How long does it take to walk Frenchmen Street?

The main musical stretch of Frenchmen Street is only about three blocks long. However, a full self-guided walk including stops at the art market and record stores typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes.

Is Frenchmen Street better than Bourbon Street?

Frenchmen Street is often preferred by locals and music enthusiasts because it focuses on authentic live jazz and brass rather than commercial tourism. It offers a more intimate and culturally rich experience compared to the party atmosphere of Bourbon Street.

What is the best time to visit Frenchmen Street?

The best time to visit is in the evening, specifically after 6:00 PM when the art market opens and the music clubs begin their first sets. Weeknights are less crowded, while weekends offer the most high-energy atmosphere.

Can I see live music on Frenchmen Street during the day?

While most clubs start in the evening, you can often find street performers and brass bands playing near Washington Square or the intersection of Frenchmen and Chartres during the afternoon. The Louisiana Music Factory also hosts daytime in-store performances.

Are the music clubs on Frenchmen Street free?

Many clubs like The Spotted Cat often have no cover charge but require a one or two-drink minimum. Other venues like Snug Harbor require tickets for specific sets. It is a local custom to tip the band generously if there is no cover.

Is the Frenchmen Street area safe at night?

Frenchmen Street is generally safe due to the high volume of people and well-lit venues. However, like any urban nightlife area, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings and stick to the main populated streets.

Is this walking route family-friendly?

The walk itself and stops like Washington Square and the Art Bazaar are family-friendly. However, most music clubs on Frenchmen Street are 21+ only in the evenings due to liquor laws.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

While many visitors flock to the neon lights of Bourbon Street, those in search of the city's authentic pulse know to head to Frenchmen Street. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the Faubourg Marigny, a neighborhood that serves as the true epicenter of live music in New Orleans. On this neighborhood stroll, you will discover why locals prefer the intimate, brass-heavy atmosphere of this three-block stretch over the more commercialized areas of the French Quarter. This route is designed to immerse you in the sights and sounds of the city, from the historic oak trees of Washington Square to the legendary stages where jazz greats have performed for decades. As you begin your self-guided adventure, you will encounter the diverse tapestry of New Orleans culture. The Marigny neighborhood was the city's first suburb, and its architecture—a mix of Creole cottages and grand Greek Revival homes—provides a stunning backdrop for the music that spills out onto the sidewalks. This walking route highlights the essential venues that define the local scene, including clubs that have hosted members of the Marsalis family and rising stars of the brass band movement. You will also experience the creative side of the city at an open-air art bazaar where local makers showcase their craft under strings of glowing lights. Whether you are a jazz aficionado or a curious traveler, this audio walk provides the context and history needed to appreciate the 'real' New Orleans. Along the way, you will learn about the evolution of the city's music industry and the importance of independent record stores in preserving local heritage. The atmosphere on Frenchmen Street changes as the sun goes down, transforming from a quiet residential corner into a vibrant corridor of rhythm and blues. This walking tour New Orleans experience allows you to set your own pace, stopping to listen to a street band or browsing through rare vinyl whenever the mood strikes. Discover the independent spirit of the Marigny and the enduring legacy of the musicians who call this street home. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

Washington Square: The historic gateway to the Marigny neighborhood.

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro: A legendary venue for world-class jazz.

The Spotted Cat Music Club: An iconic, intimate spot for local brass and swing.

Frenchmen Art Bazaar: A nighttime market featuring local artisans.

Louisiana Music Factory: A treasure trove for New Orleans music history.

Authentic Atmosphere: Experience the local alternative to Bourbon Street.

Tour Stops (6)

Washington Square

Welcome to the starting point of your self-guided walk. Washington Square is a rare patch of green in the densely packed Marigny neighborhood. This square was once part of the plantation belonging to Bernard de Marigny, the colorful aristocrat who founded this suburb in 1805. As you look around at the massive live oaks, notice how the square serves as a buffer between the French Quarter and the more residential Marigny. This space often hosts local festivals and brass band rehearsals. It’s the perfect place to ground yourself in the history of the Faubourg Marigny—the first suburb of New Orleans—before heading into the musical heart of Frenchmen Street. The architecture surrounding the park includes beautiful examples of 19th-century townhouses and Creole cottages that have stood the test of time and hurricanes.

Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro

Just a short stroll from the square is Snug Harbor, arguably the most prestigious jazz club in the city. For over 30 years, this venue has been the premier spot for listening to 'serious' jazz in an intimate setting. It is famously associated with the Marsalis family; Ellis Marsalis, the patriarch of the jazz dynasty, performed here regularly for decades. Unlike the rowdy clubs elsewhere, Snug Harbor is a 'listening room' where the music takes center stage. The building itself is a renovated 1800s storefront, typical of the mixed-use history of the area. While the lineup of performers changes nightly, the quality of musicianship here is consistently world-class. If you hear a piano echoing through the walls, you are listening to a legacy that has shaped the sound of modern New Orleans.

d.b.a.

Continue down the block to d.b.a., a venue known as much for its massive selection of regional beers and spirits as for its eclectic musical lineup. This club features a warm, wood-paneled interior that provides excellent acoustics for the brass bands and blues singers who perform here. d.b.a. represents the more modern, high-energy side of Frenchmen Street. It’s a favorite for locals who want to see established acts like the Treme Brass Band or John Boutté. The atmosphere here is often communal, with the crowd spilling out onto the sidewalk between sets. Please note that performance schedules and genres vary widely depending on the day of the week, reflecting the ever-changing nature of the local music scene.

Frenchmen Art Bazaar

As you move further down the street, the rhythm of the music is joined by the visual creativity of the Frenchmen Art Bazaar. This open-air market is a hub for the city's independent artists and makers. Under the canopy of string lights, you can find everything from handmade jewelry and local photography to quirky sculptures made from salvaged materials. The bazaar captures the bohemian spirit that has defined the Marigny for generations. It is usually most active in the evening hours, providing a peaceful contrast to the high-energy music clubs nearby. Keep in mind that the specific artists and vendors change frequently, so every visit offers a new opportunity to see the latest creations from the New Orleans art community.

The Spotted Cat Music Club

You are now standing in front of The Spotted Cat, perhaps the most photographed and iconic club on Frenchmen Street. Known simply as 'The Cat' to locals, this tiny venue is the epitome of the neighborhood’s vibe. There is no stage—the band plays on a small platform just feet away from the audience—and there is often no cover charge, though tipping the band is an essential local tradition. The music here leans toward traditional jazz, swing, and blues. The interior is famously quirky, featuring a piano that has been converted into a bar. It’s a place where the barrier between the performer and the listener disappears, creating an electric atmosphere that defines the New Orleans experience. Because it’s so small, the crowd often overflows onto the sidewalk, creating a block-party feel.

Louisiana Music Factory

The final stop on our neighborhood stroll is the Louisiana Music Factory. While Frenchmen Street is famous for live performances, this shop is dedicated to preserving the recorded history of the region. It is widely considered one of the best record stores in the country for jazz, blues, and Cajun music. Inside, you can find rare vinyl, local independent releases, and books on the city's musical heritage. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and can often point you toward hidden gems of the local scene. The shop frequently hosts in-store performances, allowing you to catch a glimpse of the artists you might see in the clubs later that night. It’s the perfect place to pick up a souvenir that carries the real rhythm of New Orleans home with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk along Frenchmen Street is the best way to experience the music of the Marigny. This route covers iconic venues like Snug Harbor and The Spotted Cat, allowing you to hear live jazz and brass music at your own pace.