Choose from 59 Fun Things to Do in Louisiana
ShowingFilter 41-59 of 59 listings.
San Francisco Plantation
The designation of being the most opulent plantation house in North America doesn’t come cheaply. Nor will you find the San Francisco Plantation mansion in any disrepair. A galleried house of the Creole open-suite style, this fabulous southern home’s riches aren’t just found on its sprawling property or wrapped up in its gorgeous architecture – the San Francisco Plantation has one of the finest and most extensive antique collections in the country. Reminiscent of Versailles and steeped in a history of rich antebellum living, slavery holdings, and sordid stories of love, wealth, death and honor, the San Francisco Plantation is not just a visit to any ordinary plantation home – it’s a surreal pastiche down history lane.
Practical Info:
Costumed tours of the San Francisco Plantation begin every twenty minutes from their first tour at 10:00 am, through their last tour at 4:00 pm. Tickets for adults are $15.
Address: 2646 Louisiana 44, Garyville, LA 70051, USA
Hours: Apr-Oct: Gates open 9:30am, First tour 9:30am, Last tour 4:40pm. Nov-Mar: Gates open 9am, First tour 10am, Last tour 4pm.
Admission: Adult $15, Military $14, Student $10
From $ 60
Preservation Hall
Located in the heart of New Orleans' famed French Quarter, Preservation Hall is home to the famous Preservation Hall Jazz Band and hosts a variety of the Big Easy's best jazz performers. Crowds pack this old time venue to relive the glory days of jazz and watch seasoned 70 and 80-year-old jazz veterans alongside upcoming musicians play some of that signature New Orleans sound.
Despite the dust and sweaty audience packed into this legendary hall, Preservation Hall is still the premiere place in New Orleans for live music. While you'll be surprised by the multitude of talented musicians on the street, there's nothing like hearing the Preservation Hall Band perform a New Orleans anthem, "When the Saints Go Marching In" in an setting small enough to hear that pure jazz sound perfectly without any sound equipment.
At Preservation Hall, the lines for shows are consistantly long, but once inside you can stay for multiple sets and work you're way up to one of the few benches available. All ages are welcome to experience New Orleans Jazz at Preservation Hall, and it promises to be the highlight of any trip to the Big Easy for jazz enthusiasts and rookies alike.
Address: 726 Saint Peter Street, New Orleans 70116, USA
Hours: Open daily 8pm - 11pm
Admission: US$12
From $ 25
New Orleans WWII Museum
With interactive exhibits, plus an extensive selection of memorabilia and machines used in the D-Day landings, the National WWII Museum offers a fascinating insight into the USA’s role in the Second World War. Learn all about the planning that went into the landings and see what life was like for the men and women involved in the war.
The Basics
Opened in 2000, and originally called the National D-Day Museum, the National WWII Museum takes an immersive look at wartime life and the input the United States Armed Forces had in the Allied victory. Visitors have the chance to dine in 1940s style at BB’s Stage Door Canteen, see restored fighter planes and tanks, and even experience a thrilling ride on Lake Pontchartrain onboard a restored PT boat, the same type of craft that was used in the Normandy landings.
If you’re touring independently, prebook admission so you can skip the line upon arrival. For an extended day trip, you can combine a visit to the museum with a citywide private tour that includes air-conditioned transport.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum is wheelchair accessible.
- Discounted admission tickets are available for children, seniors, students, and military personnel; WWII veterans can visit for free.
- The museum is very large, so plan the exhibits you want to see ahead of time to get the most out of your visit.
How to Get There
The National WWII Museum is located at 945 Magazine Street in New Orleans’ Warehouse District, just off Lee Circle. The historic St. Charles streetcar (Line 12) runs in front of the museum—the closest stop is Lee Circle. Paid parking is available on-site. Alternatively, you can visit the museum as part of a private city tour that includes transfers to and from your accommodation.
When to Get There
The museum is open every day from 9am–5pm, except for Mardi Gras, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. The museum is busiest in the early afternoon, so plan to get there early to have plenty of space to explore.
Enjoy a Classic New Orleans Jazz Brunch
Start off your day in the “Big Easy” with a New Orleans-style jazz brunch in one of the city’s famous restaurants. You’ll enjoy traditional Creole dishes, such as shrimp étouffée and jambalaya, while local musicians serenade you with toe-tapping tunes. You can prebook your brunch experience ahead of time for the best prices and the best tables.
Address: 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 29
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
The St. Louis Cemetery consists of three cemeteries, and St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is New Orleans’ oldest and most famous resting place. On the National Register of Historic Places, the Roman Catholic cemetery was established in 1789, and most of the graves and vaults are above ground.
The Basics
The final resting place of thousands, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 occupies one square block just outside the French Quarter. Many notable New Orleans residents are interred here, including Homer Plessy and Etienne de Boré. Famous voodoo queen Marie Laveau is also rumored to be entombed here.
Most tours of the cemeteries are offered as a part of city sightseeing excursions via bike or bus. A guided walking tour through the burial ground is a true trip through Louisiana history and the only way to enter St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Roman Catholic Archdiocese has closed St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 to the public due to a rise in vandalism. Visitors must be accompanied by a licensed tour guide.
- These cemeteries still host several funerals per year. Be respectful during an active burial.
- No pets are allowed on tours, with the exception of service animals.
How to Get There
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is located within walking distance of Treme and the French Quarter. The cemetery is accessible via the city's streetcars, buses, or by car, but since you are required to visit with a licensed guide, you may meet your party elsewhere and arrive at the site together.
When to Get There
New Orleans cemeteries are open daily but close weekdays around 3pm and even earlier on weekends. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is only accessible to those on guided tours with licensed tour companies.
Society Tombs
New Orleans cemeteries feature society tombs and wall vaults containing the remains of people who chose to be buried with their social organizations rather than their families. Examples include the French Mutual Benevolent Society, the New Orleans Musicians Tomb, and the Orleans Battalion of Artillery Tomb.
Address: 1300 St. Louis Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA
From $ 40
Oak Alley Plantation
Famed for the 300-year-old allée of live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss that flank its main entrance, Oak Alley Plantation has more to offer visitors than a quintessential view of a Southern plantation. Oak Alley also boasts numerous exhibitions exploring the complexities of Southern and Louisiana history, 1,300 acres (526 hectares) of grounds, and the historic house itself—all within easy driving distance of New Orleans.
The Basics
No trip to New Orleans is complete without seeing one of the numerous plantations surrounding the city. Oak Alley Plantation is one of the more popular options, both for its exceptional exhibitions regarding slavery and the Civil War, its performances at the Sugarcane Theater, and its exceptional Greek Revival architecture. See the Big House and the well-curated grounds on the banks of the Mississippi River on a guided tour, many of which include round-trip transportation from New Orleans’ French Quarter. For a full-day trip from the Big Easy, combine a tour of Oak Alley with a Cajun swamp tour or a trip to some of the other surrounding plantations off the Great Mississippi River Road, including Laura Plantation and San Francisco Plantation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Oak Alley Plantation is located in the town of Vacherie, about 54 miles (87 kilometers) west of New Orleans.
- Summertime visitors should dress in light clothing with plenty of sun protection for the strong heat.
- Tours can run anywhere from four to nine hours long, depending on whether you combine Oak Alley with other nearby attractions in Cajun Country.
How to Get There
Because there is no public transportation to Oak Alley Plantation, the best way to get there is by car. Those with their own vehicles or rental cars will find the hour-long drive smooth and easy. Otherwise, the best way to visit is on a guided tour that includes transportation. You can also book a private transportation service in advance.
When to Get There
New Orleans and Cajun Country are famously hot and humid in the summertime; visit during the fall or spring for the best weather for walking around outdoors. Morning tours will have the coolest weather; tours after 3pm can expect the most intense heat.
Filming at Oak Alley Plantation
In addition to boasting the status as one of the most photographed plantations in the South, Oak Alley gained fame as a filming location for Interview with a Vampire, Primary Colors, and 1978’s Nightrider.
