Historic places in New Orleans
95 historic buildings, sites and memorials in New Orleans.
Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 95.
Historic places in New Orleans
SeeHistoric siteFrench QuarterJackson Square
The old town square, often live music is going on here, as well as street corner painters and tarot readers. Around the square are:.
Wheelchair accessible
SeeScience museumCentral Business DistrictAudubon Insectarium
An attraction opened in 2008 in the historic old Custom House Building on Canal Street. As it's in a Federal building, you'll pass through a metal detector.
Tue-Sun 10AM - 430PM · Wheelchair accessible
EatLocal restaurantFrench QuarterAntoine's
Antoine's lays claim to being the oldest same family owned restaurant in the country. Opening in 1840, this French Creole restaurant is where Oysters Rockefeller was invented in the 1890s -- and the only restaurant where the original authentic Oysters Rockefeller can be eaten, as the recipe is a closely guarded secret. Your waiter is your guide here; treat them well and ask their recommendations. Before dining, ask your server for a tour of the historic restaurant. There are more than 15 dining rooms, all of which reek of tradition and are steeped in history. Make sure to take a peek down the vast and cavernous wine cellar, which can take the breath away from a true wine lover. Antoine's has opened a beautiful new bar. Step off of St. Louis and step into history.
Mon-Sat 11:30AM-2PM and 5:30-9PM, Sun 11AM-2PM
SeeHistory museumCentral Business DistrictNational World War II Museum
Formerly the "D-Day Museum". Exhibits on the United States in World War II on the battlefronts and the home front. It has a restaurant, the "Victory Theater" presenting multi-media historical presentation, and the "Stage Door Canteen" featuring live music shows in the style of World War II-era USO shows.
Mo-Su 09:00-17:00
See7th, 8th, and Upper 9th WardsSt Roch Market
This building at St. Claude Avenue & St. Roch is an historic landmark. Before Katrina it was a bit on the ramshackle side, but still busy specializing in fresh seafood; the city's second oldest functioning market after the famous French Market in the French Quarter. For more than 6 years after "the Federal Flood", it remained boarded up and unrestored but is now open for business.
Mo-Th,Su 07:00-22:00; Fr-Sa 07:00-23:00; PH closed · Outdoor seating · Wheelchair accessible
- SeeHistory museumFrench Quarter
Historic New Orleans Collection
Museum with changing exhibits of local history. Also has a research center nearby on Chartres Street.
Tue-Sat 9:30AM-4:30PM, Sun 10:30AM-4:30PM · Free · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
EatRestaurantUptownCommander's Palace
One of the most highly regarded traditional upscale restaurants.
Limited wheelchair access
- EatRestaurantCentral Business District
Palace Cafe
French Creole, noted for the seafood and duck dishes, and the luscious white chocolate bread pudding.
11:30AM-10PM daily. Limited menu from 2:30-5:30PM · Limited wheelchair access
- SeeMuseumMid-City and Esplanade Ridge
Pitot House Museum and Gardens
Historic house of a former mayor from the era of the Louisiana Purchase at the start of the 19th century.
We-Fr 10:00-15:00
- BuyCraft shopUptown
Derby Pottery
Derby Pottery and Tile
Derby Pottery and Tile manufactues the iconic New Orleans Blue and White street tiles in the American style (since 2003) and Belgian style. New Orleans Blue and White street tiles are indigenous pieces of history unique to the city of New Orleans. Beginning in the 1880s the city of New Orleans has embedded letter tiles in city sidewalk intersections identifying the two street names. In the more commercial districts of the city you will see the name of a business embedded in front of what was, or still is a storefront, especially in evidence along Magazine Street where the Derby Pottery studio and showroom are located. You will find street tiles throughout the city, in all the different Wards, and as house numbers.
10AM–5PM
- SeeMuseumFrench Quarter
Musee Conti Wax Museum
Experience more than 300 years of history, legend and scandal with the 154 life-size figures displayed in historically accurate settings.
Mon Fri-Sat 10AM-4PM · $7 adults, $6.25 seniors, $6 children
- SeeMuseumFrench Quarter
Jean Lafitte National Park and Preserve
Headquarters for National Park that includes several historic sites in and near New Orleans. Has a small museum and visitor's center. Show up by 9AM to get a place on the informative free walking tour of the French Quarter.
Tu-Sa 09:00-16:30 · Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
- SeeHistoric siteFrench Quarter
Royal Street
Strolling Royal Street by day is as essential a New Orleans experience as Bourbon Street by night. 1 block away in distance, a world in attitude. There are art galleries, upscale antique stores, landmark hotels and interesting specialty shops. Lots of temptations for those with money, but is also fun window shopping for those not spending a dime.
- SeeHistoric siteTremé
Perseverance Hall #4
At the Saint Claude entrance to the park, is a 19th-century dance hall, usually vacant, but sometimes used for music, exhibits, and other events.
- SeeHistoric siteFrench Quarter
Pontalba Buildings
4-story brick apartment buildings have specialty shops, restaurants, and a tourist information office on the ground floors.
