Why do some 18 million visitors descend on New Orleans each year? Travelers lucky enough to have experienced the vibrant destination know why. Music, food, history, and architecture are among the top reasons, plus it’s considered one of the most beautiful towns in Louisiana. The heart of the city is its French Quarter, home to top-rated restaurants, iconic music halls, museums, historic buildings, and more. Check out these popular activities that exude the charm of the stunning French Quarter.

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10 Stroll Jackson Square

The National Historic Landmark known as Jackson Square is one of the best-known destinations in New Orleans. Named for the seventh president of the United States, who served in the post from 1829 to 1837, the square’s focal point is a large bronze statue of the former president. Situated in the center of the French Quarter, the 2.5-acre square is a popular setting for civic events, weddings, and other celebrations. It’s also an artist colony where local artists display and sell their works. The opulent St. Louis Cathedral is located there, too.

9 Browse The French Market

The sprawling French Market on North Peters Street just off Jackson Square is a six-block-long open-air retail center where visitors will find a produce market, a huge flea market, specialty boutiques, locally crafted items, jewelry and clothing, and a whole lot more. Restaurants and cafes provide opportunities for people-watching while local musicians entertain. The French Market is said to be among the oldest markets in the U.S., starting life as a Native American trading post before European settlers arrived.

8 Visit New Orleans Jazz Museum

Visitors to the French Quarter will hear plenty of jazz during their stay, but for those interested in learning about the music itself, a stop at the New Orleans Jazz Museum is just the ticket. Located at 400 Esplanade Avenue, the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday and charges an $8 adult admission. Exhibits tell the story of jazz and the top jazz performers through 25,000 artifacts and educational activities. The museum hosts 15 music festivals each year.

7 Tour St. Louis Cathedral

With its three steeples overlooking Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral is another of New Orleans' notable landmarks. Its history goes back to 1721 when a French engineer designated the land as the site for a church. The cathedral was completed in 1793 and then almost entirely rebuilt in 1849. Daily mass is held, and visitors are welcome to tour the site at 615 Pere Antoine Alley.

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6 Indulge In Local Cuisine

Food is definitely a major attraction in the French Quarter, and many restaurants offer some of the best nightlife in the neighborhood. Seafood and southern specialties plus upscale continental cuisine are among the choices visitors will find at scores of eateries. Some of the top, local-rated venues include the famous Antoine's Restaurant at 713 Saint Louis Street, where the Sunday Jazz Brunch features delicacies like Pork Confit Benedict and Classic Fish Amandine. A less expensive option is Cafe Maspero, with its $1 daiquiris and its original Italian specialty sandwich, the Muffuletta. It’s located at 601 Decatur Street.

5 Learn About Voodoo

Visitors can explore the voodoo culture of New Orleans at the popular New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum. Open since 1972, the museum at 724 Dumaine Street has historic voodoo relics, artifacts, paintings, and sculptures. A self-guided tour costs $10 for adults, and the venue is open daily. It’s considered a must-see attraction for those looking to learn about one of the communities that helped to shape today’s, New Orleans.

4 Explore Historic Architecture

A traveler to the French Quarter has only to look up to appreciate the district’s history, which is a mix of French and Spanish architecture. Originally settled by French colonists who constructed French-style homes and buildings, most of the architecture now reflects Spanish heritage due to major fires in 1788 and 1794 that destroyed many French-built houses. The district was subsequently rebuilt in the Spanish style. However, the Pontalba Buildings that still surround Jackson Square were inspired by the Place de Vogue in Paris, France. Walking tours focusing on the quarter’s architecture are among the best ways to see the city from a historical perspective.

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3 Hunt For Antiques On Royal Street

Antique lovers will want to visit the shops along Royal Street, one of the oldest streets in the city, dating from the French colonial era, and the place to shop for antiques of all kinds. Some of the top antique shops are Antiques de Provence, French Antique Shop, Maison Royale, Rothchild’s, and The Brass Monkey. Besides antiques, Royal Street has several art galleries, gift shops, restaurants, and hotels. It’s just a block from the famous Bourbon Street.

2 Hear Jazz At Preservation Hall

One of the top sites in the French Quarter, Preservation Hall hosts jazz concerts virtually every night of the year, spotlighting dozens of local musicians. Found at 726 St. Peter Street, the hall began life in the 1950s as a gallery whose owner began inviting local musicians to perform. Since then, it has flourished as a live music venue, hosting the who’s who of New Orleans jazz. Its nightly admission fee of about $20 means the venue can be experienced by tourists on a budget. It doesn't serve beverages, but patrons are welcome to bring their own.

1 Experience Bourbon Street

There’s nothing quite like Bourbon Street, located in the heart of the French Quarter and extending 13 blocks between Canal Street and Esplanade Avenue. Loaded with restaurants, bars, and live music clubs, it’s a place where tourists can stroll along, drink in hand, and explore the lively destination that’s illuminated with neon signs each night. Bourbon Street is the site of many festivals, such as Mardi Gras. Held in late February, Mardi Gras season is among the best times to visit New Orleans.