Your Guide to Frenchmen Street New Orleans: Things to Do, See & Where to Stay

If you’re looking for the real heartbeat of New Orleans music, you’ll find it on Frenchmen Street. Just steps from the French Quarter, this vibrant stretch in the Marigny neighborhood is where locals and visitors alike come for live music, laid-back nightlife, art markets, and an atmosphere that feels authentically NOLA.

Unlike the high-energy crowds of Bourbon Street, Frenchmen Street is all about the music. On any given night, you can wander from one venue to the next, catching everything from jazz and brass bands to funk, reggae, and more. With a lively night market, colorful street art, and wonderful local food and drink spots, it’s easy to spend an entire evening (or several) here.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best things to do on Frenchmen Street, what makes it so special, and where to stay if you want to be right in the middle of the action — because when you stay nearby, the music doesn’t have to end when the night does.

About Frenchmen Street

Where is Frenchmen Street New Orleans?

Frenchmen Street is located in the Marigny neighborhood, just a short walk from the French Quarter. This energetic three-block stretch is packed with live music venues, art markets, and some of the city’s best local spots to eat and drink.

If you find yourself on Bourbon Street, it’s an easy transition — simply cross over Esplanade Avenue, and you’ll step into a more laid-back, authentic side of New Orleans. The heart of the action runs from Esplanade to Dauphine Street, where you’ll find a concentration of jazz clubs, bars, and restaurants all within a few walkable blocks. 

History of Frenchmen Street

According to nola.com, the street was named in honor of five French patriots who were executed in 1769 near the river end of the street. It wasn’t until the 1980s that Frenchmen Street began to evolve into the vibrant entertainment district it is today. As live music venues started to open, the street quickly gained a reputation as the go-to spot for authentic New Orleans music — a reputation it still holds today.

Things to Do and See on Frenchmen Street

Listen to Live Music

Frenchmen Street is one of the best places in New Orleans to experience live music any night of the week. Start at the corner of Frenchmen and Esplanade, then wander the next few blocks and go where the music takes you. With about a dozen venues packed into this stretch, you’ll find everything from jazz and brass bands to reggae, funk, and more.

Some of our favorite spots include 30°/-90°, Snug Harbor, d.b.a., Marigny Brasserie, The Spotted Cat Music Club, Cafe Negril, Apple Barrel, Blue Nile, and Three Muses. That said, you really can’t go wrong — part of the fun is popping in and out of different venues to see where the night takes you.

Many spots also serve great cocktails and food, so you can make an entire evening of it. If you’re visiting with kids, be sure to check age restrictions ahead of time, as they vary by venue, and many are 21+, especially in the evenings. 

Browse Frenchmen Art Market

Beyond the music, you can also visit the nighttime Frenchmen Art Bazaar. After 6 PM, local artists sell handmade goods, paintings, sculptures, mixed media, jewelry, and accessories. Browse the stalls and grab some souvenirs, then head out to enjoy the music just steps away. 

While the art market is only open at night, there are still a few great spots to shop along Frenchmen Street during the day, including a bookstore, record shop, and local jewelry stores — perfect for a quieter, daytime visit before the street comes alive in the evening. 

Grab a Bite to Eat

For breakfast, stop into Ayu Bakehouse for fresh croissants and coffee, or head just around the corner to Ruby Slipper on Burgundy Street for a classic New Orleans brunch and cocktails.

For dinner and a show, Snug Harbor is a go-to, pairing great food with live jazz performances. Craving something more casual? Margot’s serves up wood-fired sourdough pizza alongside natural wines and Italian-inspired cocktails. 

If you’re visiting with kids — or just want something fun and laid-back — Dat Dog is always a hit. Their creative hot dogs are a crowd favorite, and the second-floor balcony is the perfect spot to enjoy your meal while taking in the live music happening down on the street. 

Hang Out in Washington Square

Need a break from the music and crowds? Spend some time in Washington Square. This charming, historic park is perfect for a rest in the shade, a picnic with the family, or a walk with your dog. 