Address: 3645 Louisiana 18, Vacherie, LA 70090, USA
Hours: Nov-Feb: Mon-Fri 9am - 4:30pm, Sat-Sun 9am - 5pm. Mar-Oct: Daily 9am - 5pm.
Admission: Adult $22, Youth $8.00, Child $5.00
From $ 60
Whitney Plantation Museum
The Whitney Plantation was one of the most infamous plantation estates in Louisiana, having housed some 60 slaves between 1819 and 1860. Today, the site serves as one of the only slavery memorial museums in the United States, having opened in 2014. Through original period buildings, art exhibits, and first-person narratives, visitors can gain an understanding of the lives of slaves in 19th-century America.
The Basics
The plantation site, on the National Register of Historic Places since 1992, includes a stately plantation home and a number of historic outbuildings. While the visitors center museum exhibits are self-guided, the other plantation buildings—including the French Creole–style Big House, slave quarters, and a church—can only be visited by 90-minute guided tour, included with admission. The poignant exhibits and memorials help visitors see the stark contrast of the lives of slaves and slave-owners in pre-Civil War Louisiana. Most travelers see the Whitney Plantation has part of an extensive plantation tour from New Orleans.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Guided tours of the plantation site are included with admission; self-guided tours are not permitted.
- Whitney Plantation tours are 90 minutes long; plan to spend about two hours onsite.
- Dress for the weather, bring water, and wear closed-toe walking shoes.
- Although children under 6 enter for free, some tour material may be unsuitable for kids.
- The visitors center is accessible to those with limited mobility; the second floor of the Big House is not. There are gravel paths throughout the plantation.
How to Get There
The Whitney Plantation is located in Wallace, Louisiana, 46 miles (74 kilometers) northwest of New Orleans. Group and private tours offer round-trip transportation from New Orleans, while ride-sharing applications are not readily available in the area.
When to Get There
The Whitney Plantation is open year-round but closed on Tuesdays and on New Year's Day, Mardi Gras, Easter Sunday, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.
Understanding Louisiana’s Dark History Through Art at the Whitney Plantation
Words and art are used at the Whitney Plantation to honor the lives of the slaves who worked and died there. Throughout the site are The Children of Whitney, life-sized sculptures of slave children by American artist Woodrow Nash. In the Field of Angels exhibit, the 2,200 children who died under slavery in Louisiana are commemorated, with their names listed on granite. Names of Whitney Plantation slaves are recorded with their ages and skills on the Wall of Honor, and in the Allèes Gwendolyn Midlo Hall, the names of all 107,000 people recorded in the Louisiana Slave Database line 18 walls, along with quotes and pictures from the time of slavery.
Address: 5099 LA-18, Wallace, Louisiana, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 65
The Presbytere
Even if you can’t visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras, you can still learn all about the famous New Orleans tradition at the Presbytere. Part of the Louisiana State Museum, the Presbytere boasts an interactive exhibition that includes an impressive collection of Mardi Gras artifacts and memorabilia.
"Mardi Gras: It’s Carnival Time in Louisiana," documents the celebration’s extensive history, from its origins to present day traditions. Visitors also learn about Mardi Gras events in Louisiana’s rural areas.
The Presbytere building has a unique history of its own. It gets its name from its location. It is built on the site of the residence, or presbytere, of the Capuchin monks. It was designed in 1791 to match the Cabildo on the other side of St. Louis Cathedral. The Presbytere was used as commercial space and even served as a courthouse from 1834 to 1911 before becoming part of the Louisiana State Museum.
Practical Info
Centrally located on Jackson Square, the Presbytere is easy to visit when in New Orleans. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10am to 4:30pm. It is closed Mondays and state holidays.
Address: 751 Chartres St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116, USA
Admission: $6
From $ 20
Steamboat Natchez
When in New Orleans, there's no better, more classic way to experience the mighty Mississippi than on a river tour aboard the Steamboat Natchez. The historic stern-wheeled steamboat makes its home on the riverfront next to the French Quarter, and slowly and gracefully plies the river for brunch, lunch, or dinner cruises with live traditional jazz on board.
The Basics
The Natchez—New Orleans’ only steamboat—heads out for daytime and evening cruises year-round, all with traditional jazz music and optional meals. Enjoy an indulgent Sunday brunch cruise with local specialties, including Creole and Cajun dishes; have a more casual buffet lunch replete with a calliope concert; or opt for a romantic dinner cruise. You can upgrade your experience to include a private tour of the historic steam-engine room.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cruises are two hours long.
- Be at the dock at least 30 minutes before departure time.
- The recommended attire for daytime cruises is casual, though the Natchez suggests “dressy casual” for the dinner cruises.
- Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
How to Get There
The Steamboat Natchez is docked at the Toulouse Street Wharf on the Mississippi River, adjacent to the French Quarter near Jackson Square. Tour buses stop near the dock and there are some streetcar stops nearby, but it's also easy to reach on foot.
When to Get There
The Steamboat Natchez operates year-round. The boat undergoes maintenance work every January or February and these dates vary, so check the cruising schedule in advance. Cruises are canceled only when the Coast Guard raises an alert about particularly bad weather. There is both indoor and outdoor seating, so diners stay warm and dry even in inclement conditions.
Cruise Music: Live Jazz and Steam Calliope
True to New Orleans' love of music, live jazz accompanies every Steamboat Natchez cruise. Dinner cruise guests, for instance, often enjoy the Dukes of Dixieland, a Grammy-nominated jazz band playing old favorites. But music lovers don't even need to board the boat to hear its famous steam calliope: The historic steam-pipe organ is played when the boat is docked, once or twice every day. Walk over to the dock to see the columns of steam that the calliope produces as it's played. Daytime harbor cruises include a calliope concert as well.
Address: Toulouse Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130, USA
Hours: Cruises at 11:30 am, 2:30 pm, and 7:00 pm
Admission: Adults: $25–65
From $ 34
St. Louis Cathedral
A prominent landmark on Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral (officially the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis King of France) stands tall and proud, beckoning French Quarter visitors to take a little time out from drinking and dancing to admire the oldest continuously used cathedral in the United States. The seat of the city's Roman Catholic Archdiocese, the cathedral was built in 1789 and rebuilt in 1850, and today, its all-white, Spanish Colonial façade with three black spires is one of the most instantly recognizable landmarks in the South. The inside is just as beautiful.
The Basics
As one of New Orleans' most famous landmarks, St. Louis Cathedral deserves a spot on every visitor's itinerary. Nearly all sightseeing tours in the city include a stop here, whether a basic walking tour or a quirkier supernatural, romantic, or "drunk history" themed tour. Thanks to the cathedral's central location, it's also easy to visit on your own when mass isn't in session; volunteer docents sometimes lead tours, and brochures for self-guided tours are available at the entrance for a small donation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- St. Louis Cathedral is a perfect spontaneous stop on a stroll through the French Quarter.
- Mass takes place daily at 12:05pm.
- The cathedral is wheelchair accessible.
- Expect a full house for mass on Catholic holidays such as Easter and Christmas.
How to Get to St. Louis Cathedral
St. Louis Cathedral is located just across Chartres Street from Jackson Square, so it's easy to get to on foot from just about anywhere in the French Quarter. Parking in the area can be difficult to find, so travelers coming from further afield should consider taking a tour that includes hotel pickup and dropoff, catching a taxi or rideshare, or riding a streetcar to Jackson Square on the Riverfront Line.
When to Get There
While the cathedral is open daily, it closes in mid-afternoon, so it’s best to plan your visit for earlier in the day, either before or after midday mass. Those planning to attend mass on a significant holiday, such as Easter or Christmas, should try to arrive well before the service starts, as seats often fill up quickly.
Visiting the Old Ursuline Convent
Travelers planning a visit to St. Louis Cathedral should also set aside some time for a stop at the nearby Old Ursuline Convent, also located on Chartres Street in the French Quarter. The oldest building in the Mississippi Valley, the convent was built in the 1750s and today houses a museum within its French Colonial facade.
