St. Louis Cathedral Official Self-Guided Audio Tour

New Orleans , United States

St. Louis Cathedral Official Self-Guided Audio Tour

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About this experience

Discover the Heart of New Orleans at St. Louis Cathedral

Experience the beauty and history of America’s oldest active cathedral at your own pace with the official self-guided iPad tour of St. Louis Cathedral. Step inside this architectural masterpiece in the heart of the French Quarter and let the story unfold through immersive audio, images, and video.

From the soaring ceilings and stained glass to the lives of saints and the echoes of centuries of worship, each stop reveals a new layer of the cathedral’s spiritual and cultural legacy. Perfect for visitors seeking a deeper connection to New Orleans, this tour blends technology and tradition to bring the city’s most sacred landmark to life.

Whether you’re a history lover, architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about the heart of the French Quarter—this experience is a must-do for anyone who wants to see, hear, and feel the story of New Orleans in a truly meaningful way.

Available options

St. Louis Cathedral Official Self-Guided Audio Tour

What's included

iPads and Disposable Headphones Included

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

1. The Grand Facade and Jackson Square – Learn how the cathedral became the heart of the French Quarter and the symbol of Catholic heritage in New Orleans.
2. The Nave and High Altar – Discover the craftsmanship and symbolism behind the marble altar, columns, and vaulted ceilings.
3. The Stained Glass Windows – Explore intricate windows depicting the life of St. Louis, King of France, and key moments in biblical history.
4. The Archbishop’s Throne and Pulpit – Hear stories of the many archbishops and clergy who guided the Archdiocese through centuries of change.
5. The Side Chapels – Visit the chapels dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and other saints significant to local devotion.
6. The Paintings and Murals – Admire hand-painted ceiling frescoes and religious artwork depicting the life of Christ and the patron saint.
7. The Historic Pipe Organ and Choir Loft
8. The Tombs of Bishops and Founders

What's not included

This is a self guided tour and does not include a tour guide.

Available languages

Audio guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The Cathedral Tour Desk is located inside the cathedral lobby.

About New Orleans

New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scene, and unique Creole and Cajun cuisine. It's famous for its annual Mardi Gras festival, historic French Quarter, and the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street.

Top Attractions

French Quarter

The heart of New Orleans, the French Quarter is known for its vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and cultural landmarks.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, attractions vary

Garden District

A picturesque neighborhood known for its antebellum mansions, oak-lined streets, and historic cemeteries.

Historical Half day Free to explore, tours available

National WWII Museum

A world-class museum dedicated to the history of World War II, featuring immersive exhibits and personal stories.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate to expensive

City Park

A vast urban park featuring lush gardens, walking paths, and cultural attractions.

Nature Half day Free to enter, attractions vary

Frenchmen Street

A lively street known for its live music venues, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife.

Entertainment Evening Varies by venue

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gumbo

A rich and flavorful stew made with a dark roux, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables (onions, bell peppers, and celery).

Main Course Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Jambalaya

A one-pot dish made with rice, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables, seasoned with a variety of spices.

Main Course Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Beignets

A deep-fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar, often served with café au lait.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy.

Po' Boy

A classic New Orleans sandwich made with French bread, filled with fried seafood, meat, or vegetables, and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo.

Sandwich Can be made with various fillings, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Popular Activities

Swamp tours Kayaking Biking Spa treatments Park picnics Café hopping Museum visits Historic site tours

Best Time to Visit

February to April

This is the best time to visit New Orleans, with pleasant weather and major events like Mardi Gras. The city is lively, but also more crowded and expensive.

15-25°C 60-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: French, Spanish, Vietnamese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

New Orleans is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis and rideshare services
• Be cautious of strangers offering services or assistance

Getting there

By air

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport • 15 miles (24 km) from downtown

By train

New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station, Megabus Stop

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and covers most of the city, but can be slow due to traffic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

French Quarter Garden District Warehouse District Faubourg Marigny Mid-City

Day trips

Plantation Country

30-40 miles (48-64 km) • Full day

Explore the historic plantations of Louisiana, with tours and exhibits showcasing the region's complex history.

Swamp and Bayou Tours

30-50 miles (48-80 km) • Half day to full day

Take a boat tour through the Louisiana swamps and bayous, with opportunities to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife.

Baton Rouge

80 miles (129 km) • Full day

Explore the capital of Louisiana, with its historic sites, museums, and universities.

Festivals

Mardi Gras • February or March (varies by year) Jazz & Heritage Festival • Late April to early May (two weekends) French Quarter Festival • April (four days)

Pro tips

Visit during the off-peak season for fewer crowds and lower prices
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
Try local cuisine and support local businesses and restaurants
Use public transportation, such as buses and streetcars, to get around the city and save money
Be cautious of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes