It’s My First Time: A Newbie’s Guide To New Orleans

New Orleans is primarily known for its nightlife and Mardi Gras activities, but there is so much more to this beautiful city outside Bourbon Street and 24 hour bars and restaurants. Founded in 1718 by French settlers, New Orleans has a rich tapestry of culture influenced by a diverse range of people who made the city into what we see today.

Lets explore some of the must see attractions that make New Orleans such a magical place to visit!

1. St. Louis Cathedral

   Originally built in 1727, then rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1794, and completed in the 1850s, St. Louis Cathedral is the most iconic architectural feature in the French Quarter. Constructed as a homage to King Louis IX of France, it holds the title of the oldest active Roman Catholic Church in the United States. Overlooking Jackson Square, the stunning architecture and elaborate interior adorned with stained glass, art, and statues will leave you speechless!

   Don't fret if you aren't a religious fanatic - St. Louis Cathedral is open to the public for self-guided tours, although they do still regularly hold church services, weddings, and funerals.

   Fun Fact: St. Louis Cathedral is technically a Basilica! When Catholic Pope John Paul II paid a visit New Orleans in 1987, he upgraded the Cathedral's classification.

   St. Louis Cathedral - 615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans, LA 70116

2. Jackson Square

   Located directly outside the aforementioned St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square is the liveliest section of the French Quarter during the daylight hours. Home to artists, street performers, merchants, and tarot card readers, this National Historic Landmark has a little bit of something for everyone! Get a feel for authentic New Orleans vibes by spending some time interacting with the whimsical characters and locals that make New Orleans home. 

   Surrounded by bars, restaurants, and shops, and centrally located, it is a great rest area or meeting point for your group. There is a street car line located steps from the park, which makes it a perfect beginning or end to your day!

   Fun Fact: Jackson Square is where the Louisiana Purchase was finalized in 1803.

   Jackson Square - 701 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116

3. Royal Street

   Royal Street is a street that truly lives up to its name! Running parallel to Bourbon St., Royal St. consists of many historic hotels, antique shops, art galleries, historic restaurants, such as Brennan's, and private residences. From 11 AM to 4 PM daily, Royal St. transforms into a pedestrian mall between St. Louis Street and St. Ann Street. Shop doors open for your to explore world renowned art and curious oddities, and musicians playing music on every corner. Stop by the (allegedly haunted!) Monteleone Hotel's Carousel Bar, which is a revolving bar built on a working historic carousel, and enjoy a refreshing Sazerac. Head to Napoleon House on nearby Chartres Street for a Pimm's Cup and muffuletta. Don't forget to grab some beignets at Cafe Beignet for breakfast!

   Fun Fact: The majority of buildings on Royal Street were burned down in two separate fires - one in 1788 and another in 1794. During this time, the Spanish occupied New Orleans and required that buildings use plaster walls and flame retardant slate and tile roofing to prevent future fires. In turn, most architecture found on Royal Street is actually Spanish, as opposed to French.

   Royal Street - French Quarter, Between Canal Street and Esplanade Avenue

4. Mardi Gras World

   Founded by world renowned float builder Blaine Kern, Sr. of Kern Studios, Mardi Gras World is an insider's view of how Mardi Gras is born each year. The most brilliant Mardi Gras floats are stored and built here. Watch as master craftspeople build floats for celebrations throughout the world, and learn Mardi Gras history, direct from the source. In addition to their float den, Mardi Gras World hosts concerts and music festivals, and an array of corporate events, private parties, weddings, and other various celebrations.

   Although Mardi Gras World is a bit off the beaten path, they offer free shuttle service via the New Orleans Marriott Canal Street, New Orleans Ritz-Carlton, Cafe du Monde in the French Market, New Orleans Caesar's Palace, and number of other locations.

   Fun Fact: The late Blaine Kern, Sr., Mr. Mardi Gras himself, learned his float building craft in Europe, and began building floats in 1947. Throughout the years, Kern gained international notoriety for his design skills and built decor for clients all over the world. He was once recruited to work for Walt Disney, but turned that opportunity down to continue his family's tradition building Mardi Gras Floats.

   Mardi Gras World - 1380 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70130

5. National WWII Museum

   New Orleans' National WWII Museum is an enthralling journey through history. The museum has an extensive collection of antique aircraft, amphibious vehicles, war memorabilia, films, as well as periodically rotating special exhibits. With a campus spanning over 6 acres, and accreditation by the Smithsonian Institute, it has become a landmark of the New Orleans Central Business District.

   The WWII Museum is the largest museum in New Orleans. History buffs should set aside an entire day to get through the whole museum - it's huge!

   Fun Fact: The New Orleans National WWII Museum was dubbed as the official World War 2 museum of America by US Congress in 2004.

   National WWII Museum New Orleans - 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

6. City Park

   City Park spans 1300 acres of New Orleans, between Mid City and Lakeview. It's the perfect spot for a beautiful relaxing picnic - get some boiled seafood to go from Bevi's or a poboy from Parkway Bakery, pick up a box of pastries from Angelo Brocato's, grab a case of your favorite beer, and live like a local New Orleanian! There's a sculpture garden, NOMA museum, a premier New Orleans public golf course, Botanical Gardens, biking/walking trails, forest, stables, a disk golf course, putt-putt, fishing, Louisiana Children's Museum, Storyland amusement park, and so much more!

   At the end of your visit, take the 48 streetcar route back to Downtown New Orleans for a stress-free ride back to the action!

   Fun Fact: City Park is 50% larger than New York City's Central Park.

   City Park - 1 Palm Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124

Now that we have most of the basics covered, check out our other blog posts for more tips on the best New Orleans attractions!

What are your favorite New Orleans attractions? Let us know in the comments!