French Quarter Walking Tour Route Guide: Jackson Square, Royal Street, Ursuline Convent, and More
The French Quarter in New Orleans is one of the most historic and beautiful areas in the city. Walking through its streets, you’ll be able to see buildings of many different architectural styles, learn about the rich history that led to its formation, and discover why music is so important in New Orleans culture. You’ll also get some amazing views of the Mississippi River. So, if you’re looking for a fun and informative way to experience the French Quarter, be sure to take a tour with the New Orleans Legendary Walking Tours!
A French Quarter walking tour covers about 1.2 miles in roughly two hours, with frequent stops at Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, Royal Street, the Old Ursuline Convent, and the French Market. NOLWT tours leave from 941 Decatur Street at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM with a guide licensed by the City of New Orleans, from $29.99 per person.
| Stop | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Jackson Square | Orientation point for the Quarter and the best first view of the cathedral. |
| St. Louis Cathedral | Colonial, religious, and architectural context for everything around it. |
| Royal Street | Galleries, ironwork balconies, and the Quarter’s quieter side. |
| Old Ursuline Convent | Among the oldest buildings in the city, and a bridge into its stranger stories. |
| LaLaurie Mansion | An exterior stop tied to the Quarter’s darkest history — the context comes from your guide. |
| Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop | Pirate-era history in one of the oldest structures in the country. |
| French Market | Where the route meets everyday neighborhood life and food. |
| Café Du Monde | The traditional finish — beignets a block from where the tour ends. |
The French Market
The French Market, located near the French Quarter, is one of the oldest markets in the United States. Originally constructed in 1791, it was later destroyed in 1812 by a hurricane, and was restored the following year.
The French Market offers visitors a place where they can find all sorts of souvenirs from t-shirts and magnets to paintings and sculptures. There’s also a variety of food options, ranging from the delicious New Orleans crawfish and other seafood, down to desserts, fruits, vegetables, and more. The French Market is also known for hosting some annual events including the French Quarter Festival and the French Market Creole Tomato Festival.
St. Louis Cathedral
One of the most notable landmarks in New Orleans is the St. Louis Cathedral. With its triple steeples towering above its historical neighbors, the Cabildo and the Presbytere, the cathedral vividly overlooks the green of the Square, with General Andrew Jackson on his bronze horse and the block-long Pontalba Buildings with their iron-laced galleries. Certainly, this is the essence of old New Orleans. After all, it was here that Jean Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville founded New Orleans in 1718.
The original church on site, built in 1727 and dedicated to King Louis IX of France, burned down during the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788; construction of the cathedral as we know it today was completed in 1794. It has undergone many renovations over time, but still retains much of its original appearance, including gilded altars, hand-carved pews, and confessionals from Bavaria. Today, it serves as both a parish church for nearby residents as well as one of New Orleans’ most popular tourist attractions.
Jackson Square
With its historic buildings, a vibrant art scene, and prime location facing the Mississippi River, it’s no wonder that Jackson Square is one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Orleans. Featuring a mix of residential and retail space, this amazing site has something for everyone.
Visitors can explore the St. Louis Cathedral, the Presbytere and Cabildo, or even take a stroll through the Lower and Upper Pontalba Apartments, the oldest apartment buildings in the United States. For those looking for a more active experience, there are plenty of options as well. From the outdoor artist colony that has been around for over half a century, to the numerous shops, museums, galleries, and restaurants dotted throughout the area; this famous square is sure to keep you interested!
Looking for an authentic New Orleans experience? Look no further than our walking tour company! We offer the best walking tours in town and guarantee you a more interesting trip than any other. Our knowledgeable and friendly tour guides will take you through every nook and cranny of America’s most unique city. We also guarantee that you’ll see some things while touring with us that won’t be visible on any other French Quarter walking tour. Book with us today and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
How long is the walking tour?
About two hours, covering roughly 1.2 miles at a comfortable pace. The route is mostly flat with no stairs and stops are frequent, so the walking suits most fitness levels. Departures are 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM from 941 Decatur Street.
What landmarks are included?
Seven or more stops, including Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, Royal Street, the Old Ursuline Convent, the LaLaurie Mansion, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, and the French Market, finishing near Café Du Monde. Several are exterior stops where the story comes from your guide rather than from going inside.
Is the route family-friendly?
Yes. Guides adjust the storytelling for younger audiences, and children under 12 book at $18.99 rather than the $29.99 adult rate. The pirate history and the beignets afterward tend to be the winners.
Is a guide worth it vs. self-guided?
You can walk past every one of these landmarks on your own. What a plaque cannot give you is the connective tissue — why the cathedral sits where it does, what the ironwork on Royal Street signals, which LaLaurie Mansion stories actually hold up. NOLWT guides are licensed by the City of New Orleans and trained in the Quarter’s history, architecture, and folklore.
What should visitors wear or bring?
Comfortable closed-toe shoes — Quarter sidewalks are historic and uneven in places. Bring water, sun protection in summer, and a light layer in winter. Tours run rain or shine with a modified, more-covered route in poor weather; severe weather is rescheduled.
General Details for the French Quarter Walking Tour
- Duration: about 2 hours, roughly 1.2 miles, mostly flat with no stairs.
- Departures: 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM daily.
- Meeting point: 941 Decatur Street near Jackson Square — your confirmation email has the exact spot and guide ID; arrive 10 minutes early.
- Price: $29.99 adults, $18.99 children under 12.
- Booking: reserve at least 24 hours ahead, especially October–May and during Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and French Quarter Festival — weekends sell out.
- Weather: tours run rain or shine on a modified, more-covered route; severe weather is rescheduled.
- Accessibility: the route is primarily flat with no stairs, though sidewalks are historic and uneven — contact us in advance for specific needs.
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