the Marigny and rolling through the French Quarter.

Up next is the French Market Creole Tomato Festival, which honors the arrival of the beloved Creole tomato. Celebrating its 39th anniversary in 2025, the free festival will again feature live music stages, cooking demos, kids’ activities, farm stands, food vendors, and more. The 2025 dates are Saturday-Sunday, June 7-8.

Restaurant Week New Orleans, held on Monday through Sunday, June 16-22, 2025, features multi-course, special menus and dining deals in numerous participating restaurants, from upscale Creole eateries to neighborhood bistros. Keep up with this year’s list of participating restaurants and their menus, and don’t miss a chance to try a new spot or revisit your favorite.

The last of June festivals, the New Orleans Juneteenth Festival, is happening on Thursday, June 19, 2025. Come to Congo Square in Armstrong Park to commemorate this remarkable date with this free festival, held from noon to 7 p.m.

July

Going into July, Running of the Bulls brings Encierro to New Orleans on Friday-Sunday, July 11-13, 2025, except that the bulls are the Big Easy Rollergirls. San Fermin in Nueva Orleans pays annual homage to the world-famous Encierro of Pamplona, Spain, running through the streets of New Orleans starting at Gallier Hall on Saturday, July 12, starting at 6:30 a.m. The annual opening and closing parties happening that weekend are also great fun (check out the schedule on the event’s website).

If cocktails are your thing, you may want to check out Tales of the Cocktail (Sunday-Friday, July 20-25, 2025), a six-day festival packed with tastings, seminars, and special events that are all centered around exchanging ideas and techniques in the cocktail world. This lively festival is perfect for passionate mixologists, professionals, and enthusiasts alike. The festival’s signature annual blowout is the “best of” Spirited Awards, followed by the always-popular after-party.

August

The fun doesn’t stop there. The White Linen Night (Saturday, August 2, 2025) is a free multi-block party and an open house for galleries on the 300-600 blocks of Julia Street in the Warehouse District, with several stages for live music and dozens of food and drink stands. Participants are invited to wear white (hence the name). About 20 galleries on and around Julia St. will be open to the public.

White Linen’s “cousin,” the Dirty Linen Night (Saturday, August 9, 2025), is similar in format, though looser in structure and spanning more territory. It actually wasn’t created to compete with the Warehouse District event, but to promote the many galleries and shops on Royal Street. The multi-block party takes over the 300-1100 blocks of Royal Street and some cross streets and adjoining areas in the French Quarter, including Jackson Square and Dutch Alley.

The always fabulous Southern Decadence festival (Friday-Monday, August 29 – September 1, 2025) is traditionally held on Labor Day weekend. This massive four-day festival celebrates LGBTQ+ culture and attracts participants from all over the world. Just like every year, most activities will be centered in and around the French Quarter, with lots of block parties and dance parties at bars and clubs on Bourbon Street, plus two parades.

Although we’re not sure if this event falls under the festival category, there is no better time to try out an award-winning restaurant or revisit an old favorite than August, thanks to the annual COOLinary program. COOLinary was conceived as a promotion to lure diners to local restaurants in the slower summer months, during which restaurants all over the city offer discounted dining deals.

The deals follow the same format every year: a prix fixe three-course dinner and brunch menus, and two- to three-course lunch menus that don’t exceed a certain price. Over a hundred restaurants typically participate.

Finding a New Orleans Hotel Close to It All

Planning a trip to New Orleans this summer? We’d love for you to stay with us! Take advantage of our specials, group rates, and best-rate guarantee for greater savings to spend on New Orleans famous cuisine and enjoy everything this magnificent city has to offer. Reserve your room today!

Also, consider booking a guided tour of the famous St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to experience the hauntingly beautiful past of New Orleans. And, for easy, informative sightseeing, we recommend the City Sightseeing New Orleans city tour on the open-top, double-decker bus. It runs every 30 minutes through the Garden District, French Quarter, and CBD. You can hop on and off anytime!

