Sightseeing

 

Most New Orleans sightseeing is done within the famous French Quarter. Laid out in a perfect grid, the Quarter is just 13 blocks wide and six blocks deep. Its official borders are the downtown side of Iberville Street, the river side of Rampart Street, the uptown side of Esplanade Avenue, and Decatur Street. 

 

Within this small radius you will find a world all its own, a sub-culture so pleasing to the senses that it could easily drive you to a state of euphoria, if you're lucky. In addition to the obvious enticing traits of the Vieux Carre, such as touristy Bourbon Street, the Cajun cooking, the wonderful street performers, or simply the romantic architecture, there is much more to experience. 

 

For instance, in the heart of the Quarter is vibrant Jackson Square, located across Decatur Street from the Mississippi River. Pull yourself away from the numerous musicians, artists, and street performers gathered amongst the throngs of visitors here and you will notice the many historical attractions surrounding the area. The most recognized sites include the St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, and the Presbytere. Aside from each building's historical significance, it is out in front of these structures, as they are all adjacent to each other, that you will here some of the best jazz New Orleans has to offer -- for free!  

Also at Jackson Square, yet a little more obscure, is the historic 1850 house, located inside one of the beautiful Pontalba buildings at 523 St. Ann Street (it is difficult to miss these structures). Across Decature Street from here is the famous Cafe du Monde, serving beignets (pronounced ben-yay) and cafe au lait (pronounced au-lay) 24-hours a day. The Cafe is a part of the famous French Market, which has been in existence for more than 200 years. From the French Market, walk up Ursilines Street to Chartres Street to visit the Old Ursiline Convent, one of the oldest edifices in the lower Mississippi Valley. One block away on Royal Street is the Gallier House, a handsomely restored (some even say haunted) building from the late 19th century. And two blocks from here on Dumaine Street is the Historic Voodoo Museum, housing voodoo artifacts from New Orleans and around the world. Continue down Dumaine Street and visit Madame John's Legacy, an 18th-century West Indies-style house that may indeed be the oldest structure in New Orleans.

To reach the Herman-Grima House, built in 1831, head south (away from the river) to the corner of St. Louis and Bourbon Streets. Walk one block up St. Louis to reach the Musee Conti Wax Museum, a wax museum featuring life-like figures of "Louisiana Legends."

If you have the time to venture outside the French Quarter, there are numerous attractions quite different from the aforesaid locations that can be enjoyed by all ages. Just outside the Quarter, off Canal Street is the modern Aquarium of the Americas, home to some 7,000 species of sea and river creatures. And located across the highway from the Aquarium is Harrah's Casino. 

If you want to indulge some shopping interests, keep heading west to Magazine Street, which borders both the Garden District and the area known as the Irish Channel. And even more west is luxurious Audubon Park and Audubon Zoo. (The zoo is rated as one of the top five in the country).

In keeping with parks, don't forget historic City Park, featuring everything from a golf course to canoeing to giant oak trees, under which many a duel was fought in the old days. Also located at the park is the New Orleans Museum of Art, which houses 40,000 pieces of art from around the globe.   

 

Below we have listed some good sightseeing tours (don’t forget the cemetery and swamp tours). For even more information visit our Tours page.

 

Historic New Orleans Walking Tours – 504/947-2120

Gray Line – 800/535-7786

Half Pint’s Swamp Adventures – 318/280-5967

Haunted History Tours – 888/6-GHOSTS

Magic Walking Tours – 504/588-9693

Natchez (boat tour)— 800/233-BOAT

Creole Queen (boat tour)– 800/445-4109