Fun Things to Do in New Orleans Archives - Page 2 of 2

March 22, 2023

Fun Things to Do in New Orleans New Orleans Attractions

The Top 10 Landmarks Near Our French Quarter Hotel

When it comes to travel with a twist of magic and adventure, it doesn’t get much better than exploring the French Quarter on foot. It’s the heart and soul of New Orleans, a testament to its colorful past — a richly woven tapestry of different cultures, cuisines, musical notes, and its everlasting joie de vivre — still manifested ’round the clock in so many unique ways.

Whether you’re on a quest to sample a savory Creole dish, dance the night away to a brass band, stroll the streets to admire the exquisite wrought-iron architectural details, or take in an eclectic street performance — this one-of-a-kind place has them in spades and pretty much around every corner.

While it’s easy to come up with a longer list of must-see landmarks in a city this old and colorful, here are our top 10 recommendations, all located within walking distance from each other in the French Quarter. There’s only one exception — Frenchmen Street is located in Faubourg Marigny, right outside the French Quarter.

1. Jackson Square

751 Decatur St.

This timeless landmark is located in the heart of the French Quarter. Known since the 18th century as Place d’Armes, it was renamed in honor of Andrew Jackson following the 1815 Battle of New Orleans. Jackson’s bronze statue is the focal point of the square, surrounded by lavish flora and facing the Mississippi River.

Jackson Square is also a host to the open-air artist market and performance space, with local art displayed along the fence. You can have your sketch done, dance to a brass band, or have your fortune told. Carriage rides are offered in front of the square. When you cross the street to the riverside, you’ll find the French Market, Cafe du Monde, and The Shops at JAX Brewery.

2. St. Louis Cathedral

615 Pere Antoine Alley

St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States. It stands between its two historic neighbors, The Cabildo and The Presbytere, overlooking Jackson Square and the block-long row of the Pontalba Buildings. St. Louis Cathedral is one of the most instantly recognizable buildings in the world, its famous steeples showing up on many a postcard and in quite a few films.

The Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis King of France was built in 1724 and had been rebuilt twice after a hurricane and a fire. It was dedicated in 1794 and has enjoyed an illustrious and eventful history. One of its most famous caretakers was Pere Antoine, a popular Capuchin priest who had been pastor of the Cathedral from 1785 to 1790 and again from 1795 to the time of his death in 1829.

You can check out the Cathedral’s stunning interior during its hours of operation, and attend a mass or a music concert. If you’re just passing by, depending on the time of day, you may get to hear its bell or witness an occasional wedding party spilling out of the Cathedral, followed by a second line.

3. The Cabildo and The Presbytere

701 & 751 Chartres St., Jackson Square

Did you know that the 1803 Louisiana Purchase was signed at The Cabildo? This historic building served as the seat of government during the Spanish colonial rule, and was built to replace the building claimed by the fire in 1794.

Standing tall right next to St. Louis Cathedral, The Cabildo is now part of the Louisiana State Museum. It houses such precious artifacts as a painting of Marie Laveau by Frank Schneider; a self-portrait by Julien Hudson, an antebellum artist and free man of color; and Napoleon’s death mask, one of only four in the world.

On the other side of St. Louis cathedral is The Presbytere, built in 1791 in the style to match the Cabildo. It’s called “Presbytere” because it was built on the site of one, which served as a residence for Capuchin monks. The building served as a courthouse in the late 19th century and is now also part of the Louisiana State Museum, just like the Cabildo.

The Presbytere currently houses several temporary and permanent exhibits. The magnificent “Mardi Gras: It’s Carnival Time in Louisiana” tells the story of the Carnival traditions in Louisiana, including Cajun Courir de Mardi Gras, Zulu coconut throws, 19th-century Rex ball costumes, and much more. “The Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond” exhibit documents the natural disaster, its aftermath, and the ongoing recovery with interactive displays and artifacts.