Happy summer!

What’s on St. Ann Street in the French Quarter?

Pontalba Apartments

If you’re staying at the Place d’Armes, which borders bustling Jackson Square, you’re in the heart of the Quarter on St. Ann Street, which boasts a wealth of restaurants, bars and boutiques. St. Ann also has its own hidden history, full of characters, places and events that make it one of New Orleans’ most storied streets. Discover the lore and legends while enjoying some of the Quarter’s best dining, drinking and shopping.

History, Legends & Lore

Birthplace of Voodoo Priestess Marie Laveau (1020 St. Ann St.)

Shaded by honeysuckle vines, pomegranate and banana trees, Marie Laveau’s first house was an old adobe cottage between Rampart and Burgundy streets at an address then known as 152 Rue St. Ann. It served as a sanctuary for children, the poor and sick, and New Orleanians seeking powerful charms from a voodoo priestess who casts as potent a spell today as she did in her own lifetime. Some say Marie’s spirit continues to inhabit the current house, which was built on top of the old foundation when the cottage was torn down in 1903.

1850 House in the Pontalba Apartments (523 St. Ann)

Take a trip back to antebellum New Orleans in the 1850 House, which is furnished with the exquisite art and decor found in the finest homes of the prosperous local gentry. Situated inside the Pontalba Buildings bordering Jackson Square, the elegant apartments were designed and financed by Micaela Almonester Baroness de Pontalba, a remarkable woman whose initials (AP) can still be seen in the cast iron balcony railing. A shrewd businesswoman and heiress, the Baroness survived a gunshot attack by her money-hungry father-in-law.

The Presbytère (751 Chartres at St. Ann)

Built in 1791, the Presbytère was designed to match the neighboring Cabildo alongside St. Louis Cathedral, and was originally used as a residence for Capuchin monks. It later served as a courthouse and became part of the Louisiana State Museum in 1911. The Presbytère’s two of its several permanent exhibits celebrate the joyous spirit and resilience of New Orleans. Mardi Gras: It’s Carnival Time in Louisiana invites visitors to climb aboard parade floats and view historic throws, while Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond documents the city’s remarkable recovery from one of the worst disasters in U.S. history.

Eat, Drink & Shop

Stanley (547 St. Ann St.)

Breakfast and brunch are served all day at this lively Quarter eatery, which boasts a soda fountain with house-made ice cream and features a full menu of delicious sandwiches, from classic Reuben and corned beef pastrami to the ever-popular Stanley Burger.

Muriel’s Jackson Square (801 Chartres St., corner of St. Ann)

Muriel’s history stretches back to the founding of New Orleans. It was rebuilt after going up in flames during the Good Day Fire of 1788. An extensive renovation in 2001 restored Muriel’s to its mid-1800s glory, and its classic Creole food and specialty cocktails are as classy as its ambiance.

Cafe Du Monde (800 Decatur, corner of St. Ann)

A New Orleans tradition since 1862, Cafe du Monde serves its iconic sugar-dusted beignets and chicory-laced cafe au lait 24 hours a day, and fresh-squeezed orange juice is always on the menu. Pro tip: Skip the crowds that flock there for breakfast and stop by at night, when you rarely have to wait for a seat.

Empanola (630 St. Ann St.)

Empanola is a family-owned business with two additional locations in New Orleans (both Uptown). The French Quarter location serves a variety of empanadas that honor global flavors but also give a nod to the New Orleans and southern classics like crawfish etouffee, muffaletta and gumbo. There’s also a vegan and several sweet offerings plus soups, desserts, coffee, tea, and more.

New Orleans Cajun Store (537 St. Ann St.)

Looking for edible souvenirs? Choose from dozens of hot sauces and spices made by Tabasco and Andy Roo’s. You’ll also find a slew of other Louisiana mementos, from colorful aprons and apparel to playful ornaments to elegant fleur de lis serving ware.

