Top 5 French Quarter Outdoor Fun: See NOLA Differently

So, you’re thinking of seeing the French Quarter? Very nice. Rather than just ducking into cafes, there’s a lot you can do outside. Actually experiencing the culture is a lot more fun. You see, the French Quarter has history. You can soak it all in while getting some fresh air. Pretty good, huh? Below are what I think are five experiences you shouldn’t skip. Things that give you stories to tell later, is that what you’re after?

Hang Out at Jackson Square

Jackson Square is nearly always buzzing. It’s almost like the heart of the French Quarter. You’ve got artists showing off their art, you know, and street performers. Maybe a musician or two will show up. It’s got a real fun energy about it. The square is that space that sits in front of the St. Louis Cathedral. It is what gives you that picture-perfect New Orleans photo-op, very great indeed.

Is that what you see first? Well, actually, people come to just relax a little. Many simply enjoy the people-watching. Maybe just hanging around while the world wanders by. If you would like to learn about art, chat with those local artists. Looking for something very special? Maybe you’ll get to bring a part of New Orleans back home with you. Then you will have it forever. You want more? The square is close to many other spots. Café du Monde and the Moon Walk are pretty cool. Easy to see several things without using too much energy, or having to do too much.

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See the Quarter by Horse-Drawn Carriage

How about a horse-drawn carriage ride? Sounds different, yes? It gives you a comfy way of seeing the French Quarter. You actually get to kick back while taking in the views. The clippity-clop sound of the horse is pleasing. You’re almost drifting along these historic streets. Plus you often get the driver giving facts about what you’re looking at. It becomes like a laid-back history tour, that it is.

That is a change from walking? Sure is. If that seems like too much exercise, or too hot. Especially in that muggy Louisiana heat, or during those sticky months of summer. Plus, is that fun for anyone? Seriously though, maybe your feet are sore from seeing so much. Or you want to impress someone a bit. A carriage ride turns it up a bit, that it does. It feels a bit romantic, like you’re seeing a fairy tale. A little, at least. Routes change, of course, but they often show some of the prettiest sights. So expect to see those grand buildings. Courtyards are the real pretty sights you should hope for. Little hidden details you would possibly walk past without seeing them at all. Very different views you will get.

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Find Some Spooky Stories with a Ghost Tour

The French Quarter has a reputation. Yes, it does. Not only the architecture. The stories can get very weird. Ghost tours have sprung up, and the area has no shortage of dark stories. Stories about pirates. Or maybe restless spirits. It is all part of what makes New Orleans what it is. That is, to say, interesting.

That gives you the creeps? Yeah. Are you that brave, though? Local guides often take people around. Is that what it is like? Telling stories that have become folklore, so to speak. From hauntings in hotels that are old, to even more spooky stories from back in the day, the day when folks had duels. Sometimes, very violent showdowns did go down back then. Some tours are darker than others. Or are focused on specific things. History buffs would prefer some tours, perhaps. You want the real details. True crime. On the other hand, those who love some serious jumpscares want something spooky. That, sometimes, becomes a whole theatrical act. So, choose the tour that matches your ideal level of creepy.

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People Watch on a French Quarter Balcony

Watching people is something to enjoy, right? Find a spot with a balcony. Those that look over the streets in the French Quarter are great. A lot of places have them, as it is that part of the French Quarter style. Pick one with a café. A bar. Sip your drink. While relaxing up above it all. Sometimes, the spot will offer special spots, too.

But why choose this? Well, it actually turns things around a bit. Rather than simply being amongst everything. You are now viewing the whole spectacle from your cozy little box up in the air. You see that crowd mixing? Listen to what they are saying? Maybe there’s a parade going past, or just that buzz of tourists as they find something worth a photograph, yes. That location gives you a lot of new angles. A break from actually experiencing what is down there.

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Take a Walk Down the Moon Walk

Called the Moon Walk, right? Funny name, huh? So, the official name is the “Woldenberg Riverfront Park”. You’re walking near the water when you’re walking near the Moon Walk. This is how the French Quarter gives you the Mississippi River. A nice place to chill if you want to watch ships and boats float past. The breezes make you feel great on that hot day. And there’s benches, and spots for picnics. All these little comforts give you ways to take it easy as you go. The Moon Walk almost feels away from the main city areas. Quiet is that kind of thing to get when you want it. Still very fun, very memorable to anyone.

Does that mean you ditch the party mood? Not so. The Moon Walk joins with other hot spots. See? Easy access lets you mix experiences up. You might, arguably, catch a concert sometimes at the park. Plus? You will probably see some great sunsets. Those are, frankly, picture-perfect at that time of the night. Just you and the mighty Mississippi, kind of very great to witness when that is all you’re seeing. You feel that you’re that far away from anyone, almost. The Moon Walk is just a little spot where the city comes out to rest. Check it out when you’re done running wild around town.

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