4. French Market

2 French Market Place

French Market was founded in 1791 as a Native American trading post and has been operating continually since, making it the oldest public market in the country. Similar in structure to a traditional European market, this open-air mall covers roughly five blocks, from Cafe du Monde on Decatur St. across from Jackson Square to the daily flea market at the end of Esplanade Avenue.

Many retail shops and restaurants surround it in every direction. The flea market area hosts dozens of local artisans, plus vendors from all over the world. You’ll find souvenirs, handmade masks and jewelry, t-shirts, music, and more.

French Market also includes a small pedestrian plaza on Dumaine and St. Phillip streets called Dutch Alley. The food stands at the Farmers Market Pavilion offer a slew of spices, produce and local food that is uniquely New Orleans — from pralines to oysters to the beignet mix or the hot sauce you’d want to take home. The Farmers Market also hosts an annual Creole Tomato Festival to celebrate its harvest.

5. The Riverfront

1 Toulouse Street

You can access the mile-long riverfront very easily from the Jackson Square area. There you will find the grassy Woldenberg Park and a walkway called the Moonwalk, named after the former New Orleans mayor Maurice “Moon” Landrieu.

Woldenberg Park is a popular spot to watch the 4th of July fireworks. It also hosts one of the largest stages during the annual French Quarter Festival, which takes place in the spring.

Stroll along the Moonwalk to view public art, like the Holocaust Memorial, and watch the boats go by. The Riverwalk is also home to two popular family-friendly attractions, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and the Entergy IMAX Theater, soon to be joined by the Insectarium.

6. Bourbon Street

French Quarter

That much is true: Bourbon Street is home to one of the wildest nightly street parties in the country. It’s well known for its karaoke and burlesque clubs, bars that never seem to close, and crowds milling about round the clock. This endless party vibe makes Bourbon Street a great destination for your bachelor party, a girls’ night out, spring break, a couple’s getaway — and any other cause for celebration.

It is also one of the oldest streets in the country, a vivid example of Spanish colonial architecture dating back to 1798 and steeped in history, magic and legends. It’s home to the city’s most iconic destinations like Galatoire’s and the Old Absinthe House. One of the best jazz clubs in the country, if not the world, also has a Bourbon Street address. Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub is located in a historic 1831 building and hosts live, traditional jazz performances nightly, attracting jazz aficionados from all over the globe.

7. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop

941 Bourbon Street

This ancient, at least by North American standards, bar is housed in a Creole cottage on the corner of Bourbon and St. Philip streets. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop was built between 1722 and 1732, and it’s said to be the oldest structure used as a bar in the U.S.

It’s also said to have been used by the infamous Lafitte Brothers, Jean and Pierre, as a base for their smuggling operation in Barataria, operating as a facade for the privateers. We won’t likely know the truth beyond the legend, but the bar is dripping in magic and history, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

8. Old Ursuline Convent

1100 Chartres Street

The Old Ursuline Convent was built in 1752, which makes it the oldest surviving example of the French colonial period in the country, circa Louis XV. The building first served as a convent for the Ursuline nuns, and then, as centuries ticked on, it had been, at some point: a school, an archbishop’s and priests’ residence, archdiocesan offices/archives, and is now part of the Catholic Cultural Heritage Center of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Its museum is open for self-guided tours.

9. Royal Street

French Quarter

Only one block away, running parallel to Bourbon Street, Royal Street presents a very different scene — a mix of performance art, live music on the corners, eclectic art galleries, funky boutiques, and upscale antique shops. The French Quarter part of Royal Street stretches for 13 blocks, from Esplanade Avenue to Canal Street, and the stretch between St. Louis and St. Ann streets is a pedestrian mall closed to traffic from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and till 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

The scenic street is also known for its wrought-iron balconies plus other charming architectural details and lush courtyards, including those featured by the street’s many restaurants. Consider having the iconic bananas Foster in Brennan’s stunning outdoor seating area.

Among the notable art galleries are Harouni, 933 Royal St., featuring the artist’s own work; and Rodrique Studio, 730 Royal St., with his ubiquitous Blue Dog paintings on display.

As for shopping for antiques, from exquisite chandeliers to rare 17th-century furniture to fine art and jewelry, Royal Street also got you covered. M.S. Rau, 630 Royal St., for instance, is considered one of the best destinations in the world for antique shopping.

10. Frenchmen Street

The Marigny

Frenchmen Street is a three-block area with one of the best and most densely packed live-music venues and restaurants in the city. It’s located in Faubourg Marigny, right next to the French Quarter, featuring more than 20 bars and clubs, plus a night art market, a smattering of diverse restaurants, and live music on street, especially at night. Jazz, brass, funk, DJs — you name it — and it’s playing on the corner somewhere on Frenchmen.

Some of the city’s best clubs are located on Frenchmen and offer live music seven nights a week, day and night. The Maison, for example, has three floors and a packed late-night show calendar year-round. Dragon’s Den offers a diverse and eclectic mix of music on its two live music stages, plus the lure of a courtyard and a balcony for a more relaxed experience.

Marigny Brasserie‘s outdoor seating is as elegant as it is perfect for people-watching. Three Muses and Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro are the dinner-and-a-show kind of places that focus on Creole and regional cooking, and d.b.a.‘s roster of world-famous musicians who have played there is legendary.

For smaller venues and a more intimate ambiance, you can try The Spotted Cat Music Club or the cozy, divey Apple Barrel. Finally, top off all the blues and funk with Adolfo’s Creole Italian cooking, from a tiny old-school restaurant directly above the Apple Barrel.

Remember, you can walk to all these places from your hotel! Take advantage of Place d’Armes specials, group rates, and best-rate guarantee for greater savings to spend on New Orleans famous French Quarter cuisine and enjoy everything this magnificent city has to offer. Reserve your room today!

March 22, 2023

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Fun Things to Do in New Orleans In the French Quarter Things to Do in the French Quarter

Classic Lunches That Define New Orleans Near Place d’Armes

New Orleanians love to eat, and so do the visitors who flock here. While dinner is the star of the culinary show, a host of classic New Orleans foods pop up at lunchtime. Gourmands can enjoy a long, leisurely lunch at some of the Quarter’s fanciest restaurants for a fraction of what they’d pay for dinner, or pick up a tasty lunch to go at a grocery store or po-boy shop. Try something different every day to experience the full spectrum of the city’s moveable feast.

Muffulettas at Central Grocery

923 Decatur St.

Sicilian immigrants have been a linchpin of the New Orleans food culture since they first arrived in the city. Founded in 1906 by Salvatore Lupo, Central Grocery gave birth to the most iconic Sicilian food of all: the muffuletta. Made with in-house sliced meats and cheeses, heaped with Central Grocery’s famous olive salad and sandwiched inside homemade sesame-seeded bread, muffulettas are guaranteed to satisfy your lunchtime cravings.

Prix Fixe Lunch at Antoine’s

513 Royal St.

Founded in 1840, New Orleans’ oldest restaurant offers one of the city’s best lunch bargains in an elegant historic environment. Seasonal $24 lunch specials include a choice of appetizers like coconut shrimp bisque and equally renowned entrees like Gulf fish.

Charbroiled Oysters at Acme Oyster House

724 Iberville St.

Visitors love to belly up to the oyster bar at the Acme, where entertaining staff members make time fly while you feast on fresh raw oysters. But save enough room for must-have charbroiled oysters! Jazz it all up with a couple of oyster shooters with vodka and hot sauce and you’re all set for the day.

Burgers at Port of Call

838 Esplanade Ave.

There’s a reason why you always see a line of hungry people waiting outside Port of Call. Its signature burgers have been hailed as New Orleans’ best by everyone from Zagat’s to Fodor’s, while its signature cocktails are infamously strong. The menu description of Neptune’s Monsoon says it all: “An old recipe used frequently as a last request by pirates condemned to walk the plank.”

Po-Boys at Johnny’s Po-boys

511 St. Louis St.

Looking for a real deal old-school New Orleans po-boy joint? Local favorite Johnny’s delivers and, like Port of Call, is worth the wait. Heaped high on Leidenheimer’s, the only true po-boy French bread, there are dozens of choices. Seafood lovers gravitate to the classic fried shrimp and fried oysters, but the roast beef po-boy is also one of the city’s best, and laden with gravy debris.

Gumbo at Restaurant R’evolution

777 Bienville St.

Gumbo is on the menu all over town, but one of the most memorable versions is found at R’evolution, an elegant nouveau cuisine restaurant that puts a unique spin on classic Cajun and Creole cooking. The seafood gumbo is a solid choice, but cognoscenti head straight for “Death by Gumbo,” which is worth every cent of its hefty $20 price. Steeped in a dark roux, its centerpiece whole semi-boneless quail is stuffed with smoked Andouille sausage, file rice and poached oysters. Overkill? Sure. But death never tasted this delicious.

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.

March 21, 2023

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Fun Things to Do in New Orleans In the French Quarter Things to Do in the French Quarter

Classic New Orleans Dinner Dishes

New Orleans boasts a bounty of iconic foods, from po-boys and muffuletta sandwiches to hot-out-the-pot boiled crawfish. Many of the items on local appetizer menus, like shrimp remoulade and gumbo, can be a meal in themselves, and some of the city’s tastiest treats are classic desserts like bananas Foster and bread pudding.

That said, when dinner rolls around, the stars of the menu are the main-course entrees. Here are some New Orleans classics you don’t want to miss. Pro tip: You get more bang for your buck if you order these dishes at lunch.

Barbeque Shrimp

Don’t let the name fool you. This rich melt-in-your-mouth dish has nothing to do with grills or traditional BBQ sauce. It’s spicy in-the-shell shrimp, sauteed in Worcestershire, garlic, and a positively decadent (and delicious) amount of butter. To sample it at the source, head uptown to Pascal’s Manale Restaurant (1838 Napoleon Avenue), where the dish was invented. Mr. B’s Bistro (201 Royal St.) in the Quarter also makes an excellent version, while Bayona (430 Dauphine St.) ups the decadence ante by serving its barbeque shrimp with cheese grits (Bayona’s menu is seasonal and subject to change).

Softshell Crabs

Softshell crabs, a seasonal delicacy available from May through September, have recently molted their hard outer shells and make for delicious eating. Usually deep-fried, they are sometimes used in po-boys, but also star as an entree on many menus. Widely available throughout the Quarter, the softshells at GW Fins (808 Bienville St.) get especially high marks for their crispiness.

Crawfish Étouffée

The French word étouffée (pronounced eh-too-fey) means “smothered,” and this spicy seafood stew, made with shrimp as well as crawfish, is a traditional Creole/Cajun favorite. World-famous Galatoire’s (209 Bourbon St.) serves a classic shrimp étouffée over rice as an entree and, like many other restaurants, also offers it as an add-on topping over fish. Yum! Don’t want to put on a jacket for dinner, which Galatoire’s dress code for men requires? Some of the city’s best crawfish étouffée is found at the casual eatery Deanie’s (841 Bienville St.).

Gulf Coast Fish

Any New Orleans restaurant worth its salt features catch of the day on its menu, and fresh Gulf Coast fish, served grilled or fried, are local staples. For the biggest selection, head to Ralph Brennan’s Red Fish Grill (115 Bourbon St.), which serves grouper, pompano, swordfish and snapper, in addition to its namesake swimmer. But the award-winning Peche (800 Magazine St.) in the Warehouse District is rightly famous for its whole grilled fish, which is big enough to serve a whole table of seafood lovers.

Blackened Chicken

Blackened fish gets more press, but blackened chicken, its Cajun cousin, is just as delicious. Pierre Maspero’s (440 Chartres St.), housed in a historic building where Jean Lafitte once plotted his escape, serves its blackened chicken two ways: with blackened jambalaya and tossed with a creamy alfredo pasta.

Shrimp Creole

One of the first dishes that comes to mind when visitors think of New Orleans cuisine, shrimp Creole is a staple on many local menus. Try the traditional version of this savory tomato-based dish at New Orleans Creole Cookery (508 Toulouse St.) or the Gumbo Shop (630 St. Peter St.).

March 21, 2023

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Fun Things to Do in New Orleans New Orleans Attractions

Must-See Highlights in Nearby Neighborhoods

Armstrong Park. Photo by Cheryl Gerber

There’s no shortage of attractions just steps away from the Place d’Armes, where history and culture collide in the storied streets of the French Quarter. But New Orleans also offers a colorful patchwork of other neighborhoods with their own unique traditions.

The Arts District

Site of three major museums, including the world-renowned National World War III Museum, the Arts District transformed many old commercial warehouses into trendy restaurants, galleries and bars, where art meets the culinary arts.

Julia Street

Julia Street becomes a swarming hub of see-and-be-scenesters from Camp St. to Tchoupitoulas the first Saturday of every month, when top-tier galleries like Arthur Roger (432 Julia St.) and Jonathan Ferrara (400A Julia St.) open their latest shows. Pop into Galliano (200 Julia St.) for a twist on classic Cajun cooking, or feast on the exotic Southeast Asia/West African/Caribbean fusions at Carmo (527 Julia St.).

Julia Street also serves as the ground zero for the Arts District’s annual White Linen Night, held the first Saturday of every August.

Contemporary Arts Center (900 Camp St.)

Founded by Louisiana artists, the CAC is a hub of creative activity and performances. Several levels of gallery spaces are connected by a winding circular ramp, which overlooks a central atrium often hung with installations.

Ogden Museum of Southern Art (925 Camp St.)

The Ogden boasts the world’s largest permanent collection of Southern art, which ranges from traditional folk art to cutting-edge contemporary art and photography. It mounts new exhibits throughout the year and also hosts special events.

The Marigny

Frenchmen Street

The club-hopping strip of Frenchmen is the epicenter of the city’s live music scene. Hit The Spotted Cat (623 Frenchmen St.), or reserve a table at Snug Harbor (626 Frenchmen St.) to hear cool contemporary jazz. d.b.a. (618 Frenchmen St.) hosts some of the hardest-working musicians in town, while the Blue Nile (532 Frenchmen St.) presents high-energy shows by local stars along with national touring acts.

St. Claude Triangle

Just the other side of Elysian Fields, where the Rampart.-St. Claude streetcar line ends, a trifecta of live music venues offers a hip alternative to the oft-overcrowded Frenchmen scene.

Anything and everything goes at the AllWays Lounge (2240 St. Claude Ave.), from swing dance to burlesque to drag shows to the quirky, punky, and all kinds of wonderful. Catch hot up-and-coming bands at the Hi-Ho Lounge (2239 St. Claude Ave.), a lively neighborhood bar. The dimly lit Siberia (2227 St. Claude Ave.) churns our live shows on a regular basis just down the block.

The Bywater

Julia Street’s hipper cousin, the boho enclave of Bywater hosts art openings the second Saturday of the month at artist-run collectives like The Front (4100 St. Claude Ave.) and the Good Children Gallery (4137 St. Claude Ave.). It’s also home to the Music Box Village (4557 N. Rampart St.), a delightful collection of artist-built musical houses that visitors can play like instruments.

Bacchanal Wine (600 Poland Ave.) attracts visitors from around the world to its funky outdoor courtyard. Guests sip world-class wines while listening to live acoustic music and feasting on the seasonal menu of small plates, steak, and cheese plates.

Get your day off to a good start at the Bywater Bakery (3624 Dauphine St.), which makes delicious house-baked breakfast treats and savory specialties, and hosts events including live music.

Treme

One of the country’s oldest African-American neighborhoods, Treme is the living heart of second-line culture. Throughout the 19th century, enslaved Africans and free people of color gathered every Sunday in Congo Square to dance and drum in a corner of what is now called Louis Armstrong Park, which hosts free outdoor music festivals throughout the year.

The Backstreet Cultural Museum (1531 St. Philip St.) houses a fabulous array of Mardi Gras Indian costumes and photographs that trace the neighborhood’s musical history. Catch a jazz mass at St. Augustine Catholic Church (1210 Governor Nicholls St.), then hit Lil Dizzy’s Cafe (1500 Esplanade Ave.) for lunch. Or try the savory gumbo z’herbes at Dooky Chase’s (2301 Orleans Ave.), where the late, great Creole chef Leah Chase worked her magic.

The Garden District

Hop the St. Charles Streetcar at Canal and Carondelet to travel in style to the fashionable Garden District.

Get off at Washington Street to wander among the above-ground graves at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (1427 Washington Ave.). (Closed for renovations as of 2023.) Just across the street is Commander’s Palace (1403 Washington Ave.), an elegant old-school Creole restaurant known for its decadent Jazz Brunch spread.

March 20, 2023

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Fun Things to Do in New Orleans Place d’Armes Things to Do in the French Quarter

12 Reasons to Stay at the Place d’Armes Hotel in the New Orleans French Quarter

The Place d’Armes Hotel sits in the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter and embodies old-world charm inside and out. It occupies two restored historic townhouses dating back to the 18th and 19th century, 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). Here are just a few reasons why Place d’Armes is an excellent choice for your next trip to New Orleans.

beautiful shaded courtyard pool at the Place D'Armes

1. The Old-World Ambiance

Guest rooms facing both the street and the courtyard have wrought-iron balconies and feature exposed brick, conveying the traditional, old-world ambiance of the French Quarter. The hotel’s courtyard is particularly enchanting, showcasing a variety of tropical plants native to Louisiana, fountains, and a sparkling saltwater swimming pool.

Find a spot at one of the patio tables or the benches in the shade of the magnolia trees, and relax to the sound of the gurgling fountains. Or stroll just a block to Cafe du Monde for beignets and cafe au lait.

2. We Welcome Groups of All Sizes

The Place d’Armes Hotel presents special opportunities for groups and small meetings looking for a quiet, intimate venue that stands apart from the less-personable offerings of larger chain hotels. We welcome all: meetings, tour groups, conventioneers, family reunions, couples, and wedding groups.

3. Modern Amenities

We want you to feel right at home during your stay, which is why our staff provides guests with some great amenities. You can choose from several room sizes when booking with Place d’Armes, such as the interior room, deluxe room, courtyard room, balcony room, and junior suite. Wi-Fi is complimentary and children ages 12 and under stay for free.

4. You’ll Be Close to All French Quarter Attractions

The Place d’Armes Hotel is centrally located in the French Quarter and when you stay with us, you are in the heart of the action and just a short distance away from Bourbon Street, Harrah’s Casino, Pat O’Brien’s, the Superdome, the Riverfront on the Mississippi, and the National WWII Museum.

The nearby neighborhoods of the Arts/Warehouse District, the Tremé, the Marigny, the Bywater, and the Garden District are easy to get to by car, streetcar, or even walking, and they all have a lot to offer in terms of dining, entertainment and sightseeing.

Even if you just explore the French Quarter alone, there’s much to see and do within walking distance from the hotel. Why not have your fortune told on Jackson Square, visit a museum, or tour a historic house?

5. The French Quarter Fest Is at Your Fingertips

The French Quarter Fest, billed as the largest free music festival in the South, happens every April, taking over the French Quarter 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. You’ll be in the middle of it all if you stay at Place d’Armes!

