Must See Sights and Landmarks in New Orleans Area

"Most tourists recognize the St. Louis Cathedral's triple spires as the main symbol of the French Quarter. Many have taken photos of the gleaming white facade against a clear blue sky, from across picturesque Jackson Square. Relatively few, though, have stepped inside the Cathedral – the oldest continuously active one in the US – to view its surprising interior; the stained glass windows depicting the saintly life of France's King Louis IX, the glorious murals and statuary beckoning the visitor back nearly 300 years to its founding."

"The longest continually active Roman Catholic church in the United States stands proud on the city side of Jackson Square. Dedicated to Louis IX of France (1214-1270), St. Louis Cathedral dates from 1789, although there was a church at this spot as early as 1718. The current cream-coloured Spanish Colonial building was reconstructed in 1850, and most of the architecture is from that time."

"Formerly known as "Place d'Armes" in the 18th century and later renamed as Jackson Square in honor Andrew Jackson who was a hero in the Battle of New Orleans, the historic Jackson Square is a beautiful space and popular tourist attraction in the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans. Facing the Mississippi River and surrounded by historic buildings, including the Louisiana State Museums of the Cabildo and the Presbytere, and the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral, this famous landmark is packed with things to see and do. A favorite site for visitors and locals, the Square has shops, restaurants, cafés and coffee shops, galleries, museums and more, along with a renowned open-air artist colony who has been displaying their work on the square's iron fence for more than 50 years."

"The square is a National Historic Landmark and a natural gathering spot. The palm tree-lined square, named after Andrew Jackson, has a statue of him riding a horse in honor of his victory in the Battle of New Orleans against the British."

"Through the iron gate on St. Peters Street lies one of the world’s most respected music venues and the spiritual home of New Orleans jazz, Preservation Hall. The band “preserves” the traditions of New Orleans jazz as it was in its heyday a hundred years ago, and plays five white-hot, hour-long sets each night in front of a packed room, where benches are kicked back so people of all ages can dance. No reservations, no booze—just stand in line with everyone else and you’ll be rewarded with a little local magic."

"You might be wondering why I haven’t mentioned the iconic French Quarter jazz venue, Preservation Hall. It’s absolutely possible to see a show here (40ish minutes) and then head to Frenchmen Street. Depending on the night of the week, prepare to wait in line for up to an hour and remember with no food, drink (BYOB), or AC and the likelihood of standing during the performance, this venue isn’t right for everyone."

"If you're looking for a kid-friendly jazz venue in New Orleans, this is it. The all-ages music landmark offers sets of jazz nightly—fyi, there's no food and beverage service—with some shows starting as early as 6 p.m. Pro tip: Queue early and grab one of the benches; seating is first-come, first-served."

"The St. Louis Cemetery was founded in 1789 and is the oldest burial ground of New Orleans’ most illustrious residents. There, you’ll find the gravesite of Voodoo queen Marie Laveau, as well as actor Nicolas Cage’s future tomb. Book with Save Our Cemeteries to have an up close and personal look at an array of wall vaults and tombs just steps from the French Quarter—and don’t forget the sunscreen."

"We highly recommend taking a cemetery tour through Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1. This is the oldest and most famous cemetery in New Orleans and has the tombs of famous people like Marie Laveau, the notorious voodoo queen, Homer Plessy’s tomb, from the famed Plessy vs. Ferguson civil rights case, and even Nicholas Cage’s strange pyramid tomb for when he dies."

"If you’re looking for unique stuff to do in New Orleans, then definitely consider dropping by St. Louis Cemetery No. 1."

"For something a bit more lively, head to Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Located within the French Quarter, Bourbon Street is the place you want to head to when the sun goes down and the lights come on, as the colourful lights entice you to come inside on of the bars that line the streets for a drink or two. Honestly, it’s a total assault on the senses, which initially took me back."

"The French Quarter’s central attraction isBourbon Street. Quiet during the day but especially rowdy at night, Bourbon Street channels some serious spring break frat party vibes: not cute when you aren’t in college anymore. So while it’s worth spending a little time on Bourbon Street to get a feel for it, you’re better off going elsewhere for a more low-key night out."

"The infamous Bourbon Street, also known as Rue Bourbon, conjures up images of endless partying, drinks of all shapes and sizes, bachelorette parties, and of course, Mardi Gras. Outside of Mardi Gras season, visitors flock to this playground of the South for its Creole restaurants, live music venues, souvenir shops, and well-known drinking establishments.More"

"This is also where you can have a famous Café du Monde beignet covered in powdered sugar, have your tarot cards read at Hex, get a taste of voodoo culture at Voodoo Authentica, and shop for jewelry, clothing, and antiques all throughout the neighborhood. The Pharmacy Museum has quite an interesting tour – don’t let the name fool you!. It’s all about old school remedies and how they evolved through history, with a local twist."

"Features an impressive collection of original paintings, works on paper, and sculpture by some of history’s most revered artists. Representing over five centuries of fine art, we specialize in original works from the old masters to the modern masters, as well as a select group of renowned contemporary artists."

"* Just a short walk away from here is Lafayette Cemetery, where the inspiration for Lester's tomb sits, and has also recently been a filming location for the vampire-themed show The Originals. You can also find the coven house of American Horror Story in the Garden District, AND the house that was the inspiration for Disneyland's Haunted Mansion!. * Is it any surprise that after our self-led tour of the Garden District we were inspired to take what turned out to be an amazing ghost tour of the French Quarter the following night?!. * * * * #neworleans #nola #bigeasy #ig_neworleans #gltlove #followyournola #igersneworleans #igersnola #alwaysneworleans #visitneworleans #discovernola #flashesofdelight #photosinbetween #wearetravelgirls #theprettycities #unlimitedparadise #sheisnotlost #darlingescapes #femmetravel #globelletravels #openmyworld #thatauthenticfeeling #pursuepretty #traveldeeper #letsgoeverywhere #forbestravelguide #mytinyatlas #dametraveler #timeoutsociety #huffpostgram"

"The first planned cemetery in New Orleans is in the Garden District and takes up just a single city block. When Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 was founded in 1833 it was in the City of Lafayette, which was incorporated into New Orleans in 1852. The cemetery holds around 7,000 people and 1,100 tombs, many of which are stunning, all the more so for their patina and the slight air of dilapidation."

"I chose to do a tour of the Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery. It was fascinating to learn more about the history and symbolism behind the impressive mansions and decorated headstones and mausoleums. If you’d rather wander on your own, then check out this self-guided tour so you know what you’re looking at!"

"Start the day with a bike tour of Marigny and Bywater The two neighborhoods this tour goes on is Marigny and Bywater. These are “coming up” areas, kind of a little hipster and definitely not the standard places to visit. You’ll go to the bike shop in the French Quarter to meet the tour instructor then ride off!"

"After lunch take at least 15 minutes to explore the next few blocks of colorful homes in Marigny. There isn’t much else to do other take great photos and enjoy the neighborhood that has alot of character before heading back to the French Quarter."

"The Beauregard-Keyes House is significant and worth a tour for its Greek Revival architecture, lovely quaint garden, and for once having been the residence of Confederate General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard, a New Orleans native who ordered the first shots of the Civil War and remained a hero in the South long after the war was lost. Ursuline nuns used the property from the early 1700s until the 1820s when the new house was designed to combine elements of a Creole cottage with Greek Revival features, including a Palladian facade, curved twin staircases, Tuscan portico, and generous dining room. In 1945, author Frances Parkinson Keyes was looking for a place to write and live in New Orleans."

"The Beauregard -Keyes House museum includes past residents such as Confederate General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard and American author Frances Parkinson Keyes. The house has elements of a Creole cottage with Greek Revival features, including a Palladian façade. It also has twin curved staircases leading to a Tuscan portico."

