Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in St. Charles Parish

"This is where everyone in New Orleans (Catholic, Protestant or n/a) wants to be married and buried. The stately church reigns over Jackson Square with its three soaring spires and classically proportioned white façade. This building dates from 1849, but a church has been in this spot since 1724."

"On the north side of Jackson Square is the St. Louis Cathedral, a landmark structure in New Orleans. It was built in 1794 on the site of two earlier churches and is known for being the United States' oldest cathedral in continuous use. Pope John Paul II visited the cathedral in 1987."

"Formerly known as "Place d'Armes" in the 18th century and later renamed as Jackson Square in honor Andrew Jackson who was a hero in the Battle of New Orleans, the historic Jackson Square is a beautiful space and popular tourist attraction in the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans. Facing the Mississippi River and surrounded by historic buildings, including the Louisiana State Museums of the Cabildo and the Presbytere, and the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral, this famous landmark is packed with things to see and do. A favorite site for visitors and locals, the Square has shops, restaurants, cafés and coffee shops, galleries, museums and more, along with a renowned open-air artist colony who has been displaying their work on the square's iron fence for more than 50 years."

"In the heart of the French Quarter lies Jackson Square, one of New Orleans’ most famous locations. A National Historic Landmark, it is home to St. Louis Cathedral and is often filled with locals and tourists who come to stroll the paths, catch the buskers and street performers in action, or just sit in the shade and watch the world go by.More"

"Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Jackson Square is a gorgeous way to spend an afternoon. It's a National Historic Landmark, so it's easy on the eyes, to say the least. The square itself was designed after the famous Place des Vosges in Paris, France."

"If you're looking for a kid-friendly jazz venue in New Orleans, this is it. The all-ages music landmark offers sets of jazz nightly—fyi, there's no food and beverage service—with some shows starting as early as 6 p.m. Pro tip: Queue early and grab one of the benches; seating is first-come, first-served."

"After dinner is sure to check out live jazz at Preservation Hall. This ended up being our favorite thing we did in New Orleans and strongly suggest you don’t miss out on this during your 3 days in New Orleans."

"Opened all the way back in 1961, Preservation Hall is a historical landmark in New Orleans housed in a building associated with a house band, a record label, and a non-profit foundation."

"This 200 year-old French Quarter landmark was once the home of a New Orleans mayor who offered the spot to Napoleon as a refuge during his exile (but the little guy never made it). Today, Napoleon House is the essential spot in town for a Pimm's Cup, and it's now run by the Ralph Brennan restaurant group, so the food is also on point. The muffalettas here come controversially pressed, but give it a try."

"History seeps from the peeling-paint clad walls and slanted, uneven floors and that’s part of the magic of this classic French Quarter haunt, believed to have been intended as Napoleon’s home in exile. Grab a bar stool perch and order a classic Pimm’s Cup and muffuletta served warm, somewhat of a novelty in the Quarter. When just a snack will do, order a quarter for $5.25 or half at $9.50."

"Named for the famous Frenchman intended to live there after his exile from France, Napoleon House is a 200+ year old historical landmark. The speakers play classical music and there’s a lovely courtyard. Order a Pimm’s Cup and a muffuletta, served warm."

"French QuarterArchitecture enthusiasts will quickly and easily fall in love with New Orleans, and for good reason; the city is prized for its distinctive architectural style. And nowhere will you find a better example of this than at Madame John’s Legacy, a primo example of Louisiana’s 18th-century architectural design, and an official National Historic Landmark."

"Long thought to be the oldest building on the Mississippi River, Madame John’s Legacy has proven to be not quite the oldest. It was one of the few buildings in the quarter to escape the great fire of 1795 in New Orleans. Architecture fans can appreciate the 18th century design."

"Crescent Park is a 20-acre linear park that stretches for 1.4 miles along the riverfront in the Bywater area that boasts beautiful views of the river, the west bank, and the city skyline. Named for its location along the outside curve of the famous crescent on the Mississippi River, Crescent Park connects New Orleans and its communities to the riverfront and features wide paved walkway along the waterfront with benches and swings, a walking and running track, biking trails, grassy shaded picnic areas, beautifully manicured gardens with flowering plants, and spectacular unparalleled views. Crescent Park Trail, New Orleans, LA 70117, Phone: 504-636-6400"

"In the French Market District, Crescent Park is a linear park, 1.4 miles long beside the Mississippi. You can get there by crossing the levee and railway via the “rusty bridge”. On the water there’s a supreme view west to the French District and Central Business District, accompanied by lots of public art, a series of mixed-use pavilions, native landscaping and paths for cyclists and pedestrians."

"Finally, head to Crescent Park for a beautiful sunset view of the city, and after the sun goes down venture over to Frenchmen Street for some live jazz and blues. While tourists tend to visit Bourbon Street, you’ll see more locals on Frenchmen. For tonight’s live music, check out this listing by the local radio station."

"Every fourth Sunday of the month, the Arts Council of New Orleans puts on the Arts Market of New Orleans, an excellent juried arts market at Palmer Park, located just off of Carrollton Ave. There you’ll find some of the city’s local creative talent, as well as kid-friendly music and activities. Alligators have been known to take up residence in Wetland Park in New Orleans © Justin Foulkes / Lonely Planet"

"Annual festivals, events, concerts, filming and fun filled activities are held there. It is the home of the Palmer Park Arts Market which takes place on the last Saturday of every month. This market sells arts, crafts, food, and more."

"The Beauregard-Keyes House is significant and worth a tour for its Greek Revival architecture, lovely quaint garden, and for once having been the residence of Confederate General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard, a New Orleans native who ordered the first shots of the Civil War and remained a hero in the South long after the war was lost. Ursuline nuns used the property from the early 1700s until the 1820s when the new house was designed to combine elements of a Creole cottage with Greek Revival features, including a Palladian facade, curved twin staircases, Tuscan portico, and generous dining room. In 1945, author Frances Parkinson Keyes was looking for a place to write and live in New Orleans."

"The Beauregard -Keyes House museum includes past residents such as Confederate General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard and American author Frances Parkinson Keyes. The house has elements of a Creole cottage with Greek Revival features, including a Palladian façade. It also has twin curved staircases leading to a Tuscan portico."

"Located in the historic Gem Theater—one of only two remaining African American movie theaters still standing in the city—Zony Mash Beer Project is both a brewery and an entertainment space. Named after the title of an album of rare B-side songs by New Orleans funk band The Meters, Zony Mash offers 21 taps in the tasting room and a robust line of brews using ingredients like coffee from local roaster, Congregation; additions include carrot and dragon fruit juices, coriander and butterfly pea. Year-round brews include Tiny Bubbles (a sparkling ale), Pillow Talk (a “fluffy” IPA) and Run for the Rosé (a wine hybrid ale)."

"Zony Mash is beautiful on the inside, a stunningly re-imagined microbrewery-take on the former Gem Theater. But its outdoor beer garden has been the center of the action lately, showcasing a rotation of popup eateries, as well as Zony Mash brews sold from the brewery’s tricked-out beer bus. As owner Adam Ritter said, “When the weather is nice, and it’s feeling right, it’s great.” Recent eats have included Zee’s Pizzeria and Doughtown’s Detroit-style pies as well as Bub’s Burgers, Southerns (of fried chicken sandwich fame) and the culinary talents of Luncheon."

"Located in New Orleans East not far from the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, Royal Brewery has one of the most original tap rooms to have sprung up in the past 5-10 years. Taking inspiration from brewing styles from around the world, Royal’s brewers concoct a litany of unique flavors from ales fermented with a British Ale yeast to California Common Steam Lagers. They even feature their own ginger ale which you can sample in-house (trust us, it’s worth the trek)."

"A post shared by Brieux Carré Brewing Company (@brieuxcarre) on Jul 30, 2017 at 12:13pm PDT. Craft brewing manufacturing facility with a taproom open on weekends. Games are set-up around the venue including an area for kids along with a stage for live music."

"While the Marigny restaurant is offering a limited version of its usual menu, you’d do best to call ahead by 2pm daily for the family meal special. You’ll get a “Garfield-sized” lasagna, plus their insalata tre colori, a garlic herb focaccia for dipping, and a pint of ice cream for $60. All you’ll have to do is heat up the lasagna, and, eventually, will yourself off the couch.Cost: $60 for the family-style lasagna meal; pre-orders requested."

"511 Marigny St. I love that this restaurant is located in our building. But even if it wasn’t, we would eat brunch here, often. For a casual brunch, this would be my top choice."

"I got check parm, it had great flavor and the staff said it was the owners special recipe!. It surely does not hurt that they…"

"Experience Live Jazz on Frenchmen Street End your night on Frenchmen Street, one of the best spots to hang out in New Orleans. Almost every local we talked to told us to head over to Frenchmen for tons of options for live jazz music every night. We were even told by a local that Frenchmen was what Bourbon Street used to be like before it became the big neon party destination it is now for tourists."

"Frenchman Street is just a few blocks away from Bourbon Street but it seems like an entirely different world. The daiquiri stands and “huge ass beer” signs are replaced by jazz clubs and spontaneous street performances. If you’re in the mood for live music then you’ll almost certainly find something to your liking here."

"Instead, head to the live music clubs on Frenchmen Street. It’s actually close enough to Bourbon Street to walk. And, while Frenchmen Street goes for several blocks, between Decatur and Chartres Streets there’s enough music, food, and drink to have you booking your next trip to New Orleans!"

"A beacon of locally made art and jewelry on Frenchmen Street since 2013, this evening market is open nightly from 7 pm to midnight or 1, depending on crowds. Right next door to the Spotted Cat and in the heart of the Frenchmen Street nuttiness, this brightly lit marketplace boasts a revolving roster of serious artists creating everything from sculptures made from flatware to Impressionist style streetcar scenes and inventive offbeat t-shirt designs. This is where locals in the know buy their gifts and art for the wall and wearing."

"For some reason, Frenchmen Street remains an undiscovered gold mine to most first-time tourists, and even for many of the seasoned visitors; the Frenchmen Art Market is one of the gems of the city. If you are traveling with family or simply strive for more depth than the bars and nightclubs can provide, take a stroll under the lights illuminating the fantastic displays. This weekly nighttime market truly personifies the ambiance of this magnificent city."

"Up there with the United States’ great shopping and dining experiences, the French Market is in long iron-framed halls designed in the late-19th century by Joseph Abeilard, one of America’s first African American architects. As a place of commerce, this location goes back centuries to a Native American trading post by the Mississippi. The market runs for five blocks from Jackson Square and the famed Café du Monde to a flea market at the end of Esplanade Avenue."

"The French Market is a bustling, open-air shopping center that can hold up over 220 vendors on a given day. You can shop for paintings, clothing and specialty items while enjoying the famous New Orleans street music and smells of fresh gumbo and jambalaya. The market has a ton of history, having existed on the same piece of land for more than 200 years."

"Wandering through the stalls and shops of the French Market is easily one of the best things to do in New Orleans if those beignets haven’t filled you up. It’s filled with foodie joints and little stalls. Running parallel to the Mississippi River, the French Market is awash with plenty of treats and trinkets to try."