French Quarter

The oldest and most vibrant neighborhood in New Orleans
Noteworthy for: The French Quarter is actually Spanish - the city was rebuilt in the Spaniards' colorful, ornamented colonial style after the original French buildings were destroyed in the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788.

The French Quarter (also known as Vieux Carre or simply 'The Quarter') is the historic and cultural heart of the city. A National Historic Landmark, it remains a beautiful reminder of America's colorful mixed heritage of many nations.
The gaudy neon rowdiness of Bourbon Street can repel as easily as it attracts, but its undeniable bon vivant is an integral part of the city's infectious sense of fun. Only a block away, serene Royal Street is lined with galleries boasting international and Louisiana artists' work, clothing boutiques and antiques stores.

The city's oldest buildings, including St. Louis' Cathedral and the Ursuline Convent, are here; the grave of voodoo queen Marie Laveau can be found in St Louis' Cemetery at the Quarter's northern edge.

Jostling for space with tourist traps, centuries-old restaurants serve creole and cajun recipes here just as they did in the 1800s. There's also a lively gay and lesbian scene in the bars on streets towards Rampart Street.