Address: 615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116, USA
From $ 19
New Orleans Superdome
Little is more iconic to a native New Orleanian than the towering Superdome. The Superdome has served as a cultural symbol for New Orleans since it was first built in 1967, and has since played host to a number of big New Orleans events including numerous Super Bowls, Sugar Bowls, and even as home to the many displaced during Hurricane Katrina. This marvel of engineering spans 13 massive acres and when the crowd cheers for a sporting event, gives the home team a statistically significant home-field advantage. This is the largest fixed-dome structure in the world, and proud home to the New Orleans Saints.
Practical Info
The Louisiana Superdome is located at 1500 Poydras St., smack in the
heart of the New Orleans Central Business district and easily visible
from 1-10.
Address: 1500 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA, USA
From $ 39
New Orleans School of Cooking
Located in a renovated molasses warehouse dating back to the 1800’s, the New Orleans School of Cooking is the place to go to learn the basics of Louisiana-style cooking. Cajun / Creole teachers instruct participants on how to make some of New Orleans’ signature dishes like Gumbo, Jambalaya, and Pralines.
The New Orleans School of Cooking has been in operation since 1980 and offers several different courses—both for individuals and large groups. The most popular is the open demonstration class where you sit back and learn how the signature dishes are made, the history of Louisiana’s culinary influences, and how these dishes came to be so representative of the state. The best part of your demonstration? You’ll get to taste everything made in the session and take the recipes home with you.
If you’re looking to purchase the products used in you cooking class, stop by the school’s Louisiana General Store, where you’ll find a wide variety of spices, cookware, cookbooks, and their famous Joe’s Stuff seasoning.
Practical Info
The New Orleans School of Cooking is located in the heart of the French Quarter. The Louisiana General Store is open 9am to 6pm Monday through Saturday and 9am to 4pm on Sundays, or order online when you get back home.
Address: 524 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA, USA 70130, USA
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 9am-4pm
Admission: Prices Vary
From $ 30
Magazine Street
This iconic street in the heart of New Orleans is home to some of the Big Easy's best shopping, eating and drinking establishments, making it a top spot for tourists and locals any time of day. Street-side cafes with open-air tables offer some of the best people watching on an afternoon about the town, while nightfall sees the street's restaurants and nightclubs brimming with visitors eager to taste traditional Creole fare and boogie into the early hours.
Travelers who want to make the most of their time in New Orleans will find plenty of tour options for exploring this dynamic street as well as other parts of the city. Whether it's a hop-on hop-off bus ride, a Segway, food or walking tour of the French Quarter, or a bike ride along the Big Easy's most famous thoroughfare, Magazine Street offers visitors endless ways to join in on the Nola spirit.
Practical Info
Magazine Street stretches across six miles of New Orleans, including parts of the famed French Quarter, Central Business District and Lower Garden District. It is easily accessible using the #11 RTA bus or the St Charles Streetcar.
Did you know? The street is named after an old warehouse"”at the time, known as a magazine"”once stationed on the road. Today, it is a popular parade route during Mardi Gras and Saint Patrick's Day.
Address: Magazine Street, New Orleans, USA
From $ 49
Royal Street
Royal Street often plays second fiddle to its more-recognizable bigger brother Bourbon Street. And while Bourbon Street has its place and charms, there is a lot more going on along Royal Street for those with a more casual disposition and a more discerning eye.
Known for its art galleries, restaurants, and curio shops, Royal Street is just a block away from the hustle of Bourbon Street, but retains all of the French Quarter character and charm. A shopper paradise, the casual explorer of Royal Street will note the French and Spanish architecture, while those with a photographer’s eye will likely fall in love with the wrought ironwork, the fern-filled courtyards, and the cobblestone and brickwork.
Royal Street has something for everybody, which is why many prefer it to Bourbon-just one block over, but a whole world of difference. Take a stroll down Royal Street to see why those that come to the Vieux Carrie fall in love with Royal Street.
Practical Info
Royal Street is located in the French Quarter district of New Orleans, is one of the oldest streets in the city and runs the length of “the quarter.”
Address: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
From $ 25
Court of Two Sisters
The Court of Two Sisters restaurant is a historic New Orleans institution. Named after sisters Emma and Bertha Camors, the three-story building is a piece of Louisiana history that sits on Governor's Row, the 600-block of Royal Street. Emma and Bertha came from an aristocratic Creole family and exemplified New Orleans high society with their formal gowns, lace and perfumes all imported from Paris. The sisters were very close and even died within two months of each other in 1944.
The Court of Two Sisters has one of the largest courtyards in New Orleans and today welcomes visitors looking to enjoy authentic southern cuisine. One of the most popular options is the jazz buffet brunch; morning hot dishes include made-to-order omelets, eggs benedict, bacon, sausage, grits, shrimp pasta and more. Afternoon offerings are specialties like turtle soup, oysters Bienville, duck àl'Orange, Creole jambalaya and shrimp etouffee. Look for dessert options such as Mardi Gras king cake, Bananas Foster, bread pudding and southern pecan pie.
At dinner, you will still find signature menu items like corn fried des allemands catfish and roasted half duck àl'Orange and desserts like chocolate espresso torte and bread pudding with whiskey sauce.
Practical Info
The Court of Two Sisters hosts a la carte dinner from 5:30 to 10 p.m. nightly, and the jazz brunch buffet is served daily from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Dress code is nice casual, with no coat or tie required for brunch or dinner.
Address: 613 Royal St, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130, USA
Hours: Daily 9am-3pm & 5:30pm-10pm
From $ 49
Old Ursuline Convent
Came to New Orleans to get a taste of antiquity? Then look no further than the Old Ursuline Convent—the oldest building in the Mississippi River Valley. But that’s not all – built in 1752, the convent is also a treasure trove of religious antiquity which features, among other religious treasures, the famous Archdiocese archives.
Not just a documentary museum, this ancient antebellum mansion located in New Orleans Garden District also houses some of the best examples of opulent southern décor. Enter via the Chartres Street entrance and be met with the most beautiful manicured garden in New Orleans, while within the mansion, the first thing you’ll notice is a handcrafted cypress staircase followed by some of the most fascinating oil paintings featuring religious motifs. Other rooms tell the various histories of the Old Ursuline Convent—the building was once an orphanage, a makeshift hospital, and even a temporary residence for traveling bishops.
Come visit this amazing example of French colonial architecture (the oldest surviving example in the United States) and see why locals have, for years, called the “Old Ursuline Convent the “treasure of the archdiocese.”
Practical Info
The Old Ursuline Convent is located at 1100 Chartres St. in the French Quarter. It is open Monday through Saturday with tours running from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Admission costs $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $3 for students with valid ID and is free for children under 6.
Address: 1100 Chartres St, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Admission: Adults: $5
From $ 19
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
Back when apothecary was not an antiquated term alluding to potions and snake oil, the pharmacist was near synonymous with potion-maker, and it was anything but the hallowed profession it is today. All that changed in 1804 when the Louisiana governor Claiborne passed a law requiring licensure of Louisiana pharmacists. Sworn-in after a three-hour oral exam held in another famous New Orleans attraction – the Cabildo building – pharmacists were required to practice a fair and honest craft in the Unites States from thereon out. Louis Dufilho was the first licensed pharmacist in the United States, and the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum was once his proud shop.
Today, the building stands as a testament to how far the profession has come, and is filled with antiquated vials, scales, and a fun old-timey feel. Come learn about the history of administrative medicine and step back in time for a moment to discover all that this extensive collection and interpretive educational programs represent.
Practical Info
Located on 514 Chartres Street in New Orleans, the museum charges $5 for adult admission and $4 for student and senior admission. It is free to enter for children under 6. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm.
