New Orleans in 2025 is a living history book, its streets humming with tales of resilience, culture, and charm that stretch back over 300 years. As spring blooms across the Crescent City, the mild weather—think mid-60s to low 80s—makes it the perfect time to explore its iconic landmarks. With a population hovering around 390,000 and tourism booming, this Louisiana gem blends French, Spanish, and Creole influences into a vibe you won’t find anywhere else. From jazz-soaked corners to grand mansions, these historic spots aren’t just relics—they’re the heartbeat of a city that wears its past proudly.
After diving into New Orleans’ latest preservation efforts, visitor trends, and landmark updates for 2025, ten standouts rise to the top as must-see historic treasures. These aren’t dusty museum pieces—they’re living, breathing parts of the city, open to explore right now. Whether you’re strolling the French Quarter’s cobblestone alleys or marveling at antebellum architecture, each site offers a slice of the Big Easy’s soul. Here’s your guide to the top ten historic landmarks in New Orleans for 2025—step into history and feel the magic of a city that never stops celebrating its roots.
1. St. Louis Cathedral
Rising tall over Jackson Square in the French Quarter, St. Louis Cathedral is a showstopper in 2025. Built in 1794 and still the oldest cathedral in continuous use in the U.S., its triple spires and creamy facade are pure eye candy. Inside, vibrant stained glass and gilded altars tell stories of faith and survival through centuries of floods and fires. Open daily with free entry—though donations are welcome—it’s a peaceful retreat amid the Quarter’s bustle. Spring’s soft light makes the surrounding square a prime spot for photos, with artists and musicians adding to the vibe. It’s a cornerstone of New Orleans’ spiritual and visual legacy.
2. Jackson Square
Right outside St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square is the French Quarter’s beating heart in 2025. Laid out in 1721 as Place d’Armes, this National Historic Landmark buzzes with life—think street performers, tarot readers, and vendors under blooming magnolias. Its iron fencing and Andrew Jackson statue anchor a space that’s free to roam, day or night. Flanked by colonial-era buildings, it’s a snapshot of New Orleans’ French and Spanish past, perfectly walkable from Canal Street. Spring’s mild days make it a hub for soaking in the city’s creative spirit without breaking a sweat.
3. The Cabildo
Next to St. Louis Cathedral, The Cabildo at 701 Chartres St. is a 2025 must-see for history buffs. This 1799 Spanish colonial gem, now part of the Louisiana State Museum, showcases artifacts from the 1803 Louisiana Purchase to Mardi Gras traditions. Its arched windows and slate roof scream old-world charm, while exhibits inside unpack New Orleans’ wild journey. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., tickets run about $12—worth it for the deep dive into the city’s roots. Spring’s pleasant weather makes the short stroll from Jackson Square a breeze.
4.The Presbytere
Across from The Cabildo at 751 Chartres St., The Presbytere is another 2025 standout. Built in 1791 as a priests’ residence, this elegant building mirrors its neighbor’s Spanish style with a modern twist—housing exhibits on Hurricane Katrina’s impact and Mardi Gras’ evolution. Part of the Louisiana State Museum, it’s open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with admission around $12. The courtyard’s blooming flowers in spring add a serene touch to its heavy history. It’s a powerful stop that ties New Orleans’ past to its present resilience.
5. Old Ursuline Convent
Tucked at 1100 Chartres St., the Old Ursuline Convent is New Orleans’ oldest building in 2025, dating to 1752. This French colonial survivor in the French Quarter now serves as a museum, showcasing its role as a school and hospital run by Ursuline nuns. Open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., entry costs about $8. Its simple brick facade hides a lush courtyard and exhibits of religious art—perfect for a quiet spring visit. Just blocks from Bourbon Street, it’s a hidden gem that whispers tales of the city’s earliest days.