If you’re traveling with kids, the small playground makes this an easy and welcome stop in between sightseeing. It’s also a great place to slow down for a bit before heading back out to experience more of Frenchmen Street’s energy.

Where to Stay on Frenchmen Street

If you want to stay right in the heart of Frenchmen Street — where live music is just steps from your front door — our newly renovated units place you in the middle of it all. Tucked into Frenchmen’s three-block entertainment hub, right between Chartres and Decatur, this is the kind of location that lets you fully experience the energy of the neighborhood just by stepping out your door.

Designed with a boutique feel, our rentals are perfect for couples, groups, and festival-goers looking for both comfort and convenience. Stay in a one- or two-bedroom suite with a fully equipped kitchen, or rent an entire floor (or building!) for your large group. Either way, you’ll love the pool and hot tub, the privacy of your own suite, and the unparalleled location.

You’ll have incredible walkability, just steps from favorites like 30°/-90°, Blue Nile, The Maison, and Three Muses, making it easy to pop in and out of live music venues all night long. When you stay here, experiencing Frenchmen Street couldn’t be more effortless. 

Planning Your Trip to Frenchmen Street

Transportation 

Getting around Frenchmen Street is easy on foot — especially if you’re staying in one of our nearby rentals. If you’re based in the French Quarter, it’s also a short and generally safe walk to the area. 

If you prefer not to walk, the Riverfront Streetcar line is practically around the corner. Just walk one block down Esplanade to the French Market streetcar stop. Hop on for a ride to the Riverwalk, or change to the Canal Street line for easy access to City Park, CBD, Uptown (Lower Garden District and the universities), and even the Superdome via the Loyola line. 

Rideshares are another convenient option, though keep in mind there are designated drop-off and pick-up zones nearby. 

Best Time to Visit

Frenchmen Street really comes alive in the evening and late at night. After 6 PM, the Frenchmen Art Bazaar opens, and live music fills the street from venue to venue. For a slightly more relaxed experience, consider visiting on a weekday. If there’s a specific show you don’t want to miss, it’s a good idea to purchase tickets in advance — some of the most popular venues and musicians do sell out. 

Frenchmen Street with Families 

Frenchmen Street can be family-friendly — it just depends on timing. Daytime visits are great for enjoying the food, browsing shops, and getting a feel for the neighborhood. In the evening, some venues allow children, but many are 21+, so it’s best to check ahead. The Frenchmen Art Bazaar is always a fun, family-friendly option at night.

Frenchmen vs. Bourbon

When people think of New Orleans, they often picture Bourbon Street in all its Mardi Gras glory. Known for its high-energy party atmosphere, Bourbon Street has lots of bars, lots of crowds, and nonstop nightlife. While it can be a fun experience, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea.

Frenchmen Street, on the other hand, offers a different kind of energy. It’s still lively, but more laid-back, with a focus on live music, local culture, and creativity. You’ll still find crowds, but the vibe is more about the music than the party scene.

The good news? You don’t have to choose — they’re a short walk from each other, so you can easily experience both during your trip.

A Few More Tips

Tickets & Reservations: Some popular live music venues on Frenchmen Street sell out, so it’s always a good idea to check the website and see whether reservations or tickets are required before heading out.

Food & Drink: Keep in mind that some venues offer full dinner menus and seating (like Snug Harbor), while others only sell drinks and are standing-room only.

Support Local Artists: Support local musicians by bringing some cash to leave a tip or buy local music and merch. You can also follow and support local artists on social media long after your visit to NOLA.

Safety: Like a visit to any city, it’s a good idea to keep personal safety in mind, especially at night. Maintain awareness of your surroundings, stay in well-lit and populated areas, and keep track of your belongings to enjoy NOLA worry-free.

Book Your New Orleans Getaway

If you want to experience authentic NOLA and stay in an amazing location bursting with live music, local art, and lots of fun spots to eat and drink, Frenchmen Street is for you! An entertainment zone in its own right and within walking distance of the French Quarter and so many of New Orleans’ must-see spots, Frenchmen Street is a popular NOLA street for a reason. 

Book a stay with us and come see for yourself — we can’t wait to host you!