Jackson Square Tours and Activities

Jackson Square
Jackson Square
Jackson Square
Jackson Square
Jackson Square


Chill out Southern-style in this freewheeling park with a fascinating past.

Jackson Square was once a site for public executions of rebellious slaves but its dark past has been left behind and, nowadays, this vibrant public park is filled with artists and musicians, shoppers and diners, united with the single aim of having a good time.

The city park was designed by Louis Pilié in the Parisian style and was originally known as Place d’Armes. In 1971 it was converted into an open-air mall with space for craft stalls and food outlets. The 19th-century Pontalba Apartments on two sides of the square are now filled with shops and restaurants, while beautiful St. Louis Cathedral to the northwest offers a peaceful respite from the urban buzz. The USA’s oldest continuously working cathedral is flanked by two other heritage buildings, the Cabildo and Presbytère, which both fall under the umbrella of the Louisiana State Museum.

Jackson Square is one big open-air art gallery, with paintings squeezed onto on every available surface from pavements to fences, and artists compete to paint your portrait or sell you a caricature. It’s also a popular spot for other flamboyant street entertainers such as jugglers and magicians, mime artists and tarot card readers. Pull up a chair at Café du Monde and enjoy the view that has been captivating drinkers of its famous chicory-infused café au lait since the 1860s.

The square is also the scene of numerous public events and festivals, concerts and sporting celebrations. The French Quarter Festival draws the crowds every April with live music from local jazz bands, tasty food and unusual gifts for sale. In the run-up to Christmas the air is filled with the sweet sound of carollers – a popular local tradition that dates back to 1946, while extravagantly costumed revellers flock here for the annual Mardi Gras parade.

Parking in this busy and popular part of the city can be hard to find, so use the bus for a quick and convenient ride straight to the beating heart of the French Quarter.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Holiday & seasonal tours

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Adventure & outdoor

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Classes & workshops

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Popular places to visit


Top Jackson Square Hotel & Accommodation Deals

InterContinental New Orleans by IHG

InterContinental New Orleans by IHG

4 out of 5
444 St Charles Ave New Orleans Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
InterContinental New Orleans by IHG
Hyatt Centric French Quarter

Hyatt Centric French Quarter

4 out of 5
800 Iberville Street, New Orleans, LA
Hyatt Centric French Quarter
Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Bourbon Orleans Hotel

4 out of 5
717 Orleans St., New Orleans, LA
Bourbon Orleans Hotel
French Market Inn

French Market Inn

3 out of 5
509 Decatur St., New Orleans, LA
French Market Inn
Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter

Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter

4 out of 5
124 Royal St, New Orleans, LA
Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter
New Orleans Marriott

New Orleans Marriott

4 out of 5
555 Canal St, New Orleans, LA
New Orleans Marriott
Omni Royal Orleans Hotel

Omni Royal Orleans Hotel

4 out of 5
621 Saint Louis St, New Orleans, LA
Omni Royal Orleans Hotel
The Westin New Orleans

The Westin New Orleans

4.5 out of 5
100 Rue Iberville, New Orleans, LA
The Westin New Orleans
Four Points By Sheraton French Quarter

Four Points By Sheraton French Quarter

3.5 out of 5
541 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA
Four Points By Sheraton French Quarter
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Jackson Square

Jackson Square, New Orleans, offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with live music, dancing, and the soulful sounds of jazz. Don't miss out on a jazz tour to immerse yourself in the city's rich musical heritage, and consider enjoying a scenic boat ride to explore the beautiful waterways. With its lively street performances and artistic flair, Jackson Square is a must-visit destination for an unforgettable experience.

Shopping

For shopping near Jackson Square, visit the French Market (161m) for local goods, or the Marie Laveau House of Voodoo (322m) for unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out the New Orleans Riverwalk Shopping Center (1.1km) for a mix of shops and entertainment.

Recreation

Caesars Superdome, a lively sports venue 1.6km from Jackson Square, offers an energetic atmosphere, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Preservation Hall, located 322m away, hosts intimate music concerts that immerse you in the soulful sounds of New Orleans. Smoothie King Center, also 1.6km away, is another vibrant sports hub.

Adventure

NOLA Motorsports Park offers exhilarating motor racing experiences, located 14.5km from Jackson Square, perfect for thrill-seekers. For a more relaxed adventure, visit New Orleans City Park Tennis Center, situated 6.4km away, where you can enjoy tennis amidst lovely surroundings. Ama Park, 24.1km away, provides a scenic campground ideal for outdoor family fun.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Jackson Square buzzes with energy! Enjoy a show at the Saenger Theatre, only 966m away, or sip cocktails at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, just 483m from the square. Don't miss the intimate performances at Le Petit Theatre Du Vieux Carre, a mere 161m away!

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Jackson Square

Jackson Square in New Orleans is a vibrant hub brimming with culture and family-friendly experiences. Visitors can explore charming streets, captivating museums, and urban parks that showcase the city's rich heritage. Whether you're wandering through the square itself or venturing to nearby attractions, there's plenty to see and do that captures the essence of New Orleans. It's a must-visit for any traveller looking to immerse themselves in the local culture.

  • Bourbon Street: Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street, known for its vibrant nightlife and eclectic mix of bars, music venues, and street performers. This iconic street is a hub for city vibes, making it a must-visit for those seeking excitement and entertainment.
  • French Quarter Visitor Center: Located a short stroll away, the French Quarter Visitor Center offers a fantastic starting point for your adventure. With family-friendly activities and outdoor exploration, you can uncover the rich history and culture of New Orleans while enjoying the vibrant surroundings.
  • Historic New Orleans Collection: Delve into the culture of New Orleans at the Historic New Orleans Collection. This museum showcases the city’s heritage through fascinating exhibits, making it an enriching experience for history enthusiasts and curious visitors alike.

Best time to go to Jackson Square

The best time to visit Jackson Square can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Jackson Square falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Jackson Square falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
February58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May76.6°F (24.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
June82.6°F (28.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
July83.5°F (28.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August83.8°F (28.8°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September80.6°F (27.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
October72.9°F (22.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November63.3°F (17.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Jackson Square

When planning your trip to Jackson Square, consider visiting during the cheaper months of June and August to September. For the best hotel deals, aim to book one month in advance or explore last-minute offers on Expedia. Staying on a Tuesday will also save you money compared to weekends. Use Expedia’s search tools to compare hotel prices, and don’t forget to check out package deals that bundle accommodation with flights and activities for extra savings. Seek out eco-certified hotels for affordable and sustainable options during your stay.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Jackson Square are June and August to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, April and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Jackson Square is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Jackson Square is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Jackson Square is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to identify the most affordable accommodation options first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book with confidence.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Jackson Square hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.