5 Famous New Orleans Landmarks You Have to See to Believe!
Many of the sights and experiences New Orleans has to offer cannot be found anywhere else, and in this writer’s opinion, you need to see them to believe them! Here are 5 Famous New Orleans Landmarks You Have to See to Believe!
Table of Contents
- Honey Island Swamp
- Mardi Gras World
- Plantation Country
- St. Louis Cathedral
- St. Louis Cemetery #1
1. Honey Island Swamp
See alligators up-close on a Honey Island Swamp Tour
Honey Island Swamp is considered one of the least-altered river swamps in the United States. Pristine swamp lands stretch 140-square miles, with animals including alligators, bald eagles, owls, wild boars, nutria, snakes, turtles, and black bears! The famous swamp has functioned as a hideout for pirates, moonshiners, and even the illusive Honey Island Swamp Monster, a mythological big foot-like creature that patrols the swamp.
Packed with rare flora and fauna, the Honey Island Swamp is a stunning sight to behold, and remains one of the top famous New Orleans landmarks. Passenger boats have been crafted special to traverse the treacherous swamp. If you’re looking to visit this ancient landmark, try a Honey Island Swamp Tour aboard one of these custom swamp boats led by an experienced guide!
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Honey Island Swamp Tours Online}
Airboats are also a popular way to explore swamps like Honey Island Swamp. You can learn more about airboat tours in Louisiana in a recent article highlighting this special watercraft.
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Airboat Tours Online}
2. Mardi Gras World
*Mardi Gras floats on display at Mardi Gras World in New Orleans. Image by Mardi Gras World Facebook Page. *
This next destination answers the question, “where do the floats go after the famed Mardi Gras celebration?” Located in the Garden District, Mardi Gras World is a must-visit. Artists and craftsmen work year-round maintaining, building, and updating your favorite Mardi Gras floats and props.
Built in 1947, this storehouse builds and decorates over 500 floats a year! The Mardi Gras World Tour allows guests a behind-the-scenes look at how the New Orleans event functions, as well as a sneak peak at upcoming floats!
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Mardi Gras World Admission Tickets Online}
3. Plantation Country
Oak Alley Plantation
Straight out of a history book or Hollywood blockbuster, New Orleans Plantation Country exemplifies the beauty of the Colonial South. Once home to the richest land owners in the South, the estates are now mostly owned by historical societies, maintaining the integrity of the homes and offering guests a first-hand look.
With some plantation homes dating back more than 2 centuries, Plantation Country is unlike any place in the world. Several extravagant homes and estates pepper the region drawing visitors from across the globe to witness the home architecture, antique decor, and beautifully kept gardens and ancient structures.
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Plantation Tours Online}
4. St. Louis Cathedral
Pictured above is the St. Louis Cathedral. Image by Wikipedia.
As seen in many films and TV shows, the St. Louis Cathedral is one of the most recognizable buildings in the French Quarter. It’s the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States and has a rich and fascinating history. The interior of the building is breathtaking and appeals to visitors of all faiths and interests. You can visit the St. Louis Cathedral on the French Quarter History & Architecture Tour.
5. St. Louis Cemetery #1
St. Louis Cemetery #1
Established in the late-1700s, St. Louis Cemetery #1 is one of three notable Roman Catholic cemeteries located in New Orleans, Louisiana. Voodoo priestess, Marie Laveau, is buried in one of the extravagant above-ground tombs, as well as Homer Plessy, a famed civil rights activist.
Experience the historic cemeteries of New Orleans with a St. Louis Cemetery Walking Tour. Tours run daily and hit the sights you want to see, including the future tomb of big-budget actor and New Orleans resident, Nicolas Cage!
{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Cemetery Tours Online}
This famous New Orleans landmark is also rumored to be one of the most haunted spots in NOLA. Paranormal enthusiasts, psychics, and tourists alike flock to St. Louis Cemetery #1 to try and connect with the spiritual realm. If you’re looking for the best spot to find ghosts in NOLA, start here!
So that does it for the 5 Famous New Orleans Landmarks you have to See to Believe! Looking to hit the town and chart your own adventure? Try a Hop On Hop Off New Orleans Bus Tour, with more than a dozen stops and FREE walking tours included in the ticket price. On a Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour, you can see some of the most famous New Orleans landmarks on your vacation!