Claim to Fame
Founded in 1721 as Place d’Armes, Jackson Square is New Orleans’s historic heart—framed by St. Louis Cathedral and the Mississippi River, where artists, street performers, and centuries of Creole culture converge beneath ancient live oaks.
📌 Navigating Jackson Square : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
- Admission Fee: There is no admission fee to enter Jackson Square, making it a free attraction for all visitors.
- How Long to Visit: Most visitors typically spend about 30 minutes to an hour exploring the square and soaking in the atmosphere.
- Washrooms: Public washrooms are not available within Jackson Square; visitors may need to use facilities in nearby establishments.
- Hours of Operation: Jackson Square is open year-round, and while the square itself doesn’t close, surrounding businesses may have varying hours.
- Important Information: Jackson Square is a historic landmark and a cultural hub, so be mindful of local events and street performances that may occur.
- Handicap Accessible: Jackson Square is handicap accessible, with paved walkways and accessible seating areas.
- Pets: Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours are available, offering insights into the history and significance of the square and its surrounding landmarks.
- Restaurant or Cafe: There are several restaurants and cafes nearby, offering a variety of dining options for visitors.
- Gift Shop: There are no gift shops located directly in Jackson Square, but you can find shops in the surrounding French Quarter.
- Parking: Parking is available in nearby garages and street parking, but it can be limited, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Family Friendly: The area is family-friendly, featuring open spaces and activities suitable for children.
- Photography: Photography is encouraged, with many picturesque spots including the historic St. Louis Cathedral as a backdrop.
- WIFI: Free public Wi-Fi is not available in Jackson Square, but nearby cafes may provide access.
- Picnic Area: There are no designated picnic areas within Jackson Square, but visitors can enjoy food from nearby establishments.
Photos of Jackson Square
Nestled at the tip of the French Quarter, Jackson Square offers a living tableau of New Orleans’s storied past and vibrant present. Flanked by colonial-era Pontalba Apartments and crowned by Andrew Jackson’s bronze equestrian statue, the plaza pulses with artists sketching portraits under oaks draped in Spanish moss, jazz musicians riffing on the riverfront levee, and guided tours recounting tales of pirates, pirates’ graves, and Creole society. Whether you pause for Café du Monde beignets at sunrise, browse local art at noon, or sip an evening cocktail as streetcar bells chime, Jackson Square embodies the city’s indelible spirit.
What to Expect
Begin at the cathedral’s steps—attend a live organ recital or glimpse Sunday mass through stained-glass windows. Wander the square’s semicircular iron-fenced perimeter, where painters display vivid scenes of Bourbon Street, riverboats, and masquerade balls. Street performers—from mime troupes to second-line brass bands—dot the central pathways. Stroll down Decatur Street to the levee overlook for panoramic views of paddlewheel riverboats and the Crescent City Connection bridge. Don’t miss the nearby Cabildo and Presbytere museums for Creole history and Hurricane Katrina exhibits.
Art galleries line Chartres Street’s galleries just north of the square, while the French Market off Jackson offers local crafts, pralines, and seafood buckets. As dusk falls, lamplights glow on the plaza, and live jazz drifts from nearby Preservation Hall—just a block away on St. Peter Street.
Background and Cultural Context
Originally laid out by French engineer Adrien de Pauger in 1721, Jackson Square (then Place d’Armes) served as the colonial military parade ground. Rebuilt after Spanish fires in the 1780s, its current ironwork by Baroness Pontalba dates to 1851. Named for hero Andrew Jackson, who defeated the British in 1815, the square has witnessed Mardi Gras parades, voodoo ceremonies, and pivotal moments in Creole society—its oak canopy once hosting secret gatherings of early jazz legends.
Today, Jackson Square remains a cultural crossroads managed by the New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission. Annual traditions—Mardi Gras Indian “Super Sunday,” French Quarter Festival, and All Saints Day vigils—continue to animate this space as both a community gathering place and a stage for living heritage.
Best Time to Visit
Early morning (8–10 AM) weekdays offer soft light on the cathedral façade and empty benches for reflection. Late afternoons (4–6 PM) bring golden-hour glow on the Jackson statue and fewer midday tourists. Weekends host lively art markets and street performers; plan for French Quarter Festival in April when live stages fill the plaza. Evening (7–9 PM) captures lamplit charm and live jazz drifting across the square.
How to Get There
Jackson Square is bounded by Decatur, St. Peter, Chartres, and St. Ann Streets. Streetcars on the Riverfront line stop at Canal Street, a short walk north. Bus routes 10 and 49 serve Decatur Street. Ride-share drop-offs are easiest on Chartres; limited metered parking exists on surrounding streets. The plaza’s brick pathways and curb-ramp entrances make it wheelchair-accessible; benches provide rest spots beneath the oaks.
Photo Opportunities
- Wide shot of St. Louis Cathedral framed by live oaks and the Jackson equestrian statue
- Artists at easels under moss-draped branches capturing the plaza scene
- Sunset silhouette of the Jackson statue against a pink-hued sky over the river
- Close-up of wrought-iron Pontalba balconies overlooking the square
- Night-time long exposure of streetcar lights streaking past the square’s edge
Travel Tips
- Visit early to snag a beignet and café au lait at Café du Monde before crowds arrive.
- Bring small bills for tipping street artists, musicians, and carriage-ride drivers.
- Pick up a free map at the Welcome Center to join guided walking tours of the Quarter.
- Stay aware of weather—shade is limited under the oaks; carry water and sun protection.
- Combine with a riverboat cruise departure just steps away at the Levee for a full river-city experience.
FAQs
Is admission required?
No—Jackson Square is free and open 24/7; some nearby attractions like the Cabildo charge admission.
Are guided tours available?
Yes—daily free walking tours depart from the Welcome Center kiosk at 10 AM and 2 PM; private Creole History tours can be booked in advance.
Can I bring food?
Yes—food and drinks are permitted in the plaza; enjoy street-vendor snacks or packed picnics on the benches.
Is it safe at night?
Yes—well-lit and patrolled by local police and private security, Jackson Square remains lively and secure after dark.
Final Thoughts
Jackson Square is more than a historic plaza—it’s the beating heart of New Orleans’s culture, where architecture, art, music, and riverfront vistas converge. Whether you’re tracing colonial footsteps, discovering local artistry, or simply savoring a moment beneath the oaks, this storied square offers an unforgettable glimpse into the soul of the Crescent City.