Jackson Square

Address:New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans' French Quarter is synonymous with great entertainment. Jackson Square in the French Quarter is an outdoor artists' colony full of shops, restaurants, musicians and performers. The historic landmark, St. Louis Cathedral, is in the shadows of Jackson Square. The park in the square's center has beautiful gardens for a relaxing stroll.

Jackson Square was named for New Orleans War of 1812 hero and U.S. president Andrew Jackson. Several bronze statues of Jackson grace the square's center. Jugglers, flame eaters and fortune telling psychics will entertain you as you stroll the pedestrian mall. Shop for clothes and gifts, and sample Cafe Du Monde's world famous beignets and chicory coffee.

Local artists who display their work on the outside of the iron fence around the square can draw caricatures of you as you relax under a huge oak tree. Local musicians entertain you by playing Jazz, Blues, Cajun, Zydeco and more.

The St. Louis cathedral is open for praying or a glimpse most days. On either side of the cathedral are matched buildings. The Cabildo, the old city hall where the Louisiana Purchase was signed, is now a museum. On the other side is the architecturally matching Presbytere that houses another museum. You can walk around the park and gardens on your own, or enjoy walking tours or a carriage. The French Quarter is walker friendly, but a car is your best bet for getting around.

Jackson Square is on the Mississippi River, on Decatur Street, between the Jax Brewery Shopping Mall and the French Market, in front of the St. Louis Cathedral. If you are near the Convention Center, you can just hop on to the Riverfront Streetcar, and it will let you off at Jackson Square. If you are in other parts of the city, just head for the French Quarter.