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SightseeingIconicHistory Buff

St. Louis Cathedral

615 Pere Antoine Alley · New Orleans, LA

Why you should go…

St. Louis Cathedral has stood over Jackson Square since 1727 in one form or another, and the current building dates to 1850, making it the oldest continuously operating Catholic cathedral in the United States. Its triple steeples are among the most photographed sights in the French Quarter, and the interior is open to visitors outside of services. Free self-guided visits are typically available daily.

  • #cathedral
  • #landmark
  • #french quarter
  • #architecture
  • #free

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to St. Louis Cathedral, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Jackson Square

    Free

    Street artists, tarot readers, and brass bands surround this landmark square in front of St. Louis Cathedral.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    French Quarter

    Free

    Wrought-iron balconies, jazz spilling out of doorways, and 300 years of history in one walkable grid.

    Right next doorMore like this

  • Eat & Drink
    Iconic

    Cafe du Monde

    Under $25

    Order the beignets and a cafe au lait, then join generations of visitors dusted in powdered sugar.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Eat & Drink

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Gray Line New Orleans

    $25–$50

    Long-running New Orleans sightseeing operator running city, cemetery, ghost, swamp and riverboat tours.

    Steps awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Garden District

    Free

    Live oaks and antebellum mansions line the streets of this historic Uptown neighborhood.

    2.5 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Gretna

    Free

    Historic river town across from New Orleans with a walkable downtown and a free pedestrian ferry.

    2.8 mi awayMore like this