St. Louis Cathedral
St. Louis Cathedral
4.5
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Dating all the way back to 1727, this historic church is the oldest continuously active cathedral in the U.S. It overlooks Jackson Square in the French Quarter.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: French Quarter
A small and teeming network of laissez-faire living lounged out on the balmy banks of the Mighty Mississippi, the French Quarter has long been a port of call for folks in search of a good time and a great story. Perpetually inebriated Bourbon Street runs across its midriff like a strand of cheap ribbon tied around an otherwise rather pretty and impressively well-kept vintage dress. Throughout the rest of the Quarter, brightly colored Victorian homes and businesses, famously done up with wrought-iron features, provide a distinct and immediately recognizable backdrop for all varieties of fun. At any given moment in this historic riverside setting, some of America’s finest meals are being cooked, most potent cocktails are being mixed, and most engaging music is being performed.
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Restaurants
1,317 within 5 kms
Attractions
460 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Lily Anne BSeattle, Washington14 contributionsVisit in the Morning!Always busting and busy. We like to go in the morning - less people, less hawkers. It's lovely to just sit on the bench and enjoy your beignets - which we get to go from Cafe du Monde - quicker than getting a table.Visited December 2022Written 27 December 2022
- VivkPaducah, Kentucky4 contributionsBeautifulOur guide informed us this is a basilica, which is a cathedral where the pope has said mass. A cathedral is a church where there are religious relics stored. A church is where people meet to worship. I thought it was interesting and this is supposed to be the oldest basilica in the U.S.Visited January 2023Written 17 January 2023
- Lisa W20 contributionsA Beautiful ExperienceWe attended Mass on Sunday and the Archbishop led the service. The staff of the church were very welcoming and after the Mass they welcomed everyone to stay as long as they wanted and to take as many pictures as they wanted. It is an amazing and gorgeous piece of history, a living exhibit of religious art and artifacts. We were so happy we got up to attend and that everyone was so kind.Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 8 March 2023
- dustythoughtsManchester, Connecticut2,064 contributionsGorgeous and busily peacefulThis gorgeous cathedral is in the central hub of New Orleans, right by Jackson Square, and is worth a visit for the breathtaking architecture alone. However, it's also an active place of worship and is a serene place to pause and reflect despite the constant stream of people. I loved the contradictions between a bustling, social city like New Orleans and the peaceful atmosphere within the cathedral. We were sincerely welcomed when we stepped inside and were allowed to stay for as long as we wanted. We paused to inhale a few moments of calm.Visited April 2022Written 22 March 2023
- VeronicaL495109 contributionsEaster Sunday Mass the Music was specialWe saw the Easter Parade with approx 6 Horse Drawn Carriages and the ladies in their Easter Bonnetts. Then Mass at the Cathedral. The music, simging, Knights of Coulbanus and the Bishops Cermon were all wonderful. A brillant experience for us.Visited April 2023Written 22 April 2023
- Mixa's TravelsOldsmar, Florida3,080 contributionsBeautiful Old Cathedral and MassWe attended the 9:00AM Sunday Mass at the Cathedral. This is a beauitful old Cathederal. It is the oldest Cathedral in continuous use in the United States. The decor inside is amazaing. The service was very good and we were impressed with the Archbishiop and his message. Sadly, we didn't get a chance to tour the Cathedral to learn more of its long and rich history.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 June 2023
- alabama_number_1Livingston, Alabama214 contributionsA must visit each time we are in New Orleans. We love St. Louis CathedralSt. Louis Cathedral is a must visit each time we go to New Orleans. We were there during the week so we did not go for a service, but just going inside gives you the feeling knowing you are in a sacred place. This is a must visit just to see the beautiful cathedral.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 14 June 2023
- CasandraTPSydney, Australia1,056 contributionsBeautiful Cathedral in the heart of the French QuarterSituated at the end of Jackson Square it is the oldest Cathedral in North America. It is free to enter and a welcome relief on a hot day. The guide that was there was so helpful and courteous to anyone who had any questions. When we were visiting they were renovating some of the inside but was still beautiful to photograph or to just sit in quiet to reflect. Definitely worth a visit if in the French Quarter.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 July 2023
- EMSJWeston super Mare, United Kingdom528 contributionsAmazingly Beautiful BuildingOn a very hot day walking around New Orleans we went into look at this beautiful cathedral near Jackson Square. The architecture is outstanding to say the least. And the coolness within was much appreciated on like I said a very hot day. I must add that it’s a shame that gentlemen do not take off their baseball caps when they’re in a place such as this.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 September 2023
- TardykatNew York City, New York1,722 contributionsLooks like Cinderella's CastleBeing the oldest Catholic church in the USA, it looks very modern and new as it has been rebuilt 3 times, with the last in the 1850s. Inside is a cool sanctuary when it's a hot and humid day outside. Perfect respite. Note the beautiful bible though only a copy, the illustrations (in gold) are a work of art.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 29 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
8,408 reviews
Excellent
5,828
Very good
2,075
Average
444
Poor
41
Terrible
20
Mrs. Romence
Grand Rapids, MI125 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
I have been to the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and several other cathedrals in Europe and this cathedral ranks in the top with those contenders. It is such a beautiful creation inside and out. We visited on a Sunday so a baptism was taking place and it was so beautiful to watch. You are allowed to walk inside the sanctuary and take pictures. Many of the statues and memorials are written in French. It is a very beautiful place. I highly recommend that you visit this wonderful piece of history- it does not take long to visit, less than thirty minutes. It is such a beautiful respite from all the homeless people and strong odors outside. Be sure to include this place on your travel itinerary.
