French Quarter New Orleans
add photosThe French Quarter is one of New Orlean's most distinct neighborhoods and is a hotspot for culture, restaurants and fun.
11 Reviews for French Quarter New Orleans
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10 families found this helpful
"There's nothing like NOLA"
The French Quarter is New Orleans! Don't miss beignets from the Cafe du Monde (go mid-day to avoid a bazillion hour long line). The kids stood amazed at every corner. Street performers and artists and musicians. Horses pulling carts of relaxed tourists. Buildings and courtyards that will make you swear you're enjoying Europe. This is seriously one of America's gems. Don't think because you have kids NOLA's not appropriate. Plan to hit a parade of an evening (in March we stumbled onto the Italian American parade right on Canal street). Your kids will come home loaded down with beads and stuffed animals, crazy glasses and dime-store toys.
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It's helpful0 families found this helpful
"Wouldn't take the kids there!"
This is an amazing place, but not someplace I would take the kids! There are quite a few adults only places, open container drinking that is allowed in between establishments....just not what I want my kids around. Steeped in history, beautiful architecture, but not family friendly.
0 families found this helpful
"let the good time roll..."
New Orleans is a city full of culture and activities for the whole family. Just strolling down and seeing the people on Bourbon Street in the daytime is an adventure. The French Quarter is more for the whole family with the shopping and little nick-nacks that can be bought. There is great food along the street and balloon makers for the kids.
0 families found this helpful
"Tons of fun at night!"
I don't understand some of these reviews - my 4 year old son had a BLAST at night on Bourbon Street. He danced in the street, got about a hundred beads, and wanted to go each night we were there. The locals were great, dancing with him at the end of the street where the street musicians were playing.
There were plenty of places to eat, and the street cars made transportation very easy.
There is a LOT of police presence, and at no time did we feel unsafe.
He asks quite often to see his "dancing" videos.
0 families found this helpful
"Tons of fun at night!"
I don't understand some of these reviews - my 4 year old son had a BLAST at night on Bourbon Street. He danced in the street, got about a hundred beads, and wanted to go each night we were there. There is a LOT of police presence, and at no time did we feel unsafe.
0 families found this helpful
"Not for children"
Bourbon street stinks (quite literally- there's a stench of urine, sweat, and alcohol that is permanently adhered to the street and buildings). If you're traveling with children and MUST go down Bourbon, go during the day. The night life has sights and activities children should not see. Royal street (runs parallel) is much calmer. There are some really nice galleries, but it's still not really kid-friendly.
0 families found this helpful
"Fun Fun Fun"
I love New Orleans, especially the French Quarter. My family and I always walk the streets and admire the scenery, browsing the local stores for unique items. Tired of walking? There are many horse-drawn carriages that you can relax in. The music is fantastic, the food is great, and the performers are extremely entertaining. A great family retreat.
1 family found this helpful
"Not a Family adventure"
I went to New Orleans a few years back with my husband for a vacation. I will say at the time I did not have children, but I recall telling him several times during our trip that it was not a place I would want to bring our future children. I am sure there are plenty of nicer areas of New Orleans and Louisiana, but the French Quarters in New Orleans is a full time party city that stinks like throw up in the mornings. I wouldn't recommend vegas for kids either, but I'd take them there first before the French Quarter of New Orleans.
'10, '11, '12
1 family found this helpful
"Stick to Decatur Street"
We travel to NOLA several times a year and when we go with our kids we usually avoid Bourbon Street. Decatur St. is fabulous for families and you will see lots of them year round. I also don't mind taking my young children out in the evening if we are sticking to Decatur St. There are several family friendly eateries, Cafe Du Monde, the French Market and so much more. The kids will love to walk along the river checking out the paddleboats. Decatur is where you will find Aunt Sally's pralines, as well as the Audobon Aquarium (the Insectarium is also nearby), and lots of great shopping.
1 family found this helpful
"Go during the day, not at night"
The Quarter is quite a pretty place during the day, especially on the eastern end near Barracks Road away from the bars. The Napoleon House Bar is a must see for mom and dad to pop in and get a drink to go (which is one of the great things about the Big Easy - go drinks). Not a place to go with the kids at night, however.
1 family found this helpful
"Colourful walk with the kids"
We took a walk down Bourbon Street with the kids in the afternoon. It was a lively, noisy, colourful and anything but dull. There were street performers, police making arrests, people shouting out greetings, flashy cars, transverstites showing off, shops full of bric-a-brac, quiet green courtyards tucked away behind the scene, houses with pretty latticework..the list could go on. It did feel perfectly safe, there are no irritating touts for anything and to cap off an atmospheric afternoon, we walked into a streetside brassband playing away, improvising with gusto later in the evening. I think it does get rowdy at night, but the afternoon is just nice for a slice of New Orleans with the kids.
Did find one nice and kid-friendly restaurant on Bourbon to eat in - Bourbon Street Seafood. Service was good, food delicious, childrens menu available, moderately priced.
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