Most attractions in and near the French Quarter are within easy walking distance. New Orleans also has a good public transportation system. There are buses everywhere. While you could spend weeks in New Orleans and still discover something new, here is a list of ‘must sees’ in and around the historic downtown area.
French Quarter
According to timedictionary, the French Quarter, with its historic wood and brick houses and the typical wrought-iron decorations on the balconies, is located directly on the Mississippi River. During the day there are shops, art and antique shops and numerous souvenir shops to visit, but at night the area comes alive with its restaurants, gentlemen’s clubs and blues bars.
Bourbon Street
One of the most famous and popular tourist attractions in New Orleans is Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, which takes its name from the French noble family of the Bourbon. Today, the street with the noble name is also known as New Orleans’ sin babel, because the bars serve high-proof brews such as Brain Freeze, Sex on the Bayou or Nuclear Kamikaze – accompanied by rock or blues. Crowds throng here during Mardi Gras. The diverse public is offered a wide range around the clock, from small strip bars to a variety of souvenir shops to luxurious 5-star hotels. With liberal alcohol laws, there is always a good night-time vibe that calls for occasional police intervention on horseback. Some of the most famous places include Pat O’Briens (St. Peter Street),
Jackson Square
The square was designed as a maneuvering field in 1721 and was known for more than a century as Place d’Armes (under French rule) and Plaza de’Armas (during the days when the colony belonged to Spain). The monument of General Jackson, on his rearing horse, is the work of sculptor Clark Mills and has stood here since 1856. Today, Jackson Square is the focal point of the French Quarter. In addition to various music performances and stalls by local artists, you will meet the fortune tellers who tell you the future prospects. On the side of the presbytery, in the complex of Pontalba buildings, there is also a tourist information center of the city.
French Market
The origin of this place goes back to the Choctaw Indians, who already appreciated the convenient location on the Mississippi and offered their goods for exchange here. The buildings that make up the French Market have been a vibrant part of the New Orleans cityscape for over 165 years. Here you will find many shops, fine restaurants, bistros, cafes, arts and crafts stands and souvenir shops. Today, the French Market consists of seven buildings, starting at Jackson Square with the Café du Monde and ending at the Farmers Market with the fruit and vegetable stalls. There is also a small flea market behind the Farmers Market, where you might be able to find a bargain or two. (French Market Place / Ursulines St.)
Madame John’s Legacy
The two-story building constructed in French colonial style in 1788 looks back on an eventful history and survived the great city fire of 1794 and several changes of ownership. The house has been renovated several times and furnished with period furniture. The name ‘Madame John’s Legacy’ comes from the novel ‘Tite Poulette’ by the American author George Washington Cable. An architecturally remarkable example of Creole townhouses. (632 Dumaine Street)
Garden District
The Garden District is located about 5 miles east of the French Quarter and is bordered by St. Charles Avenue to the north and Magazine Street to the south. When Americans arrived in New Orleans in 1803 after the Louisiana Purchase, they settled upriver beyond the French Quarter. The district with its magnificent residences got its name from the lush gardens with numerous magnolia, camellia, azalea and jasmine trees. The Robinson House and Colonel Short’s Villa with a wrought-iron fence are particularly magnificent. The romantic ride on the historic St. Charles Avenue Streetcar is particularly recommended– the electric streetcar immortalized by writer Tennessee Williams in his 1947 drama A Streetcar Named Desire. The streetcar runs from Canal Street to Carrollton Avenue, passing many of the area’s attractions on its 6.2-mile (10 km) journey.
Old Cemeteries
Scattered throughout the city, old cemeteries are one of the attractions of New Orleans. Because the tombs filled with water quickly, sometimes before the coffins could even be lowered, the simplest solution was to dig them above ground. This resulted in multi-storey mausoleums made of solid masonry, some up to 30 m long. They serve as the final resting place of ancient Creole families. One of the most famous cemeteries is the St. Louis Cemetery No. 3. (3421 Esplana Avenue).
