Are you looking for the best things to do in and around Marigny? Are you on the hunt for Marigny restaurant recommendations? Read on for detailed descriptions of some lovely neighborhood gems in Faubourg Marigny, New Orleans.

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New Orleans is unlike any other place in the world. The history, delicious food, striking architecture, jazz, blues, art, and people make this Louisiana city easy to fall in love with. There’s just an intoxicating energy here, and I don’t mean the kind you find in a plastic cup on Bourbon Street (not that there’s anything wrong with that). 

Now, as you may have guessed by the name of this blog, I’m not much of a city gal. That being said, New Orleans is one of my favorite cities! I both can’t quite get enough - and am desperate to get home for some peace and quiet each time I leave. 

(Did this chronic introvert stress cry on the flight home? Yes, but to be fair, we also had a jam-packed trip that ended with a drag queen spanking me with a riding crop during brunch.) 

For that reason, our friends who are born and raised New Orleanians strongly suggested staying in the quieter but still bustling Marigny instead of the absolute chaos of the French Quarter during this year’s visit, and we absolutely fell in love with this colorful, quirky neighborhood just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Bourbon Street.

The History:  

Creole real estate developer and politician Bernard de Marigny mapped out Marigny around 1806, dividing land that had once belonged to his family's plantation. Marigny holds the distinctive title of one of New Orleans’ first suburbs, and the neighborhood has been through many ups and downs over the centuries. Today, it's known for funky vibes, colorful Creole houses, and a vibrant live music scene.

The Vibe:

Marigny is just lovely. It’s quieter and calmer than the French Quarter (read: far less vomiting on street corners), but there’s still plenty to do in and just outside this old neighborhood - including party on Frenchmen Street, if that’s your thing. Marigny is hip and quirky, fun and funky, and you can still get a good night’s sleep after your last Sazerac!

The Charm:

The streets of Marigny are lined with elegant, colorful, and quirky homes. Here, you’ll find a vibrantly painted abode with eclectic tile next to a carriage house with impeccable cast iron railings and woodwork. Chic restaurants and local watering holes dot this residential area, which is also home to Frenchman Street, one of New Orleans’ famed jazz hubs.

17 Fabulous Things To Do in Marigny and the Surrounding Areas

Catch live music on Frenchmen Street.

Frenchmen Street is a must-visit for tourists on the hunt for quality local music. Brightly-colored clubs and music venues line this busy street, and you’ll find a solid line-up of blues, jazz, and rock any night of the week. Hit the Remedy Bar inside the Royal Frenchmen Hotel for made-to-order craft cocktails and some swingin’ jazz tunes.

Eat a French pastry (or five) at Ayu Bakehouse.

Did we order five pastries for two people? Did we all but lick our plates? Listen, this blog is a judgment-free zone when it comes to one’s travel diet. 

Ayu Bakehouse is nestled on the corner of Washington Square, and the cozy eatery is known for its freshly baked pastries. Grab a pain au chocolate or strawberry pastry for something sweet, or tuck into a warm and flaky “Shroom Boom” or muffuletta breadstick for something savory.

Tour the Old Ursuline Convent Museum.

The Old Ursuline Convent Museum sits just on the French Quarter side of Marigny’s border, making this an easily accessible attraction. The knowledgeable tour guides cover everything from the broader history of New Orleans to NOLA’s unique burial history to the story behind the convent’s reliquaries, and the tour gives you private access to the church, which is absolutely gorgeous.

Guided tours of this stunning historic church and convent, circa 1745, currently run at 10 am, 11 am, and 1 pm on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

Hit the Frenchmen Art Market.

Night owls will love the Frenchmen Art Market, located rather obviously on Frenchman Street. The bustling market offers an eclectic mix of local art and crafts, expect everything from jewelry to custom toilet lids. Generally open most nights between 7 or 8 pm and 1 am, but confirm the times via their website before you go.

Enjoy a date night at the Elysian Bar at Hotel Peter and Paul.

Hotel Peter and Paul is, hands down, one of the coolest spaces in Marigny. 

The historic church, rectory, schoolhouse, and convent (circa 1860) have been flawlessly and ornately reimagined as a chic, luxurious hotel, beautiful wedding venue, intimate and elegant restaurant, and stunning bar. 

You'll fall in love with the natural-light-filled atrium with its trailing plants, the parlor's vintage opulence, and the undeniably hip and tiny bar, but you'll come back again and again for the Chicken Under a Brick and Mr. Follow Follow cocktail. 

Check out the before and after section on the website for charming details about the renovation, including the discovery of Civil War-era beer bottles and chalkboard reading "Alli smells!" The "Holy Ghosts" section also details a secret tunnel under the church. 

Read a book in Washington Square. 

Nestled in the heart of Marigny, Washington Square Park offers 2.54 acres of shaded benches, curvy walking paths, and a striking AIDS memorial. The lush green space was “originally developed as part of the tract of land owned by the Marigny de Mandeville family in the early 1800s.” Today, Washington Square offers a great place to rest while exploring all that Faubourg Marigny has to offer.

Visit the Gallier House.

Located just two blocks outside Faubourg Marigny, the Gallier House is a fascinating historic home that boasts several engineering innovations thanks to its original owner, famed architect James Gallier, Jr. The guided tour sheds light on Gallier’s family life, architectural experiments in the home, and the experiences of the enslaved people who also inhabited the property. The Gallier House & Slave Quarter Tour runs 6 days a week (no tours on Tuesdays at this time) on the half-hour from 9:30 am - 2:30 pm.

