Things to Do in New Orleans - Jackson Square

Things to Do in New Orleans - Jackson Square

Jackson Square dates all the way back to 1721. Built by the French settlers who founded New Orleans, Jackson Square is a 2.5-acre space situated on Decatur Street between the Jax Brewery Shopping Mall and the French Market. This National Historic Landmark is one of New Orleans' most visited attractions, welcoming over 2 million tourists and locals each year. Along with hosting a number of city events, Jackson Square is also home to an open-air art colony. 

Things to Do in New Orleans - Jackson Square

Jackson Square's open-air art colony has existed for well over half of a century. Local artists, street performers, jugglers, magicians, and even fortune tellers and palm readers call this famed space home, with some artists having been here for decades! To be an artist on Jackson Square you actually need a permit and only 200 permits are given out annually, so competition is fierce. These permits also forbid artists from showcasing reproductions of any kind - only originally hand-painted or "drawn on a plain surface" works of art are allowed. Local artists show up daily and line Jackson Square's iron fences and sidewalks with their original artwork. Many artists also paint and draw portraits and caricatures of passersby. You can find artists around Jackson Square any day of the week and at any time, but evenings and weekends are definitely when you want to stop by. Jackson Square also hosts hundreds of city events each year, including the French Quarter Festival, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly. 

Things to Do in New Orleans - Jackson Square
Things to Do in New Orleans - Jackson Square
Things to Do in New Orleans - Jackson Square

The American Planning Association recently stated that Jackson Square is one of the Great Public Spaces in America, so be sure to stop by during your visit to New Orleans! Some of the most prominent landmarks located within Jackson Square include the Saint Louis Cathedral and the Pontalba Buildings, which are the oldest rented apartments in North America having been built all the way back in the late 1840s! Jackson Square, originally known in the 18th century as the Place d'Armes, is also where the Louisiana Purchase took place!

Trying to find things to do in New Orleans? Visit Jackson Square! Jackson Square is always a popular destination for sports fans travelling to New Orleans to watch the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans play!

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