Walking Tours

Algiers Point Ferry

Algiers Point Ferry

Try a Different Point of View

If you’re looking for a pleasant way to spend the day and would like something a little different, try taking the ferry across the Mississippi to Algiers Point.

New Orleans’ second oldest neighborhood, Algiers Point was founded in 1719, making it just one year younger than the French Quarter. The area has a quaint 19th century small-town flavor that is in sharp contrast to the bustling French Quarter located directly across the Mississippi River. Many of the same churches, schools, shops and restaurants there have been a part of the neighborhood for years. Many people who live there enjoy an easy and leisurely commute in to work in both the French Quarter and the Central Business District. It is truly a little village within the city.

You can take the Crescent City Connection Bridge over to the Point, but by far the easiest and most pleasant way to get there is by ferry.

Taking The Ferry

 

Algiers Point is New Orleans' Second Oldest Neighborhood

Algiers Point is New Orleans' Second Oldest Neighborhood

The Algiers Point Ferry has been in operation since 1827 and is free for pedestrians. There is a $1 fee for cars, and you pay on the Algiers side, on your way back. The trip from Canal Street to Algiers Point lasts about fifteen minutes. The boat leaves Canal Street every thirty minutes on the quarter-hour, and leaves Algiers Point every thirty minutes on the hour and half hour. The first boat of the day will leave Algiers at 6am and the last boat leaves Canal Street at 12:15am.

There is a seating area on the upper deck, but pedestrians are also permitted to stay on the lower deck, which many find is better for taking pictures.

While it is certainly a lovely neighborhood for strolling and taking in the various styles of architecture found in the charming homes, you will surely want to stop somewhere and have a bite to eat.

Fortunately, Algiers Point is happy to oblige, with several neighborhood spots to choose from.

Great Neighborhood Spots

The Dry Dock Cafe, located at 133 Delaronde is open seven days a week from 11am-10pm, except for Sundays when they close at 9pm. Their menu consists of salads and sandwiches for lunch, and mostly seafood for dinner. They always have specials for both lunch and dinner, the most notable being Tuesday Prime Rib Night for $9.95. They also serve Sunday Brunch from 11am-2pm.

Just steps from the ferry landing, you will also find Vine And Dine, a wine bar and bistro. Located at 141 Delaronde, this charming little place is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a glass of wine in a quiet atmosphere. It is a small place, with only a few tables and a small bar, so it is a nice place for a romantic evening. The bistro menu features a wide variety of cheeses, foccaccia, and house specialities such as Brie & Crab Au Gratin, a triple creme brie and lump crabmeat blended with garlic and herbs and topped with melted mozzerella.

One of the Point’s most interesting establishments is the Crown and Anchor Pub, New Orleans’ only authentic English Pub. The Pub is at 200 Pelican Avenue, and opens at 4pm Monday through Friday and 11am on Saturdays and Sundays. They are reknowned for their Thursday Night Pub Quiz, as well as their Darts Tournaments — and of course, their beer! Pints are $1 off during Happy Hour from 4-7pm Monday through Friday, and they serve Abita Amber as well as traditional English pub brews like Bass, Boddingtons, Guinness, Harp, Newcastle and Smithwicks.

A pleasant neighborhood, so close yet a world away from the French Quarter, Algiers Point is well-worth taking the time to visit!

 

 

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The Original New Orleans Movie Tours

The Original New Orleans Movie Tours

With so many movies and television shows being filmed in New Orleans lately, the city has been dubbed “Hollywood South.”

While I am reluctant to advocate canned driving tours in any city, and would much rather just walk around and see what there is to see, The Original New Orleans Movie Tour is one tour that is worth taking.

In their comfortable ten-passenger van, you are taken through the Garden District, the Warehouse District, the French Quarter, the CBD, Treme and more, visiting over thirty different locations where famous scenes from well-known films had been shot.

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St. Louis Cathedral

St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter of New Orleans

One of the treasured jewels of New Orleans sits just outside of Jackson Square, in the heart of Old City and it’s likely one of the most photographed landmarks in all of New Orleans.  Saint Louis Cathedral located on Chartres Street on Jackson Square is the oldest continuously active cathedral in operation in the United States.  It derives its name from the 13th Century French King who led two crusades.

St. Louis Cathedral History

The present cathedral is actually the third on the present site of the church.  The first two were destroyed and rebuilt.  This first building was destroyed by a hurricane in 1722 while the second building burned in a fire in 1788.

The current cathedral was started in 1789 and completed in 1794 and then enlarged in 1851 with the central tower being added.  That tower was designed by Henry S. Boneval Latrobe, the first professional architect in America.

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The Heart of City Life

 

Jackson Square in Front of St. Louis Cathedral

From the beginnings of New Orleans the general area of what is now known as Jackson Square was the center of New Orleans life.  It’s closeness to the Mississippi River Port, the church and the government buildings made it the hub of local shipping and commerce.

Jackson Square area functioned as a hub of city of life throughout the rule of the French, the Spanish, then again the French and even after the American rule took over after the Louisiana purchase.

How It Became Jackson Square

After the Battle of New Orleans in 1814, the Baroness Pantalba financed the redesign of the area and lobbied for a more beautiful public square. The square was named in honor of Andrew Jackson, the hero of the battle of New Orleans for which one of three statues are in honor of. The square itself is surrounded by a beautiful iron gate. On the inside you’ll find many beautiful flowers and plants with pathways and benches all for observers to enjoy the splendor of the square.

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