Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Westwego

"What looks like a castle in the French Quarter is actually the oldest cathedral in North America. This alone makes it one of the best things to do in New Orleans, especially when you head inside. You see, St. Louis Cathedral was founded as a Catholic Parish in 1720 and includes both Renaissance and Spanish Colonial architecture that is totally gorgeous."

"Originally built in 1727, the Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis is flanked by the historic Cabildo on one side and the Presbytère on the other. After the great fire of 1794, the original structure was rebuilt. The current structure was finished in 1850 and overlooks Jackson Square."

"St. Louis Cathedral is an iconic landmark of the French Quarter, located in front of the Jackson Square. It is the oldest cathedral in the United States. It has Renaissance and Spanish Colonial type architecture."

"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."

"Often called the heart of New Orleans, Jackson Square is full of energy and activity. Facing the Mississippi River and directly across from the St. Louis Cathedral, the Square stands in the shadows of the Andrew Jackson statue, erected for his heroism during the Battle of New Orleans. Here you will find street artists painting during the day and jazz musicians by night, along with fortune-tellers and other kinds of street theater."

"Initially laid out with the rest of the old French Quarter, Jackson Square sits in front of the St. Louis Cathedral. Also called the Place d’Armes, it is the oldest space in the city. Trees and walkways were added to it in the 1830s and the equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson was added in 1856."

"If you’re daunted by the multitude of jazz joints in the French Quarter, Preservation Hall is a traditional jazz venue with a house band drawing from more than 100 musicians. You can come for intimate concerts at 20:00, 21:00 and 22:00 Monday to Wednesday and extra performances at 17:00 and 18:00 from Thursday to Sunday. The shows are great of course, but Preservation Hall accepts audiences of all ages, which makes it a rare nightlife option for families."

"I learned about Preservation Hall from a couple of locals while enjoying a drink at Jewel of the South, a bar in the French Quarter. Dating back to the 1950s, Preservation Hall has to be the most unassuming jazz club in the world. Every night, a line of hopefuls forms outside this venerable institution for the chance to spend an hour listening to the house band, The Preservation All Stars, perform traditional New Orleans jazz."

"This historic jazz hall, with a location just steps away from Bourbon Street, is known to attract a crowd. Accordingly, admission is on a first-come, first-served basis. And, it’ll cost $20 to get in."

"Why not visit this unique bar in the French Quarter of New Orleans?. Built in 1797, this building was originally the home of Nicholas Giround – the mayor of the city, and an admirer of Napoleon Bonaparte. The house would gain its name in the 1820s when a plan was hatched to free Napoleon from his exile in Saint Helena and brought over to Louisiana."

"The home was originally built by Nicholas Girod, the mayor of New Orleans. Girod later extended an invitation in 1821 to Napoleon to reside in the mansion as a refuge during his exile. Although Napoleon never made it to New Orleans, the name has been attached to the mansion ever since."

"On a typically hot July summer day In 1966 my fiance, now wife, and I first entered Napoleon House for a late afternoon drink. We were greeted by a…"

"Smoothie King Center is where you’ll catch many top indoor sporting events and concerts coming through New Orleans. The multi-purpose indoor arena sits adjacent to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. It’s also the home of the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans."

"Founded in 1854, this 1,300-acre expanse of moss-draped oaks and 11 miles of gentle lagoons is just 2 miles from the French Quarter,…"

"The Mississippi River is a very prominent part of New Orleans, so you have to get a picture along its banks. My favorite spot is just south of Jackson Square where you can get a nice shot of the Crescent City Connection Bridge in the background. This shot below was late in the day we arrived after a long flight."

"A scenic ride through Uptown on the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line takes you right to the park’s entrance. Stunning oak trees draped with Spanish moss, tranquil lagoons, and sprawling green lawns can be found in every corner of the park, along with exciting attractions like the Audubon Trail Golf Course and Audubon Zoo. This natural space dates back to 1898, and its beautiful landscape draws visitors and locals alike."

"Audubon Park boasts a great green lawn overhung by live oak trees in Uptown. One of our favorite spots for river-watching, the Fly, is located here. At the Fly, you can stroll along the riverside while kids play and pets poke around the trees."

"Previously called Upper City Park, Audubon Park is located across from Tulane University. Audubon dates to the 1800’s. Audubon was originally part of the Bore Family Plantation."

"Louisiana's Civil War Museum, formerly known as the Confederate Museum, is one of the largest repositories of Confederacy-related artifacts and memorabilia in the United States. Housed in a stone Romanesque-style building, this is the oldest museum in Louisiana. The Confederate Memorial Hall Museum opened to the public in 1891 and today houses the second largest Civil War collection in the world."