Creole Delicacies Shop (533 St. Ann St.)

Visitors make a beeline for this shop’s creamy pralines and other Louisiana pecan delicacies like Praline Honey Butter. It’s also stocked with regional cookbooks, Cajun spices and mixes, and plenty of local souvenirs, from kitchen gadgets to seafood decor to Christmas ornaments.

Planning a trip to New Orleans? Check availability for your travel dates and book your stay online. Also, make sure to take advantage of our low weekday rates and special offers. If you find lower rates on your Place d’Armes room at the time of booking, we will match the rate! And you can get exclusive deals and discounts at our New Orleans hotel by signing up for our email list.

spring in the french quarter

Place d’Armes Hotel’s Guide to a Romantic Spring Getaway in the French Quarter

 

With over 300 years of history, the French Quarter is considered one of the most romantic destinations in the world (we agree). What’s more, spring is one of the best times to visit as the temps are only beginning to soar, the flora is in its glorious tropical bloom, and the festival season is reaching its peak. Which says a lot, for a city that has something to celebrate all year round.

So, here are our recommendations on how to make the best of your romantic getaway if you’re visiting in the spring.

Place d’Armes Hotel is the perfect launching pad

Surrounded by lush tropical courtyards, Place d’Armes is ideally located right in the heart of the French Quarter, where you can stroll hand in hand admiring the wrought-iron balconies or to a candlelit dinner while inhaling the unforgettable tropical scents of blooming magnolias and jasmine. Plus, the hotel embodies old-world charm inside and out — and what’s more romantic than that?

Place d’Armes occupies two restored historic townhouses dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, located on a quiet block of St. Ann Street, mere steps away from the excitement of Bourbon Street and the historic Jackson Square (which used to be called Place d’Armes, hence the hotel’s name). Guest rooms facing both the street and the courtyard have wrought-iron balconies and feature exposed brick. The hotel’s courtyard is downright enchanting, showcasing a variety of tropical plants native to Louisiana, fountains, and a sparkling saltwater swimming pool. 

Place d’Armes’ one-bedrooms are ideal for couples, and there are five room types to choose from altogether. You can hole up in the peace and quiet of the windowless interior room or the courtyard room with a view of the hotel’s gorgeous courtyard, or get a glimpse of the French Quarter life round the clock by booking a balcony room that faces St. Ann Street for people-watching round the clock!

You are within walking distance of all French Quarter attractions

We mean it when we say that you are centrally located when you stay at the Place d’Armes Hotel: Bourbon Street, Harrah’s Casino, Pat O’Brien’s, the Superdome, the Riverfront on the Mississippi, and the National WWII Museum are all nearby, and all of the French Quarter attractions are within walking distance.

The nearby neighborhoods of the Arts/Warehouse District, the Tremé, the Marigny, the Bywater, and the Garden District are also easy to get to by car, streetcar, or even walking, and they are teeming with dining, entertainment and sightseeing options.

Top romantic things to do in the French Quarter

When you’re exploring the Quarter, just walking around is enough to satisfy the romantic and the history buff in you. But you can take it up a notch with a Mississippi River cruise on the paddlewheeler Creole Queen, which takes you back to the glamorous days of high-rolling riverboat gamblers. If dancing under the stars to live jazz is not incredibly romantic, we don’t know what is.

Or how about a carriage ride, to take in the sights while cozying up to your beloved? Royal Carriages offers several group tour options led by savvy guides. You can book a private ride, just for the two of you. And why not have your fortune told on Jackson Square, visit a museum, or tour a historic house?

The spring festival season is packed

Romance always seems to be in the air in New Orleans, but spring is especially lovely, because of the not-yet-hot temps, the tropical lushness in bloom, and a packed festival season. Come spring, you’ll have the French Quarter Fest outside your door, for one. Billed as the largest free music festival in the South, the fest takes over the Quarter in April with over 20 stages, dozens of food vendors, and hundreds of musicians, playing traditional jazz, Zydeco, and every Louisiana music genre in between. Special events also abound, including dance lessons, parades, art shows, and talks with some of the biggest legends of New Orleans music.

