New Orleans Architecture | Must-See French Quarter Buildings

New Orleans is known for Mardi Gras and Jazz capital of the world. You might have heard about the famous Bourbon Street which is pretty wild during the day as well as night throughout the year with its live Jazz music and mass alcohol consumption on the street. But French Quarter in New Orleans is a different side of the America which you have never seen before. From the buzzing high energy of the pubs, street performers, antique shops and art galleries to the Jazz music and extremely delicious Cajun food, French Quarter is a hub of all the amazing attractions to entice any of its visitors. But if you’re an architecture lover, French Quarter has much more to offer. From the blend of its French, Spanish to the American and Creole style architectures, you will witness a unique world. Walking in the oldest and world-famous French Quarter is an experience in itself!

I visited New Orleans this Memorial Day weekend and fell in love with NOLA because it is unique, spectacular and has the vibes of the old world glamor. As an architecture lover, French Quarter was a real treat to my eyes! 

Based on my experience, here’re the 10 amazing must-see buildings in French Quarter that you can’t afford to miss because of its splendid architecture!  

1 St. Louis Cathedral

St. Louis Cathedral is an iconic landmark of the French Quarter, located in front of the Jackson Square. It is the oldest cathedral in the United States. It has Renaissance and Spanish Colonial type architecture. Though its first glance reminds me of Disney’s Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World.  

2 The Cabildo

The Cabildo was the seat of Spanish colonial government in New Orleans but now it has been turned into a Louisiana State Museum. It is located adjacent to St. Louis Cathedral, in front of the Jackson Square. The museum displays important items such as the “founding stone” of the colony and the death mask of Napoleon Bonaparte. It has Baroque style architecture.

3 Hotel Monteleone

Hotel Monteleone is the classic haunt and one of the famous luxuries hotels in the French Quarter. This hotel is famous for its rotating bar known as s Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge. It is a historic landmark built in 1886 and has Beaux-Arts architectural style which is quite intriguing.

4. Miltenberger Houses

This is one of the famous picturesque brick townhouses in the French Quarter built by Amélie Miltenberger for her three sons in 1838, located on the Royal Street. Her granddaughter Alice Heine became famous for wedding Prince Albert of Monaco and this is nearest to royalty you’ll find in the French Quarter.

5. The Cornstalk Hotel

The Cornstalk Hotel is the finest examples of centuries-old architecture with ornately decorated exteriors and balconies which have a unique Victorian charm. It is famous for hosting many celebrities including Bill and Hillary Clinton. The hotel has been listed among of many supposedly haunted establishments that can be found throughout the French Quarter.

6. Pedesclaux-Lemonnier Mansion

Pedesclaux-Lemonnier Mansion is the oldest skyscraper in the New Orleans. It was built in 1811 and located at the corner of Royal and St. Peter streets. Its third-floor study is regarded as the most beautiful chamber, architecturally, in New Orleans. The ground floor houses shops and the upper floors have apartments.

7 LaLaurie House

The LaLaurie House is New Orlean’s most famous haunted house. It was built before 1831. The house was acquired by Delphine LaLaurie in 1831 and it was the most dazzling house with brilliant social events those times. There are several stories related to Mrs. Delphine LaLaurie brutally mistreating her slaves and the house has been haunted by groans, screams and the savage hissing of whips. 

8. Maison Royale

Maison Royale is an exquisite gallery specializing in fine art, rare gemstones and finely crafted jewelry. I loved the intrinsic cast iron work on the balcony of this building as well as the combination of light pink and gray walls. 

9 Louisiana Supreme Court Building

This massive white marble and terra-cotta Beaux Arts structure will definitely grab your attention while strolling on the Royal Street. Louisiana Supreme Court Building was completed in 1910. In front of the entrance stands a monument of Edward Douglas White, a US senator and head of the United States federal court. This is one of the most beautiful buildings in the French Quarter.

10 Townhouses of the French Quarter

There are many private and commercialize properties on the streets of the French Quarter that will leave you spellbound by its vibrant colors, quirky designs, amazing aromas and breathtaking architectures. You can wander the streets all day and never be satisfied to click as many pictures you want. French Quarter is a kind of place that one should not miss in their lifetime because of its history, culture and diversity. 

Do share your experience if you’ve visited NOLA in the comments below? If now, what do you think about it?

Stay tuned for more posts on my New Orleans trip soon and do check my pictures on Instagram!

Till then, happy wandering!

Love,
Ana

**Please note that this post has been transformed into an app by GPSMyCity and you can download it from here for your ios devices on iTunes App Store or the Android app on Google Play. The app works offline so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Did you enjoy this post? Then don’t forget to pin it!