Jackson Square (New Orleans)

Jackson Square is a historic public park in the French Quarter of New Orleans, originally laid out in the early 18th century and later renamed for Andrew Jackson. It functions as a civic plaza and focal point of the French Quarter.

The square is anchored by the St. Louis Cathedral on its upriver side and framed by the 19th-century Pontalba Buildings; an equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson stands at the center. The open lawn and surrounding arcades host street artists, musicians, and outdoor vendors, and the square is only a short walk from the Mississippi riverfront.

The site began as the colonial Place d’Armes in the 1700s and was altered repeatedly through the 19th century; the central Jackson statue was installed in 1856. The Pontalba Buildings were constructed in the mid 19th century and helped define the square’s current appearance.

Located in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter, the plaza sits adjacent to Decatur Street and faces Woldenberg Park and the Mississippi River; it is within walking distance of downtown New Orleans attractions and accommodations.

• Best time to visit: Best light for photography is late afternoon when the cathedral facade faces the sun and street artists and performers gather on the square.
• Crowds and activity: Street artists, portrait painters, and performers commonly work on the square; expect small crowds year-round and larger ones during Mardi Gras and festival weekends.

What to See#

• St. Louis Cathedral: Sits immediately in front of St. Louis Cathedral and directly across Decatur Street from the riverfront Woldenberg Park, forming the French Quarter’s historic civic core.
• Andrew Jackson Statue: Bronze equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson by Clark Mills, installed in 1856, stands at the square’s center and gives the plaza its current name.
• Pontalba Buildings: Two matching red-brick row buildings that frame the square on its north and south sides, dating to the mid 19th century and housing ground-floor shops and apartments above.

Jackson Square is in the French Quarter of New Orleans, adjacent to St. Louis Cathedral and two blocks from the Mississippi Riverfront. It’s a short walk from the Canal Street streetcar line and within easy walking distance from Bourbon Street and the French Market.

• Visit in the late afternoon to hear street musicians and watch local life spill into the square.
• Avoid the busiest tourist hours around midday on weekends if seeking quieter photos of the plaza and the cathedral.
• Try a beignet from a nearby café and eat it while sitting on the square's benches - a New Orleans ritual.