Written 11 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol K
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Went to mass with my sister. It is a beautiful cathedral and we were surprised that it is the oldest one in the USA.
Written 31 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tardykat
New York City, NY1,722 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Being the oldest Catholic church in the USA, it looks very modern and new as it has been rebuilt 3 times, with the last in the 1850s. Inside is a cool sanctuary when it's a hot and humid day outside. Perfect respite.
Note the beautiful bible though only a copy, the illustrations (in gold) are a work of art.
Note the beautiful bible though only a copy, the illustrations (in gold) are a work of art.
Written 29 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nancy L
Easton, MD59 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Stop here if you have time. Absolutely beautiful church with a rich history. You don’t have to be Catholic to appreciate the church’s beauty.
Written 19 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EMSJ
Weston super Mare, UK528 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
On a very hot day walking around New Orleans we went into look at this beautiful cathedral near Jackson Square.
The architecture is outstanding to say the least.
And the coolness within was much appreciated on like I said a very hot day.
I must add that it’s a shame that gentlemen do not take off their baseball caps when they’re in a place such as this.
The architecture is outstanding to say the least.
And the coolness within was much appreciated on like I said a very hot day.
I must add that it’s a shame that gentlemen do not take off their baseball caps when they’re in a place such as this.
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jclee827
Miami, FL13 contributions
Jul 2023
It was such a great experience visiting such a historic site. You could feel the spirit as you walked in. I am not a religous fanatic, but you can't help but be moved when you walk in.
Written 2 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CasandraTP
Sydney, Australia1,056 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Situated at the end of Jackson Square it is the oldest Cathedral in North America. It is free to enter and a welcome relief on a hot day. The guide that was there was so helpful and courteous to anyone who had any questions. When we were visiting they were renovating some of the inside but was still beautiful to photograph or to just sit in quiet to reflect. Definitely worth a visit if in the French Quarter.
Written 27 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Explorethis
New York City, NY97 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
Beautiful on the inside, air-conditioned and free. It is directly across from Jackson square and worth a visit if you are in the area.
Written 28 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alabama_number_1
Livingston, AL214 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
St. Louis Cathedral is a must visit each time we go to New Orleans. We were there during the week so we did not go for a service, but just going inside gives you the feeling knowing you are in a sacred place. This is a must visit just to see the beautiful cathedral.
Written 14 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mixa's Travels
Oldsmar, FL3,080 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We attended the 9:00AM Sunday Mass at the Cathedral. This is a beauitful old Cathederal. It is the oldest Cathedral in continuous use in the United States. The decor inside is amazaing. The service was very good and we were impressed with the Archbishiop and his message. Sadly, we didn't get a chance to tour the Cathedral to learn more of its long and rich history.
Written 4 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SarahbooRN
Lake Forest, CA31 contributions
Did you need tickets to attend the Ash Wednesday Mass? Thanks
d828
Indianapolis, IN267 contributions
I do not believe so.
Raven S
Saint Louis, MO9 contributions
Is Sunday mass normally packed? I will be visiting for a week and wanted to attend a 9 AM Sunday mass service.
CBTV
Irvine, CA65 contributions
I attended Saturday evening Mass so I don’t know about Sunday. Sunday morning Mass at any Catholic Church is always more crowded than a Sunday afternoon or Saturday evening service. It’s always best to go early. The good thing about going on Sunday is that all the street parking is FREE! (But be careful of the signs bc you don’t want to park in a residential area or a loading area). You must go early to find the free street parking though bc it fills up quickly.
How early should we arrive at st Luis cathedral Christmas concert to get a seat
KaykellsdoesNOLA
Shreveport, LA23 contributions
This one s easy. A line begins to form up to 2 hours prior to the doors opening. I know because I have done this 3 different seasons, and it is always a line and a wait, so the earlier you get there, the better. Also, my suggestion, immediately after the choir performance, the caroling in Jackson Square begins. Forget about trying to leave the cathedral and get into the actual square. It is best to hang the perimeters and just listen to the carols. It is so packed, you literally can barely move.