Another huge annual event also happens in the spring, over two consecutive weekends of April and May. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival has been around for decades and hardly needs an introduction, but consider that you’re only a short bus, car, or bike ride away from it. Plus, during the fest, many acts, including national headliners, could be found in the Quarter having gigs or just partying.

Then we have St. Patrick’s Day parades, St. Joseph’s Day altars, and the Mardi Gras Indians’ Super Sunday in March, plus Wednesday at the Square, the free 10-concert series held every Wednesday, weather permitting, in Lafayette Square in the Arts District nearby.

Besides the French Quarter Festival and Jazz Fest, April kicks into high gear with three Easter parades and Hogs for the Cause at the UNO Lakefront Arena. May keeps the good times rolling with the Bayou Boogaloo, held along the banks of the Bayou St. John, and the Greek Fest in Lakeview. Early June brings the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco concert series and the French Market Creole Tomato Festival.

French Quarter’s most romantic restaurants

The Quarter is teeming with romantic restaurants, from the old-word Creole elegance of Arnaud’s, Broussard’s and Antoine’s to Susan Spicer’s flagship restaurant Bayona, with lovely patio seating. The many stunners make up a list that’s too long, but we feel like the candlelit Sylvain, the sophisticated Muriel’s Jackson Square (with an unbeatable location of being right on a corner of Jackson Square), and the one and only Galatoire’s all deserve a special mention.

From iconic foods to unique and charming cafes and breakfast/brunch nooks to lunch to classic desserts like bananas Foster and bread pudding, the Quarter has it in spades, all within walking distance from the hotel.

There is 24/7 action, round the clock

The French Quarter never closes! You can stay up all night enjoying the cocktails and delicious food, listen to live music, or simply roam the 300-year-old streets — even on the budget. Some of the most romantic bars, like the historic Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and the beautifully appointed Bombay Club, with the largest selection of martinis in the city, are within walking distance from Place d’Armes. So, drink where the locals drink, eat beignets at the 24/7 Cafe Du Monde, or dance till dawn at Santos. You have all of the round-the-clock action at your fingertips!

Planning a trip to New Orleans this spring? Check availability for your travel dates and book your stay online. Also, make sure to take advantage of our low weekday rates and special offers. If you find lower rates on your Place d’Armes room at the time of booking, we will match the rate!

Happy spring!

Top 5 Reasons to Visit New Orleans in the Fall

Fall in New Orleans is some of the best times to visit for many reasons, including these top five below.

1. The Weather Is Glorious

Fall in New Orleans is like a breath of fresh air. The dog days of summer, which last deep into September, give way to milder weather. While you probably won’t need a jacket in the daytime, evening temps can dip to the low 60s in October and the low 50s in November, so pack some light outerwear. Lagniappe: Less rain falls in the city in autumn than at any other time of year.

2. Fall Festivals Abound

In the fall, foodies chow down at the Beignet Festival and the National Fried Chicken Festival; culture mavens celebrate Art for Art’s Sake and the New Orleans Film Festival; and music fans get down at the Tremé Fall Festival. The city also celebrates German food, music, and beer during the three weekend-long Oktoberfest.

3. It’s Hauntingly Fun

Boo! Halloween isn’t just one day in New Orleans, where the veil between the living and dead is paper thin. It’s an entire season, filled with balls, costume parties, and multiple parades. Krewe of Boo, the city’s official Halloween parade, kicks off the season in mid-October with an extravaganza of family-friendly monster floats that throw scads of plush toys and candy. On October 31, join a more Bohemian street parade and block party on Decatur Street and dive into the throngs of costumed revelers on Frenchmen Street, which rages till the wee hours.