Grab an alligator hot dog at Dat Dog.

The rumors are true: Dat Dog serves up delicious, must-try gourmet dogs on Frenchmen Street.

As a bit of a food snob, I tend to be wary of late-night eateries in tourist-ridden sections of town. After one bite of the Rougarou, however, I learned just how flawed my preconceived notions were.

My husband swears Jimmy’s Chicago ‘Dog is the best Chicago-style hotdog he’s ever had, but I swear it doesn’t hold a candle to that mouth-watering alligator sausage topped with grilled onions, Creole mustard, tomatoes, jalapenos, BBQ sauce, and bacon. And, whichever of us you side with, make sure to throw in an order of seasoned fries. I’ve literally been craving Dat Dog ever since we left.

Catch a drag brunch at Barrileaux’s Restaurant and Wine Bar.

When’s the last time your French 75 came with a spanking from a drag queen, delivered with a riding crop? We wound up getting last-minute seats at Barrileaux’s Mother’s Day drag brunch, and it was a highlight of our trip. Bring extra one-dollar bills to give your queens some love: it ain’t easy rocking out in 5-inch heels, y’all.

No drag show scheduled while you’re in town? Click their events page for the latest happenings, which currently include music from the lovely Vanessa Carr.

Take a long walk and enjoy the colorful, eclectic houses in Faubourg Marigny.

There is just so much personality in Faubourg Marigny. Every corner seems to be filled with captivating street art, fairy gardens, quirky signage, and vibrant home details. Grab an iced coffee or cold cocktail (it is New Orleans, after all) and spend an hour or two just taking in the sights and getting to know this unique neighborhood. 

(And, in my frank and unsolicited opinion, New Orleans makes Austin, Texas, look rather mundane.)

Check out a burlesque show at Allways Lounge and Cabaret.

Are you ready for a tit-ilating good time? (Har har!) The Allways Lounge and Cabaret is perched at the Northern end of Marigny, and the charming venue is host to a wealth of entertainers, from burlesque artists to blue musicians and even “Allmost Naked Karaoke.” We hit the Bayou Blues Burlesque, which made for a hilarious and lively evening.

Support local stores.

Though heavier on the food and beverage scene than retail shops, there are some gems tucked throughout Marigny. C’mere showcases a charming selection of clothing, miniature food jewelry, and local art. Louisiana Music Factory houses an extensive collection of CDs, vinyl, and merch on Frenchmen Street, and Baldwin & Co. offers a thought-provoking and well-curated selection of books alongside their coffee bar. 

Drop by the New Orleans Jazz Museum.

Located just on the French Quarter side of Esplanade Avenue, which creates Marigny's western border, the New Orleans Jazz Museum is home to several informative, interactive exhibits on NOLA's most influential musicians and the evolution of jazz.

The building that houses the New Orleans Jazz Museum is actually the old US Mint, and the first floor currently offers a fascinating look at the architecture and excavation of the historic site.

The New Orleans Jazz Museum is currently open Tuesday - Sunday from 9 am - 4 pm.

Get tickets for JAMNOLA.

JAMNOLA was another of our favorite things to do in Marigny, even if it technically lies a couple of blocks inside the adjacent Bywater neighborhood.

JAMNOLA offers 17 immersive and interactive art exhibits from more than 30 different artists, showcasing New Orleans' music, art, and creativity. While there are definitely plenty of Instagrammable moments, JAMNOLA is not to be confused with the likes of, say, the Austin selfie museum. There's much more food for thought and inspiration to be had as you wander the rooms of JAMNOLA. Tickets range from $29-$32, and JAMNOLA is open Thursday - Monday. Hours vary by day, and reservations are required.

Raise a glass at Brieux Carré.

You'll find Brieux Carre tucked into a tiny storefront on Decatur Street. The brewery prides itself on making beers "as weird and interesting as the city we live in," and the creative list of beer names reflects that. Order a "Moving To the City, Going To Eat A Moderate Amount of Apricots" or a "The Rizzberries Taste Like Rizzberries!" and kick back on the shaded patio.

Try a little bit of everything at St. Roche Market.

St. Roche Market is a "chef-centric market featuring a thoughtfully-curated mix of local food and beverage talent." The exceptional food hall features everything from raw oysters and craft cocktails to gourmet fried chicken sandwiches and Burmese and Malaysian comfort food. (Did we order about 4 entrees for two people? Yes, yes, we did.)

The beautifully reimagined building was originally built in 1875 as an open-air market. It was named St. Roch after the yellow fever epidemic, and the interior underwent several renovations before falling into a state of disrepair in the 1990s. Today, the light and airy space is earmarked by white columns, sleek bar seating, and two-stories of windows.

See what’s playing at the Marigny Opera House.

The Marigny Opera House is a spectacular piece of 1800s architecture with towering internal arches, vintage lighting fixtures, and ornate tilework. Originally built as the St. Roch Chapel in 1873, the church was deconsecrated and reimagined as the Marigny Opera House in 2011. Today, the Marigny Opera House hosts the Marigny Opera Ballet and private events.

Note: Though we dropped by to see the outside of the Marigny Opera House, our dates did not align with this season's performance schedule. We look forward to catching the ballet on our next visit!

Have you been to Faubourg Marigny, New Orleans? What are your favorite places to dine, shop, relax, and drink? Where did you stay while you were there? Leave your tips in the comments below!