St. Louis Cathedral

The Basics

As one of New Orleans' most famous landmarks, St. Louis Cathedral deserves a spot on every visitor's itinerary. Nearly all sightseeing tours in the city include a stop here, whether a basic walking tour or a quirkier supernatural, romantic, or "drunk history" themed tour. Thanks to the cathedral's central location, it's also easy to visit on your own when mass isn't in session; volunteer docents sometimes lead tours, and brochures for self-guided tours are available at the entrance for a small donation.

Things to Know Before You Go

• St. Louis Cathedral is a perfect spontaneous stop on a stroll through the French Quarter.

• Mass takes place daily at 12:05pm.

• The cathedral is wheelchair accessible.

• Expect a full house for mass on Catholic holidays such as Easter and Christmas.

How to Get to St. Louis Cathedral

St. Louis Cathedral is located just across Chartres Street from Jackson Square, so it's easy to get to on foot from just about anywhere in the French Quarter. Parking in the area can be difficult to find, so travelers coming from further afield should consider taking a tour that includes hotel pickup and dropoff, catching a taxi or rideshare, or riding a streetcar to Jackson Square on the Riverfront Line.

When to Get There

While the cathedral is open daily, it closes in mid-afternoon, so it’s best to plan your visit for earlier in the day, either before or after midday mass. Those planning to attend mass on a significant holiday, such as Easter or Christmas, should try to arrive well before the service starts, as seats often fill up quickly.

Visiting the Old Ursuline Convent

Travelers planning a visit to St. Louis Cathedral should also set aside some time for a stop at the nearby Old Ursuline Convent, also located on Chartres Street in the French Quarter. The oldest building in the Mississippi Valley, the convent was built in the 1750s and today houses a museum within its French Colonial facade.

Ways to explore

As one of New Orleans’ most famous landmarks—and the (literal) high point of the French Quarter—St. Louis Cathedral deserves a spot on every visitor’s itinerary. A majority of city sightseeing tours feature a stop outside, including neighborhood walking tours, history tours, and even ghost tours (and other supernatural-themed excursions).

Thanks to the cathedral’s central location, it’s also easy to visit on your own. Aim to drop by when Mass isn’t in session; volunteer docents lead regular tours, and you’re also welcome to explore independently.

Accessibility

St. Louis Cathedral is accessible to wheelchair users via its west entrance, which has a ramp and electric door.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, layers

What to wear

Since this is an active place of worship, it’s best to dress respectfully, and avoid clothing with offensive messages—especially if attending Mass.

Not allowed

Food or drinks, wearing hats

Amenities

Tours, gift shop

Address

St. Louis Cathedral overlooks Jackson Square in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Driving is not recommended, but it’s easy to get there by taxi, rideshare, or public transit, or via tours that include transportation.

Driving

Due to limited parking and one-way streets that are challenging to navigate, driving to St. Louis Cathedral is not recommended. Taxis and rideshares are more convenient, and if you’re in the French Quarter, it’s also easy to walk there.

Public transportation

Take the Loyola-Riverfront (49) streetcar to either Toulouse or Dumaine Street; both stations are just a few minutes away on foot.

Best times to visit

St. Louis Cathedral is open daily, typically from mid-morning to late afternoon. You may wish to avoid Mass, normally held at noon on weekdays. Note that visiting hours may vary if events are planned.

Best days to visit

If you can, go to St. Louis Cathedral on a weekday; on the weekends, a number of services are scheduled, which may limit visiting hours.

Best months to visit

There’s no bad time of year to visit the cathedral. Thanks to its air-conditioning, the building provides a haven for sightseers during the sweltering summer months.

Special events

St. Louis Cathedral hosts events throughout the year, including choral performances, special services, and more. The lead-up to Christmas is a particularly festive time to visit.