Jackson Square Tours and Activities
1 Review

In the heart of the French Quarter lies Jackson Square, one of New Orleans’ most famous locations. A National Historic Landmark, it is home to St. Louis Cathedral and is often filled with locals and tourists who come to stroll the paths, catch the buskers and street performers in action, or just sit in the shade and watch the world go by.
The Basics
Jackson Square, originally known as Place d’Armes, is one of New Orleans’ most storied spots. Built in 1721, it is lined with historic buildings that have played an essential part in the development of the city. On one side, you’ll find the Cabildo, where the Louisiana Purchase (when the US bought the state of Louisiana from the French) was signed back in 1803. Next door is St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in North America, while in the center of the square, you’ll find a statue of the seventh US President Andrew Jackson, for whom the square is named.
For more than 50 years, local artists have sold their works in the square, and visitors love to browse the paintings and pick up a souvenir to take home. French Quarter walking, Segway, and carriage tours frequently stop at the square to explore the historic landmarks and learn more about New Orleans’ history.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The main entrance to the square is from Decatur Street, opposite the French Market.
- Keep an eye out for the Upper and Lower Pontalba apartment buildings, the oldest such complex in the United States.
- Carriage rides around the French Quarter leave from Jackson Square.
- To find out more about the history of the square and its buildings, you can join a guided New Orleans tour.
How to Get There
Jackson Square is bordered by Chartres, St. Peter, St. Ann, and Decatur streets and is just a short walk away from the Mississippi River. The square is a public park and easily accessible on foot or by public transport (the 5 and 55 bus lines stop at Decatur and St. Peter), or as part of a guided walking tour of the city.
When to Get There
Jackson Square is open seven days a week, from 8am to 7pm in summer and 8am to 6pm in winter.
Enjoy a Beignet and Coffee at Café du Monde
Just across Decatur Street, you’ll find the Café du Monde, a must-visit on any trip to the city. Open 24 hours, people flock here from all over the world to enjoy a sugar-dusted beignet (a fried pastry similar to a doughnut) washed down with a cup of chicory coffee.
Address: Decatur Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116, USA
86 Tours and Activities to Experience Jackson Square
Sort by:Featured

New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour
631
Go for the gastronomic gusto on a food‐filled walking tour of New Orleans! Journey with a savvy local guide to popular Creole eateries, markets, and artisanal shops to sample diverse foods that define Louisiana’s culinary landscape. Stopping at several locations, savor such classic bites as seafood gumbo, Creole brisket, po'boys, and pralines. Along the way, meet local chefs and learn about New Orleans’ rich culinary history.
…More
From
$70.00
From
$70.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

New Orleans Ghost, Voodoo & Vampire Walking Tour
3117
Exploring New Orleans in the evening can seem like an intimidating quest on your own, but this ghost, voodoo, and vampire walking tour takes you to the city’s most eerie sites at night in the safety of a group with a knowledgeable guide. Stop by top attractions such as the LaLaurie Mansion and New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, all while listening to your guide’s detailed stories of the paranormal and beyond.
…More
From
$20.21
From
$20.21
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

City Sightseeing New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
2052
Discover historic New Orleans in an open‐top double‐decker bus on this hop‐on hop‐off sightseeing tour. With either your 1‐or 3-day ticket, design a personal itinerary with several stops, including the French Market, Jackson Square, and the Garden District, plus available walking tours, depending on the option you buy. Enjoy unobstructed views and fun onboard commentary as you soak up ‘The Big Easy’.
…More
From
$39.00
From
$39.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Learn More

New Orleans Sightseeing Tour
246
Experience the highlights of New Orleans on this sightseeing bus tour, including the bustling French Quarter, the opulent Garden District and St. Charles Avenue. Absorb the sights and sounds of the city as you learn about its fascinating history and eclectic contemporary culture from your friendly local guide.
…More
From
$44.00
From
$44.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

French Quarter Historical Sights and Stories Walking Tour
485
Delve into the stories behind the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans during a French Quarter walking tour. Take in famous landmarks including Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the Mississippi River, along with lesser-known places of interest. Hear from your guide about the architecture and heritage of the district, and get the inside scoop on recommended places for shopping and dining as well.
…More
From
$26.67
From
$26.67
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

New Orleans French Quarter, Voodoo and Cemetery History Tour
1600
Rich history and voodoo legends make New Orleans one of the most fascinating places to visit, but if you see the sights alone, you could miss out on some of the key details that bring this vibrant city to life. This New Orleans voodoo tour takes you through the city during daylight hours—perfect for those who don’t want to get too scared, but still want a look into the city’s mysterious past.
Upgrade your tour to the Cemetery Insiders option, which allows you to journey through three of New Orleans’ hallowed historical cemeteries. Learn of the city's burial customs and traditions, and hear stories of the thousands buried in the graveyard behind the Katrina Memorial. No matter which option you choose, this tour will leave you with feelings of trepidation and excitement, as well as an appreciation of New Orleans' incredible history.
…More
From
$20.21
From
$20.21
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

New Orleans French Quarter Photo Shoot
59
Savor your New Orleans experience with a professional photographer to show you around the French Quarter and capture high-quality photos of the excursion. The local photographer not only knows the top photo spots in the city but can also share other details about the sights throughout the tour. This enables you to maximize your time and take home photos.
…More
From
$53.34
From
$53.34
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regular temperature checks for staff
Learn More

New Orleans Vampire Walking Tour
210
Discover the most legendary vampire haunts in New Orleans on this 2‐hour evening walking tour! Your local guide will lead a lamplit promenade through the French Quarter to visit places imbibed in vampire lore such as the filming location of Interview with a Vampire. You’ll also hear some ‘real’ stories of the undead from public archives and police reports, and peek in at a known vampire tavern. Think twice before accepting any free drinks!
…More
From
$24.99
From
$24.99
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

New Orleans Cocktail History Walking Tour in the French Quarter
258
Indulge in New Orleans liquid culture on this insider cocktail tour of the historic French Quarter! With an expert guide and fellow drinks enthusiasts, journey beyond the hubbub of Bourbon Street and visit four historic local haunts for a sampling of iconic cocktails. At each legendary venue, admire the mixology of notable bartenders, discover the origins and truths of centuries‐old spirits such as absinthe, and sip on a Sazerac (or two).
…More
From
$70.00
From
$70.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

New Orleans Sightseeing City Tour
131
Maximize time in New Orleans with a sightseeing bus tour. Explore beyond the beauty of the French Quarter to see other neighborhoods including the Garden District, Treme, and the 9th Ward. Learn about city culture and history as you travel along Frenchmen Street, Esplanade Avenue, and more. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included.
…More
From
$36.00
$4.00 savings
Price varies by group size
From
$36.00
$4.00 savings
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour
134
Get the best of Louisiana with this historical tour that combines all the flavors of New Orleans with a trip into the past. You'll follow your expert guide to eight different locations throughout the city that include Creole restaurants, cocktail lounges, sandwich shops and pre-Civil War bars. This tour includes samples of up to ten different dishes, plus four full-sized drinks that showcase the best of Louisiana's culinary and cocktail heritage. This is the perfect tour for foodies and allows travelers to sample the best in a single afternoon!
…More
From
$130.00
From
$130.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

New Orleans True Murder Tour: Sinister Criminal Intentions
387
New Orleans may be notorious for its ghost stories, but the city is also home to a host of shocking true crime that's too grisly to make up. On this adults-only evening tour, roam through the lively French Quarter with a guide who shares the gruesome details of crimes ripped straight from headlines and police reports. From the beastly LaLaurie and Trunk murders to the Katrina Cannibal, these tales are not for the faint of heart.
…More
From
$30.00
From
$30.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

New Orleans Small-Group Historical Sightseeing Tour
55
Discover New Orleans’ vibrant history through its dynamic history on this sightseeing tour. Enjoy a small group van ride through the city, viewing the diverse architectural wonders of the French Quarter, the Garden District, Esplanade Avenue, and Bayou St John. You’ll disembark for small-group walking tours of the St. Louis Cemetery No 3, City Park, and the Longue Vue House and Gardens—a masterpiece of architectural and horticultural history.
…More
From
$96.00
From
$96.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

New Orleans French Quarter Walking and History Tour
109
Immerse yourself in the best of the French Quarter on this 2.5‐hour historical walking tour. An entertaining local guide will lead you through the Vieux Carré, along the mighty Mississippi River, and to Louis Armstrong Park and Jackson Square, describing the city’s cultural history and diverse colonial heritage. See notable literary and cinematic landmarks, bustling scenes of local life, and architectural gems including some of the nation’s oldest buildings.
…More
From
$25.00
From
$25.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