4. November Is a Thanksgiving Cornucopia

Thanksgiving is just the final course of a month’s worth of food festivals in November. Sample more than 50 varieties of New Orleans’ most iconic sandwich at the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival, and scarf your gumbo with a side of brass bands at Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival. Then don a fabulous hat and hit Thanksgiving at the Fair Grounds Race Course for the opening day races, a New Orleans see-and-be-seen tradition where you can feast on a sumptuous buffet in the clubhouse whilst betting on the ponies.

5. It’s Football Season!

New Orleanians bleed black and gold, but you don’t have to be a Saints fan to cheer your favorite teams on to glory. College sports fans converge on Thanksgiving weekend for the Bayou Classic, when longtime rivals Grambling State and Southern University clash in the Superdome.

Catch your own home team in action-packed Quarter sports bars like American Sports Saloon (1200 Decatur St.); Jimani Lounge & Restaurant (141 Chartres St.); and The Corner Oyster House (500 St. Peters St.). But be forewarned: If your team’s playing the Saints, you might be in for a little friendly roasting.

Planning a trip to New Orleans this summer? Book your reservation today with Place d’Armes Hotel! Just minutes from exciting summer festivals, events, restaurants, shops, bars, and more, the Place d’Armes is ideally located in the heart of the city, the historic French Quarter.

Top 5 French Quarter Historic Places

New Orleans is a city full of rich culture and history. The French Quarter in particular has a great deal of historical significance, with several important attractions located within its boundaries.

If you are visiting New Orleans, you will not want to miss out on visiting some of the city’s most famous historical landmarks. Here is a list of the top five historic spots in the French Quarter we recommend checking out.

1. Old Ursuline Convent Museum

Regardless of whether you are a history buff or looking to expand your knowledge of New Orleans history, you will enjoy a tour of one of the greatest historic spots in the French Quarter.

The Old Ursuline Convent is the oldest building in the Mississippi River Valley, built on Chartres Street back in 1752. This building has worn many hats over the centuries and was once a convent, orphanage, and even a makeshift hospital.

Now, you can tour the inside of this beautiful building, where you will see oil paintings featuring past archbishops, bronze busts, a hand-crafted cypress staircase, and many religious statues.

Ursaline Convent in New Orleans

2. St. Louis Cathedral

Often found in the front and center of many photographs and logos for New Orleans, the iconic St. Louis Cathedral is one of the city’s most notable landmarks. Situated between the Cabildo and the Presbytere, it overlooks Jackson Square, towering over its neighbors with its famous triple steeples. Also, did you know? The St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in the United States.

St. Louis Cathedral French Quarter

3. The Cabildo

The Cabildo is a magnificent Spanish colonial building that neighbors the St. Louis Cathedral and is home to many rare artifacts of America’s rich history. Among these artifacts is the famous Napoleon’s death mask, one of just four remaining in existence.

You will also find an 1839 self-portrait by Julien Hudson on display at the Cabildo. Hudson was a free man of color and was one of many during the Antebellum period who worked as a professional artist in New Orleans.

The Cabildo was also the site of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which finalized the United States’ acquisition of the Louisiana territory and doubled the size of the nation.

The Cabildo in New Orleans

4. Old Absinthe House

For nearly 200 years, the Old Absinthe House bar has been a staple for New Orleanians. Here you will find antique chandeliers, along with jerseys and helmets of football legends.

Authentic marble fountains with brass faucets that were once used to drop water over sugar cubes into glasses of absinthe align the bar that seats patrons along the rail. You will have the chance to sample a wide variety of fine malt scotches, house specialties, and, of course, absinthe at this eccentric and historically significant bar.

Old Absinthe House in New Orleans

5. Place d’Armes

We may be biased, but our hotel is truly a piece of French Quarter history and is a registered historic landmark.

In 1725, Father Raphael De Luxembourg Capuchin opened the first school in French colonial Louisiana, teaching students of all ages where the Place d’Armes now stands.

