Must See Sights and Landmarks in French Quarter Area

"St. Louis Cathedral is an iconic landmark of the French Quarter, located in front of the Jackson Square. It is the oldest cathedral in the United States. It has Renaissance and Spanish Colonial type architecture."

"Sprinkled with lazing loungers, surrounded by sketch artists, fortune tellers and traveling performers, and watched over by cathedrals, offices and shops plucked from a Parisian fantasy, Jackson Sq is one of America’s great town greens and the heart of the Quarter. The identical, block-long Pontalba Buildings overlook the scene, and the nearly identical Cabildo and Presbytère structures flank the impressive St Louis Cathedral, which fronts the square."

"It’s also an excellent place to people watch and where a number of New Orleans’ historical landmarks like The St Louis Cathedral, The Cabildo, and The Presbytère are located (with Preservation Hall and The Historic New Orleans Collection nearby). Tons of artists, musicians, and fortune tellers hang out in Jackson Square and in the spirit of disclosure, I spent most of my time here people-watching and eating beignets. However, if you want to be a little more cultured than I was, visit one or several of the above-mentioned landmarks for even more NOLA history."

"I learned about Preservation Hall from a couple of locals while enjoying a drink at Jewel of the South, a bar in the French Quarter. Dating back to the 1950s, Preservation Hall has to be the most unassuming jazz club in the world. Every night, a line of hopefuls forms outside this venerable institution for the chance to spend an hour listening to the house band, The Preservation All Stars, perform traditional New Orleans jazz."

"If you’re a fan of live jazz performances, then you must make plans to attend an upcoming show at Preservation Hall. Situated in the heart of the French Quarter on St. Peter Street, the venue presents intimate, acoustic New Orleans Jazz concerts featuring ensembles from a collective of more than 50 local master practitioners."

"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."

"Now, this might sound pretty macabre but give me a moment to explore. The New Orleans cemeteries have become something of a place to see whilst in the city, especially as they house some voodoo remnants from the people that rest there. You see, since New Orleans is actually built on a swamp."

"The oldest cemetery in New Orleans, resting peacefully for over 200 years now. See All 85 Things to Do in New Orleans"

"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 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"

"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."

"Alon Shaya’s take on modern Israeli food offers a unique menu, bringing elevated, New Orleans twists to traditional Israeli food at Saba. Some worthy menu items include the Blue Crab Hummus, Oyster Schnitzel, Moroccan Carrot Salad, or Caviar and potato chips, but those might not pique the interest of a five year-old. Offerings for the kids include classic hummus with seasonal vegetables or fries that even the adults will want to steal, labneh with fruit, eggs with smashed avocado and pita, lamb burger in a pita, and chicken skewers with rice and seasonal vegetables."

"After leaving his namesake restaurant (but unable to take the name with him), chef Alon Shaya has brought his beloved contemporary Israeli cuisine back, better than ever, along with a progressive new operation that strongly focuses on employee welfare. His dedication to ingredients, technique and staff is evident. The bright, airy Uptown restaurant provides a warm setting in which to enjoy shareable dishes like Shaya’s grandmother’s lutenitsa, local tomato ezme, harissa roasted chicken and hummus topped with blue crab."

"Saba showcases chef Alon Shaya’spenchant for using farm fresh ingredients to create flavorful Israeli and Mediterranean fare. Enjoy the likes of harissa chicken salad and falafel with Shaya’s famed pita in the roomy, protected outdoor garden under two tents with greenery and fans."

"Piscobar does exactly what it says it does — Pisco, exceptionally well. Located on the 13th floor of the lovely Catahoula Hotel in the Central Business District, this equally lovely rooftop terrace is the perfect perfect place to kick back after a day sightseeing. Decorated with bare wood panelling, sunloungers and a tikki-bar, it’s a private oasis in the midst of office building skyscrapers."

"A post shared by Simon Gommerud (@sgommy) on Dec 16, 2019 at 4:50pm PST. Perched inside the Catahoula Hotel in downtown New Orleans, the Piscobar specializes in a number of cocktail mixes keeping pisco at its forefront. Pisco is a brandy that is manufactured in the wine-making regions of Peru and Chile and is the national spirit of Peru."

"The Catahoula Hotel is not only beautiful but home to Piscobar. Piscobar is a vivid vegan Taiwanese restaurant and bar using the freshest ingredients and flavorful spices. The food is out of this world and so are the drinks!"

"In a converted 19th-century mansion, which still manages to retain much of its spookiness you’ll find a brunch menu that’s not afraid to get a little cheeky. Here, a sampling: tater tots that are meant to be dipped into a Miller High Life, mushroom French toast, gumbo cut with popcorn rice. The cocktail list is just as daring, so be ready to take some risks."

"3607 Magazine St. My family and I spent our Mother’s Day brunch, here. Along with August, the dining room at Cavan is one of my wife’s favorites. Rooms have certain “feels” to me."

"Located in a former donut shop in a small and colorful cottage in Uptown, LUVI features food from the chef's hometown of Shanghai and other Chinese and Japanese-inspired fare. While the menu changes often, expect staples like dumplings and dan-dan noodles and raw bar items like ceviche and sashimi. Try the dragon boat, with fresh seared tuna, black caviar, and smoked soy sauce, or one of several vegan-friendly dishes, like spicy stir-fry bean curd with jalapēno, red onion, and black bean chili."

"Nestled along Tchoupitoulas Street in Uptown New Orleans is Luvi - a light and refreshing Japanese + Chinese fusion restaurant. Its menu is packed with a handcrafted selection of raw bites, Shanghai comfort foods and Asian-inspired cocktails. With housemade sauces, fresh ingredients and carefully prepared creations, Luvi pushes boundaries and sets new standards for fusion cuisine."

"The CAC complex in historic downtown is a cultural leader, bridging the gap between the visual and performing arts by combining exhibitions, concerts, dance and plays. Past interactive events, such as Leverage by Mexican artist Pedro Reyes, had patrons delightedly playing on what resembled a giant see-saw. Upcoming exhibitions include 30 Americans, showcasing the last three decades of art by the most influential African-American artists, and Julian Sands in A Celebration of Harold Pinter, where the actor will share and provide insight into Pinter's little-known poetry."

"Right next door to The National WWII Museum is the Contemporary Arts Center, known to locals as the CAC. This artistic hub hosts a variety of exciting contemporary art exhibits and events. To open the 2018 season, the CAC is presenting “Constructing the Break,” their annual open call exhibition of 29 regional artists."

"The CAC has free admission for Louisiana residents on Sundays courtesy of the Helis Foundation. The museum focuses on multi-disciplinary programming and rotating exhibits."

"The city’s oldest art museum boasts over 40,000 artworks and objects from across the globe and the ages. But if you’re in town for Mardi Gras, make a point to see their current exhibition on 19th-century Swedish artist Bror Anders Wikstrom, who immigrated to NoLa in 1883 and helped shape the carnival experience into what it is today with his elaborate float designs. Afterwards, take a stroll through the museum’s enchanting five-acre sculpture park."

"Located adjacent to the CAC and The National WWII Museum is the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, a must-see for all art lovers. The museum showcases folk art and the handcrafted heritage of the Southern region as well as contemporary works from Southern artists and designers. Much like the CAC, the Ogden hosts local entertainment each Thursday evening for their Ogden After Hours event."

"The New Orleans Museum of Art is known to be the oldest fine arts museum in the city of New Orleans which is perfect for anyone looking for a cheap but immersive experience."