French Quarter

Welcome to the New Orleans French Quarter Tour, your extensive explanation of the hottest sites right in the heart of New Orleans. This city has a lot to offer, so we’d recommend getting up early to embark on this journey. By the end of your day, you should appreciate this region a lot more, and have ideas for the rest of your stay in The Big Easy. 724 Dumaine St, is the address of our first location, the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum. Erected in 1972, the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum is home to many artifacts from the slavery era and shows how impactful they have been on the citizens of New Orleans. As you will learn in the facility, VooDoo is the art of magical incantations, spirits, curses and more, originating in Africa as a religious belief that survived the journey to America and to this day. If you are interested in unique services from a specialist, you can also schedule an appointment at this venue. Around this area, you can collect various kinds of VooDoo merchandise from VooDoo Authentica, Marie Laveau’s House of VooDoo, and Erzulie’s VooDoo store. If you are hungry, catch a bite at Eat New Orleans or a lighter morning meal with Cafe Amelie, CC’s Coffee House. Madame John’s Legacy is a great site to check if you are interested in the Creole architecture in New Orleans.

1 sound

Upon exiting the museum, head Northeast and take a left down bourbon street until you reach St Peter. Take another left here and the hall will be on your right. Located across from Congo Square, the Preservation Hall was founded in 1961. By simply walking by, it can be easily missed. The small sign and unimpressive facade fail to stand out among the many streets of the city, but what is inside is worth visiting. Throughout its years, the sound of music and crowds gathering out front have attracted locals to the spot for some culture. Today, it remains largely unchanged, hosting Jazz Musicians and different musical performances, bringing in locals and tourists alike. Jazz music is a combination of African VooDoo percussion with the horns of European influence, encompassing the diverse culture of the city itself. Jazz has become a crucial part of New Orleans’ culture especially with the decline of the economic resources after the Civil War and Hurricane Katrina. The Preservation Hall began as a rehearsal location for bands and eventually grew in notoriety to become one of the most important, must-see sites for this genre of music.

1 sound

Upon exiting the Preservation hall, head southwest and down St. Peter street, until you reach Cabildo Alley. Head straight through cabildo alley and the Cabildo will be on your right. Built in 1795, the Cabildo, otherwise known as the Louisiana State Museum, is located across Jackson Square of the French Quarter. The building holds many artifacts and documents from throughout the state’s history. In addition to this, it became the location of the Louisiana supreme court in 1852. Aside from the interior, the architecture of the building is heavily inspired by Spanish design, with pillars, carvings, and rows of windows. Once inside, there are a variety of educational and fun activities to partake in. The actual museum holds a plethora of items and stories related to the city’s history. Aside from this, there are usually separate gatherings and meetings of locals to do yoga, take art classes, and generally take part in your hobbies. Be sure to check the calendar on your trip to see what is planned!

1 sound

The cathedral can easily be spotted from the Cabildo, the spires visible from the front of the museum. Cross the street and step inside. The Cathedral was the first church to be built in New Orleans. There are beautifuls hand painted murals and architecture that was before its time. Take your time to walk through rich history in this cathedral that was built in the year 1794. The great fire burned down the Cathedral in 1788. A lot of artifacts were lost during the fire , but thankfully the cathedral was rebuilt to full functioning capabilities. Our next location is Jackson square. There are also an abundant amount of fine dining cafes in the area if you need hungry.

1 sound

Cross chartres(chat) street, south from the cathedral and you will enter the beautiful Jackson Square. Jackson Square, located near the St. Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo, and faces the Mississippi River. Jackson Square was formerly named Place d’Armes (place darms) and established in 1718. During this time, it was used as a public square, where parades were held. It was later renamed to what it currently is in 1856 in honor of Andrew Jackson, who was a Major General in the Battle of New Orleans and the seventh president. Jackson Square is known for many music events and is the host for the annual French Quarter Festival. Back in the mid 1900s, it was famous for gathering many artists who were professionals and amateurs. On the street around Jackson Square, many street performers, such as magicians and musicians, artists and visitors walk around and it is usually a lively area. Jackson Square is one of the most popular places in the French Quarter, and what attracts so many tourists are all the art, restaurants, and museums. The square marks the end of our tour of the French Quarter. Together, we have walked from the Voodoo Museum, past Music halls and cathedrals, to the piece of history you stand in now. Take it all in. Thank you for joining me, it has been a true pleasure. For more information, head to one of the many info booths in the square. Remember to take it easy in the big easy.

1 sound