Some of the best things to do in New Orleans are just minutes away from our beautiful hotel. The Place d’Armes hotel itself is an experience, with its restored 18th and 19th-century buildings that surround tropical courtyards, fountains, and an inviting swimming pool.

Be sure to book your room at the Place d’Armes Hotel, a beautiful French Quarter hotel conveniently located close to many historical destinations and attractions. Some of the best things to do in New Orleans are waiting just outside the front door!

Place d'Armes Hotel in New Orleans

Top Tours to Try When You’re a Guest at the Place d’Armes French Quarter Hotel

Top Tours to Try When You're a Guest at the Place D'armes French Quarter Hotel

Maybe we’re biased, but we don’t think any other city does tours quite like New Orleans. This city’s historical and cultural significance is well known around the world, adding to the many reasons why New Orleans is so special and unique.

Because of its endless amount of wonderment and mystery, some first-time visitors find themselves in awe. This is where tours come in. There are some types of tours you might be familiar with that are popular in New Orleans: history tours, home and garden tours, and even ghost tours. Take a look at some of our favorite tours in and around the French Quarter.

Bike Tours

Did you know that, increasingly, New Orleans is a biking city? Multiple nights a week, there are mass rides and bar crawls for those who rather leisurely take their time as they ride. Luckily enough for you, New Orleans provides many opportunities to see this enchanting city, which seems to be stuck in some sort of time capsule, on your own set of two wheels.

While riding down a bike lane in this bike-friendly city, you can take in all of the historic landmarks, unique architecture, and, of course, maybe a dive bar or two. Go for a spin and explore quintessential New Orleans neighborhoods such as the Marigny and the Bywater.

If you prefer more greenery, then don’t miss an opportunity to ride through the Garden District where you will find some of the city’s most beautiful homes and gardens.

Personally, we recommend the two-hour French Quarter tour where you can hit a number of landmarks we’ve already mentioned including the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, the Mississippi River and the Creole Queen, the French Market, Cafe du Monde, Jackson Square, and the St. Louis Cathedral.

Cemetery Tours

Maybe you wouldn’t think it if you hadn’t been to the city before, but in New Orleans, cemeteries are large tourist attractions. To some, especially since the airing of American Horror Story’s third, New Orleans-based season, Coven, this isn’t much of a surprise. New Orleans has a deep and extensive occult history, grounded in the practices of voodoo.

Due to a high water table as well as low sea levels, New Orleans is famous for its aboveground tombs, which are often referred to as “cities of the dead.” With New Orleans’ unconventional burial practices, it is no wonder travelers would have a piqued interest to explore the city’s relationship with death and the afterlife.

There are dozens of cemeteries throughout the city, but the majority of tours will take you through St. Louis Cemetery #1 where you will find the graves of famous New Orleans residents, such as Marie Laveau.

City Sightseeing Tours

You may have seen that big, red double-decker bus coming down one of the streets in New Orleans’ biggest neighborhoods: the French Quarter, the Garden District, or the Central Business District.

The City Sightseeing Tour is great for any tourist who is visiting New Orleans for the first time. It’s like a catch-all for New Orleans history, architecture, and culture. You might be thinking that this tour would take a significant amount of time away from your other plans. You know, New Orleans was founded in 1718, and its battle between French and Spanish influence is enough to make anyone exhausted. It really is a lot to cover!

Surprisingly enough though, this tour only lasts two hours, which leaves you plenty of time to explore the other facets the city is so well known for, like music, cuisine, and nightlife.

Walking Tours 

New Orleans is the perfect city for walking. Not only is it flat and relatively easy to navigate, but you also have plenty of scenery along the way with the stunning French and Spanish architecture that differs drastically from the aesthetic of other modern cities.

Hear the brass band on the street corner or the click-clack of tapdancing feet, marvel at the stillness of the human statues, who have painted themselves entirely in gold or silver, smell the fresh scent of to-die-for cuisine, or listen to the buzz of the crowd. On your tour, you’ll discover how sensory the city really can be.

