There are many things to love about New Orleans, and locals to tourists alike will agree, top of the list has to be its walkability. Famous French Quarter might be a small area, but it packs a ton on every street, and will have all you need within 15 minutes. Even here at Rathbone Mansions, while our guests have access to parking spaces and a bus stop, we always encourage walking to the French Quarter since it’s just 3 blocks away! Park the car, grab your walking shoes, and enjoy the scenery as you stroll down our guide to notable French Quarter streets.

Esplanade Ave is the place Rathbone Mansions calls home. This street is one of the borders of the quarter (how you like that rhyme!), and stretches all the way up from the Mississippi River through Treme onto City Park. Saunter down the oak tree lined street as you take in all the ornate houses and properties that have been here for centuries. Located amongst the mostly residential area are two fan fave restaurants-Buffa’s and Port of Call. Stop on by either establishment for good American food, live music, and laid-back atmosphere. And no trip to Crescent City would be complete without a stop at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, located at the end of Esplanade.

North Rampart St. crosses Esplanade Ave, and if Esplanade is the border, the North Rampart is the edge. Just 3 blocks over from us here at Rathbone Mansions, this strip of street has seen major changes over the years. While most famously known for Louis Armstrong Park, North Rampart has seen a growth in the LGBTQ community over the past decades, bringing in new flavor to this area. Enjoy an old school and history drenched drum circle at Congo Square as you sip on a drink from Black Penny or the Page Bar. Or do a load of laundry at The Lost Sock as you learn about music history amongst local art pieces…in The Lost Sock! North Rampart is also a must see stop on any haunted French Quarter tour-make sure your guide gives you all the gory details.

Decatur St. meets where Esplanade ends, and is a dream destination for tourists! Stretching all along the Mississippi River, Decatur is where you’ll find popular spots like Café Du Monde, Jackson Square, and St. Louis Cathedral. It’s a major street for shopping, with general stores for New Orleans themed gifts and specialty shops like Pepper Palace for hot sauce and The Fudgery for chocolates. Head over to Crescent City Brewhouse for a great burger, local beer, and a beautiful renovated space to hang out while you people watch facing the river.

Royal St. is the fanciest street in the quarter, with top dollar items in the most luxurious stores this side of the city. Famous for its antique shops and art galleries, a slow stroll is recommended to take in all the wonderful sights. But don’t be shy, go right inside and take a peek at the art and antiques that fill the stores, most have a rich history that ties them to New Orleans. Head into Café Beignet for a quick brunch, or take in a late-night drink at the Carousel Bar inside Hotel Monteleone. You will often find a local artist playing a lovely violin or cello on a quiet corner, so be prepared to give a round of applause.

Bourbon St.-the main event, and it’s loud and proud about it! The most famous street in all NOLA, this is a must stop for all travelers. There’s no such thing as hungry on Bourbon, with spots like Clover Grill, Oceana Grill, and Mambo’s just to name a few. Hit up the oldest bar in America at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop and grab their infamous Voodoo “Purple Drank” daiquiri. Conjure a visit from the green fairy as you sip on something at Old Absinthe House.  Be brave and get a hand grenade from Tropical Isle if you dare. If you’re still upright, head on over to Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo to pay your offering to the beloved high priestess, and hopefully she’ll help with that hangover. Or head into any place with an upstairs balcony with a handful of beads, and become Bourbon Street Royalty as you shower the pedestrians below. Just ask us here at Rathbone Mansions, we will have some beads to spare!

Pick a street-any street-and explore the French Quarter by foot! It’s actually made that way, with all street corners having the name of the street on the ground. This helps navigate around the quarter when you can’t see a street sign so you won’t get lost on your travel journey. So park the car and leave the luggage here with us at Rathbone Mansions and go venture-there’s bound to be something that grabs your attention.