6. … And Always a Festival Nearby

Every new season in New Orleans brings something special, including a packed festival calendar all year round. Here is a quick rundown of the annual fun by the season, just to give you a glimpse.

The Holiday Season

Dance with the Ghost of Christmas Past in the Quarter, where you can join the throngs of carolers in Jackson Square, and eat elaborate, multi-course Reveillon Dinners based on traditional Creole meals once served after midnight mass. Make advance reservations in classic restaurants like Muriel’s Jackson Square, right next to Place d’Armes, which dishes up specialties like turtle soup and pecan-crusted drum.

Mardi Gras Season

The biggest free party on earth is an entire season that can stretch for weeks, depending on when Easter falls, so be sure to check the Mardi Gras Calendar before booking your rooms. Serious revelers hit the town on the final, parade-packed weekend leading up to Fat Tuesday, but you can also join the revelry at a less frenetic pace. Come for the lovely Joan of Arc Parade on Twelfth Night (January 6), which winds its way through the Quarter on horseback and foot and launches the Mardi Gras season.

Spring and Summer Festival Seasons

Come spring, music lovers make a beeline for New Orleans during French Quarter Fest and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the great-grandaddy of them all, so advance booking is essential. But things slow down in summer, when you get more for your buck, thanks to the great deals on hotels and restaurants. Summer also brings several marquee events in and around the Quarter, including Tales of the Cocktail, Satchmo SummerFest, White Linen Night, and Dirty Linen Night.

Fall/Spooky Season

Many visitors come to New Orleans to pledge their troth as the witching hour of Halloween approaches, and the Quarter becomes even more haunted. And while destination weddings require precision planning (the fall wedding season in New Orleans is always busy), casual visitors can just slip on their fangs, walk out the door of the Place d’Armes, and join the masked revelry throughout the spooky season at several parades and happenings.

In October, foodies chow down at the Mac n’ Cheese Fest; and culture mavens celebrate Art for Art’s Sake and the New Orleans Film Festival. The city also celebrates German food, music, and beer during the three weekend-long Oktoberfest.

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 on Decatur St. and dive into the throngs of costumed revelers on Frenchmen Street, which rages till the wee hours.

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, 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.

Fall also brings football fans eager to catch Who Dat fever in Saints country, which spreads like wildfire in the Quarter on a Sunday afternoon. 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 the American Sports Saloon; Jimani Lounge & Restaurant; and The Corner Oyster House. But be forewarned: If your team’s playing the Saints, you might be in for a little friendly roasting.

7. The Nightlife Around the Corner

The French Quarter never closes! You can stay up all night enjoying the cocktails and delicious food, dance till dawn, listen to live music, or simply roam the 300-year-old streets — even on the budget.

For some free live music (most often a very decent brass band) plus street performances of every kind hit Jackson Square, only two blocks away from the hotel. From there, the hustle and the bustle of the neon-lit Bourbon Street is an easy walk away (grab a hurricane to go at Pat O’Brien’s while you’re at it).

If you want a historic setting along with your drink, walk down Bourbon toward Esplanade Avenue where you’ll hit Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. If you’re heading the other way, toward Canal Street, don’t miss the beautifully appointed Bombay Club. It has live music and the largest selection of martinis in the city.

For some never-ending indoor fun, Harrah’s Casino New Orleans is full of late-night action, and we don’t just mean gambling but all of its restaurants, bars, and so on. To drink where the locals drink, try Molly’s at the Market on Decatur Street or Black Penny on N. Rampart Street.

A lot of restaurants are open past midnight in the French Quarter, but if you want to grab some food way later, Killer Poboys inside Erin Rose doles out some of the best po-boys in the city from a tiny takeout window in the back. Then you can hit the 24/7 Cafe du Monde for some beignets, or dance till dawn at Santos.

Photo courtesy of the *Old Ursuline Convent*

8. The Opportunities to Celebrate French Culture and Heritage Abound

Signs of New Orleans’ French history can be found all around the city, manifesting so often that people start taking it for granted. Why not stop and visit some of the places that help give New Orleans its unique French flavor? For instance, you can tour the Old Ursuline Convent, the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley. Designed in 1745 and completed eight years later, the building has served as a convent, a school, and many things in between, and is considered one of the best surviving examples of French Colonial public architecture in the country. You will just have to see for yourself!

While you are out, grab a bite to eat at the oldest family-run restaurant in the United States, Antoine’s Restaurant, established back in 1840. This famous restaurant has been a long-time draw for both tourists and locals thanks to its ambiance and unparalleled French-Creole cuisine. Come taste some delectable escargots or Oysters Rockefeller.

If you find yourself in the nearby neighborhood of Mid-City, you can brush up on your art knowledge and tour the restored Degas House, where the French Impressionist has created over 20 paintings and drawings.

9. The Best Local Shopping Within Walking Distance

The French Quarter is a haven when it comes to specialized shopping. Whether you’re visiting New Orleans with the kids in tow, or shopping for souvenirs for young ones back home, you’ll find a wealth of cool options in the Quarter for kids of all ages that are fun for parents, too — like voodoo dolls, masks, creative toys, Louisiana-centric books, and more.

Want to take a taste of New Orleans home? By all means! From hot sauces to chicory coffee to pralines and a beignet mix in a box, many of the city’s distinctive Creole and Cajun flavors and spices make terrific edible souvenirs to pack in your suitcase.

10. Dining for Every Occasion and Budget

New Orleans boasts a bounty of iconic foods, from po-boys and muffulettas to hot-out-the-pot boiled crawfish. Many of the items on local appetizer menus, like shrimp remoulade and gumbo, can be a lunch meal in themselves, and some of the city’s tastiest treats are classic desserts like bananas Foster and bread pudding.

That said, for lighter fare on the earlier side (perhaps with a dash of caffeine) you can also hit a number of unique and charming cafes and breakfast/brunch nooks, all within walking distance from the hotel.

11. Family-Friendly Fun Awaits

Don’t be fooled by New Orleans’ hard-partying reputation. Beyond the 24/7 bars and Bourbon Street debauchery, there’s a culturally rich, historic, and yes, kid-friendly city to explore. That goes double for the French Quarter, which is a tourist destination as well as a living, breathing neighborhood with residents of all ages.

Round up the kids and ride the streetcar, or visit the Audubon Butterfly Garden & Insectarium or Aquarium of the Americas. (Reopening in the summer of 2023.) Take a City Sightseeing Tour on the double-decker bus, or a walking ghost tour (find the kid-friendly ones that focus more on history rather than the gore).

Want to take in a scenic view of the Mississippi River while you dine on the Creole/Cajun buffet? When you take a Creole Queen river cruise you’ll see the French Quarter, the Port of New Orleans, and the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park all in a single morning or afternoon. And your kids will be having so much fun, they won’t realize how much they’re learning!

12. The Place d’Armes Hotel Guarantee

Planning a trip to New Orleans? Check availability for your travel dates and book your stay online.

Make sure to take advantage of our discounted weekday rates and special offers, and receive even deeper discounts when you prepay in advance. If you find lower rates on your Place d’Armes room at the time of booking, we will match the rate! Also, you can get exclusive deals and discounts at our New Orleans hotel by signing up for our email list.

March 20, 2023

by h8sLHL6pUc

Fun Things to Do in New Orleans Place d’Armes Things to Do 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. All this is followed by Hogs for the Cause at the UNO Lakefront Arena; and the Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival, held at Armstrong Park.

Besides French Quarter Festival and Jazz Fest, April kicks into high gear with three Easter parades. May keeps the good times rolling with the Bayou Boogaloo, held along the banks of the Bayou St. John; the Greek Fest in Lakeview. Early June brings the Freret Street Festival 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! And you can get exclusive deals and discounts at our New Orleans hotel by signing up for our email list.