Going Back Centuries in Crescent City

Established in 1718, with travelers inhabiting the area decades if not centuries before that, New Orleans is almost bursting with history.

Make your way to central New Orleans along Canal Street – the historic division line between the Central Business District and famed French Quarter.

The oldest neighborhood in New Orleans, the French Quarter – or Vieux Carré – is set along the Mississippi River, and was the spot from which the rest of Crescent City expanded.

Many historic sites are located in the Quarter, including the French Market, Jackson Square, Bourbon Street, and the New Orleans Mint.

Originally established in 1791, the French Market is a collection of vendors offering everything from New Orleans souvenirs and fresh seafood to books, music, toys, beauty products, and fashion.

Just down Decatur Street, the iconic Jackson Square was built in 1721, and is both a U.S. National Historic Landmark and found on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The square, or Place d'Armes, features the recognizable St. Louis Cathedral – completed in 1794 – the statue of President Andrew Jackson, and dozens of performers, artists, and musicians.

Other historic sites in the Big Easy include Tulane University, established in 1834, and the famed Garden District. Bordered by St. Charles Avenue and Magazine Street, the Garden District is a neighborhood of historic southern mansions first constructed in 1832.

Also a U.S. National Historic Landmark and listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the Garden District includes New Orleans landmarks like the George Washington Cable House, Commander's Palace, and the Anshe Sfard.

Thousands of other historic sites are found throughout New Orleans. The first Mardi Gras was celebrated in 1699, while the Presbytere – a French Quarter museum built in 1813 – not only educates visitors on the history of New Orleans, but is a U.S. National Historic Landmark itself.

Haunted History Tours

Looking for a thrill during your trip to New Orleans? The Haunted History Tours of the French Quarter is your answer. Choose from ghost tours, vampire tours, and voodoo tours set in the after hours of the Vieux Carré. Tours in the Quarter meet at Rev. Zombie's Voodoo Shop.

Test your nerves by touring the dark streets of New Orleans' oldest neighborhood, and hear of the spirits of the Big Easy. Haunted History Tours stem outside of the Quarter as well, so check out Haunted Garden District Tours and Cemetery History Tours.

Saint Louis Cathedral

Constructed in the early 1700s, the Saint Louis Cathedral is a historic landmark located in New Orleans' French Quarter.

This historical Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis King of France remains the country's oldest Catholic cathedral still in use.

The Greek Revival-style cathedral is open to the public, allowing visitors the opportunity to admire the tranquil inner setting inside.

Visitors won't want to miss its scenic painted ceiling, marble altars and the painting of Saint Louis Venerating the Crown of Thorns.

The Presbytere

Built in 1813, the Presbytere is a historical site located in the French Quarter, adjacent to the St. Louis Cathedral.

This National Historic Landmark was designed in 1791 to match the Town Hall, known as the Cabildo.

This New Orleans historic staple was used for commercial purposes in the early 1800s, until 1834 when it was used as a courthouse through 1911.

Tours of the museum are available, giving visitors the chance to view artifacts and learn more about Mardi Gras history while viewing "Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in Louisiana", a permanent exhibit.