12 Top Things to Do in French Quarter, New Orleans

As a woman over 50 who wishes to travel, the French Quarter in New Orleans is a perfect place for you. The scenic place is rich in culture, traditions, entertainment, and history with so many things to do. 

Among the most known neighborhoods in the area, the place has a lot of stories to talk about. Making it one of the exciting and top favorites of travelers for years. 

Every portion of the place we’re talking about offers great things for anyone, from exquisite avenues to beautiful architecture, small shops, and bustling markets. We hope you’re ready to see the beauty of this place with your own eyes! 

Read on because we’ll keep you company as we walk through our long list of things to do in the New Orleans French Quarter. 

Things To Do in French Quarter, New Orleans

We’ll help you get started on your getaway plans, for you’re about to witness some interesting things you can do as you visit the French Quarter in New Orleans.

1. Experience and Enjoy Local Food

Ensure not to miss out on the city’s best cuisine! It would certainly be great to begin your visit with a mouth-watering food tour. Make sure to try all the food out there and know that nothing compares to the cajun cuisine available in the locale.

Set up the tour with a taste of the powdered sweet bliss of beignets, a local breakfast favorite. After that, you’ll stop by the French Market for a quick bite before heading for lots of cajun delights in the French Quarter.

Also, make sure to try some hot sauces and gumbo from Louisiana. All of this is served with some sugarcanes and bitternuts grown right here in the area.

2. Exploring Jackson Square

As the heart of the community, Jackson Square remains an exciting place to visit. You can watch a lot of talented and amazing street performers. Andrew Jackson is the person behind the square’s name, and despite a tumultuous past, the place remains lovelier as time goes by. Making it a fantastic spot for just watching the world pass.

The best perspective of the area is from across the road, and it is great to take some photos at Washington Artillery Park. The square is one of the historic sites and the most prominent location in New Orleans.

3. Visit the Famous Preservation Hall

You would also want to visit New Orleans’ Preservation Hall. The popular hall serves as a music space, a roaming band, and an NPO. It remains a centerpiece of New Orleans musical culture at present.  

You can locate it on St. Peter Street in French Quarter’s center area, which hosts modest, acoustic jazz performances for exactly 350 nights every year, with groups from a contemporary selection of a hundred local performers. Viewers can see the progression of this historic and ongoing tradition on any given cold night.

4. Enjoy the Historic French Market

The French market is currently located in a contemporary facility made by Joseph Abeilard. The market creates an alive and well atmosphere, and a visit from travelers is surely recommended. Dutch Alley is a pedestrian park around Dumaine and St. Philip Streets, a significant historical area. 

You’ll also come across the Farmers Market Pavillion. This is where you can witness local performers and artisans promoting their crafts.

This famous site, located near Jackson Square, is a perfect place to rest for a nibble, buy some souvenirs, or a full meal and a drink. Indeed, a must-see sight in the quarter itself.

5. Buy Some Antiques

Royal Street is known for its high-quality, one-of-a-kind antiques, which captivated many renowned and controversial people for several years.

There are shops and showrooms that flank the roads and streets of the area, continuing New Orleans’ long history as a furniture retailer. The port’s historical significance made the area a venue for imported exquisite artistry.

New Orleans is the United States’ second busiest major gateway for antiques, and some of the related families still manage such antique stores for generations. The Royal Street Guild, a group devoted to ensuring the standard, quality, and uniqueness of the products received on the street, is home to many of the street’s merchants.

6. Try the City’s Carousel Bar

Given that it’s in New Orleans, you’ll need to experience a carousel-inspired bar. It is open for everyone who enjoys such a fascinating sight. 

It is designed as a merry-go-round, and it even spins just like a real one. However, it becomes packed, but it will be less crowded if you arrive before 11 a.m. This bar is unlike any other, and we recommend that you visit it if you have the opportunity.

7. Riding A Steamboat

While steamboats do not transport you through the quarter, it is the location wherein tourists can board one or witness those boats leave.

The New Orleans Steamboat Company is also a part of the scenic places in the area. The riverboat known as Nacthez is among the Mississippi’s oldest operating steamboats. A steamboat trip is a terrific way to get a fresh view of the city and explore the stories of the whole community. 

8. Try the City’s Famous Ghost Tour

If you’re into more of a thrill, this one’s basically for you. A ghost tour would be a must-do on any list of things to do in the New Orleans French Quarter. The slave labor, various wars, and natural catastrophes have contributed to creating countless folklore and scary stories in NOLA. Some famous TV shows focus on vampire and witch activities in their entertainment. 

A ghost tour is highly recommended if you enjoy all things eerie and ghoulish as much as some travelers do. With an expert guide, the ghost tour lasts for two hours, letting you visit all of the haunted spots you wish to see.

The experienced guides, all of whom are well-versed in history. You’ll be able to see various sights that have made the quarter renowned. Also, you can explore Lalaurie Mansion, which featured on ‘American Horror Story: Coven,’ May Bailey’s Brothel as featured on Travel Channel’s ‘Ghost Adventures,’ and other well-known haunted sites.

9. Strolling Through The Moonwalk

Named after former Mayor Moon Landrieu, this is a blissful short stroll with spectacular views of North America’s greatest river—Mississippi.

You’ll frequently see street entertainers, people picnicking, families out for a stroll, and a diverse ensemble of New Orleans locals roaming along the streets. Make sure to find yourself a riverboat, take good photos, and admire the beauty of the scenery. 

10. Wander At Saint Louis Cathedral

The cathedral overlooks Jackson Square and is among New Orleans’ most well-known buildings. Merely recognized as iconic, and many people wish to visit this place.

It even looks beautiful from afar, making it a great spot for photo opts. We strongly advise you to explore the inside and learn about the remarkable place. You may also consider donating to help with the building’s restoration.

11. Don’t Forget Bourbon Street

The list of events to enjoy would be incomplete without noting Bourbon Street. Visiting this area is surely a fun adventure even for a woman over her 50s. Bourbon Street is a trendy hangout with anything for everyone, regardless of their drink of choice or musical preference.

People enjoy strolling and embracing the ambiance of the party street. If you’re more of a social butterfly, you should probably stop by, even if it’s only for a quick drink. Drinks served here are affordable, making them even more appealing to many tourists. 

12. Hunt for some of NOLA’s Balconies

If there’s one thing New Orleans is known for, it’s the structures and their elaborate terraces and balconies. Wandering around Royal Street in the evening is surely one of those interesting things to do in the French Quarter. 

There are many beautiful balconies you can take a look at in Jackson Square, but those in the serene parts of the place are even getting even more fascinating not to go for. Keep in mind to have your camera kept by your side since there are a lot of great photo spots you won’t want to miss. 

Conclusion

As a bustling city, New Orleans certainly offers a lot of wonderful things to experience. Seeing those beautiful attractions, many women over 50 like you surely dreamt of visiting such scenic places. 

We’re absolutely glad to share this great list of things to do in New Orleans, French Quarter with you as we wish you the best visit experience!