Open around the clock, the open-air Café du Monde (French for "Café of the World" or "the People's Café") holds a special place in the heart of New Orleans. Established in the 1860s, it has gained fame for its uniquely flavored café au lait (coffee with added hot milk) paired with the warm, sugar-dusted beignets. It’s the perfect spot to unwind at a table while enjoying the melodies of street musicians.

Coffee was introduced by the French settlers who began inhabiting the Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River region around 1700. During the American Civil War, due to a coffee shortage, New Orleans Creoles devised a blend of coffee and chicory, imparting a chocolate-like flavor to the café au lait. This version has since become a signature offering at Café du Monde and other New Orleans eateries.

In the 18th century, French settlers from Nova Scotia brought various traditions to Louisiana, including the beloved beignet. Unlike most doughnuts, these are square pieces of dough without a central hole, served with toppings like fruit, jam, maple syrup, or even savory fillings. At Café du Monde, the fried delights are served warm, generously dusted with powdered sugar and come in orders of three.

The café draws a diverse crowd, including late-night revelers, socialites, students, locals, tourists, and people from all corners of the globe, resulting in a lively atmosphere filled with a multitude of accents.

Tips:
Keep in mind that the café operates on a cash-only basis. If you find it too crowded, consider going around to the take-out window in the back and enjoying your treats along the picturesque Mississippi riverfront.

Spanning six blocks along the Mississippi River, the French Market dates back to 1791, making it the oldest public market in the United States. This open-air emporium has evolved from a Native American trading post into a lively multi-purpose venue encompassing food stalls, flea markets, and artisanal boutiques.

The French Market draws visitors with its blend of aromas from Creole eateries, the sounds of street musicians, and the sight of an eclectic mix of local artwork, crafts, and souvenirs. With a history that reflects the city's French and Spanish colonial past and its diverse cultural influences, this place has played a pivotal role in New Orleans' commercial and social life for over two centuries.

Today, it continues to be a place where the local community and tourists alike come to sample New Orleans' unique culinary delights, find a unique gift, and soak in an atmosphere that's as lively as it is historic. From chicory coffee and beignets to fresh produce and seafood, the French Market is a gastronomic paradise reflecting the city's culinary fusion.

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar on Bourbon Street is one of the city's most storied landmarks, a tangible piece of history that doubles as a popular watering hole. Touted as one of the oldest surviving structures in New Orleans and reputed to be the oldest continuously operating bar in the United States, this building harks back to the early 18th century. The bar's namesake, Jean Lafitte, was a pirate and privateer who, along with his brother Pierre, purportedly used the location as a cover for their smuggling operations.

Constructed sometime between 1722 and 1732, the building is a rare example of French Colonial "briquette-entre-poteaux" architecture (brick between posts), surviving fires and battles that have reshaped the city over centuries. Its thick-walled, weather-beaten façade and dimly lit interior, with a fireplace and candlelight providing much of the illumination, offer an ambiance that seemingly transports patrons back to the era of pirates and privateers.

Frequented by locals and tourists alike, Lafitte's combines the allure of historical legend with the charm of Old New Orleans. The bar, aside from its drinks and unique atmosphere, is an informal museum of sorts, with its architecture and mystique speaking volumes of the past. It is this blending of lore and architecture, the promise of ghosts, and the glow of flickering lights that make Lafitte's a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the essence of the Crescent City's storied past.

Saint Louis Cathedral's triple spires are instantly recognizable to most tourists as the main symbol of the French Quarter. Many have taken photos of the gleaming white facade set against a clear blue sky from across the picturesque Jackson Square; however, relatively few have ventured inside to witness the glorious mural and statuary, transporting visitors nearly 300 years back in time to the cathedral's founding. Along the first floor, stained glass windows depict the life of King Louis IX, the French monarch who led two crusades.

Saint Louis proudly holds the title of the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States. The existing structure, which replaced two previous buildings destroyed by fires, dates back to 1794, though it underwent remodeling and expansion in 1851. The influences of both Spanish and French cultures are readily apparent in both the artwork and the flags displayed near the chandeliers in the main aisle of the sanctuary.

