Discover the spiritual and artistic heart of New Orleans in and around Jackson Square, culminating with a private docent tour of the stunning St. Louis Cathedral. Street artists, fortune-tellers, and 300 years of Creole history converge in one extraordinary plaza.
What to expect
Begin in the square itself, where your guide frames the iconic Andrew Jackson equestrian statue against the cathedral's triple spires for the classic New Orleans image. Step inside the oldest continuously operating Catholic cathedral in North America, where light filters through stunning painted murals and the guide illuminates two centuries of worship and Creole society. After the cathedral, a stroll through the Pontalba apartment arcades reveals cast-iron lacework and the city's oldest apartment buildings. The tour concludes with time to browse the resident portrait and landscape artists who have worked the square for generations.
Good to know
Jackson Square is a 15-minute walk from the cruise terminal or a short cab ride. Pre-purchase timed entry via Tiqets to avoid queues. Cathedral dress code applies: covered shoulders and knees. Morning slots offer cooler temperatures and the best photography light.