6. Preservation Hall
At 726 St. Peter St., Preservation Hall keeps New Orleans’ jazz legacy alive in 2025. This 1961-founded venue in the French Quarter oozes rustic charm—think weathered walls and wooden benches—hosting traditional jazz nightly at 5, 6, 7, and 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25 online, and the intimate 100-seat space fills fast. Spring’s cooler evenings make waiting outside a joy, with street sounds blending into the music. It’s not just a landmark—it’s a time capsule of the city’s soul, where every note feels like history in motion.
7. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop
Down at 941 Bourbon St., Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is a 2025 hotspot with 18th-century roots. One of America’s oldest bars, this candlelit haunt in the French Quarter channels pirate vibes—legend ties it to Jean Lafitte’s smuggling days. Open daily from 10 a.m. till late, it’s free to enter, though drinks like the Voodoo Daiquiri run $10-$15. Its weathered brick and dim glow make spring nights here feel like stepping into a storybook. It’s a gritty, lively slice of New Orleans’ wild past.
8. Garden District
South of the French Quarter, the Garden District dazzles in 2025 with its antebellum mansions and oak-lined streets. Born in the 1830s as a retreat for wealthy Americans, this National Historic Landmark district spans from St. Charles Avenue to Magazine Street. Free to explore on foot, its Greek Revival and Victorian homes bloom with spring gardens—think azaleas and magnolias. Streetcar access via the St. Charles Line (about $1.25) makes it easy to reach. It’s a serene, stately escape that screams old Southern elegance.
9. Longue Vue House and Gardens
At 7 Bamboo Road in Mid-City, Longue Vue House and Gardens is a 2025 gem. This 1939 National Historic Landmark blends English manor vibes with eight acres of manicured grounds—fountains, roses, and all. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., tours cost around $15, showcasing art-filled interiors and lush landscapes. Spring’s warm days bring the gardens to life, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Just 5 miles from downtown, it’s a polished peek into New Orleans’ 20th-century high society.
10. St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Line
Rolling through Uptown since 1835, the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Line is a moving landmark in 2025. The world’s oldest continuously operating streetcar, its green cars clatter past mansions and oaks for $1.25 a ride—buy onboard or via the RTA app. Running 24/7, it stretches 13 miles from Canal Street to Carrollton, with spring’s canopy of blooms framing the route. It’s not just transit—it’s a rolling history lesson, tying New Orleans’ past to its present with every clang.
Why these landmarks shine in 2025
New Orleans’ historic landmarks in 2025 are more than photo ops—they’re the city’s DNA. St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square anchor the French Quarter’s colonial core, while The Cabildo and Presbytere unpack its layered past. Preservation Hall and Lafitte’s keep the jazz and pirate lore alive, and the Old Ursuline Convent whispers of early settlers. The Garden District, Longue Vue, and the streetcar stretch history into Uptown’s elegance. With over 25 National Historic Landmarks citywide, these ten blend accessibility—most are free or cheap—and spring’s ideal weather, making now the time to visit.
Tips to explore like a pro
Planning your 2025 New Orleans landmark tour? Start early—French Quarter spots like Preservation Hall and Lafitte’s get crowded by noon. Wear comfy shoes for cobblestones and pack layers—spring mornings can dip to 60 degrees. Book museum tickets online (Cabildo, Presbytere, Longue Vue) to skip lines, and grab a $3 day pass for the streetcar via the RTA app. BART and Muni don’t reach here—use Canal Street buses or rideshares instead. Spring’s dry days (rain’s rare till June) mean outdoor exploring is a go—just hit these spots before summer heat kicks in.
Your NOLA history fix awaits
New Orleans’ top ten historic landmarks for 2025—St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, The Cabildo, The Presbytere, Old Ursuline Convent, Preservation Hall, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, Garden District, Longue Vue, and the St. Charles Streetcar—are calling. They weave a tapestry of colonial grit, jazz roots, and Southern grandeur, all alive and open now. Spring’s the sweet spot—check museum sites like LSM.org or RTA for updates, then dive into the Big Easy’s past. Your historic adventure starts today.