- SeeFrench Quarter
Cigar Factory New Orleans & Museum
History and tradition of one of New Orleans' oldest traditions -- cigar rolling! Watch the masters at work daily in the only operating cigar factory since the 1950s.
10AM-10PM daily · Free
- DoMid-City and Esplanade Ridge
Longue Vue House and Gardens
Elegant mansion set in lush gardens is pretty and historic. In Western central New Orleans off Metairie Road, a short drive from Metarie Cemetery and Mid-City.
9ː30AM-5PM, daily
- SeeFrench Quarter
St. Louis Cathedral
A symbol of New Orleans, this is the oldest Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States and has a giant statue of the Virgin Mary with her arms extended gracing the middle of the courtyard.
The cathedral is open for self-guided tours daily from the end of morning mass until 4PM; see website for mass times · Free
- SeeTremé
Louis Armstrong Park and the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
Includes historic Congo Square, and statues of early jazz greats Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, and Buddy Bolden. A visitor for the national historic park is located at 916 N Peters St in the French Quarter, but within Armstrong Park are 3 important buildings:.
- SeeFrench Quarter
New Orleans Jazz Park Visitor's Center & Headquarters
Often has live music, lectures, and gives music history related walking tours. Many events are free; those that aren't are a bargain.
- SeeTremé
Saint Augustine Church
This famous church founded at the start of the nineteenth century by "free people of color" is famous in local African-American history. Shortly after it opened in 1842, the church quickly became the most integrated church in the country, and for an odd reason. Free blacks were buying pews to reserve for their families. White families, upon hearing of this, did not want to be outdone, and began buying up their own pews. In this racial race, the black congregants won decisively, outpurchasing white families by a three to one ratio, and gave away the extra pews to slaves—but once all the families had plunked down the money, they were certainly going to stay in the now integrated church! For a more in-depth visit, you can call ahead to request a tour.
- BuyTremé
Zulu Memorabilia Club Shop
Zulu is one of the most famous krewes at Mardi Gras. Zulu's fame stems both from their 100-year-long history, with origins as a satire of white parades during segregation, and for the prized "golden nuggets" (painted coconuts) that they throw to paradegoers. While the Krewe finds its headquarters in this building, the Zulu Memorabilia Club Shop has yet to open—but it will indubitably be cool.
SeeAttractionBourbon Street
Bourbon Street (French: Rue Bourbon, Spanish: Calle de Borbón) is a historic street in the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans. Extending twelve blocks from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue, Bourbon Street hosts many bars, restaurants and strip clubs. Visitor numbers dropped after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, but gradually recovered over the following decade.
- SeeMuseumFrench Quarter
Old Ursuline Convent
Completed in 1752, open for tours.
Mon-Sat 10AM-4PM · $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 students, free for children under 6
- Do Not mapped
Steamboat Natchez Riverboat Harbor Jazz Sightseeing Cruise
Two-hour cruise on a stream-powered paddlewheel boat. Boarding 30 min before departure (1 hour before dinner cruise). Live narration of historical facts and highlights of the port. Bar and gift shop. Snacks and light meals available for purchase if you're not buying a meal.
Daytime cruise daily 11:30AM and 2:30PM, Mon-Sat evening cruise 7PM · Adult/child 6-13/child under 6: daytime cruise $34/13.50/free; M-Sa cruise with lunch $46/23/9.50; Sunday brunch with cruise $51/27.50/17.50; evening cruise $48/24/free; cruise with dinner $83/38/18.25
- SeeHistoric siteFrench Quarter
Beauregard-Keyes House
1113 Chartres St
Mon-Sat 10AM-3PM · $10 adults, $9 students/seniors, $4 children 6-12, free for children under 6
SeeHistoric siteFrench Quarter
The French Quarter, also known as the Vieux Carré (UK: , US: , French: [vjø kaʁe]; lit. 'Old Square'), is the oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans. After New Orleans (French: Nouvelle-Orléans) was founded in 1718 by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, the city developed around the Vieux Carré, a central square. The district is more commonly called the French Quarter today, or simply "The Quarter", related to changes in the city with American immigration after the 1803 Louisiana Purchase.
- DoFrench Quarter Not mapped
Audubon Insectarium
In the historic Old Customs House Building. The Audubon Institute, which also runs the nearby Aquarium and the Zoo up in the Audubon District, opened the Insectarium in 2008. 10a-5p daily.
- SeeMid-City and Esplanade Ridge Not mapped
Degas House Historic Home Courtyard and Inn
French Impressionist artist Edgar Degas. The only home and studio of the French Impressionist Master, Edgar Degas, open to the public anywhere in the world. Degas lived with relatives in this house on Esplanade Avenue during 1872-1873; it is now a bed & breakfast, gift shop, wedding and special event venue. Tours are available daily. Secured offstreet/motorcoach parking.
- EatUptown Not mapped
Hansen's Sno-Bliz
4801 Tchopitoulas at Bourdeaux a few blocks up from Napoleon. The Commander's Palace of sno-ball stands; ice shaved microscopically fine, flavored with shockingly luscious syrups made fresh every day. Dozens of flavours to choose from, and you can also add whipped cream, ice cream, condensed milk, marshmallows or crushed pineapple. A local legend since the 1930s! Tu-Su 1PM-7PM, open May 1-Labor Day. If they're not open, content yourself with the next best from Tee Eva's or SnoWizard listed below.