Is there any means of travel after the midnight mass is over, to get transportation to a place where one is staying?
Kenneth R
Waco, TX200 contributions
I don't know
gracengoats
Lumberton, TX28 contributions
How long do Sunday morning masses usually last?
AmandaRhodeIsland
Rhode Island202 contributions
About a hour
Ann B
Zuid-Scharwoude, The Netherlands123 contributions
Hallo, wij willen een dagdeel in dit French Quartier doorbrengen en oa de Kathedraal bezoeken. Nog speciale openingstijden? Wij komen op een woensdag. Graag tips voor deze wijk EN waar te parkeren!
LSSC2013
Brasilia, DF963 contributions
Não recomendo ir de carro, Nova Orleans principalmente o centro histórico, não vale ir de carro, vá de táxi ou uber.  RESTAURANTES Bourbon House - camarão gigante e as ostras cobertas com caviar e tomar "Frozen Bourbon Milk Punch". 923 Decatur Street  New Orleans, LA 70116 Praline: Doce tradicional da culinária cajun, é uma espécie de cookie preparada à base de açúcar, chocolate e nozes. O açúcar as vezes é substituÃdo por um xarope (syrup).  BAIRROS French Quartier é o mais importante, e a circulação se dá entre este e o Central Business District. Ele tem mais prédios na lista do Registro Nacional de Lugares Históricos do que qualquer outra cidade dos Estados Unidos. . Na Decatur Street encontram-se várias das principais atrações de New Orleans: o Café du Monde (800 Decatur Street)  é uma atração à parte, servindo beignets(bolinho de chuva mais suave e aerado) 24 horas por dia, a Central Grocery (Muffuletta), o French Market e a Jackson Square, onde se encontra a Catedral St Louis e ao CabildoBourbon Street e pela Frenchmen Street, para assistir alguns artistas de rua ou, quem sabe, entrar em algum restaurante com show de jazz. el. Preservation Hall é a casa de Jazz mais antiga da cidade é programa obrigatório em New Orleans, contudo é preciso chegar cedo e ficar de uma a duas horas na fila para ter a melhor experiência musical da sua vida. Criado há mais de 50 anos para proteger, preservar e perpetuar o Jazz, a casa não possui banheiro, nem bar e a entrada, ao preço de US$ 20, é limitada. FRENCH MARKET – Mercado de artesanato, comida e muitas opções é um dos mercados agropecuários mais antigos do paÃs. Encontre barracas de comida local e cafés que oferecem os deliciosos pratos cajun, preparados na sua frente e servidos bem fresquinhos. Experimente o sanduÃche de presunto e queijo brie no Continental Provisions. Peça um po-boy de frutos do mar ou uma tigela de jambalaya ou etouffee. DECATUR STREET: É outra rua importante da cidade, onde ao longo dela, se encontra o Cafe du Monde, Central Grocery (Muffuletta), o French Market e a Jackson Square (Praça Jackson), onde pode atravessar para chegar à Catedral St Louis e ao Cabildo. Este último (Cabildo) herança do perÃodo em que a cidade esteve sob domÃnio espanhol.  Nessa rua é comum haver apresentações de Street Dance. RIVER WALK: E o calçadão à s margens do Rio Mississipi, onde também encontra-se o Aquário. Nesta mesma rua está o ponto de partida do Ferry para Algiers, que inclusive não recomendo esse passeio. CALLE REAL: Observar atentamente essa rua e a influência espanhola na arquitetura das casas, devido ao perÃodo em que esteve sob domÃnio espanhol (1762-1803). Me fez recordar a Española Way de Miami.  Aliás, uma das coisas que gostei de New Orleans, foi esse mix, americano, francês, espanhol e africano. MARDI GRAS WORLD – Galpão/barracão onde o carnaval (Mardi Gras) é feito. FOOD AND BEVERAGE MUSEUM (SOFAB) – Museu da comida, bem interessante. PASSEIO Cruzeiro pelos portos no barco a vapor Natchez - A excursão parte de Toulouse St, Nova Orleans, próximo ao Quarteirão Francês - 11h30 - com almoço - Cruzeiro de barco a vapor de 2 horas - Comentários ao vivo a bordo - Jazz ao vivo PASSEIO Riverwalk Shopping Center, um outlet onde estive e que tem bons preços e lojas de muitas marcas Universities, e continua até Carrollton, onde fica o ponto final e todo mundo tem que sair.
missrose2015
Ottawa, Canada15 contributions
Are masses held during the week? If so, what time? My dentist mentioned attending a concert there on a Sunday evening last December. Will there be one this coming Sunday, May 21st? (Our only Sunday in NOLA)
SamC1117
Sydney, Australia57 contributions
Mass at 9am and 11am on Sunday 21 May 2017
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Frequently Asked Questions about St. Louis Cathedral
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