Built in 1721, the nationally-recognised Jackson Square takes centre stage in New Orleans, showcasing the city’s rich local history and culture within the vibrant French Quarter neighbourhood. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960, the public square and park is surrounded by notable buildings, including the red-brick Pontalba Buildings from the 1840s.
Want some retail therapy? Combine shopping with gourmet dining at the old Jax Brewery building, which houses specialty boutiques and fine-dining restaurants. If you time your visit right, you can catch a live event or performance, as Jackson Square recently hosted Dave Matthews Band and Taylor Swift. It’s also the site of the annual French Quarter Festival and seasonal Carolling in Jackson Square.
Wander around Jackson Square to admire the works of various local painters who sell their creations within the square. It’s also easily combined with a visit to the nearby New Orleans Pharmacy Museum or The Historic New Orleans Collection museum.
Getting around Jackson Square
Jackson Square is about 1.6 kilometres from the centre of New Orleans. The Decatur at St Peter bus stop is next to the square, while the Toulouse light rail station is about five minutes’ walk away. You can drive there in 25 minutes from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.