St. Louis Cathedral

As one of New Orleans' most famous landmarks, St. Louis Cathedral deserves a spot on every visitor's itinerary. Nearly all sightseeing tours in the city include a stop here, whether a basic walking tour or a quirkier supernatural, romantic, or "drunk history" themed tour. Thanks to the cathedral's central location, it's also easy to visit on your own when mass isn't in session; volunteer docents sometimes lead tours, and brochures for self-guided tours are available at the entrance for a small donation.

• St. Louis Cathedral is a perfect spontaneous stop on a stroll through the French Quarter.

• Mass takes place daily at 12:05pm.

• The cathedral is wheelchair accessible.

• Expect a full house for mass on Catholic holidays such as Easter and Christmas.

St. Louis Cathedral is located just across Chartres Street from Jackson Square, so it's easy to get to on foot from just about anywhere in the French Quarter. Parking in the area can be difficult to find, so travelers coming from further afield should consider taking a tour that includes hotel pickup and dropoff, catching a taxi or rideshare, or riding a streetcar to Jackson Square on the Riverfront Line.

While the cathedral is open daily, it closes in mid-afternoon, so it’s best to plan your visit for earlier in the day, either before or after midday mass. Those planning to attend mass on a significant holiday, such as Easter or Christmas, should try to arrive well before the service starts, as seats often fill up quickly.

Travelers planning a visit to St. Louis Cathedral should also set aside some time for a stop at the nearby Old Ursuline Convent, also located on Chartres Street in the French Quarter. The oldest building in the Mississippi Valley, the convent was built in the 1750s and today houses a museum within its French Colonial facade.