Jackson Square
- Admission
- Free
- Hours
- Open daily, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (closes at 7:00 PM during Daylight Saving Time)
- Duration
- 1-2 hours
- Parking
- Street parking (metered) and nearby paid parking lots
- Access
- Wheelchair accessible paved pathways and flat terrain
This historic park in the heart of the French Quarter is famous for its open-air artist colony and the iconic St. Louis Cathedral backdrop. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960, it was the site of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. Today, it remains a lively hub of street performers and local artists.
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Jackson Square is a historic park in the center of the French Quarter, originally known as Place d'Armes under French rule. Renamed in honor of Andrew Jackson, the hero of the Battle of New Orleans, this National Historic Landmark has served as the stage for some of the city’s most significant historical events, including the Louisiana Purchase transfer.
Today, the square is anchored by the iconic equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson, framed by the majestic St. Louis Cathedral, the Presbytere, and the Cabildo. Visitors will find a lively open-air plaza bustling with local artists, street performers, fortune tellers, and brass bands.
The iron fences surrounding the square double as an open-air art gallery where painters hang their work for passersby to admire. It remains the beating cultural heart of the French Quarter, offering an indispensable slice of New Orleans' vibrant public life.
Ratings
parkVisitor Tips
- ◆ Visit early in the morning to enjoy the quiet beauty of the cathedral and the square before the crowds and street performers arrive.
- ◆ Take time to browse the art hanging along the iron fence, as many local artists have been selling their work here for decades.
- ◆ Grab a coffee and beignets from the nearby Cafe Du Monde and find a bench inside the square's gated garden to enjoy them.
- ◆ If you want to tour the adjacent St. Louis Cathedral, check their schedule beforehand as it remains an active house of worship.
Heads Up
- ◆ Be mindful of aggressive street performers or scammers, particularly those offering unsolicited shoe shines or trick questions like 'I bet I can tell you where you got your shoes.'
- ◆ The square and surrounding pedestrian streets can get incredibly crowded, making it a prime spot for pickpockets. Keep your belongings secure.
- ◆ Watch your step on the uneven flagstones and brick pavements surrounding the plaza, which can also become slippery when wet.
Common questions
Are dogs allowed inside Jackson Square?
No, pets are not permitted inside the gated park area of Jackson Square, though service dogs are allowed.
Can you bring food and alcohol into Jackson Square?
No, food, drinks, and alcohol are prohibited inside the gated area of the square, though they are allowed on the surrounding sidewalks.
Do you need a permit to get married in Jackson Square?
Yes, all wedding ceremonies inside the square require a permit and a fee, which must be secured in advance through the New Orleans Department of Parks and Parkways.
Where is the closest parking lot to Jackson Square?
The closest paid parking is available at the French Market parking lot on Decatur Street or the Jax Brewery parking lot.