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St. Louis Cathedral — Easter Holiday Activities in New Orleans

St. Louis Cathedral

4.8(4,480)4.8 out of 5 stars, 4480 reviews New Orleans, LA

About St. Louis Cathedral

St. Louis Cathedral is a historic, beautiful, and peaceful landmark in the heart of Jackson Square. It offers stunning architecture, detailed stained glass, a welcoming staff, and a serene atmosphere with background music even outside of service times, making it a great educational and cultural stop for families.

What parents should know

Summarized from real visitor reviews.

Best for: Families seeking a quick, budget-friendly cultural and historical educational stopThose looking for a peaceful, quiet break in the middle of a busy French Quarter dayPhotography-loving teens and parentsSchool-age children who can appreciate history and architectureTeens interested in photography, art, and historic landmarks

Why families love it

  • Free admission with optional donations
  • Stunning architecture, detailed stained glass, and beautiful murals
  • Welcoming and proactive staff who offer to answer visitor questions
  • Peaceful atmosphere with beautiful background music playing even during non-service times
  • Located right in Jackson Square with street musicians, artists, and horse-drawn carriages nearby
  • Intricate stained glass windows and detailed altar

Insider tips

  • Visit during non-service times to freely walk around, take photos, and admire the altar and stained glass
  • Combine the visit with a stroll around Jackson Square to enjoy street jazz musicians, local artists, and horse-drawn carriages
  • Look out for the proactive staff members inside who are happy to answer historical questions

Good to know before you go

  • Visiting during active church services if you want to walk around freely and take photos of the interior
  • Requires maintaining a quiet, reverent atmosphere which may be challenging for very active toddlers
Crowds
Can be busy with multiple visitors taking pictures and walking through even during non-service times, but maintains a respectful, quiet atmosphere
Value
Excellent value as there is no admission fee, though visitors can choose to make a donation or purchase items at the small gift shop.
Food
Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the active place of worship
Accessibility
Stroller-friendly walk-throughs are possible during non-service times
Safety
Staff members are actively present inside the cathedral to assist visitors and answer questions

What parents say

陳愛玉
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"St. Louis Cathedral, located in the heart of the French Quarter overlooking Jackson Square, is a truly beautiful and historically significant landmark. As the oldest continuously active Catholic cathedral in the United States, it holds a special place in the history of New Orleans. Beyond its stunning architecture and rich history, I found the staff inside to be exceptionally welcoming. I even noticed a staff member walking around and proactively offering to answer any questions visitors might have, which was a really nice touch and made the experience even more engaging. The cathedral, with i"

a month ago

Jessica Brouillette
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"I had always seen exterior photos when I would search the area and look for things to do. As part of a walking tour, I noticed that there were people coming in and out and realize that they accept visitors and online liquors so I stopped in. I am so glad that I did. I did a walk-through during the time Where there was not a service so there were multiple people inside taking in the atmosphere and taking pictures. Every detail of this place is so touching and stunning. I recommend taking some time and walking around, even if you just passed by, take a look at the altar and all of the incredibly"

2 months ago

Naxian Creations
5.05.0 out of 5 stars
"A Timeless Stroll Through History and Beauty: Visiting St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square is like stepping into a painting where history, art, and spirituality blend seamlessly. The moment we set foot in the square, we were enveloped by the charm of New Orleans—a city that breathes life through its music, architecture, and deep-rooted traditions. The St. Louis Cathedral, with its striking white façade and towering spires, stands as a beacon of history and faith. Walking inside, we were met with a sense of reverence—sunlight filtered through the stained glass, casting a soft glow over the "

2 months ago

Reviews sourced from public Google data.