- SeeLower 9th Ward Not mapped
House of Dance and Feathers
1317 Tupelo Street. Small museum dedicated to local Mardi Gras Indians and Second Line culture. Curator Ronald W. Lewis has interesting stories. Open by appointment only; contact in advance. Dan Baum's critically acclaimed book, "NIne Lives, Death and Life in New Orleans", which spans the 40 year history between Hurricane Betsy and Katrina, appropriately begins and ends with Ronald Lewis. If you are coming to New Orleans to just drink on Bourbon Street, there is no need to stop here. If you are coming to find a piece of the puzzle that makes The Big E what it is, Ronald's museum and history are worth an hour or two of your time. Have him sign your "Nine Lives" and consider purchasing his own wonderfully documented history of Mardi Gras and the Mardi Gras Indians with help from Neighborhood Story Project. Good stuff.
donations
- SeeUptown Not mapped
Lafayette Cemetery #1
Historic old cemetery with above ground tombs and distinctive architecture. The cemetery has been featured in many TV shows and movies set in New Orleans.
Closed to the public until further notice
- SeeFrench Quarter Not mapped
Lower Decatur Street
Right around the corner from the historic US Mint, and the French Market. A French Quarter neighborhood with shops, dining, and entertainment. Late at night the bars really hop with local color.
- SeeAudubon and University Not mapped
Middle American Research Institute
With a major renovation of Dinwiddie Hall being completed, the pre-Columbian artifacts are not on public display at writing but will return in 2012. However a few items are on display elsewhere on campus, and the Institute sponsors special events. Lovers of ancient Meso-America should check the website for details.
- DoCentral Business District Not mapped
Saenger Theater
At Canal Street. The most gorgeous of the city's beautiful old picture palace theaters.
- See7th, 8th, and Upper 9th Wards Not mapped
St Roch Cemeteries
Perhaps the most famous historic site in the area, although comparatively little known to visitors. This cemetery is a fascinating visit. It has above-ground crypts that rival many of New Orleans' more famous cemeteries, along with artistic stations of the cross. The old cemetery chapel and shrine of cures, however, are what makes the cemetery a must-see for lovers of the off-beat and quirky side of New Orleans. The central chapel was founded by one Father Thevis in 1876, following a yellow fever epidemic in the city. As history has it, his congregation prayed to Saint Roch starting in 1868, who famously aided the sick during the Black Plague, and none of them fell ill. The chapel and surrounding cemetery were built to honor the saint, as a means of thanks. Look inside the chapel (which houses Father Thevis' remains under the altar) for "cures" left by New Orleanians — charms left here to ward off various ailments or bring luck. Rumors of voodoo ceremonies within the chapel persist! As it is a New Orleans cemetery, safety is a concern, and you should come only in a group.
Daily 9AM-4PM
- SeeAudubon and University Not mapped
Tulane Jazz Archive
New Orleans jazz fans can see a display of photographs and artifacts, and research by reading or listening to interviews with historic jazz musicians.
- DoFrench Quarter Not mapped
Carriage rides
Mule-drawn carriages have driven tourists around the Quarter since the gasoline rationing of the 1940s. Carriage drivers are licensed tour guides and give tourists a full blown tour consisting of a mix of history, architecture, restaurants & stories, though some drivers have been known to spin stories that are more colorful than factual. Available to tourists is a 30-minute tour of the French Quarter, hour tour of the St. Louis No.1 Cemetery/French Quarter combo, hour and one half or two hour Garden District tour, or any combination thereof. Carriage drivers also do bar-hopping tours, shopping by carriage, Marigny tours & ghost tours. There are several options from group rates 6-8 people to private tours for 1-4 people. Things have changed quite a bit in the carriage industry in the past 7 years! Drivers are more customer service oriented & courteous.
- SeeFrench Quarter Not mapped
Chartres Street
Parallels Bourbon and Royal Streets, one block closer to the river than Royal. While less famous with visitors, those who enjoy historic architecture will find the city's greatest concentration of preserved colonial era buildings along Chartres, along with early 19th century town-houses. Plus it passes through Jackson Square. A pleasant walk with local shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars scattered along the street.
- SeeGentilly Not mapped
McDonald's
Usually a branch of the ubiquitous McDonald's chain wouldn't be worth mentioning, but this one is an exception for the single reason of its architecture. The building wasn't updated for so long it became an anachronistic bit of fast food marketing history: It still has the old style "Golden Arches" built in to the structure, and the facade displays rare surviving images of "Speedee" the anthropomorphic hamburger, McDonald's mascot long before there was a "Ronald McDonald". (They happen to sell "fast food" here too, but hey, you're in New Orleans, so why not try some New Orleans food, such as can be found at the places listed below in "Eat".)
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Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to New Orleans (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Place data from Overture Maps. Some descriptions from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).