"What kind of ammunition and instruments did they use against one another?. The Confederate Memorial Hall commemorates the American Civil War by keeping a preserved exhibition of all the materials involved. Here you will get a chance to learn about all of the battles, trials, and about each person that played a vital role in the Civil War."

"Louisiana’s Civil War Museum opened in 1891, making it the oldest operating museum in Louisiana. It is also known as the Confederate Memorial Hall Museum. Here, you’ll find a large collection of historical artifacts from the Civil War."

"A Victorian-style mansion with old south design and distinct luxurious charm, it is now used for weddings, as a museum, and also to host frog farm exhibits. With so many things under its belt, it’s hard to imagine that the House of Broel isn’t among the main attractions of New Orleans. The house is named after Bonnie Broel, an ordained minister, a Polish Countess, and the Dollhouse Museum curator."

"House of Broel is an opulent 19th century mansion located in one of New Orleans’ most picturesque neighborhoods, the Garden District. Owner Bonnie Broel has turned her home into an in-demand wedding destination that offers brides and grooms some of the best Southern charm that New Orleans has to offer. For casual visitors, House of Broel offers an off-the-beaten-path gem: a doll museum."

"Consistently ranked one of the best things to do in New Orleans, as well as one of the top museums in the nation, The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American Experience in the war that changed the world. The extensive exhibits span four buildings and cover all aspects of WWII, from the European and Pacific fronts to the Louisiana home-front. BB’s Stage Door Canteen recreates the exciting musical productions and big band performances of the 1940s, while Final Mission: USS Tang Experience offers an interactive look at one of the most epic submarine battles of the war."

"Head to New Orleans' Central Business District for a look into the United States' contributions to the Allies and eventual victory in World War II, as well as the battle of Normandy. This museum prides itself in providing an emphasis on the American experience during this war and is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, so you can be sure that you'll leave educated and satisfied with your experience at the museum. It definitely should be on your list of places to visit in New Orleans!"

"The WWII museum is said to be one of the best in the USA and is another great option. Dinner at Bacchanal Wine Bar"

"One of the oldest houses in the French Quarter, Madame John’s Legacy is an example of eighteenth-century Louisiana Creole architecture. The house was raised high enough to withstand frequent flooding of the area and has ventilating features to alleviate the subtropical heat. It also managed to survive the great fire of 1794."

"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."

"The Whitney Plantation House is meant to be the best one which doesn’t just focus on the mansion and owners but instead focuses on slavery and is turned into a slavery museum, with the money benefitting descendants of slaves (from what I’m told). I am really bummed I didn’t go here – I thought they might be unethical, then Sam talked to some locals who said this place was legit and totally a do-not-miss. Something to do on the next trip."

"The Whitney plantation is the first American museum dedicated to slavery. It has records of memoirs from literate slaves and their experiences. The Whitney plantation focuses on the institution of slavery. The Laura plantation is a creole owned plantation whereby the family tell the history of the their generation."

"If you’re going to visit any plantations, please make The Whitney Plantation a priority. It’s the first slavery museum in America, dedicated to telling the history of slaves in their own words, taken from historical records."

"Curried chicken salad made with apples, walnuts, celery and raisins tops baby greens and tomatoes in roasted garlic balsamic vinaigrette."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. On a lazy Sunday when you wake up feeling hungry that you need to please your stomach right away, you should find your way to Li'l Dizzy’s Cafe to indulge in a sumptuous brunch buffet, because it is the only time the restaurant serves its delicious brunch. The restaurant’s Sunday brunch menu includes specials such as shrimp grillade and seafood omelet poboy and all you can eat."

"New Orleans's famous Baquet family oversees this laid-back establishment and its brunch buffet, which serves as a primer in Creole cuisine. It's a no-nonsense operation here; don't expect complicated cocktails or six versions of avocado toast. You’re here for the variety of local specialities on offer, not to see and be seen."

"1500 Esplanade Ave., (504) 569-8997; Rendon Inn, 4501 Eve St.; www.lildizzyscafe.net. Southern fried chicken is seasoned with dried onion, garlic, red pepper and paprika. Reservations accepted."

"On the block of Plum and Burdette Street in Uptown New Orleans sits Plum Street Snowballs, a colorful neighborhood stand first established in 1945. Serving over 50+ sno-balls from March through October, this vintage spot, which represents NOLA’s authentic culture, serves its house-made creations with real snow made from a generations-old patented ice machine, fruit-flavored syrups and delicious condensed milk. 1300 Burdette St, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, +1 (504) 866-7996"

"The shaved ice here is beloved for its smooth, soft texture (not an ice chunk in sight), and comes in a miles-long list of flavors, including options like plum (of course), strawberry, piña colada, mocha, and passionfruit. Remember to bring some bills, as this spot is cash-only. And put your phone away when you approach the counter (or else)."