Top 10 Things To Do, Activities 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."

"In the 1960s a big chunk of the Tremé neighbourhood, across Rampart Street from the French Quarter, was razed to make way for the 32-acre Louis Armstrong Park. Tremé had a crucial role in the development of African American music, and Congo Square, preserved in the park, was its epicentre. Slaves were given the day off on Sundays from 1724, and from 1817 until the 1850s this space was a gathering point where a multitude of African dances and musical styles collided with European genres and instrumentation."

"Just outside of the French Quarter is Louis Armstrong Park, a public space honoring the jazz musician it was named after. Inside, there are iconic sites like Congo Square, a historic meeting place for slaves in the 1800s. There are also sculptures, a duck pond and plenty of green space where you can relax after spending your morning walking around the city."

"I recommend Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1 to see the tomb of Marie Laveau, a famous mixed race Voodoo priestess. Though other cemeteries are free to explore, to see this one you’ll need to take a walking tour offered Monday through Saturday at 10am, 11:30am and 1pm, and Sunday at 10am."

"Any of the cemeteries downtown make for a great photo opportunity, but we really enjoyed St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. You are required to take a tour to get in, but it was well worth it. We did the $10 tour with French Quarters New Orleans Tour and loved it."

"The oldest cemetery in New Orleans, resting peacefully for over 200 years now. See All 85 Things to Do in New Orleans"

"St. Roch Market is a bright and lively food hall featuring the perfect blend of local food and beverages. If you are looking to explore a variety of new cuisines with a hint of New Orleans flavor, this should be number one on your destination list. With a mix of eleven different dining options all curated by top local chefs, and an award-winning craft cocktail bar, this hall is bound to serve something everyone in your group will love."

"Shuttered by Katrina, the one-time seafood market reopened this spring as a pristine food hall with more than a dozen vendors and abundant counter seating throughout. Among the draws are crab cakes from Elysian Seafood, daiquiris and other cocktails from the Mayhaw and local pecans, okra and raw honey sourced by St. Roch Forage. 2381 St. Claude Ave."

"This food hall brings together a medley of culinary experiences in a restored structure originally built in 1875. The light-filled interior space provides the perfect foil for the street-food-esque dining concept. You may want to visit twice if you want to try all of what the vendors are selling."

"Most visitors choose to stay in the French Quarter and the downtown Central Business District area. The neighborhoods are convenient for what to see in New Orleans in 3 days. They also have access to streetcars and are among the safest parts of the city. You can find a wide variety of places to stay at Expedia.com New Orleans Hotels to make all travel budgets happy."

"Right before noon on your first day in New Orleans, I’ll suggest that you walk around the french quarters, say hello to its friendly locals and admire its colorful houses. I must warn, that you’ll be highly tempted to take a ton of selfies by every house you pass by. I mean, after seeing an image like the one below"

"It’s right on the edge of the French Quarter so you aren’t in the thick of it when you want some quiet but can walk into it in five minutes. It’s a 4-star hotel that feels like a 5. Prices are as low as $120 per night. My room had a bathtub with an amazing view!"

"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,…"

"Located on the corner of St. Louis at Royal Street, the Rib Room has been the haunt of literary greats and the politically infamous for over 50 years. The Rib Room’s rotisserie remains a focal point of the menu of classic to contemporary dishes."

"Omni Royal Orleans Hotel, 621 St. Louis St., (504) 529-7045; www.ribroomneworleans.com. Pan-seared Gulf fish amandine is served with sauteed garlic kale and parsley potatoes. Reservations recommended."

"Briquette, an expansive Warehouse District restaurant specializing in seafood, opened in 2017. Its venue is a historic former refinery space, transformed into a stylish, contempora..."

"What was once an abandoned molasses refinery has turned into a popular seafood restaurant in the Warehouse District. The caramelized sea scallops are out of this world."

"Located on the Fulton Street mall in the Warehouse District, Grand Isle serves seafood straight from local Gulf fisheries. With a wide range of freshly caught specialties, including an award-winning Shrimp Caminada po-boy, Grand Isle is a great spot to kick back and enjoy authentic New Orleans seafood dishes. MoreCallReserveStart Your ReservationWebsiteCoupon"

"They're also offering a Happy Hour To Go all day long (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.) with items like 1/2 price draft beers, wines by the glass and speciality cocktails, 75 cent oysters, $1 chargrilled oysters and more. MoreCallReserveStart Your ReservationWebsiteCoupon"

"Though the cuisine of “Nawlins” can be heavy on seafood and flour-based roux, those with special diets can partake in delicious meals at Meals From the Heart. This café offers many vegan and/or gluten-free options, including alternative versions of the po’ boy sandwich, gumbo, and crab cakes."

"All meals are made to order, and the restaurant delivers, too!. Featured vegan items include gumbo, pancakes, meatless apple sausage, and apple patties."

"Address: 801 Royal StreetNew Orleans, LA 70116Phone: (504) 581-0801Website. Set in the heart of the French Quarter, the cafe features a vampire-themed atmosphere and gothic style decor, inspired by the mystique of New Orleans. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, the menu includes salads, seafood, steaks, and southern classics like shrimp and grits."

"Judge Perez Drive, Chalmette, (504) 309-7548; www.brewstersrestaurant.com. A Brewster burger is a 10-ounce beef patty topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles and served with french fries, sweet potato fries, a baked potato, jambalaya, chili, salad or vegetables."