French Quarter Walking Tours are among the most popular, taking you to some of the most iconic landmarks of the city. Whether you’ve been to New Orleans or not, nothing is more charming than making your way down cobblestone streets as you watch the red Canal Street streetcars pass by, slow and steady like the locals that walk the street. (No one is ever really in a rush here.)

If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, or you just loved that cemetery tour so much that you just had to learn more, don’t hesitate to try out any number of the New Orleans ghost and haunted history tours. New Orleans has a long history of hauntings and has been repeatedly recognized as one of the most “Haunted Cities in America.”

Whichever walking tour you happen to choose, you can uncover the extraordinary history of the city at your own leisure.

Place d’Armes invites you to take advantage of exclusive seasonal savings on our room rates! Book today and experience the true New Orleans spirit with this French Quarter Hotel.

The French Quarter on $20

French Quarter Under $20 Beignets by Matt Forcey
Beignets by Matt Forcey

The Crescent City is surprisingly affordable all year round, and the bulk of its fun, free activities are concentrated in the French Quarter near Place d’Armes Hotel. In fact, it’s entirely possible to spend a day exploring, eating and sightseeing in the Vieux Carre without spending more than $20. Here’s your itinerary — laissez le bon temps roulez!

Cafe du Monde

800 Decatur St.

Cost: $6.79 (beignets and cafe au lait)

Cafe du Monde is an institution and for good reason: the Vieux Carre coffee stand has been slinging beignets since 1862. There are no reservations at the 24/7 joint — just find a table and take a seat. Order a cup of hot cafe au lait and a steaming plate of beignets (fried French donuts topped with a small mountain of confectioner’s sugar).

Dig in while listening to jazz music drifting over from Jackson Square and feeling the breeze off the nearby Mississippi River. It’s a priceless experience, but it will only set you back about $7 (be sure to bring cash and don’t forget to leave a few bucks on the table for a tip).

Central Grocery & Deli

923 Decatur St.

Cost: $13.95 (half of the muffuletta)

Layered with Italian deli meats, provolone cheese and olive salad and served on a seeded bun, a muffuletta sandwich is an original New Orleans creation, and Central Grocery invented it. Line up at the historic grocer and deli to try one. Word to the wise: a whole muffuletta is enough to feed two people, so opt for a half-sandwich. Bring it to the Moonwalk for a riverside picnic that won’t set you back much cash and that will keep you happily full for hours.

M.S. Rau

622 Royal St.

Cost: Free

Every item at the auction house looks like it costs at least a quarter of a million dollars, but a visit is free. If you walk through the spacious back area, you’ll find a room filled with priceless antiques and oddities, including 18th-century French mantels, statuary, and elaborate player pianos.

The Algiers Ferry

2 Canal St.

Cost: $2.00 ($4.00 round trip)

Admiring the passing riverboats on the Mississippi, but short on cash? There’s a way you can cruise the Mississippi for a fraction of the cost of admission to a paddlewheeler. It’s called the Algiers Ferry, and it’s your portal to the West Bank.

Pay $2.00 cash to board the double-decker ferry, which docks at the foot of Canal Street, near the Aquarium of the Americas. Lean against the railing as the ferry pulls away, and enjoy sweeping views of downtown. The St. Louis Cathedral’s spires never look as beautiful as when viewed from the river.

After the five-minute ride to the West Bank concludes, you can walk around Algiers Point, New Orleans’ second-oldest neighborhood, and stroll the Jazz Walk of Fame on the Mississippi River levee.

The Historic New Orleans Collection

419 Decatur St.

Cost: Free

Want to soak up some Crescent City history? Visit the Historic New Orleans Collection’s free exhibits for an up-close, visual history of the city.