"Tours run twice every evening (5pm and 8pm) and include visits to the Lalaurie Mansion (where American Horror Story Coven was filmed), LaFitte’s Blacksmith Shop, and more. Our guide had plenty of creepy tales to share and clearly believed a lot of the ghost stories herself, which made it all the more fun. Our tour group was a little on the larger side, but otherwise, the experience was entertaining."

"Wander down to Governor Nicholls Street to see Lalaurie Mansion, once the home of actor Nicholas Cage, and one of the homes used for American Horror Story Coven. There are also other fancy homes like the New Orleans home of Angelina Jolie down this beautiful street."

"237 Decatur St., (504) 525-6151; www.estrellasteaklobsterhouse.us. A filet mignon is stuffed with crawfish, shrimp and crabmeat and topped with mushrooms in red wine reduction. Reservations accepted."

"The fish of the day is a pan-seared fillet served with rainbow fingerling potatoes, grilled asparagus, citrus-ponzu glaze, vegetables, edible flowers and house-pickled red onion. Reservations recommended. Dinner Mon.-Sat., late-night Fri.-Sat., brunch Sat.-Sun."

"MarignyWith three stages and a restaurant, this Frenchmen St music hall is bound to have something up your alley, if your alley is one in which you like to boogie. (Yes, we said “boogie.”) It features live music every single day, too, so whenever the spirit takes you, you can show up and see who’s ripping it up on stage, from jazz to funk, with almost every act a seriously danceable one."

"The Maison is a popular nightclub on historic Frenchmen Street in New Orleans. Frenchmen Street is known for its great music and nightlife and The Maison offers some of the street's best live music and dancing opps. For the early birds, live performances start as early as 4 pm on the weekend and around 5 pm the rest of the week - usually accompanied by drink specials."

"Another Marigny hot spot for New Orleans nightlife is The Maison. This upbeat music club plays hosts to a diverse line-up of jazz musicians on three different stages. In addition, this Frenchman Street music hall is a fun place to dance the night away."

"This casual sports bar in the French Quarter pairs pub grub and other hearty fare with draft beer, trivia nights and sports on multiple TVs. The menu features salads, sandwiches and burgers, plus small plates like the “crawfish dip dog.” The drinks include everything from beer, cocktails and frozen drinks. The bar also throws watch parties for events such as the Emmys, the Oscars, the Kentucky Derby and the Westminster Dog Show."

"The American Sports Saloon provides the perfect setting for any sports fan. Outdoor as well as indoor fans can grab their favorite cocktail as well as some delicious food while watching their favorite teams play on one of their multitude of televisions. This casual French Quarter bar is available for lunch stops, dinner plans, or late night parties for those New Orleans Saints fans."

"1200 Decatur St., (504) 300-1782; www.theamericansportssaloon.com. A Ragin’ Cajun burger is topped with lettuce, Tabasco onions and remoulade and served with fries. Reservations accepted for large parties."

"3524 Severn Ave., Metairie, (504) 455-2266; www.riccobonospeppermill.com. Sauteed veal Josephine is topped with lump crabmeat and shrimp and served with brabant potatoes. Reservations accepted."

"This sunny cafe on Jackson Square serves creative Louisiana specialties and breakfast all day. You can’t go wrong with the Stanley Classic — eggs, praline bacon, heirloom grits and toast — but the rest of the breakfast menu is an indulgent treat. Options like the Breaux Bridge Benedict with seared boudin patties and smoked ham, eggs Benedict po boy with smoked Acadian bacon, or the breakfast seafood platter will fill you up, but after breakfast you’ve got the whole French Quarter right there to walk it off."

"Bananas Foster is a classic New Orleans dessert, so why not eat dessert for breakfast with the Bananas Foster French Toast at Stanley’s?. That said, this menu isn’t shy when it comes to decadent flavors. Chow down on the eggs Acadiana, which comes with poached eggs and creole hollandaise on toasted French bread."

"Definitely not short for options when it comes to breakfast, but we, of course, suggest that you start (or finish) with the pancakes, topped with vanilla ice cream and Louisiana cane syrup with the option to add bananas, toasted walnuts, or blueberries."