New Orleans had always been one of the cities that I wanted to discover, and that was my main motivation when I chose to tag along on my friends’ trip at their invitation.
What attracted me? A bit the city’s typical architecture, its history and its atmosphere, or rather what people had said about it.
Was it worth the effort? We’ll see right away.
You will find the summary of the articles on this trip to Boston, New York and New Orleans at the bottom of the page.
French quarter visitor center
As a good tourist, you might as well start your visit at the French Quarter Visitor Center, which will allow those who have not planned their visit and who do not have a dedicated app on their phone to get information, ask for information and organize their discovery of the city.
The French Quarter
Let’s get straight to the point: the French Quarter is the main attraction of the city, if not the whole thing.
This is the historic heart of New Orleans and is characterized by its colonial architecture, wrought iron balconies and festive atmosphere in the evening because during the day, even in the height of summer, I didn’t find it that lively.
Founded at the beginning of the 18th century, it is mainly made up of bars, restaurants, shops and iconic sites such as Bourbon Street and Jackson Square. This district is the cultural and festive center of the city, where history, music and gastronomy come together.
The 1850 House
It is a historical museum that offers an insight into the daily life of a bourgeois family before the American Civil War. Furnished with period furniture and objects, it recreates the atmosphere of the mid-19th century. The building is part of the famous Pontalba Buildings, an architectural ensemble emblematic of the city.
The Cabildo
This historic building now houses a history museum. Built at the end of the 18th century, it was the seat of the Spanish colonial government and saw the signing of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. It traces the fascinating history of Louisiana through exhibitions of art, artifacts and historical documents.
Saint-Louis Cathedral
This is one of the oldest Catholic cathedrals in the United States still in use. Dating from the 18th century, it is known for its architecture and richly decorated interior, even if the flags are not the best effect.
The French Market
This is a historic open-air market dating from the 18th century. Once a place of exchange for settlers and Native Americans, it is now a lively space with food stalls, local artisans and souvenir stalls.
The Mississipi river
The iconic river of the United States, it flows through New Orleans and plays a key role in its history and development. Over 3,700 km long, it has been an essential trade route since colonial times and remains a central part of the city’s landscape and tourism today.
You can enjoy cruises on board paddle steamers that offer an immersion in the atmosphere of the old South with panoramic views of the river and live jazz concerts. Its banks, notably Woldenberg Park, are perfect for walks with a breathtaking view of the docks and the Vieux Carré.
St. Augustine Church
St. Augustine Church in New Orleans is located in the Tremé neighborhood, known as the oldest African-American neighborhood in the United States. Founded in 1841, it is famous for its role in the struggle for civil rights and its inclusive welcome of black and free, slave and white parishioners in an era of segregation. The church also houses a memorial, the “Tomb of the Unknown Slave”, paying tribute to the millions of people enslaved.
Bottom line
If I had to sum up my impression in one sentence: nice but not impressive.
Sure, it’s nice to stroll through the French Quarter, but there aren’t many places of interest and they’re pretty average.
Maybe I’m no longer young enough for the atmosphere, or it’s not my style anymore, but I didn’t get into it at all.
In short, it was nice to go, I was happy to spend time with my friends, but if I had made New Orleans the highlight of my trip, I think the disappointment would have been proportional to my expectations.
In the end, I’m glad I waited 30 years and ended up there by chance and without excessive expectations.