Planning a trip to New Orleans? Check availability for your travel dates and book your stay online. Also, make sure to take advantage of our low weekday rates and special offers. If you find lower rates on your Place d’Armes room at the time of booking, we will match the rate! And you can get exclusive deals and discounts at our New Orleans hotel by signing up for our email list.

5 Spots for Breakfast and Brunch Near Place d’Armes Hotel in the French Quarter

5 Spots for Breakfast and Brunch Near Place d'Armes Hotel in the French Quarter

There’s something special about exploring the streets of New Orleans and wandering into a restaurant for breakfast or lunch. Whether you’re looking for traditional American fare or Creole and Cajun-inspired recipes the city’s dining scene provides endless options, particularly in the French Quarter. These five spots cater to every taste, from bacon and eggs to elegant French pastries.

Croissant D’Or Patisserie

617 Ursuline Avenue, French Quarter

This quiet, French-inspired bakery and café is perfect for early risers, opening at 7 a.m. Guests enjoy a quaint interior and courtyard as they sample fresh pastries, quiches, cakes, and sandwiches. During the Carnival season, one of the cafe’s most popular items is a French king cake – flaky layers of puff pastry separated by almond paste. The delicate and butterfly flavor is the opposite of the cinnamon-forward, sugar-coated version typically served in celebration of Mardi Gras (though both are delicious). Decadent lunch/brunch options include quiches, sandwiches, and savory crepes.

Horn’s Eatery

2440 Chartres Street, Marigny

Horn’s offers a perfect mix of quirky, local flavor with traditional breakfast and lunch options. This brunch spot in the Marigny has minimal outdoor seating – three or four tables on the sidewalk, along with a cozy interior dining room with modern decor.

The menu is an extensive list of basic breakfast options like eggs, waffles and pancakes to more decadent, complicated concoctions with New Orleans flare, like waffles cochon or grilled veggies and grits.

Stanley

547 St. Ann Street, French Quarter

Stanley serves New Orleans-style breakfast and brunch all day, from a location abutting Jackson Square with views of the Cathedral and the hustle and bustle along the Riverfront. Menu options reflect the influence of Creole and Cajun cuisine on otherwise standard American fare. The eggs Benedict comes in the form of a po-boy, and the French toast comes with bananas Foster. Stanley also offers house-made ice creams and Italian sodas.

The Ruby Slipper

204 Decatur Street, French Quarter; 2001 Burgundy Street, Marigny

Husband and wife owners Jennifer and Erich Weishaupt started the restaurant in 2008 in Mid-City, and now there are six locations around the city alone (with more in Baton Rouge and out of state). Affordable, everyday options like eggs, pancakes, and French toast dominate the menu, but there’s an attention to detail and New Orleans-inspired flare that makes it different from breakfast restaurants outside the city.

The mix-and-match benedicts are wildly popular, with options including eggs cochon – with slow-cooked pork, eggs, and hollandaise on a biscuit, as well as the Chicken St. Charles – fried chicken, eggs, and a tasso cream sauce. Lines here tend to be long, but the breakfast-focused cocktail menu keeps the crowd patient.

Toast

1035 Decatur Street, French Quarter

From the owners of Tartine, this is one of the two locations (the other one is in Gentilly near the racetrack). You can linger with an omelet sipping a cafe au lait or grab a latte and a pastry to go — either way, expect excellent French-leaning food. All breads, jams, custards, and curds are made in-house daily.

Fittingly, there are three French toast options on the menu, including the king cake version filled with cinnamon cream cheese, with Mardi Gras sprinkles on top. Another standout is Toast’s signature aebleskiver, a puffy Danish-style pancake ball, served with lemon curd, jam, maple syrup, and caramel (or other sauces) for dipping.

Planning a trip to New Orleans? Check availability for your travel dates and book your stay online. Also, make sure to take advantage of our low weekday rates and special offers. If you find lower rates on your Place d’Armes room at the time of booking, we will match the rate! And you can get exclusive deals and discounts at our New Orleans hotel by signing up for our email list.