January 6, 2026
More people visited downtown Lafayette during the day and less at night, data shows
Data compiled on visits to downtown Lafayette last year indicates more people came during daytime hours and less for bar and nightlife activity.
August 23, 2023
Become a Downtown Lafayette Local: College Student Edition
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Connecting college students to the downtown community plays an important role in building vibrant energy throughout the district. Downtown Lafayette welcomes students and encourages everyone to embrace downtown as their own. Whether you’re new to Lafayette or have been here your entire life, chances are you haven’t experienced everything our downtown has to offer. There’s no shortage of tasty eateries, cozy cafes and study spots, live music, events, art, and many small businesses to fall in love with. Regardless of what day of the week you choose to make your way downtown, we’re here to highlight the must-stops and some of the coolest affordable options for college students to enjoy and take advantage of while they are spending time here.
For starters, did you know that the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s campus is less than a mile away from downtown? That’s right! With places to eat, shop, study, volunteer or catch live music, Downtown Lafayette is only a walk or bike ride away for students. So, if you’re a Ragin’ Cajun or a higher-ed student attending a different school in the Acadiana area, this blog post is crafted just for you!
Best Places to Kick Off the Morning
If you need to start your day with a cup of caffeine or want to wrap up some homework you forgot to finish the night before, you’re in luck. Downtown has incredible coffee shops and cafés. Besides, breakfast is the most important meal of the day so don’t skip it!
- Rêve Coffee Roasters
- Carpe Diem Café & Wine Bar
- AcA Café
- Black Café
- Dwyer’s Café
- Sunday’s Soda Fountain
- Ton’s Downtown
For all the weekend brunch enthusiasts out there, here are the must-stops you need to add to your list.
Looking for a Quiet Place to Study?
These downtown study spots are the perfect hideout from outside distractions where you can get homework done, cram for finals, or collaborate on team projects.
Where to Find “Everyday” Items
From local goods, fresh produce, snacks, energy drinks, medication, or even laundry detergent, make sure to swing by downtown’s corner stores and pharmacy before making a trip to Walmart…odds are, they have what you’re looking for!
June 13, 2023
Downtown Food District
As the heart of Lafayette, Downtown is known for being a foodie paradise filled with a number of unique restaurants ranging from fine dining experiences to casual plate lunches. Our trendy restaurants cater to the joie de vivre that makes our downtown district one of a kind. So, we’ve compiled a list of some of Lafayette’s downtown favorites!
May 11, 2023
15 Downtown Shops For the Mom in Your Life
Mother’s Day is right around the corner and we know you didn’t forget! You’re waiting to find that extra special something, so let us help you! Downtown Lafayette is chock full of shops we know your mom (or the mom in your life) will love. Keep reading for the ULTIMATE Mother’s Day shopping guide in Downtown Lafayette.
March 8, 2023
23 Things To Do Downtown In 2023
The year 2022 was a blast, but we believe Downtown Lafayette is only getting better in 2023. That’s why we’ve created a list of 23 things to do next time you find yourself downtown or if you’re planning a trip to visit. From shopping, live music, incredible food, art, there’s no shortage of things to do downtown this year!
December 14, 2022
Downtown Lafayette’s Winter Wonderland
What began in 2019 as an effort to spark holiday joy continues today as a significant part of Downtown Lafayette’s holiday series. Every year, Jefferson Street and Parc International are transformed into magical holiday destinations for visitors and residents of Lafayette to enjoy throughout the entire month of December.
November 22, 2022
Downtown Holiday Gift Guide
As we are approaching the holidays, the team at Downtown Lafayette Unlimited and Downtown Development Authority would like to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving. We are so thankful to be a part of such an incredible downtown community and are looking forward to celebrating Small Business Saturday by shopping small this holiday season!
October 28, 2022
TBEX Travelers Take On Downtown Lafayette
Last month, Lafayette Travel welcomed attendees from around the world for the TBEX (Travel Blog Exchange) conference. TBEX is the largest conference and networking event for travel bloggers, online travel journalists, media content creators, and travel brands. This year, the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole country, Lafayette, was chosen as the host city for the North American conference. It was a pleasure connecting with TBEX attendees on walking tours of our downtown district, and we were thrilled to welcome so many new visitors to the place we get to call home!
September 29, 2022
Fallin’ Into Family Friendly Fun
We have finally gotten a taste of better weather over here in the Cajun capital, and it’s time to take advantage of it! Looking for things to do with your family this fall in Lafayette? Look no further, because downtown has you covered. From live music, indoor entertainment, to fun day trips that we know your family will love, we’ve got something for everyone. Whether you’re a Lafayette native or visiting from out of town, be sure to mark your calendars because there is a full lineup of activities to enjoy this season.
August 30, 2022
My First Week Downtown
Typically, when you think about a city’s downtown area the first thing that comes to mind is “hustle and bustle.” What appears to be organized chaos in a large metropolitan area. People moving in every direction, sky rises on every block, and sometimes an overwhelming sense of loneliness despite being surrounded by so many people. However, I felt a unique sense of home my first time walking down Jefferson Street in Downtown Lafayette. I was welcomed with warm smiles and “have a great day!” on just about every corner. Not at all what I was anticipating on my first day of work when being tasked to go walk around this new city I now get to call home. Whew, what a relief!