Beautiful Buildings In New Orleans

New Orleans is full of architectural wonders. Some architecture dates back to the early 1700s when it was first settled by the French. Much of its architecture is also influenced by the Spanish—think ironwork balconies and bright colors. Shotgun homes are common throughout the city, characterized by their narrow rectangular shape. There is also plenty of urban decay and vine-covered buildings juxtaposed with ornate mansions. It’s difficult to nail down a list of the most beautiful buildings in New Orleans, but here’s a sampling that should be on every explorer’s list.

1. Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France

Building, Cathedral

The St. Louis Cathedral is the centerpiece of the French Quarter and one of New Orleans’ most recognizable landmarks. Built as a Catholic Parish along the banks of the Mississippi River in the 1700s, it’s the oldest cathedral in North America and serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans. Open to the public and offering self-guided tours, the cathedral is a solemn piece of history that also hosts cultural events and sermons.

2. Swan River Yoga Mid City Mandir

Yoga Studio

Based in New Orleans’ Mid-City neighborhood on the bustling Canal Street, Swan River Yoga is situated in a building that was once a public library. It was lovingly restored and updated, and is now a light-filled yoga studio and temple. The bottom floor houses a vegan cafe and lobby area, while the upstairs features an expansive, minimalist space for its popular daily classes.

3. The Cabildo

Museum

Once the seat of the Spanish colonial city hall of New Orleans, The Cabildo is now one of the buildings incorporated into the Louisiana State Museum system. Located on Jackson Square, next to the St. Louis Cathedral, it offers historic significance, as it was the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer in 1803. It was also the seat of the Louisiana Supreme Court from 1868 until 1910. Roof repairs on the Cabildo caused a massive fire 1988 that led to extensive damage to the roof, cupola, and its third floor. The building was repaired over the next six years and re-opened in 1994.

5. Melrose Mansion

Bed and Breakfast

The picturesque and beautifully restored Melrose Mansion, built in an ornate Victorian style, is situated on the outskirts of the lower French Quarter in the colorful Faubourg Marigny neighborhood. This gem of a building houses 21 rooms available for rent and is often the site of weddings or other festive celebrations.

6. Beauregard-Keyes House

Museum

This historic residence is located in the French Quarter and is currently a museum that focuses on some of its past residents, including Confederate General Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard, who lived there after the Civil War ended, and author Frances Parkinson Keyes, who was there in the 1950s. For the New Orleans Tricentennial celebration, the museum is also hosting a number of springtime lecture series, book-signings, and other events that celebrate the city’s history.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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