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Sight French Quarter & Riverfront

Jackson Square

A sight in French Quarter & Riverfront, free to visit and worth about 45 minutes. Best time to go: Late afternoon Dec 31.

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Jackson Square in French Quarter & Riverfront
Photo: Clark Mills · Public domain

Why go

The Quarter's old parade ground, facing St. Louis Cathedral, a short walk from the riverfront viewing areas.

It is one of 9 curated places we feature in French Quarter & Riverfront, alongside 3 places to eat, 2 bars & cafés and 1 activity. 6 more of our picks sit within about half a mile in a straight line, so it pairs easily with Jackson Square and Café du Monde. At about 45 minutes, it slots neatly between bigger plans.

Type
Sight
Neighborhood
French Quarter
Price
Free
Time needed
45 min
Best time
Late afternoon Dec 31

Nearby

Our closest curated picks, including 3 beyond French Quarter & Riverfront. Distances are straight-line, not walking or driving.

  1. 1
    Jackson Square

    Historic square framed by St. Louis Cathedral, street painters and brass bands.

    Sight · New Orleans · 0.0 mi straight-line
  2. 2
    Café du Monde

    Open-air coffee stand serving beignets and chicory café au lait since 1862.

    Food · New Orleans · 0.1 mi straight-line
  3. 3
    Preservation Hall

    Tiny hall dedicated to traditional New Orleans jazz, sets nightly.

    Activity · New Orleans · 0.1 mi straight-line
  4. 4
    Antoine's

    Creole dining rooms open since 1840, where oysters Rockefeller were first served.

    Food · 0.2 mi straight-line
  5. 5
    Woldenberg Park

    Riverfront park at the foot of the Quarter, home of the free New Orleans Eve concert and countdown in 2025.

    Activity · 0.3 mi straight-line
  6. 6
    Arnaud's

    Creole restaurant from 1918 with shrimp Arnaud, a jazz bistro, and the French 75 bar off the lobby.

    Food · 0.4 mi straight-line

On these curated routes

Jackson Square is a stop on our New Orleans New Year's Eve route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.

More sights to see in French Quarter & Riverfront

Another curated sight in French Quarter & Riverfront. See the full French Quarter & Riverfront guide.

When to go: weather by month, based on New Orleans

Our climate figures for French Quarter & Riverfront come from nearby New Orleans. Average daily highs in New Orleans run from 60°F in January to 87°F in August; August is usually the wettest month. For Jackson Square itself, we suggest: Late afternoon Dec 31.

Modelled monthly averages for New Orleans from NASA POWER, not a forecast. New Orleans weather by month (covers French Quarter & Riverfront).

Getting there

Map links open a live search for Jackson Square, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.

Coordinates
29.95750, -90.06306
Destination
French Quarter & Riverfront, Louisiana

Jackson Square: quick answers

How much time do you need at Jackson Square?

Plan on about 45 minutes at Jackson Square. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.

When is the best time to visit Jackson Square?

Our pick: Late afternoon Dec 31. Insider tip: Cross to the Moonwalk on the levee behind it for a clear view of the fireworks.

Is Jackson Square free?

Yes, we list Jackson Square as free to visit. Check locally before you go, since special exhibits, parking or tours can carry a fee.

Which TripsCircle routes include Jackson Square?

Jackson Square appears on New Orleans New Year's Eve, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.

Add Jackson Square to your crew's plan

Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to French Quarter & Riverfront.

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Plan French Quarter & Riverfront

Lists & regions

Also in French Quarter & Riverfront

Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.