Located in the historic French Quarter, the Hermann-Grima House, is one of the best examples of upper-class Creole living that you will ever see. The house features a courtyard, the only stable in the French Quarter, and a fully-functional outdoor 1830s kitchen. The best time to visit is from October to May, when cooking demonstrations take place in the kitchen using the tools that were in use during 19th century. The house is huge. It begins on St. Louis Street and ends on Conti Street.

Built in 1831 by architect William Brand for Samuel Herman and his family, the Gregorian-Style structure features the furnishings and mementoes of the family. A unique feature of the dwelling is that the house observes historically accurate traditional dress. In October the house is dressed in mourning while in December festive decorations and food fill the house. The house eventually became a boarding house before it was turned into a museum.

The museum hosts exhibitions of Louisiana female artists. The exhibits range from artwork to pottery to jewelry. The house also offers a Creole Christmas camp for kids, Creole cooking classes, historic mixology classes, and school tours. Tours are available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, and 2 pm and on Saturday at 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm.

One cannot visit New Orleans without seeing the Cabildo. The Cabildo was the original seat of the New Orleans colonial government. Located along the Jackson Square next to the Saint Louis Cathedral, this building is an important part of American and Louisiana history. The Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies were held at this location. The original building was constructed in 1769. The current structure was raised in 1798 to replace the old building that was destroyed by fire. The local government used the building until the mid 1850s. Currently, the Cabildo is a museum that tells the history of Louisiana from the time of the Native Americans until the Reconstruction Era. Many of the exhibit’s displays give you a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals. The museum also holds an exhibit that tells the story of music. Visitors should make sure to view the death mask of Napoleon that was donated to the museum by his doctor. The Friends of the Cabildo offers tours Tuesday through Sunday at 10 am and 1:30 pm. No tours are given on Mondays or state holidays. They also provide monetary support, publish books about the many historical buildings in New Orleans, and augment museum staff.

Jackson Square, originally known as the Place d’Armes or Plaza de Armas, is a major and important cultural attraction in New Orleans. Because of its proximity to the Mississippi River, Saint Louis Cathedral, and the Cabildo, it was and is a popular meeting spot. Architect and landscape architect Louis H. Pilié designed the plaza in 1721. The square received its current name in 1850. The square was named after President Andrew Jackson. President Jackson was a hero of the War of 1812 and a statue of him on horseback is in the center of the square. The statue is one of four identical statues in the United States. The square was a hubbub of activity in colonial times and is where the militia performed drills, vendors sold their wares at the open-air market, and public hangings and beheadings occurred. No longer the site of hangings or beheadings, today’s visitors can have their portrait or caricature drawn by an artist or be entertained by the colorful dancers, mimes, clowns, or singers. In addition, they can buy the works of the many artists who line the walkways. The site has been the location of many movies, festive events, television shows, and is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike.

The Saint Louis Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals that still in continuous use in the United States. It was dedicated to King Louis IX of France in 1718. The place of worship is located in the French Quarter and features Spanish Colonial and Renaissance architecture. It is also a building that is most associated with the city of New Orleans. Originally constructed in 1718, the church has over 6,000 members. The current cathedral was built in 1789. A renovation in 1850 completely changed the look of the house of worship to the design we see today. The church was visited by Pope John Paul in 1987 and the plaza was renamed in the pope’s honor to celebrate his visit. The cathedral is a popular building and has been frequently photographed and featured in many movies, television shows, and other presentations. Mass is celebrated on Saturdays at 5 pm, on Sundays from 9 am to 11 am, and weekdays at noon. Visitors will admire the Rococo-style, gilded altar and stained glass windows. Tours are available Wednesday through Saturday from 1 pm to 4 pm. Two gifts shops sell religious items and gifts with the proceeds going towards the upkeep and maintenance of the church.

Located in the French Quarter, Madame John’s Legacy is the second oldest building in Mississippi Valley. The house, which features West Indian architecture and Creole-Colonial design, was built in 1789. In fact, it is the only building in the quarter featuring this type of design. This building has stood the test of time and has successfully survived flooding, several fires and hurricanes.

The residence contains a main house, kitchen with cook’s quarters, gentlemen’s guest quarters, and lace-wrought iron bars on the exterior of the house. It is one of the few buildings that survived the fire of 1794 was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970. The house is named after the protagonist in the George Washington Cable short story, Tite Poulette. In the story, Madame John’s lover wills the house to her upon his death.

The museum features an exhibit that tells the history of house. There is also the Goin’ Cross My Mind: Contemporary Self-Taught Artists of Louisiana exhibit that displays the artwork of self-taught artists. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm. The Louisiana State Museum conducts tour of the main house. All other areas of the house are off limits.

The Gallier House is one of New Orleans finest examples of great architecture. The Gallier family built many important structures in New Orleans, including the French Opera House, the Gallier Hall, the Pontalba Apartments, the Leeds Building, and the St. Charles Hotel. Built in 1857 by architect James Gallier, the house features an indoor kitchen and hot and cold running water in the bathroom, a rare luxury at the time of construction. The house is located in the French Quarter on Royal Street and was made a National Historic Landmark in 1974. Beautiful design is what you will see when you visit the Gallier House. The exterior of the house features a carriage-way and a balcony decorated with ornate millwork, while the interior of the house is decorated with elaborate cornices and detailed millwork. There are also several portraits of the family throughout the structure. The house also observes a custom known as Summer Dress. During the summer months, furniture, rugs, and linens are covered or replaced with lighter weight fabrics to help cool the house during hot summer months. In addition to tours of the house, the museum offers camps for children and a special exhibit regarding the African American experience in New Orleans. The Taste of History Camp allows children to participate in the Creole cooking process and includes a trip to the local farmer’s market. The Dig-It Archaeology Camp allows students to study the lives of New Orleans residents. The Urban Black Experience: 19th Century New Orleans is a tour that illustrates the struggles, accomplishments, and contributions the African American Community have made to the city of New Orleans. The house is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 3 pm. Group tours occur on Tuesday and Thursdays at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm.

The Old Ursuline Convent is one of the oldest buildings the Mississippi River Valley. The building is also known as the Archbishop Antoine Blance Memorial Complex and is considered the treasure of the archdiocese. The convent is located on Charles Street.

The convent is named after the Sisters of the Ursula Order, who came to Louisiana in 1727 to start a school an orphanage for girls. Construction started on the building in 1733 and was completed in 1734. Ignace Francois Broutin designed the original structure and Michael Seringue built it.

In 1745, another building was constructed and completed in 1751. When the nuns moved into a larger building in 1824, the convent became a residence for the archdiocese. A portico and gatehouse were added in 1825. In addition to being a school, convent, and a home, the building also served as a make-shift hospital and orphanage.

The nuns also trained Indian and African American girls and the daughters of wealthy Creoles. In addition, they trained French girls, who were imported into the country, for marriage. The statues of praying saints in the courtyard are absolutely beautiful and should not be missed. There are also statues of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini and Father Francis Xavier Seelos. Another beautiful element is the cypress hand-carved staircase. Tours are available from Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm.