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Colorful square is one of America's great town greens in the heart of the French Quarter. The identical block long Pontalba buildings overlook the cathedral & square. Here sketch arts, fortune tellers, performers & colorful residents congregate. In front of the cathedral is a bronze equestrian monument of General Andrew Jackson. It was sculpted by Clark Mills & dedicated in 1856. The statue depicts Jackson on horseback during his triumph in the 1815 Battle of New Orleans. It is symbolic of the victory & violent dispossession of Native Americans.
I MISS THIS PLACE ALREADY! Jackson Square is truly a whole vibe! the kind of spot that takes your breath away without even trying. If you're someone who loves to stroll, explore, and just soak in a city, this walk is everything. What's funny is I passed this area like three or four times before realizing this was the spot... yes, THE BENCH. IYKYK! NOLA is legendary for being one of the filming locations for The Originals, and I absolutely had to circle back once it clicked. Finally seeing the bench in person? I fully geeked out. It was a whole moment, the kind of moment you wait for as a fan. But honestly, the entire Jackson Square experience was epic. Another fave moment was learning the culture of how they celebrate weddings here, and I got to experience three! Two in Jackson Square and another while walking along the French Quarter. It was so fun and beautiful, and cheering on the newlyweds and being part of their moment was so special. The fact that the town and strangers join in to dance and hype them up is just... kinda iconic. It felt so special to be part of that joy. The area itself has so many cool things to check out. You'll find unique art, talented artists everywhere, fun little shops, and plenty of restaurants all surrounding the stunning St. Louis Cathedral. That building alone is a total showstopper. Pictures don't do it justice. Right across from the church, there's this cute little garden area that's perfect for a quick walk or photos. And of course, the street shows are super touristy, but honestly so fun to watch. Between the art, the music, the performers, and the town's atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Overall, such a dope and memorable experience. If you're in NOLA, Jackson Square is a must-see. I'd go back in a heartbeat.
Jackson Square is a cultural, historical and artistic hub of the French Quarter in New Orleans, and if you ever find yourself wandering around NOLA, there is a good chance you have passed by or through Jackson Square. While many historical relevancies are had at Jackson Square, the most notable, and visible is the Saint Louis Cathedral. The cathedral is gorgeous and serves as a great backdrop for amateur or professional photo ops. The current local art scene thrives and is very present around Jackson Square. On any given day the square is lined with local art vendors selling their creations, and some even create in the moment. Additionally, several street performers call this area home as well. Surrounding Jackson Square is shops, eateries and a plethora of other NOLA places to see and things to do. The park was well kept with gorgeous landscaping. The grounds, at least inside of the fence, were clean and well looked after. While we did not experience it during our visit, the square hosts a lot of different festivals and concerts throughout the year. The space is really cool and I would definitely be interested in catching a show of some sort if timing is right. Overall, Jackson Square is a solid spot. Whether you are seeking it out or just passing it by, it is uniquely NOLA and is a cool spot to visit.
We finished our food tour here, and if you want to read more about it, the tour was called Taste of Nawlin's. Raffle, our guide, was really informative and fun. It was super hot and humid by the time we arrived at Jackson Square, so it was nice to find a bench under the trees--definitely stay hydrated, y'all! Notable sights here include the water fountain, the church, and of course, the statue of General Andrew Jackson--hence Jackson Square! We also got to see a second line parade, which is a lively procession led by a brass band with newlyweds and wedding parties dancing and parading behind them. It's said that guests and passersby can join in, so if you're into it, definitely do!
Beautiful and historic even on a rainy day. The gardens are well kept and maintained. It's possible to stroll and enjoy the view in all directions A beautiful and touristy must in New Orleans to stretch your legs in nature before hitting up any of the surrounding entertainments
Activity 5: Jackson Square & St. Louis Cathedral Post-dinner stroll = necessary. We wandered into Jackson Square, home to one of the most iconic cathedrals in the U.S. FYI: The garden area closes at 6PM sharp. People didn't really care though until a security guard came in and loudly reminded everyone it was time to go. You'll also spot horse-drawn carriages lined up around the square, ready to take you on a slow, scenic ride through the French Quarter. Good vibe and worth to spend some time exploring here.
Jackson Square is one of the most beautiful and lively places in New Orleans. The combination of the historic buildings, the energy of the street performers, and the stunning view of St. Louis Cathedral makes it feel magical. I loved walking around and seeing all the local artists displaying their work--it gives the whole square a creative, authentic vibe. It's also a great place to sit, relax, and just take in the atmosphere of the French Quarter. If you're visiting New Orleans, Jackson Square is definitely a must-stop. It captures everything special about the city in one spot.
One of many places to visit and see when touring New Orleans. There's a lot going on here: there were a lot of independent artist displaying their work for sale, musicians showing off their talents, and the usual riff-raff who hangs out here just to hang out here. But don't let that be a deterrent: considering the amount of people who go, the general area is surprisingly clean l. I came through a bit late and wasn't able to enter St. Louis Cathedral (they closed a few minutes before) but I appreciated its outside structure and design. Across the way is the park where the statue of Andrew Jackson on a horse is set. Park was clean with many just chillin' reading books, having picnics or just hanging out. It looked mighty familiar even if this was my first visit and it dawned on me - I've seen this general area on TV and movies. Kinda cool to be able to say I got to see it in person. If touring and making a stop at Cafe du Monde and the French Market (they're literally across the way) I suggest checking this place out for a quick walk through and absorb a bit of history.
Such a beautiful place to stop by where you can see President Jackson's statue. It's also where the cathedral is at. We took photos with a group of 13 girls on a rainy day, so we weren't able to take advantage of how beautiful this space normally is, but it really is a must see when sightseeing in NOLA. Bonus, there are a ton of great restaurants in this area (we went to Muriel's), but Cafe Du Monde is right across the street!
I'm always and ever a fan of green spaces and Jackson Square is a particularly stunning green space right in the heart of the French Quarter. With gorgeous views of the nearby cathedral, plenty of benches in the shade, and paved pathways for meandering--there's plenty to love about this particular green space. On Sundays (or at least the Sunday we were there), right outside the perimeter of the park becomes a market with performers, psychics, and artists of all kinds. We were lucky enough to find an artist we loved and purchased a piece to bring home. To enjoy a pleasurable New Orleans springtime afternoon, once you've savord a stroll around the park and maybe lingered on a bench in the shade of a tree, head right across the street to Cafe Du Monde for coffee and beignets. Get to it!
It's a quick stop in the French Quarter. Looks cool. Pleasent and joyful during the day. Night is another story. It's locked. And there are many medium/psychic people in the area between the church and the square. They aren't selling anything. Or bothering anyone.
i'm a history nerd so i liked everything around here, from art to culture and music. crazy to think about how centuries ago so many important figures and things occurred right where we are in the modern world -- and so much much has changed! but we try our best to remember and preserve our history and knowledge yuppp
Jackson Square is named after Andrew Jackson, the 7th president of the United States and hero of the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. His statue is right in the middle of the square with him on a horse in all its glory. There are great views of the St. Louis Cathedral and the Presbytère, and there are both street performers and street artists all around the exterior. It's next to Cafe du Monde and is a lively place to be after eating some beignets. You can sit down and people watch or enjoy the music. Whether you're a tourist or a local, this place is historically significant and a great spot to visit. read more
1 year ago
If you're looking for a peaceful escape in the midst of the bustling French Quarter in New Orleans, look no further than Jackson Square Park. This historic site (it is the location that the Louisiana Purchase was signed!) is a true gem in the heart of the city and the perfect place to relax. The highlight of the Park is its collection of statues that you can explore on paved paths. These include a statue of Andrew Jackson, for whom the park is named, as well as statues of many other historic figures and prominent names in New Orleans history. With benches all around it also make it easy to just relax and people watch while listening to the music that is sure to be playing all around the square as, just outside of the fence, Jackson square can be filled with street artists, musicians and tour groups. Overall, Jackson Square Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a break from the energy of the French Quarter. read more
Very recognizable and central landmark to the French Quarter area and near one of the oldest chapels in North America. Located right along the Mississippi River and the legendary Cafe Du Monde, there's a Central Park area with a statue of Andrew Jackson. There are some unhoused in the area but the staff do open and close the gate on time to keep everything in check. Definitely got to visit if you're in town. read more
1 year ago
Jackson Square had a lot of artists and their artwork on display. We enjoyed looking at their work and bought a painting. I was taking lots of pics after talking to a few artists who gave me the ok to do so. One of them was Rhonda Papiana, my wife and I and our kids got to talking with her about how much we liked her art, we enjoyed visiting with her. read more
The center or heart of Jackson Square is the walking path in front of the church. Lots of street performers use the open space between the bank of benches as their stage for balancing, juggling or street dancing and ground acrobatics. Some are more intriguing than others. There is a small iron fenced in the park. read more
3 years ago
Beautiful and energetic park with shade and benches. Right off of bourbon street and across the street from Cafe du monde! There are several local artists and performers (musicians, magicians, jugglers, dancers, etc) set up on each of the 4 sides right outside the gates. There are also statues within the park to learn more about the history of thr city. This is such a great park to sit down, eat some beignets, drink some coffee, and listen to live music. read more
3 years ago
Very cool place. Nice gardens. All kinds of shops and food surround the square. Great people watching. All kinds of artwork and artists. Lots of psychics. Also musicians, jugglers, and other types of street entertainers can spend hours at a time or just pass through. Always something to see and, of course, ready access to the waterfront or the French Quarter. read more
This is a great park to just walk through and soak in New Orleans. Cafe Du Monde is right across the street which can make for a nice relaxing afternoon. The square is well maintained and a great location for some great shots! read more
Jackson Square is a small park located in the heart of the French Quarter. It reminded me of Union Square in NYC. Named after Andrew Jackson, there is a statue of him on a horse there. This place is simply a nice, small park to relax and people watch. You will see some street musicians and artists selling their art and horse carriages lined up for the tourists. Its location makes it worth visiting to. Next to this square you will see the St. Louis Cathedral, an 18th century church. The popular Cafe Du Monde with their amazing beignets is on the opposite side of the square. And there is the Jackson Brewery shopping center located next to the park as well. read more
4 years ago
Pretty park right in the French Quarter, with Cafe Du Monde across the street, the Mississippi River overlooking the park, and the St. Louis cathedral making it look like you just stepped foot in Disney's Magic Kingdom. Allegedly, this park and the French Quarter inspired Walt Disney to create Main Street, U.S.A, as Disney thought it to be true Americana. Even if there is no band or concert on the grounds, just walking the grounds will make any person proud to be whatever they want to aspire to be. Hard to be more American than that! read more
Yeah so I grew up in Oklahoma, which was known as "Indian Territory" up until 1907 statehood. Do you know why it was called "Indian Territory?" Oklahoma was known as Indian Territory because in 1830, Andrew Jackson signed the "Indian Removal Act." The Indian Removal Act forcibly removed members of the Choctaw, Cherokee, Creek (Muscogee) Chickasaw and Seminole tribes as well as the Ponca and Winnebago tribes from their lands to reservations in what is now known as Oklahoma. "The military actions and subsequent treaties enacted by Jackson's and Martin Van Buren's administrations pursuant to the 1830 law are widely considered to have directly caused the expulsion or death of a substantial part of the Indian population then living in the southeastern United States." - Trail of Tears Wikipedia Many of the more than 60,000 people removed from their homes were starved, beaten and pregnant women bayoneted in the stomach by soldiers carrying out Andrew Jackson's ethnic cleansing. And let's not even get started on Andrew Jackson's anti-abolitionist beliefs. This guy was pro slavery, pro ethnic cleansing because it made financial sense to rob people of their liberty so that corporations could mine for things like gold in Georgia. Excuse me for taking offense that Andrew Jackson is honored and glorified with a giant statue in this park that bears his name. There is literally not a single other person in all of New Orleans that could be honored by having their name on this plot of ground? Really? This is like naming a square after Pol Pot or Joseph Stalin or Mao Zedong - these people, like Andrew Jackson, were genocidal maniacs. As far as squares go, it's full of tourists, street performers, fortune tellers and is the starting point for a lot of walking tours. It's much more quiet before the hustle and bustle of the noon tourist rush on the weekends. read more
Iconic, must visit for all who come to NOLA. Jackson square certainly feels like the hub of the city. Want to catch a tour... Jackson square! Want a beignet... Jackson square! Want to check out some live local jazz... Jackson square! Looking for some local art? You guessed it... Jackson square! From shops, to restaurants, to history, to a place to sit and people watch Jackson square has it all, from here you can find anything you might need or want while in NOLA. This is your place to start. If you aren't headed there already, you should start now! read more
2 years ago
Lovely walk. So many near by sites: Frenchman's Market, Cafe Du Monde, Royal Street. Lots of artwork & performers surround the park. read more
I really enjoyed Jackson Square and spent a lot of time here on my visit to NOLA. Now, I am an outdoors person and enjoy nature. It was not overly crowded, plenty of benches to sit on and I constantly saw maintenance workers picking up so it was very clean. From here you have views of the Louisiana State Museum and Church. Also, if you go across the street there are train tracks and a raised platform and I caught amazing sunset views over the park. I sat in this park a lot of days just realizing and watching the birds as with so much walking all around the heat it was nice to have a great place to relax. read more
Lively, historical site brimming with people doing walking tours, painting pictures and portraits, giving tarot readings, riding carriages and of course playing music. The grounds are beautifully manicured and the St. Louis Cathedral flanked by the Cabildo and Presbytere are stunning as are the adjacent Pontalba Buildings. read more
I was highly disappointed when I got here and did not find Michael, Tito, or Germaine. Just kidding. This is a small fenced in area that is located between the Cathedral and Washington Military Battery Park. It spans 2.5 acres and some call it New Orleans most recognizable landmark. it is very clean and extremely well maintained. It has a small fountain, some very nice gardens, a few benches to sit and nice paved walkways. But its main event is its bronze statue of General Andrew Jackson, which depicts him riding a horse and tipping his hat. This statue can be found in many New Orleans travel advertisements. The square was originally called Place d'Armes and was designed by architect Louis Pilié. It was redesigned by the Baroness Pontalba in 1914. Much of her design remains today and incudes an iron fence, formal gardens, walkways and benches. The following year, in 1815, after the Battle of New Orleans, the square was renamed "Jackson Square" in honor of the General. The square now hosts weddings, festivals, Caroling in Jackson Square, and TV and movie sets. The park is very picturesque so, it will obviously be a popular destination for photographers and photo shoots. It can also be rented out for weddings. Fun fact: In 2012, the American Planning Association selected the Square as one of its "Great Places in America" for beauty, accessibility and being a "place where people want to be." This is a nice stop on a larger sight seeing trip and you can get an awesome photo of it with the Cathedral in the background from Washington Military Battery Park across the street. You can not leave New Orleans without getting that picture. So, regardless of your sightseeing plans, you will definitely end up here because it is centrally located near many of the city's other wonderful attractions. read more
The place to go in New Orleans to see a bit of everything. Each day that we partied and wandered the French Quarter a walk through Jackson Square was a must. It almost seemed like a "time out" from our crazy days and nights here along Bourbon Street. I enjoyed our casual strolls through the mall area. It's here where you can do some shopping at street vendors, see some cool art to purchase, be entertained by street performers, have your future revealed by tarot card readers, and discover some terrific musicians. The area surrounds a park with an iron fence around it where artists hang their paintings, benches in the park to relax, centered by a statue of Andrew Jackson. Nice spot to take a walk and relax before hitting the party scene again. read more
Such a cool place with such a great vibe. There is just always something going on here. We saw a band playing jazz, a men as a statue and lots of local art work being sold. This is the touristy part of town, but it is amazing especially if you have young kids. read more
We had 1 day to sightsee in NOLA, sans vehicle. Jackson Square was around a 30-minute walk from our hotel. We opted to see it as our first stop of the day, in hopes of doing the walk before the heat became oppressive (it was in June). If you have already seen Bourbon Street, I would recommend approaching Jackson Square via Chartres Street instead. There are a number of interesting shops and restaurants along there to see before you reach the square itself. The layout of the square is St. Louis Cathedral on one side, the Jackson statue in the center, and Decatur Street on the opposite side. Beyond that is the river. The other two sides of the square are bordered by shops and hotels. The best photo ops are either at the entry gate off Decatur Street or up on the levee across the street (where you can gain some altitude for the shot). These will give you the iconic photo of the cathedral in the background. We visited early (around 9:30 a.m.), so the square was ramping up to what it likely becomes later in the day. There were a number of artists setting up tables from which to sell their crafts, along with one or two loud, semi-coherent homeless guys. I'm sure the artist traffic picks up a bit later. If you are looking for a carriage ride, they are stopped along Decatur Street (we did not take one). The nearest public restroom was on Decatur Street about a block southwest in a sort of 'micro-mall'. Your phone app can direct you. I doubt our brief visit really did this place justice, but it is worth seeing just because it is the standard travel-poster vista of New Orleans. read more
3 years ago
We had our wedding ceremony here! Jackson square is the perfect amount of beautiful with a hint of gritty city life. It's the perfect mix of the beautiful and complicated life we live in. I always joke that we got married "outside the church," because we have all the views of the beautiful church without the stuffy religious part of the ceremony. Renting the area was fairly affordable and then we rented chairs. The whole area is still open to public during the ceremony so you never know if you will get a few hecklers. Our officiant warned us that we may need to bribe someone to be quiet so we were ready with some cash. Fortunately, nothing was so loud that we couldn't carry on a ceremony. We were able to have a jazz band that then led us to our second line parade. Our photos are gorgeous. The weather was perfect for an outdoor wedding as well. I would recommend it to anyone who can handle a little Grit and unknowns to their wedding. I everything about this location is so Nola-esque. read more
If you come to visit New Orleans your visit should almost always start here. Why? Because this is where The Big Easy began over 300 years ago. Jackson Square consists of a park and the buildings immediately surrounding it. The park is gated and only open during daylight hours. Inside the beautiful grounds that is only the size of a normal Vieux Carre' (French Quarter) block is a large statue of General (and later President) Andrew Jackson to commemorate him winning the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812. Be sure to walk inside the gates, enjoy the landscaping and tour this small park. Outside of the gates is the St. Louis Cathedral and on two opposite sides are the Pontalba buildings and apartments which contain some of New Orleans first residences with numerous small stores on the ground floor. On the 4th side of the Square opposite of The Cathedral is Decatur Street. Keep walking in that direction across Decatur and about 150 yards further is the Mississippi River and the Moon Walk. Everyday and into the early evening numerous artists display their wares on the outside park gates along with tarot card and fortune tellers and other street performers working for tips. You will enjoy your visit here! read more
My friends and I visited New Orleans in the summer and we loved it. This park is so beautiful. It is right in the French Quarter near a bunch of popular restaurants and streets. This area has a lot of history. Louisiana State Museum is right in French Quarter. It is worth visiting if you are around. read more
3 years ago
Right across from the iconic Cafe Du Monde shop, Jackson Square is one of the must visit spots in NOLA/French Quarter. The architecture and designs are beautiful, photo ops everywhere in the park. There's always something happening around the square with local artists, palm readers, and various performers. read more
2 years ago
The views are great and it's close to everything from food, to music, and to cafe du monde. Be careful with the scammers who want to guess where you got your shoes. But this is a great place for pictures. read more
4 years ago
This place was so beautiful. The vibe was amazing!!! All around good energy. I wish I had a blanket to sit on and relax while listening to the music that was being played read more
Jackson Square is the meeting place of the French Quarter - tours, mules, musicians, art, beignets.... There's a lot going on here. It's a beautiful park with President Jackson riding his horse in the middle. On either side there are artists who hang their works from the metal fence, and at the front on the street are the carriage ride tours. For more information on how Jackson Square came to be and it's amazing founder, Baroness Micaela Almonester de Pontalba, check out the 1850s House museum... On Jackson Square, of course. read more
7 years ago
Smack dab in the middle of the French Quarter is a beautiful park with a lot of history and a magnificent castle-esque cathedral. Definitely a must see if you plan on going to New Orleans. The park is well kept and has a large statue of Andrew Jackson riding a horse - pretty neat. Right behind it is the St. Louis Cathedral. It almost looks like a fairy tale castle! The cathedral was built in 1794 and is still in great condition. My friends and I had a nice time lounging around the square and people watching, especially after a long day of exploring the city. read more
Not finding it extremely as exciting or as "must see" as other reviews seem to suggest. Historically speaking, sure this tells part of the story. But we all know history is written by victors and on the backs of the defeated/weak/unforgiving. Yep, still too philosophical for Yelp. Okay. Just thinking about the colored people and natives suffered at the hands of the colonizers, I would say this could be a miss. In reference and out of respect to the actual people who built this city or nation, just think of this as a park with a dude on a horse in a balancing act. read more
In the middle of the craziness of the French quarter is a green oasis where you can relax, enjoy the dozens of artists selling their creations, see impressive historic buildings and an awesome monument dedicated to the park's namesake, and smell the beignets from nearby Café Du Monde. Welcome to Jackson Square Park. Andrew Jackson was the hero of the Battle of New Orleans between the British and United States armies on January 8, 1815. The American troops fought off the British assault on New Orleans in slightly more than 30 minutes. The monument's simple inscription reads "The Union Must and Shall Be Preserved" This should be a definite entry on your list of things to do in New Orleans read more
This is a beautiful park to stop and sit and relax! After a long walk about the shops in New Orleans we needed a place to stop and rest our feet. Lots to look at here as you are surrounded by beautiful architecture. The mighty Mississippi is right across from this park as is a Cafe Du Monde which is a convenient spot for a treat. The grounds of the park are well kept and there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the views and the people visiting the park. read more
When you get tired from visiting such iconic attractions as Cafe Du Monde, St Louis Cathedral, Mississippi River, and the French Quarter, there will be a park bench waiting for you at Jackson Square. All the mentioned tourist spots are within easy walking distance of that park bench. History revisionists don't like that Jackson Square is named for Andrew Jackson, but life is tough, ain't it? Pretend it's Michael Jackson, OK? Come here to rest, watch the street performers, and plan your next destination. Be sure to note the interesting foliage, too. It's one of my favorite spots, since it's one of the most serene in the otherwise very raucous vicinity. read more
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751 Decatur St
New Orleans, LA 70181
French Quarter
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Ask the Community - Jackson Square
Is this open during the week or only weekends ? Thank you for your help! Looking for things to do. We are in our 50's and newbies to NOLA!!
Open 24/7. More typically going on at weekends (art show maybe and bands - but always there, always open, always beautiful. MAKE SURE you go to Cafe du Monde right next to Jackson Square and have cafe au lait and beignets!!!!! Enjoy!!
Review Highlights - Jackson Square
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