Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Congo Square Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Congo Square

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Tank G.

    This place is located inside of Louis Armstrong Park. This area has some significant historical significance. Under "Code Noir" slaves were giving Sunday, as a day off where they could set up markets, sell food, and exchange hand made goods that in turn they could earn money and eventually buy their freedom. The Square is where those slaves and free blacks gathered on their day off, for meetings, to socialize, sell home-made goods, play music, dance and celebrate. They were allowed to congregate here because it was just outside of the city. It was also known as Place des Negres and Place Congo. It is credit as playing a huge role in the development of Jazz. Famed New Orleans musician Wynton Marsalis has said "Every strand of American music comes directly from Congo Square." Congo Square is to this day, still considered a spiritual base by local voodoo practitioners who gather there for rituals. The site is relatively clean and has a huge open space, some benches, a historical maker and a sculpture marking the location. The sculpture, which was made by Adewale Adenle and dedicated in 2010, is a nice one that depicts a group of slaves dancing and playing music while others are watching. The site has played host to Martin Luther King Day celebrations, weddings, festivals, concerts, and movie sets. Call me weird, but I just felt the power of the site when I was there. This is a very powerful site and a must visit site. Their is metered street parking available in front of and around the park. It is pretty easy to get to. I highly recommend visiting here.

    Andi F.

    Review 1100. For monumental reviews, I am trying to review significant cultural touchstones. For a while there, I was doing reviews of cities and towns. This is on the list of the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail list on the state's website. Under Code Noir, people of color were not allowed to gather in large groups. Being the good Catholic state, the enslaved were given Sunday off (though I am sure there were exceptions) to go to church. Well, they gathered here, set up markets, played music instruments, be with friends, family and loved ones they had been separated from (if they even were still in the area). They could earn money to potentially buy their freedom, though the cost was high. Free people of color also came to visit and so forth. On Sundays, musicians set up their drums and various other musical instruments, play music, commune with one another. To this day, Sundays are the day to be here. Commune with the past, the present and the future. This space is located inside of Armstrong Park, named for a POC musician, nearby is the Mahalia Jackson Theater, so named for an amazing POC singer. Such a rich history. Come. Sit a moment. Reflect on the past, consider the future and be in the present.

    Meanole M.

    Just off Louis Armstrong Park.....right next to it actually. We were the only people there, except for what looked like some nefarious activity going on in the far corner. Weird vibes here for sure. This is where slaves would come on Sundays. "Day off" for the brutality that existed before 1865. Slaves came here to sell their wares, listen to music, eat etc..... There are still gatherings here on weekends. This was a somber experience. It was quiet, almost church like. The space was fairly expansive, but intimate. A lot of history here for sure. It will definitely be a stop on future trips to NO. Really want to experience it on a weekend.

    Beautifil Spring day
    Maria M.

    Congo Square is located in Armstrong park. I took a walk here last week and it is a beautiful place to walk in spring. I always walk with a buddy and we generally feel safe, especially during festivals or concerts here. I would caution anybody to not walk here after dark but they generally shut the gates at sunset anyways. I think that this spot would make for a neat photo shoot.

    Zach M.

    Beautiful square with plenty of shade and benches. The history of this place goes way back, stop by for a rest, picnic, or even just to read the plaque and learn something.

    See all

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kiki K.
    378
    231
    3310

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andi F.
    107
    1985
    24934

    4 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 16
    Thanks 0
    Love this 16
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    If you sit and look listen you might hear sounds of all the music that shaped what was to come. A spiritual place

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Historically powerful and peaceful at the same time. Really enjoyed our stroll here.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Congo Square

    Review Highlights - Congo Square

    Grateful to have the opportunity to stop by the Congo Square which is now Louis Armstrong Park.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Landmarks & Historical Buildings 701 times last month within 5 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    French Quarter - At night in the French Quarter

