French Market New Orleans
A historic six-block marketplace in New Orleans' French Quarter, offering local crafts, unique souvenirs, and diverse culinary delights.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
French Market New Orleans
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic six-block marketplace in New Orleans' French Quarter, offering local crafts, unique souvenirs, and diverse culinary delights.
"The French Market Place is not to missed. Yes it's full of "tourists" but it's also full of the best people watching in the city!"
🎯 Praline Beignet Bliss
Don't miss Loretta's praline-stuffed beignets – they're a must-try!
🎶 Live Music Vibes
Enjoy the sounds of New Orleans with live music often playing throughout the market.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 15,019 reviews
Type
Market
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Loretta's Authentic Pralines
French Market
Indulge in praline-stuffed beignets and other sweet treats that blend tradition with delicious innovation.

Market Cafe
French Market
Enjoy a meal with generous portions and live jazz music in a lively atmosphere, perfect for lunch and AC.

Flea Market Finds
French Market
Browse a wide array of goods, from unique artisan crafts to everyday items, offering a true market experience.
Bourbon French Parfums
French Market
Explore a unique shop dedicated to perfume history, offering a distinct olfactory experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Beat the Crowds and Heat
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Praline Beignet Bliss
Don't miss Loretta's praline-stuffed beignets – they're a must-try!
🎶 Live Music Vibes
Enjoy the sounds of New Orleans with live music often playing throughout the market.
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
Find unique gifts and souvenirs, but be discerning about imported vs. local items.
💧 Stay Hydrated
New Orleans is humid; grab drinks from vendors and utilize covered areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Praline Beignet Bliss
Don't miss Loretta's praline-stuffed beignets – they're a must-try!
🎶 Live Music Vibes
Enjoy the sounds of New Orleans with live music often playing throughout the market.
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
Find unique gifts and souvenirs, but be discerning about imported vs. local items.
💧 Stay Hydrated
New Orleans is humid; grab drinks from vendors and utilize covered areas.
🚶♀️ Explore Beyond
While the market is great, explore other New Orleans neighborhoods too!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the French Market a vibrant and essential New Orleans experience, praising its diverse vendors, delicious food options, and lively atmosphere. While some note a shift towards imported goods, the market remains a great place for souvenirs, people-watching, and enjoying local treats like pralines and beignets.
"I almost always go check out local markets in any new town! This was a great market. Lots of vendors selling a variety of goods. Several food vendors and plenty of sitting spaces! Definitely best spot to get your souvenirs!"
Side Hustle Vikki
"The French Market Place is not to missed. Yes it's full of "tourists" but it's also full of the best people watching in the city! Fabulous hat shops, jewelry, and a zillion things you didn't even know you needed!! Food & drink EVERYWHERE. We needed lunch and AC, both were found at the Market Cafe! Jazz played, and a terrific meal (huge portions). Little park-like settings intertwined amongst the shops. Have fun, meet the vendors, and take in the best of the Quarter!"
Tony Simotes
"Only a handful of unique artisans. Much of the stuff is imported mass made goods. But all individuals, so still good to support small businesses. The vibe is fun though."
Mindy Jensen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The French Market is conveniently located in the French Quarter, easily accessible by foot from many hotels. You can also take the historic streetcar lines, which offer a scenic and budget-friendly way to explore the city. Rideshare services and taxis are also readily available.
Parking in the French Quarter can be challenging and expensive. There are several parking garages and lots near the French Market, but it's often recommended to use public transport or walk if you're staying nearby.
Yes, the French Market is just a short walk from Jackson Square, making it easy to combine visits to both iconic New Orleans landmarks.
Riding the streetcar is a fantastic and cheap way to see more of New Orleans beyond the French Quarter.
The market is generally accessible, with paved walkways. However, some areas might have uneven surfaces. It's always a good idea to check with specific vendors if you have particular accessibility needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the French Market is free! You only pay for any food, drinks, or souvenirs you choose to purchase.
The French Market is typically open daily from around 10 AM to 6 PM, though individual vendor hours may vary. Some sections, like the flea market, might have slightly different operating times.
The French Market is generally open on most holidays, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any specific holiday hours or closures.
There are no entrance fees to wander through the French Market. It's a public space for shopping, dining, and experiencing the local culture.
Generally, pets are not allowed in the market areas, especially in food vendor sections, to comply with health regulations. Service animals are typically permitted.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You can find a wide variety of souvenirs, including local crafts, art, clothing, jewelry, hot sauces, and New Orleans-themed items.
While there are many vendors selling locally made crafts and foods, some visitors have noted an increase in imported mass-produced goods. It's worth exploring to find unique artisan items.
Loretta's Authentic Pralines is a highly recommended spot for delicious pralines and praline-stuffed beignets.
Yes, beyond the typical souvenirs, you can find unique shops like Bourbon French Parfums, offering a historical perspective on fragrance.
Haggling is not as common as in some other global markets, but it might be possible with some vendors, especially for larger purchases. It's best to be polite and gauge the vendor's openness.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The French Market offers a diverse culinary experience, from traditional New Orleans dishes like beignets and seafood to casual snacks and drinks.
Loretta's Authentic Pralines is famous for its praline-stuffed beignets, offering a unique twist on the classic.
Yes, the French Market has both casual food stands and sit-down restaurants, including the popular Market Cafe, which offers generous portions and live jazz.
Visitors highly recommend trying the praline beignets from Loretta's, upside-down oysters from World Famous Nawlins, and various local lunch plates.
Food prices can vary, with some casual stands being more budget-friendly and sit-down restaurants being more of a splurge. It's possible to find delicious and affordable options.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant atmosphere of the market stalls, the colorful produce, and the lively street performers. The architecture of the surrounding French Quarter also provides great backdrops.
It's generally polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their specific products. Most are happy to oblige if you're respectful.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the market's activity without harsh shadows. Late afternoon can also offer warm, inviting light.
There are no general restrictions on personal photography. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits.
Any camera or smartphone can capture great shots. Consider a wide-angle lens for market scenes and a zoom lens for details.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit