The French Quarter's historical heart, European at the core but beating with rich New Orleans blood.

by Contributor

The Background
The center of New Orleans' first neighborhood, Jackson Square used to be a military parade ground, community meeting place and execution area. It underwent major changes in the mid-1800s after Baroness Pontalba had her famous apartments erected, and the square was renamed for Jackson, hero of the Battle of New Orleans and the seventh U.S. president. You may also hear Jackson Square referred to by its foreign names: Place d'Armes (French) and Plaza de Armas (Spanish).

The Appeal
The quintessential New Orleans postcard, Jackson Square is anchored by St. Louis Cathedral and a park housing a statue of the square's namesake, Andrew Jackson. The Cabildo and Presbytere flank the cathedral, and artists, mystics and entertainers ply their trades along the flagstone streets outside the Pontalba Apartments and the stores below.

08/26/05

I Love the Jackson Square Artists

by bettyisthename

I enjoy visiting my hometown at least once a year. When I visit the beautiful and historical city of New Orleans, I visit artists Sarah Stiehl and Lee Tucker on Jackson Square. They are truly the BEST in the world!

• Pros: Professional, Inspirational
• Cons: Humidity

05/30/03

Romantic and entertaining

by pixienectar

Jackson Square is a great place to do a multitude of things. For a few dollars you can visit one of the many psychics and have your fortune told, or sit for a minute and have yourself sketched by a number of artists. My husband and I enjoyed a show by a street perfomer doing flame eating along with some other stunts. The park in the center seems to be popular for photos, as we saw two seperate wedding parties posing. A great place to take a breather and do some people watching as well. Don't miss this scene.

• Pros: Entertaining, Great Scenery

12/01/02

New Orleans

by Angelina514

A little crowded at times, but definetly worth the trip, make sure to stop in at Cafe De Munde and have a Cafe Late with some wonderful Beignets. Enjoy

• Pros: historical, interesting, fascinating
• Cons: tarot card readers, palm readers, homeless

08/06/02

see the real New Orleans

by karosbaby

Best place to go for People Watchers. On a beautiful day, you can go to Jackson Square and enjoy the real sights and sounds of New Orleans. Local Artists line the square with thier paintings , Local Musicians perform some of the most beautiful New Orleans sounds in the city. Great place to bring the kids , grandma , - true southern hospitality. Relax - look - listen - enjoy a Lucky Dog, Ben & Jerry's ,Cafe Du Monde. It's a real New Orleans experience. (Bring your own Chair)

• Pros: great people watching, unique art, free music
• Cons: no place to sit, bring back the benchs, bring back the benchs

06/27/02

New Orleans Best Fun or Relaxation Spot

by mfrost

I love going to Jackson Square in the morning, when the artists, tarot readers, and musicians are just arriving setting up their spots. I sit and enjoy the view of the church, watching the rainbows made by the sprinklers. I love visiting lots of places on the Square: Violets II (accessories), Shushan's (hats), Little Toy Shop (gifts), Muriel's (great dining), La Madeliene (breakfast), Tarot readers (I like Sharon & Professor Purple), Musicians (Rosyln, Grampa & Sonny, Steamboat Willie), artists (Claude or Sarah Stiehl for portraits; Thorin for charactures), Museums (The Cabildo rocks, skip the Presbytere).

I met my husband on Jackson Square.

• Pros: free entertainment, great shopping, breath-taking sights