Address: 514 Chartres Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 4pm
Admission: Adults: $5
From $ 15
Old U.S. Mint
The only mint in existence to hold the designation of printing both U.S. and Confederate coinage, the Old U.S. Mint has a story all its own. Built in 1835 and a product of Andrew Jackson’s “Bank War,” the Mint was built in the Greek Revival style and houses the history of 1838 until 1909 when minting ceased. Visitors can walk the mint exhibits and then the much applauded New Orleans Mint Performing Arts Center where new Jazz is made and the history of the art form is preserved. Located at the brink of the French Quarter and bordering the now famous Treme district, the Old U.S. Mint is a welcome reprieve from sometimes long days on your feet exploring the nuances of the Quarter, and even houses some great Jazz shows itself.
Practical Info:
The Old U.S. Mint is located at 400 Esplanade Ave, on the Eastern edge of the French Quarter. Admission is $6 for adults, and the Mint is open Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To see the near-nightly music that’s playing at the mint, see their calendar, but know that doors typically open at 7:00 and the admission price is typically in the neighborhood of $10 - $20
Address: 400 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Hours: Tue – Sun 10am - 4:30pm
Admission: Adults $6, Student/Senior/Military $5, Child Free
From $ 55
Storyville District
Storyville was established in 1897 when the New Orleans City Council, under orders from councilman, Alderman Sidney Story, set out to regulate prostitution with the aim to restrict the red light district to a controlled area. The district was soon nicknamed Storyville after the councillor, and for the next 20 years the streets of North Basin, North Robertson, Iberville, and St. Louis on the edge of the French Quarter were filled with brothels, saloons, and other businesses. It is said that jazz and swing music originated within the saloons and dance halls of Storyville during this time, with musicians such as Tony Jackson and Jelly Roll Morton performing in the area.
Storyville was easily accessible via a nearby train station and immensely popular, from its 50-cent brothels right through to the higher end of the market. In 1917, when the US entered World War I, the federal government closed down Storyville and legal protests by local businesses failed to ever revoke the decision. Today, not much of the old era remains and the neighborhood is currently the site for a number of housing projects.
Practical Info
The area known as Storyville lies in the neighborhood of Faubourg Treme in New Orleans.
Address: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
From $ 20
St Joseph Plantation
One of the last few remaining sugar plantations in the South, St. Joseph Plantation is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic Southern experience. Built in 1830, the largely preserved house offers a fascinating look into plantation life in pre-Civil War America, when the sugar industry was booming.
The Basics
St. Joseph Plantation was built for the Scioneaux family using slave labor. Gabriel Valcour Aime, known as the Louis XIV of Louisiana, later bought it for his daughter when she married. After the Civil War, it was sold to the Waguespack family, who have retained ownership ever since.
Visitors can tour the house and its manicured grounds, see the cabins where the family’s slaves lived, and explore interesting exhibits detailing what life was like on the plantation both for the slaves who worked the sugar fields and the wealthy owners that lived here. Visitors often combine a trip here with a visit to the Museum of Slavery or visit as part of a plantations tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission to the plantation is via paid ticket.
- Discounted tickets are available for students, youths, seniors, and active military. Children under 5 go free.
- A visit to St. Joseph’s connected sister plantation, Felicity, is included in the ticket price.
- The renowned architect Henry Hobson Richardson was born here in 1838.
- Throughout October, the plantation hosts daily “mourning tours” detailing the Creole customs and rituals that used to be observed after the death of a family member.
- Parts of the movie 12 Years a Slave were filmed at the Felicity plantation.
How to Get There
St. Joseph Plantation is located at 3535 Highway 18 in Vacherie, 50 miles (80 kilometers) outside New Orleans. Most people opt to visit as part of a tour with transport provided, or by car. There is free parking at the plantation. Access via public transport is difficult.
When to Get There
St. Joseph Plantation is open from Thursday to Tuesday. It is closed on Wednesdays and major holidays. Guided tours depart on the hour from 10am–3pm, with tours early in the day tending to be quieter.
Museum of Slavery
Gain insight into what life was like for the slaves who spent their days working in the fields and homes of plantation owners at the nearby Whitney Plantation’s Museum of Slavery. Through first-person narratives, the museum aims to present a true picture of the often terrible conditions in which the enslaved people lived and the many hardships they had to endure.
Address: 3535 Louisiana 18, Vacherie, Louisiana, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 65