Exploring the New Orleans Riverfront: A Guide by GoTravelDaily

Walking Tour Overview

Are you looking to explore more than just the French Quarter during your visit to New Orleans? The Mississippi River banks, bordering the city’s oldest area, offer an ideal setting for a walking tour, whether traveling solo or with family. This vital river is the heart of New Orleans, providing attractions and activities suitable for all ages and budgets.

The riverfront in New Orleans is easily accessible from the French Quarter, convention center, or downtown. If you’re in the French Quarter, make your way to Jackson Square to start your adventure. Located in front of the St. Louis Cathedral and surrounded by artists and fortune tellers, Jackson Square is the perfect launch point for your expedition. Conversely, if you’re coming from the convention center, you may opt to tour in reverse. The distance from Jackson Square to the convention center can be covered in an hour, or stretched over a day based on your stops and activities along the way.

Pastry and People Watching

Skip the typical breakfast chains and stroll across Decatur Street from Jackson Square to Café Du Monde. Here, indulge in one of New Orleans’ signature treats: beignets (ben-yeas). These light puffs of French pastry are generously dusted with powdered sugar, making them a delightful companion to your cup of café au lait. Enjoy the heavenly aroma of these fresh, hot pastries.

While seated in this open café, take a moment to soak in the lively ambiance around you. It’s an excellent spot for observing some of New Orleans’ whimsical spectacles. For instance, across the street, you might encounter a motionless mime, glistening in silver, poised to entertain. Nearby, carriages pulled by mules, adorned with charming straw hats, stand ready for a ride through the historic French Quarter.

River Views

Once you’ve relished your treat, wander past the street performers and ascend to the levee. This area, known as Artillery Park, offers stunning views of the crescent-shaped river that earned the city its nickname, The Crescent City. Benches provide an opportunity for a relaxing break while taking in a different perspective of New Orleans’ oldest landmarks.

If you prefer a closer look at the river, cross the parking lot adjacent to the levee and venture to the area referred to by locals as the “batture.” This location features steps leading down to the river, with the walkway known as the “Moon Walk,” named after former mayor Maurice “Moon” Landrieu.

Woldenberg Park

To the right of the Moon Walk lies the impressive Crescent City Connection, a bridge linking the east and west sides of the city. As you walk towards the bridge through Woldenberg Park, a beautiful linear park along the riverfront, you’ll encounter bandstands hosting music and interesting sculptures. Be sure to check out favorites such as “Old Man River,” the monument commemorating immigrants who passed through the port, and a memorial honoring Holocaust survivors. Take a seat on one of the numerous benches here to leisurely watch the muddy waters of the Mississippi while enjoying the melodious tunes from the Steamboat Natchez calliope playing “In the Good Old Summertime.”

Aquarium and IMAX

At the end of the park, you’ll find the Audubon Institute’s Aquarium of the Americas and the IMAX Theater. On a hot summer day, the aquarium offers a refreshing interlude, showcasing amusing penguins and the largest, most diverse collection of sharks globally. For those seeking a unique experience, there’s an opportunity to touch a baby shark in a dedicated touch pool.

Cruise Ships

Along the river, various cruise ships cater to different tastes and budgets, whether you’re interested in multi-day adventures featuring classic riverboat elegance or a brief two-hour cruise to historical battle sites. Families visiting might enjoy exploring the aquarium and then taking a riverboat ride up to the Audubon Zoo for a delightful day.

Casino and Riverwalk

Just past the aquarium, you will reach Canal Street, the main thoroughfare of the downtown district starting at the river. For a budget-friendly river experience, take the free ferry at Canal Street; it operates every 15 minutes, providing a scenic ride across the river. Should you choose to stay on land, there are several intriguing options available. If gambling piques your interest, Harrah’s Casino, offering 100,000 square feet of gaming space, is conveniently located near the aquarium.

If shopping is more your style, visit the Riverwalk Mall situated on the wharf just past Canal Street. Before entering, take a moment to cool off near the cascading fountain at Spanish Plaza, located at the mall’s entrance, where live music is often featured in the small open-air bar. This space serves as a favored spot in the late afternoon or evening to enjoy free entertainment and a refreshing breeze.

Upon entering the Riverwalk, you’ll discover three levels filled with shops and eateries to explore while live jazz bands enhance the festive atmosphere. Close to the information booth inside the mall are stairs leading to the Hilton Riverside Hotel, home to a fantastic sports bar for those not inclined to shop. The first level also houses a beignet stand for those in need of another pastry fix, and parking validations are available at nearby Butterfield’s for those who drove.

Follow the enticing scents to the Fudgery on the third level, where a fun candy-making demonstration awaits, along with the delicious end product. However, do resist the urge to leap over the counter for a taste as the aroma is simply irresistible.

As you continue to the far end of the mall (Julia Street entrance), be sure to check out the food court featuring a variety of local dishes. Choose seafood from Mike Anderson’s or spicy chicken from Popeye’s and head outside to dine. Al fresco dining along the water provides both tables and close views of large cruise ships. If you visit during Jazz Fest or other major festivals, you may even catch a glimpse of a luxury yacht owned by an international celebrity bobbing in the river.

Whether you have just an hour between meetings or a day full of leisure with your family, the banks of the Mississippi River in New Orleans promise a fun and enriching experience.