New Orleans: Tourist Attractions

I’ve already conveyed my indulgence with the creole cuisine that I experienced in New Orleans ( pronounced New Or’lins!). If y’all (!) missed it, then read about it here. Not a foodie? No worries. Let’s talk tourist attractions. You can easily cover 1-7 in two days. There is plenty of walking involved, so wear comfy shoes. It’s also a good idea to carry an umbrella, both for the unexpected shower, as well as shelter from the hot sun. I wouldn’t recommend going during summer. October was hot during the day but very pleasant at night.

1. St. Louis Cathedral:

You must walk into this majestic cathedral and admire the art throughout the building. It reminded me of the cathedral in Santa Fe, with its ornate ceilings and stained glass windows. Admission is free. Be aware of Sunday Mass and restrictions on photography will be posted for certain events. Directly behind the cathedral is also the former residence of famous playwright Tennessee Williams, famous author of “ The Glass Menagerie” and “ A Streetcar named Desire”.

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2. Jackson Square:

Although the statue of General Jackson is now a source of much controversy, as an art piece it is remarkable. Walk up to the Riverwalk to get a view of both Jackson’s statue and the Cathedral in a single shot. Shops line the perimeter of Jackson Square and artists and fortune tellers have stalls set up on the cobblestone path. And if you are tired of walking, you can catch a horsedrawn carriage ride or cycle-rickshaw to see the French Quarter.

3. French Quarter:

A visit to New Orleans is entirely wasted if you don’t stroll in the French Quarter. Luckily, our hotel was a stone’s throw away from it. I fell in love with the trellised iron balconies and the cute shops that lined the cobbled streets. Specifically, walk down Royal, Bourban and Decatur street. You’ll inevitably find jazz musicians or mimes in the streets. After dark, be wary of pickpockets and people who will bet you money to tell you where you bought your shoes. Even though I encountered neither, I’m told there are many scammers. Also, don’t walk down empty alleyways by yourself. Common sense, that was reinforced by the locals I met there. Bourbon street is known for its after hours drinking and partying. We went on a Monday night and things were much calmer. The only negatives are strong occasional whiffs of urine you might get while walking these streets. ( Reminded me of the Red Light Area outside Badshahi Mosque and the Dental College, where our bus would wait to pick up the students, while we pinched our noses shut!)

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4. Cemetery Tour:

Yep! You heard right! I didn’t venture into the cemetery alone for fear of being mugged ( apparently, thieves hangout behind the huge tombs and wait for victims) but I enjoyed them from the comfort of the streetcar. The only one I walked up to was the Lafayette Cemetery opposite the Commander’s Palace, but it was closed for restoration. I’m fascinated by regular cemeteries ( I know, morbid, right?!) but these are actually a piece of history and beautiful architecture in the form of tombstones. Because of the flooding situation, the graves are all above ground and many of the tombs are ornate. A guided tour would be a good idea to gain insight into interesting stories, but unfortunately, I didn’t have time for that. The Canal Line Streetcar will take you all the way up to the Cemeteries.

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5. Streetcars and local transportation:

New Orleans has a fantastic transportation system. Imagine! I got from the airport to downtown ( a few blocks from my hotel) in $2.00!! Take the E-2 or the 202-Airport express right outside the passenger pickup , under the Delta signs. Have exact change for the E-2. It drops you on the corner of Tulane at Loyala, right outside the Public Library. Walk a few blocks to Canal Street and catch the streetcar down to the French Quarter. I must admit the schedules are intimidating. However, I bought a 3 day Jazzy pass for $9 which gave me unlimited rides on streetcars and buses. I used the GoMobile New Orleans RTA app to buy and use the Jazzy pass. Best decision ever! Just make sure your phone is charged 😊.

A Streetcar Named Desire:

Another line that you must explore is the St.Charles Streetcar line.It is the world’s oldest running streetcar line. I got on at one end and rode it all the way to the last stop, and back again. In the middle, I got off to explore St.Charles Ave. by foot. Lovely, wide arching trees lines both sides of the street. You’ll find beads hanging all over the trees to add to the magical aspect. As you walk down, admire the historical mansions with their wide, white columns. On the streetcar route, you’ll also pass the Loyola University campus and the Audobon Park.

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The Canal line streetcar takes you to the cemeteries (as mentioned above) or to City Park. This was another sight on my list which I did not have time to get to. If you are there check out the NOLA Art museum and the Sculpture Garden. Canal Street itself is a fun and happening place. Towards the French Quarter it has lots of souvenir shops and even has a Mall with high end shops for those of you who are shopaholics! Harrah’s Casino is also right near the Riverwalk on the first stop of Canal Street. Near Basin street, you’ll find the historic Saenger museum. (which was playing Wicked at the time). You’ll also pass by Ritz Carlton, the Customs House and the Audobon Insectarium ( if you’re on foot you can catch butterflies flying in the window of the Insectarium!)

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6. Riverwalk and Cruise:

Enjoy walking alongside the Mississippi River, as you watch the Natchez dole out upbeat folk tunes like I’ve Been Working on The Railroad from it’s steam engine pipes. They offer brunch and dinner cruises. However, I was searching for the ferry that runs to Algiers Point across the river. Unfortunately, this $2 ferry was not running during my stay there. The Immigrant Monument is a cool work of art dedicated to the immigrants that have settled in New Orleans. Also, enjoy the river by night by walking to the Convention center and then take the ramp up to the food court. Grab a bite to eat outside overlooking the lit-up bridge and barges running up and down the Mississippi. Perhaps a good place to catch up on Mark Twain, if you have the time 😊

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7. Voodoo Vibes

There’s a big influence of Voodoo in New Orleans. Souvenir shops have voodoo dolls and painted skulls for sale. There is also a museum dedicated to the practice of Voodoo in the French Quarter.

8. Swamp Tours and Plantation Tours:

If you have time, go on a swamp tours. Apparently, you can feed alligators ( hopefully, you are not the bait!) Plantation tours will give you insight into the history of slavery in the South. Both of these take at least half a day, so make sure you have time on hand to manage these in your schedule.

There are numerous other things to do provided you have time. Many hotels offer cultural passes. The Le Meridian where we were staying at provided free coffee vouchers as well as passes to the Ogden ( which unfortunately neither my friend or I could avail!) Having the hotel so centrally located near the French Quarter, made it easier to cover most of the attractions on this very short, but fun-filled trip!

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