Notably, Pope John Paul II conducted a prayer service for clergy here during his visit to New Orleans in 1987; in commemoration of the event, the nearby pedestrian mall was renamed in his honor. Of particular interest is his portrait in a Jackson Square setting, displayed on the cathedral's inner sidewall.

Visitors can often enjoy free tours conducted by docents, or they can opt for a self-guided tour using brochures when there are no church events taking place. A fine pipe organ is frequently played for the delight of guests, and there is also a small gift shop to explore.

Tip:
Take note of the sloping floor, a clever architectural design that somehow manages to keep the building upright even as the ground beneath it continues to sink.

Due to its close proximity to the Mississippi River, the Saint Louis Cathedral, and the Cabildo, Jackson Square has always been and remains a well-liked gathering place at the heart of the French Quarter. Named after Andrew Jackson, hero of the Battle of New Orleans (who went on to become the 7th US president), it has been a hubbub of activity since colonial times, when the militia conducted drills, vendors peddled their goods at the open-air market, and public executions were carried out.

Modeled after the famous 17th-century Place des Vosges in Paris, the square has been transformed into a beautifully landscaped park with neat lawns and flowerbeds. Despite the constant flow of tourists taking photos, school groups, and waitstaff on their breaks, it somehow maintains a sense of tranquility. During the day, numerous artists display their paintings on the park's fence and set up outdoor studios where they create artworks or offer to sketch portraits of passersby. Musicians, mimes, tarot card readers, and magicians entertain on the paved pedestrian mall, many of them performing both day and night.

The view of the square is quite iconic, with an equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson at its center and the beautifully designed Saint Louis Cathedral as a backdrop, while the Cabildo and Presbytère, two Spanish colonial structures, flank the church. The elegant brick buildings on either side of the square are known as the Pontalba Buildings. All in all, an excellent spot for capturing memorable photos, enjoying a respite on the benches, and taking it all in. It's amazing how much of New Orleans can be experienced from just this small location.

New Orleans' cemeteries are undeniably unique and should be on your must-see list before bidding adieu to the city. Located conveniently in the Garden District, a charming neighborhood perfect for leisurely strolls, Lafayette No. 1 Cemetery offers a hauntingly beautiful spectacle that encapsulates the essence of NOLA. It's freely accessible to the public and aligns perfectly with the imagery associated with New Orleans, even serving as the backdrop for scenes in Anne Rice's "Interview with the Vampire."

Established in 1833, this cemetery witnessed a wave of immigrants, including Italians, Germans, Irish, and Northern Americans, who flocked to New Orleans. Many individuals with ties to the Civil War rest here, marked by plaques and headstones detailing the location of their demise. Additionally, the cemetery bears witness to the devastating yellow fever epidemic of 1852, which predominantly affected newcomers and children, resulting in the burial of around 2,000 yellow fever victims.

Don't forget your camera as you meander through the rows of raised crypts. You can choose to explore independently during open hours or opt for a guided tour in the morning. In either case, Lafayette No. 1 Cemetery is a remarkable historical site that's well worth your visit!

Tip:
Exercise caution while walking, as the pathways may be in poor condition. Being mindful of your step is crucial to avoid ankle sprains.

If you're seeking a taste of the finer things in life, look no further than one of New Orleans' most exquisite streets. In stark contrast to the nearby Bourbon Street, this thoroughfare exudes a more sedate culture and refinement, offering a plethora of upscale galleries, boutiques, dining establishments, and charming local touches, such as potted ferns hanging from balcony railings. As one of the city's oldest arteries, it's a place where you can indulge in some fantastic people-watching while having easy access to all the major attractions.

Lining this street, you'll find an array of 18th- and 19th-century buildings, each with their ornate and beautiful designs, showcasing first-class selections of antiques and artworks that rival those exhibited in prominent museums. Make sure to explore the sublime collection at the historic M.S. Rau store at 630 Royal, which welcomes casual observers. Other notable stores specialize in jewelry and decorative carnival masks, ranging from simple feather-and-ceramic styles to handcrafted, locally-made varieties with heftier price tags.