    French Quarter

    4.3(251 reviews)
    0.4 miFrench Quarter

    The French Quarter, also known as the "Vieux Carre" is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans. It…read moreis also simply called, "The Quarter." It encompasses the land along the Mississippi River from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue (13 blocks) and inland to North Rampart Street (seven to nine blocks) and totals 78 square blocks. Everyone should experience the French Quarter at least once! On one trip to New Orleans, I stayed in an historic hotel in the French Quarter, which made that trip very unique and memorable! It's home to Jackson Square which is a 2.5 acre historic landmark park. Preservation Hall, home to the famous Preservation Jazz Band is a must do in the French Quarter. The House of Blues in the French Quarter was the site of a great Billy Idol show my Sorority Sisters and I saw a few years ago. Pat O'Brien's Bar is a fun stop, with a lively courtyard, famous for their hurricanes, and dueling piano entertainment in their piano lounge. I absolutely love the Old Absinthe House in the French Quarter! It's very intimate, rich with history and folklore, built in 1806 and the location of the creation of the Absinthe House Frappe in 1874. It's very interesting to watch the bartenders make Absinthe, which involves a flame and a spoon. Personally, I don't like absinthe; however, I recommend everyone try it (especially here) at least once to decide for yourself! The Dungeon, also in the French Quarter, was a fun destination club to visit. Back then, it opened at midnight (I'm not sure of their hours of operation today) and again, is quite the intimate place and renowned for being the rock n roll hangout for Kiss, Queen, ZZ Top, 38 Special, and more. Cafe Du Monde is another "must do" in the French Quarter! Do try their coffee and beignets! The chicory flavor is unique and the coffee here is very good especially served au lait! The French Quarter is the original Cafe Du Monde New Orleans location which today is over one dozen locations in NOLA. Do not pass up the opportunity to try the original muffuletta sandwich at the world famous Central Grocery! These are giant, delicious sandwiches and seriously, one sandwich feeds two adults easily. There is always a line at Central; however, it moves quickly. Get a jar of their Muffuletta Olive Salad to go! Do visit the French Quarter and laizzez les bons temps rouler!

    What can be said about the French Quarter that hasn't already been written a thousand times?…read more Plenty--once you see it the right way. If you've never been, skip the chaos of Mardi Gras and visit during the quieter stretches of mid-spring, preferably during the day. That's when the Quarter reveals itself. The crowds thin just enough to let you move at your own pace, to look up at the wrought-iron balconies, to hear the music before you see the musician, and to take it all in without fighting your way through it. History here isn't something you read about--it surrounds you. Spend time at Jackson Square, anchored by its iconic statue of Andrew Jackson, and framed by the stunning St. Louis Cathedral. Artists line the square, musicians fill the air, and street performers remind you that this city doesn't separate culture from daily life--it lives it. And then there's the food and music--both deeply rooted, unapologetically bold, and unmistakably New Orleans. Yes, the flavors can lean spicy, but the kitchens here know their audience. Just speak up, and they'll meet you where you are. But here's the truth: no photograph, no movie, no travel piece ever quite captures this place. The French Quarter isn't something you observe--it's something you experience. And once you do, you'll understand why people keep coming back, trying to put into words what is, at its core, impossible to fully explain.

    Photos
    French Quarter - Calle santa ana

    Calle santa ana

    French Quarter - One of many haunted houses

    One of many haunted houses

    French Quarter - The Vampire Cafe

    See all

    The Vampire Cafe

    Spanish Plaza - Tranquil.

    Spanish Plaza

    3.8(13 reviews)
    0.9 miCentral Business District

    Beautiful fountain on the water front at the plaza. Its changed thru the years. You used to be able…read moreto go down and sit in front of the tiles with the water misting you. That was fabulous in the warmer months. Now you can't...benches are long gone. But its beautiful to look at....especially at night.

    Wow. It has been a while since this place has been reviewed and man has things changed. This Plaza…read moreis currently under construction and is a wide open waterfront space that overlooks the Mississippi River towards Algiers. It is located between the old ferry terminal and the CityWalk shops. The main feature of the Plaza is a large fountain. It has now changed Its inner portion use to be lined with the seals of the provinces of Spain and you could also be able to walk right down to the fountain. With the renovation, both of those features are now gone. You will also find a Mardi Gras Jester statue here too. This is where one of the river cruise tour boats are docked. I did not see many benches of places to sit here, outside of sitting on the fountain and there is not much shade other than that from the Market Place and World Trade Center. There are paid parking lots, metered street parking and garages available to park, but they are all a short walk. Nothing is really close. There use to be a Fat Tuesday and seafood restaurant here, but that has since gone due to the construction. In 1976, Spain dedicated the plaza to the City in remembrance of their common historical past. It also served as a pledge of fraternity in the future. It was originally named Eads Plaza, after James Eads, the engineer who improved the navigability of the mouth of the Mississippi River. You get one of the best views of the Mississippi River Bridge from here. That is the bridge that connects the city's East and West Banks. Fun fact: This is where the Rex Crew land every year on Fat Tuesday to kick off Mardi Gras Day. The space hosts music concerts, art exhibits, rallys and festivals. I like this park, mostly for what it was in the past and what it can be. Currently there is not much here except the fountain, which is a nice one. I hope that this place reaches it potential soon. It will be awesome again.

    Photos
    Spanish Plaza
    Spanish Plaza
    Spanish Plaza

    See all

    Congo Square - landmarks - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...