St. Louis Cathedral
St. Louis Cathedral
4.5
Architectural BuildingsChurches & Cathedrals
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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See what travellers are saying
  • Lily Anne B
    Seattle, Washington14 contributions
    Visit 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 2022
    Written 27 December 2022
  • Vivk
    Paducah, Kentucky4 contributions
    Beautiful
    Our 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 2023
    Written 17 January 2023
  • Lisa W
    20 contributions
    A Beautiful Experience
    We 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 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 8 March 2023
  • dustythoughts
    Manchester, Connecticut2,064 contributions
    Gorgeous and busily peaceful
    This 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 2022
    Written 22 March 2023
  • VeronicaL495
    109 contributions
    Easter Sunday Mass the Music was special
    We 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 2023
    Written 22 April 2023
  • Mixa's Travels
    Oldsmar, Florida3,080 contributions
    Beautiful Old Cathedral and Mass
    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.
    Visited May 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 4 June 2023
  • alabama_number_1
    Livingston, Alabama214 contributions
    A must visit each time we are in New Orleans. We love St. Louis Cathedral
    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.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 14 June 2023
  • CasandraTP
    Sydney, Australia1,056 contributions
    Beautiful Cathedral in the heart of the French Quarter
    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.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 27 July 2023
  • EMSJ
    Weston super Mare, United Kingdom528 contributions
    Amazingly Beautiful Building
    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.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 8 September 2023
  • Tardykat
    New York City, New York1,722 contributions
    Looks like Cinderella's Castle
    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.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 29 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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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.
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.
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.

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St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans

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