Jackson Square
8.3Friend Score / 10Known forjackson squarefrench quarterst louis cathedralfree things to do
The postcard heart of the French Quarter — a landscaped square facing St. Louis Cathedral, ringed by an iron fence hung with local artists' work, plus street musicians, tarot readers, and the Pontalba buildings. Free, open daily roughly 8am to dusk. Come at breakfast for the light and calm; midday it's a happy circus.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 08:00–18:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Riverfront streetcar (St. Ann or Toulouse stops) or a walk from Canal Street lines |
| Time needed | 30-60 minutes, more if you browse the artists |
| Best time to go | Early morning for photos before crowds; late afternoon for peak street-performer energy |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.3/10- Value9.5
- iconic9.0
- Freshness9.1
- Crowd level4.5
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility9.0
Frequently asked questions
- When is the best time to photograph Jackson Square?
- Just after sunrise, before the plaza fills — you'll get the Andrew Jackson statue and cathedral facade with almost nobody in frame. Sunset from the Washington Artillery Park steps across Decatur is the other classic shot.
- Are the tarot readers and performers legit?
- They're part of the square's fabric — readings and performances are tip-based hustle in the friendly sense. Agree on a price before a reading, tip performers if you stopped and watched, and you'll have no problems.
- Is Jackson Square free?
- Completely. The square, the artists, the performers, and the cathedral are all free; the Cabildo and Presbytère museums flanking the cathedral charge modest admission (around $11).
- Is Jackson Square safe at night?
- The plaza edges stay busy into the evening and it's generally fine, though the fenced park itself is locked after dusk. Late at night, stick to the lively blocks and treat empty side streets with usual caution.
- What are Jackson Square's hours?
- The fenced park itself opens at 8am and closes around 6pm in winter, 7pm in summer. The surrounding pedestrian plaza — where the artists and performers are — is open all the time.
- Is Café du Monde near Jackson Square?
- The original Café du Monde is directly across Decatur Street — beignets and café au lait, open long hours daily. The line looks scary but moves fast; or get takeout and eat on the Moonwalk by the river.
- What is there to do at Jackson Square?
- Browse the artists selling work on the iron fence, catch street musicians, tour the cathedral and the two flanking museums (Cabildo and Presbytère), and people-watch from a bench. It's the natural hub for a French Quarter wander.
- Are the Jackson Square artists worth buying from?
- Yes — it's a real, licensed open-air artist colony that's operated for generations, and prices for original work are fair. It beats any souvenir shop on Decatur for something you'll actually hang.
Nearby in Ask New Orleans
- Jackson SquareAttraction0.01 km · 0 min walk
- The Presbytère (Louisiana State Museum)Museum0.04 km · 1 min walk
- St. Louis CathedralAttraction0.09 km · 1 min walk
- St. Louis CathedralLandmark0.09 km · 1 min walk
- Muriel's Jackson SquareRestaurant0.11 km · 1 min walk
Where to stay near Jackson Square
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