Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour of New Orleans' French Quarter
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours (90–120 minutes)
Fitness Level
Suitable for most people who can walk 1.5 miles on paved sidewalks; easy stops and seating available.
Overview
Walk the French Quarter at your own pace using a web-based smartphone guide that pairs history with local color. Start at Jackson Square and finish at St. Louis Cathedral on a 1.5-mile tour that’s wheelchair- and family-friendly.
Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour of New Orleans' French Quarter
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You step away from the hum of Royal Street and into Jackson Square, where a bronze Andrew Jackson squints at the river as if keeping an old city secret. The web-based tour loads on your phone, a map unfurls, and the French Quarter opens like a city-sized book: ornate ironwork, shuttered courtyards, and the call of a trumpet drifting from a hidden bar.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring a portable charger
The tour runs in your phone’s browser—carry a battery pack to avoid losing access mid-route.
Wear supportive shoes
Expect 1.5 miles on city sidewalks—closed-toe, cushioned shoes make the route more pleasant.
Time for light conditions
Begin in the morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds on Royal Street.
Stay hydrated and pace breaks
Plan a coffee or snack stop at the French Market or a café to rest and follow the tour prompts without hurry.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- great egret
- brown pelican (seen along the Mississippi)
History
The French Quarter grew under French then Spanish rule—its narrow streets and iron balconies reflect colonial building laws and reconstruction after 18th–19th century fires.
Conservation
The Quarter faces challenges from flooding and sea-level rise; support local preservation initiatives and follow low-impact walking etiquette to protect fragile historic sites.
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Adventure Hotspots in New Orleans
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Support and traction for sidewalks and occasional slick patches.
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in New Orleans heat and humidity.
summer specific
Portable phone charger
Keeps your device powered for the web-based interface and maps.
Light rain shell
A compact jacket protects against sudden Gulf-coast showers in spring and fall.
spring specific