Adults Only Ghost, Voodoo, and Vampire Walking Tour
387
Discover the spooky side of New Orleans on a small-group ghost tour in the Big Easy. Pass by locations such as Congo Square in Louis Armstrong Park, Marie Laveau’s House, and The Lalaurie Mansion where your guide shares live commentary about the ghosts, spirits, and other supernatural lore that haunts the history of New Orleans. Choose from two departure times in the evening to suit your schedule.
…More
From
$24.99
From
$24.99
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More

New Orleans City and Cemetery Sightseeing Tour
214
Witness the extravagant and spiritual sides of New Orleans this 3‐hour city and cemetery sightseeing bus and walking tour. See culturally infused architecture in the French Quarter, stunning mansions in the Garden District, and the famous Lake Pontchartrain Causeway en route to St Louis Cemetery No 3. There, meander through a maze of haunting mausoleums including that of Marie Laveau, the city’s most revered voodoo priestess.
…More
From
$57.73
From
$57.73
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

New Orleans Ghost Adventures Tour
104
This haunted house tour is led by a professional historian and perfect for travelers who want a behind-the-scenes look at the ghosts and spirits that still lurk in the Big Easy. Listen to real ghost stories as you make your way through the French Quarter of New Orleans.
…More
From
$19.71
$7.29 savings
From
$19.71
$7.29 savings
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

French Quarter Haunted Excursion In New Orleans
12
This haunted excursion around New Orleans takes in the greatest hits of ghosts and vampires alongside lurid New Orleans history, popular culture and architecture, cemetery explorations and, of course, tales of the city's great unsolved mysteries. Popular with families and individuals alike, the tour includes fun commentary during a walk through the French Quarter. As the Cajun expression 'laissz les bon temps rouler' goes, let the good times roll!
…More
From
$25.00
From
$25.00
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Regular temperature checks for staff
Learn More

New Orleans French Quarter Kids and Family Tour
40
Get your kids marching to the tune of New Orleans on a family-friendly romp through the French Quarter. Explore the city’s history with pictures and stories, from pirates and voodoo to jazz and Cajun culture, and treat young tastes buds to some local snacks. An entertaining guide tailors games and activities to kids’ ages on this small-group tour that has the whole family wearing Mardi Gras beads and stomping in a second-line parade, just like locals.
…More
From
$32.00
From
$32.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

Oak Alley Plantation and 3-Hour New Orleans City Tour
20
Spend three hours getting an insider's look at this historic city. Rout the famous cemeteries, iconic plantation homes and Hurricane Katrina landmarks with you professional guide. Learn about Creole history and tradition as you explore the city during this tour that's perfect for first-time visitors, families and history lovers.
…More
From
$106.00
From
$106.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

The Ghosts of New Orleans Tour
404
Dig into some of New Orleans' scary history with this walking tour. Visit some of the city's most haunted locations in the French Quarter.
…More
From
$19.95
From
$19.95

New Orleans Food Tour
32
From grits to gumbo, food in New Orleans is packed with flavor. This food walking tour of the French Quarter takes you to time-tested, hole-in-the-wall establishments that you’re likely to overlook on your own. Try authentic Cajun and Creole cooking, and learn about New Orleans history and culture between bites.
…More
From
$44.00
From
$44.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Learn More

French Quarter and Cemetery Walking Tour in New Orleans
32
Enjoy an overview of the French Quarter and St Louis Cemetery No 1, known as the ‘city of the dead,’ on this 2-hour walking tour in New Orleans. An informative guide takes you through 300 years of history and shares intriguing facts about the oldest French settlement in the United States. Learn about the cemetery tombs built above ground and which prominent New Orleans families are buried here.
…More
From
$29.13
From
$29.13
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

New Orleans Scavenger Hunt Adventure
2
Among the best ways to get a feel for New Orleans is to get out and walk it, but the standard self-guided tours can get a bit dull. Take one of these 3-hour smartphone-guided scavenger hunts and a three-hour window of your day will suddenly turn into adventure. Solve puzzles, study clues and celebrate at the finish, all while navigating the historic streets and taking in the sights of the Big Easy.
…More
From
$21.34
Price varies by group size
From
$21.34
Price varies by group size
Things to do near New Orleans
- Things to do in Louisiana
- Things to do in Orange Beach
- Things to do in Destin
- Things to do in Panama City Beach
- Things to do in Galveston
- Things to do in Houston
- Things to do in Atlanta
- Things to do in Dallas
- Things to do in Crystal River
- Things to do in Clearwater
- Things to do in Nashville
- Things to do in Tampa
- Things to do in San Antonio
- Things to do in Alabama
- Things to do in Georgia