The 26 convention districts of downtown New Orleans, as well as the iconic French Quarter, are within walking distance of hotels, venues, attractions and many of our 1500 restaurants that make up the complete destination experience. Freret Street, specifically between Jefferson and Napoleon Avenue, is a good place to start. Between these two main streets is the Freret art and entertainment district, filled with several shops, restaurants and lounges. On the first Saturday of every month (except June, July and August), from 11 a.m.
to 4 p.m., the market offers live music, food, clothing and art for free. Here you'll find a seven-block strip of locally owned shops, restaurants, and hobby stores. Historic Oak Street also serves as a vibrant center for artists. Countless stores line Magazine Street between Jefferson Avenue and Felicity Street, totaling 44 blocks.
From art markets to a pawn shop and clothing boutiques, Magazine offers ample opportunities for window shoppers and a refreshing version of the New Orleans atmosphere for adventurous walkers. The 13-block section of Royal Street has live music, antique and jewelry stores, art galleries and locally owned food vendors and restaurants. If you like architecture, you'll enjoy 19th century buildings. If you want to add a visual experience to your walk, check out this fountain and artistic tribute that pays homage to more than 90 crews from the New Orleans Mardi Gras carnival.
This urban walkway runs for approximately one and a half miles and is painted with stunning views of the New Orleans skyline facing the Mississippi River. In true Louisiana swampy style, the most popular option here is the waterfront, which takes about an hour to complete and is wheelchair accessible. At just over two and a half miles long, this bike and hiking trail is conveniently located in the heart of the city, connecting even the busiest people in New Orleans to nature. The Adventure Trail is less maintained and is closer to nature, since it covers approximately one eighth of a mile one way, with the option of including the waterfront.
The picturesque and simple walk takes an average of three hours and allows you to see artillery displays and two different observation towers. New Orleanians come to The Fly to relax, ride a frisbee, have a picnic or boil crabs, or enjoy a walk along the river. If you want to stroll between the opulent mansions of New Orleans and local boutiques and restaurants, head straight to St. Information signs and a monument at the end of the walk show a vivid picture of the Battle of New Orleans.
