By all appearances, the Napoleon House's stuccoed walls haven’t received so much as a dab of paint since the place opened in 1805. The diffused glow pouring through open doors and windows in the afternoon draws out the room’s gorgeous patina. The bar serves a good range of stiff mixed drinks, cold beer, and a popular Pimm's Cup.

The name comes from its origin: it was constructed as a place for Napoleon to live, but he didn't last long enough to get the chance.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby French Quarter attractions

1. New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

0.02 MILES

This beautifully preserved shop, groaning with ancient display cases filled with intriguing little bottles, was established in 1823 by Louis J Dufilho, at…

2. Williams Research Center

0.05 MILES

Dedicated travelers and history heads should pop into the Williams Research Center; if you have specific queries about almost anything to do with New…

3. Historic New Orleans Collection

0.09 MILES

A combination of preserved buildings, museums and research centers all rolled into one, the Historic New Orleans Collection is a good introduction to the…

4. Cabildo

0.14 MILES

The former seat of government in colonial Louisiana now serves as the gateway to exploring the history of the state in general, and New Orleans in…

5. Michalopoulos Gallery

0.14 MILES

Michalopoulos has become one of New Orleans’ most popular painters in recent years, in part on the strength of his best-selling Jazz Fest posters. His…

6. A Gallery for Fine Photography

0.15 MILES

This impressive gallery usually has prints such as William Henry Jackson’s early-20th-century views of New Orleans and EJ Bellocq’s rare images of…

7. St Louis Cathedral

0.17 MILES

One of the best examples of French architecture in the country, this triple-spired 18th-century cathedral is dedicated to Louis IX, the French king…

8. Jackson Square

0.17 MILES

Whatever happens in the French Quarter usually begins here in Jackson Square, at Decatur and St Peter Streets. It's a gentle, carnivalesque scene,…