Lafayette Square

The basics

Lafayette Square makes a pleasant place to rest during a walk around New Orleans’ Central Business District. Look for statues of the city's forefathers, including Benjamin Franklin and Southern statesman Henry Clay, whose bronze likeness is the park’s focal point. Most visitors flock to the square during spring for the free Wednesday at the Square concert series. The Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival is also held at Lafayette Square each fall.

Things to know before you go

• Overlooking the square is Gallier Hall, a historic Greek Revival building that served as the New Orleans City Hall for over 100 years.
• Food and drinks are available from vendors around the edge of the square at the Wednesday at the Square concerts.
• Many parades pass through the square during Mardi Gras. Some nearby businesses offer paid bleacher seating for the best views.

How to get there

Lafayette Square is bordered by St. Charles Avenue, Camp Street, North Maestri Street, and South Maestri Street in New Orleans’ Upper Central Business District. It is within walking distance to many attractions, but paid parking garages and meters are available nearby. Wednesdays in the Park offers bike valet.

When to get there

The public square is open daily. Wednesday at the Square runs for 10 weeks from mid-March to mid-May, and the Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival takes place in October.

History and Games in the Central Business District

New Orleans’ historic French Quarter may get most of the attention, but some of the city’s biggest attractions are just a short streetcar ride away in the Central Business District (known as the CBD locally). Football fans fill up the Caesars Superdome—home of the New Orleans Saints—while the Smoothie King Center next door hosts NBA games and music concerts. Just a few blocks from Lafayette Square, the National WWII Museum is ranked one of the best museums in the US.

Ways to explore

Lafayette Square is an essential stop on any tour of New Orleans, whether you’re taking a hop-on hop-off bus or exploring on your own. It’s a great respite during a visit to the city’s Central Business District, and is especially enjoyable during spring and fall festivals and Mardi Gras. Lafayette Square is the perfect place to set yourself up on the grass with a picnic or a good book, stroll through walking paths, and just generally escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Accessibility

Lafayette Square is wheelchair accessible with paved walking paths.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Picnic blanket, snacks, water, sunscreen

What to wear

Sunglasses, hat, comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Glass bottles and containers are prohibited, as is frying food or having seafood boils in the square.

Amenities

There are no public restrooms in the square, but there are many shops and businesses with restrooms in the nearby Central Business District.

Address

Lafayette Square is bordered by St. Charles Avenue, Camp Street, North Maestri Street, and South Maestri Street in New Orleans’ Upper Central Business District. It is within walking distance to many attractions, but paid parking garages and meters are available nearby. Wednesdays in the Park offers bike valet.

Driving

From downtown New Orleans or I‑10, drivers can take Exit 234B toward Poydras Street. From there, continue on Poydras for about a mile, then turn left on St. Charles Avenue—Lafayette Square is on your right. Metered street parking is available, and there are parking garages nearby.

Public transportation

Hop on the historic St. Charles streetcar line and get off at the St. Charles at Lafayette Street stop. From there, Lafayette Square is directly across the street. There are also several RTA bus lines that stop within a block of the square.

Best times to visit

The square is open to the public 24 hours per day. Come in the early morning or early afternoon to avoid big crowds.

Best days to visit

Consider visiting mid-week for a more peaceful experience without so many other people.

Best months to visit

March through May and October are the optimal times for visiting Lafayette Square, as these are when there are special events happening in the park.

Special events

Visitors won’t want to miss special events in Lafayette Square, like Wednesday at the Square, which runs for 10 weeks from mid-March to mid-May, and the Crescent City Blues and BBQ Festival that takes place in October.