French Market

The Basics

The sights, sounds, and smells of the French Market are enough to induce sensory overload for those who rush through. Instead, take your time wandering the stalls of crafts and culinary delights, stopping to bite into a beignet at New Orleans’ iconic Cafe du Monde or to slurp oysters at one of the market restaurants specializing in Cajun and Creole cuisine. See the market in the broader context of New Orleans by visiting on a guided walking tour of the French Quarter that may stop at nearby attractions such as Jackson Square, Decatur Street, Bourbon Street, and the Old Ursuline Convent. Small-group tours and private tours of the French Market and French Quarter offer opportunities for more personalized experiences and exposure to things you might otherwise miss.

Things to Know Before You Go

Check the market’s event calendar for a complete list of special shopping opportunities and performances.
The market includes three cafés, two sit-down restaurants, five confectionaries, and over 10 other bistro-style eateries.
Shopping ranges from inexpensive flea market bargains to middle-end retail and specialty shops.
The French Market is accessible to strollers and wheelchair users.

How to Get There

Located along North Peters and Decatur Streets, and bordered by the Mississippi River, the French Market is hard to miss while you’re in the French Quarter. Walk there from any downtown or French Quarter location, catch the Riverfront Streetcar, or take Marigny-Bywater Bus #5 or Elysian Fields Bus #55.

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When to Get There

The French Market is open year-round. Every vendor has slightly different hours, but generally speaking, most vendors are open from 9am to 6pm. Wednesday and Saturday farmers markets promise more varied shopping options and larger crowds. Wednesday markets have live music, cooking demonstrations, and fresh produce from local farms from 1pm to 5pm, while Saturday markets have more prepared foods.

Historical Shopping in New Orleans

The French Market plays an important role in New Orleans history and has existed on the same site since 1791, where it was founded as a pre-colonization trading post on the banks of the Mississippi River. Popular items sold over the centuries include pralines, calas (Creole rice fritters, big in the 19th century), herbs, spices, handmade Native American crafts, and coffee—which played a central role in the social life of the market, both day and night.

Recent reviews from experiences in New Orleans

Wanted more food.

Devin_B, Jul 2021

New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter with Small-Group Option

Tour was great, very informational. We learned a lot especially the difference between Cajun and Creole. I’m not sure what the tour was pre-COVID (PC) but I believe we had a total of 5 food stops and noticeably missing from the tour was poboys and beignets. Guide was very knowledgeable and personable and would def go again but hopefully it will be more robust in the future.

Food Tour Review

Shirley_T, Jun 2021

New Orleans Small-Group French Quarter Food Tour

The places we went to are very clean. The atmosphere was very inviting and all the food we tried were very delicious. We got stuffed beyond belief. We actually didn't eat anything the end of the day.

Great tour

NMU, May 2021

We were in New Orleans for only a short time, so thought a food tour would be the perfect way to quickly get a feel for the city. We were right! Kristi did a great job of explaining the city and history of the food. She was also very conscientious of COVID protocols, wearing a mask the whole time and putting on hand sanitizer before using personal phones to take pictures. Of course the food was delicious and just enough food. I didn't come away overly stuffed.

Best tour and guide ever.

Harley_B, Oct 2021

French Quarter Historical Sights and Stories Walking Tour

Eliot was smart, informed and entertaining. Every tour guide should be so good. Rejecting my review for two few words us a major negative.

Yummmm

Jennifer_W, Oct 2021

Great way to try out new foods. Was stuffed by the time we were done and it was very informative. Our guide Kim was great about background information. Great way to start our first time trip to New Orleans.

French Quarter Horse Carriage tour

Daniel_S, Oct 2021

French Quarter & Marigny Neighborhood Carriage Ride

Mike or driver had a lot of interesting history about NOLA. Beautiful French Quarter tour is a must!

Take this tour!

Lisa_C, Oct 2021

Our guide, Mike R., was so friendly and incredibly knowledgeable. We finished the tour feeling like we acquired a little education, without it ever being boring or filled with cheesey jokes.

Honeymoon Adventures

Megan_J, Oct 2021

My husband and I had a great time with Eliot. We were thrilled that he incorporated items of interest to us and made sure to keep us in the shade when possible due to the increased heat throughout the walking experience.

Best Tour in New Orleans

Keith_M, Oct 2021

Susan had exceptional knowledge and access to a wide variety of food venues throughout the French Quarter. She knew history, helped folks with dinner reservations and provided numerous recommendations for our epicurean delight.

Foodie AND history tour

Elaine_C, Oct 2021

Kristie, our tour guide not only knew her food but lots of interesting historical facts. She was very engaging and easy to be with. Made it fun! Besides the plentiful food…be prepared to eat!

In Depth History of NOLA

Robert_S, Jun 2021

Yvonne was charming, informative, and thorough in her descriptions and narrative about the origins of NOLA. We had a splendid walk about the French Market and French Quarter.

Defining the eats.

Shawn_S, Oct 2021

Kristi explained the history and production of the sampled cuisine. Very interesting AND tasty. The group was small enough where everyone could hear what she was saying. Very personable.