Walk Through Historical New Orleans, Louisiana
Updated June 1, 2025
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New Orleans, Louisiana
Take time to explore the lively rhythm of New Orleans, Louisiana. Enjoy vibrant music while visiting the iconic French Quarter and savor the mouthwatering flavors of Creole and Cajun cuisine, only to discover the city's fascinating blend of cultural influences, making New Orleans a must-visit destination for every traveler seeking an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Big Easy. Our journey in New Orleans was a quick trip to get a glimpse of this iconic location. We chose to walk the city and then experience some delicious bites along the way.
Jackson Square
Jackson Square is a historical public square in the heart of the French Quarter. It is surrounded by landmarks, lush greenery, beautiful walkways, and thick iron fencing. There is a statue of Andrew Jackson, on a horse, who was the seventh President of the United States which is the focal point of the city. This area is full of activity throughout the year from street performers, music, and art, offering a mix of lively entertainment.
Address: 701 Decatur Street, New Orleans
Horse Drawn Carriage rides
A fun way to explore the city is by horse drawn carriage rides sightseeing tours. Prices vary based on number of people. Go with a professional as they guide you through the city streets of New Orleans.
Enjoy a 2-hour boat tour through the wetlands of Louisiana. See gators, wild boars, snakes and more.
Cafe Du Monde
Cafe Du Monde is an iconic coffee shop located in the French Quarter of New Orleans. It was established in 1862 and is known for their signature beignets which consist of pieces of dough, deep-fried and covered with powdered sugar. Their coffee is made with chicory for a slightly bitter and robust flavor.
The cafe has open aired seating and is spotted by its green and white striped awnings. Locals and tourists seek out this energetic atmosphere for their daily dose of coffee. This is a must try when in the area.
I will be honest; these were not my favorite beignets. I don’t know if it was this particular stand or my taste buds in general, but they were not as scrumptious as I expected. Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on these beignets.
Address: 800 Decatur Street, New Orleans
Hours: Sunday to Thursday 7:15am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday 7:15am to 12am
Consider purchasing some of their famous Cafe Du Monde coffee online to experience a taste of Louisiana at home.
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New Orleans historical buildings
New Orleans is known for its streets and buildings which reflect the rich tapestry of this well-known city. The city’s layout has a unique combination of narrow streets, historic architecture, and vibrant neighborhoods.
The most talked about street is the French Quarter with its narrow streets lined with colorful historical buildings, featuring wrought iron balconies and beautiful courtyards. So much activity happens between these streets and other streets such as Royal Street, Bourbon Street, and Chartres Street. Enjoy a mix of restaurants, shops, art galleries, and music.
Garden District showcases elegant mansions and tree lined avenues while other areas feature more historic street life. A mix of housing is displayed throughout giving it a historical charm. The ironwork and colorful facades, add to the city’s charm and was such a fun place to visit.
Safety while visiting
New Orleans has some areas that may be less safe for visitors. I would encourage you to remain cautious in areas where there might be more crime such as Central City, New Orleans East, and the Lower Ninth Ward. Historically these areas tend to be more likely to be ridden with crime. Avoid walking alone in these areas, especially at night. French Quarters tends to be safe for tourists, but always be aware and take someone with you for safety.
French Market
The French Market is a historical market located in the French Quarter. It spans several blocks along the Mississippi River. This market dates back to the late 18th century and is one of the oldest markets in the United States. You will find such things as fresh produce, clothing, souvenirs, crafts, and more unique items.
You will find multiple vendors serving up delicious food and local specialties. Throughout the year you can find a variety of events, including live performances, festival, and cultural celebrations. We purchased two Louisiana souvenir t-shirts here for $39.67.
Address: 1008 N Peters St, 1100 North Peters Street, New Orleans. My GPS took me to the 1008 N Peters Street, which isn’t where the market is so make sure you use the 1100 North Peters address instead.
Hours: 10am to 6pm daily
Organic Banana
Check out the Organic Banana for some delicious smoothies. With many flavors to choose from, you will definitely go away satisfied. They also sell daiquiris and Abita beer. This is located in the French Market. The smoothies we had were delicious and in 2022, 3 smoothies cost us $21.00.
Facebook - Organic Banana
Instagram - @organicbanananola
Royal Praline Company
Come and get your sugar fix at Royal Praline. There are so many different praline options to choose from, it will be hard to pick just one to take home. The pralines are made locally and feature multiple flavors. You can also find many other souvenirs from coffee mugs, seasonings, sauces and more. Our purchase in 2022 of seat salt caramels and praline pecans cost $16.35.
Address: 300 Royal Street, New Orleans
Hours: 9am to 10 pm daily
Instagram @royalpralinecompany
The Market Cafe
The Market Cafe is a family-owned cafe featuring New Orleans Cajun and Creole dishes. This open aired market is complete with a live band, scrumptious food, and excellent service. They claim to entertain you with their live music and bar featuring their Famous Market Mary Bloody Mary. Our indulgence featured the Jambalaya for $15.95, Alligator Bites for $15.95, kids shrimp meal for $9.95 for a total of $45.99. The food and service were really good.
Address: 1000 Decatur St, New Orleans
Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 8am to 5pm, Friday and Saturday 8am to 10pm, Sunday, Monday, Thursday 8am to 9pm
Instagram @themarketcafenola
We spent about 4 hours in New Orleans and spent $123.01 (food, sweets, souvenirs).
Enjoy this highly popular bus tour of some significant city sights in French Quarters, The Garden District and more. Price starts at $49.98 per person.
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Whether you’re intrigued by the rich history of New Orleans, indulging in its culinary delights, or enjoying the lively music, this city never fails to display a vibrant city with a unique charm.
From leisurely horse-drawn carriage rides through the picturesque streets lined with historical buildings or the bustling energy with a thrill of seeking a new treasure or delightful treat in the open air at The French Market, every corner will leave an unforgettable memory in New Orleans.
The memories of this eclectic blend of culture, cuisine, and experiences linger, inviting you to return next time to explore the timeless magic all over again.
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I’m just a girl who loves to travel. My favorite travels have been traveling across the US in a campervan, visiting all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, marking National Parks off my list, & many smaller trips. I love to share my adventures to inspire others to travel more. If you can dream it, you can do it!
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