Royal Street is so unique that you may find it challenging to decide where to begin and where to end your exploration. Whether you choose to visit the Gallier House, explore the Historic New Orleans Collection, or dine at restaurants adorned with scenic gardens, ornate fountains, and beautiful courtyards, there's an abundance to see and do here.

Why You Should Visit:
A refreshing escape from NOLA's bustling bar and party scene, as the vibe here is more family-friendly, and the shops have many souvenirs appropriate for family and friends, particularly as you approach the highly trafficked areas near the river. Several blocks are closed to vehicles between 11 am to 4 pm, creating a pedestrian-friendly space where colorful street performers entertain and engage with visitors in exchange for tips.

Quite possibly the oldest and most renowned among New Orleans' "cities of the dead", Saint Louis Cemetery Number One was established in 1789, following the devastating Great Fire of 1788, and was located just beyond the city's boundaries at the time. Due to the city's location below sea level and a high water table, the decision was made to bury bodies aboveground, as previous attempts at underground burials had resulted in caskets floating to the surface during floods.

Today, this cemetery houses more than 700 tombs and has been the final resting place for thousands of individuals. It features crypts designed by renowned architects and artists, creating a somewhat eerie labyrinth. Most of these aboveground structures are owned by families and designed to hold multiple sets of remains. While constructed primarily of brick, many of the elaborate tombs are often covered in concrete or stucco. Some of the oldest tombs have succumbed to time, reduced to little more than crumbling ruins and piles of brick dust. One intriguing feature is the segregated Protestant section, situated at the rear of the predominantly Catholic cemetery.

Among the famous residents are civil rights activist Homer Plessy (known for the landmark case Plessy v. Ferguson) and the beloved Voodoo priestess Marie Laveau. Her supposed tomb is a frequent stop on daily tours, although it's worth noting that she is believed to be actually buried in two separate tombs. Both graves bear the iconic XXX symbol, used to invoke Laveau's spirit for favors. Visitors often decorate them with Mardi Gras beads, bananas, flowers, bones, bottles of rum, and signed notes.

To enter the cemetery, tourists (those not related to the deceased) are required to be accompanied by a licensed tour guide, as mandated by the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Several organizations offer guided tours, with one of the most reputable being Save Our Cemeteries. They conduct hour-long excursions, with tours commencing from the lobby of Basin Street Station nearby.

Founded in 1854, City Park is a vast 1,300-acre oasis located just two miles from New Orleans' bustling French Quarter. Despite its proximity to the city center, it feels like a world apart, offering visitors a tranquil escape within an urban setting. This beautiful park features 11 miles of tranquil lagoons and is adorned with majestic live oaks draped in Spanish moss, some of which are over 600 years old, making it home to the largest collection of live oaks in the world.

City Park's natural majesty is enhanced by its enchanting art-deco benches, fountains, bridges, and ironwork, many of which are remnants of a 1930s Works Progress Administration (WPA) refurbishment, adding to the dreamy and picturesque atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy activities like boating and biking while taking in the park's stunning surroundings.

Within City Park, you'll find a variety of attractions and amenities, including the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, the New Orleans Botanical Garden, the family-friendly Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, a golf course, an equestrian stable, sports facilities, and numerous picnic areas. Check the website for information on seasonal activities and special events, such as music festivals, the annual Easter egg hunt, and the enchanting Celebration in the Oaks, a dazzling holiday lights display held between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.

For those craving a taste of New Orleans, the Morning Call coffee stand, located behind the Sculpture Garden, serves hot beignets and café au lait 24/7. While most of the park's offerings are free, some of the venues may charge separate admission fees.

Why You Should Visit:
Sprawling and well-maintained, with a wide array of activities to enjoy. The presence of ancient oak trees offers ample natural shade, and the Botanical Garden, with its beautiful sculpture garden, is worth the admission fee.