It’s supremely pleasant to stroll up to the Mississippi River as it runs by the Quarter. The entire riverfront area has been landscaped with pedestrian paths, public arts projects and small green spaces such as the Woldenberg Park. Sunset is the best time to come up here: couples walk around in love; container ships and ferries ply the water; and all feels bucolic. Nearby is the Jackson (Jax) Brewery, a mediocre shopping mall that does have free public restrooms.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Aquarium of the Americas

0.2 MILES

The immense Aquarium of the Americas is loosely regional, with exhibits delving beneath the surface of the Mississippi River, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean…

2. Williams Research Center

0.21 MILES

Dedicated travelers and history heads should pop into the Williams Research Center; if you have specific queries about almost anything to do with New…

3. New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

0.22 MILES

This beautifully preserved shop, groaning with ancient display cases filled with intriguing little bottles, was established in 1823 by Louis J Dufilho, at…

4. Insectarium

0.23 MILES

We'll be honest: if you're not a fan of bugs and creepy-crawlies, you may be happier elsewhere, because at this lively museum, you'll do more than stare…

5. A Gallery for Fine Photography

0.24 MILES

This impressive gallery usually has prints such as William Henry Jackson’s early-20th-century views of New Orleans and EJ Bellocq’s rare images of…

6. Michalopoulos Gallery

0.25 MILES

Michalopoulos has become one of New Orleans’ most popular painters in recent years, in part on the strength of his best-selling Jazz Fest posters. His…

7. Moonwalk

0.28 MILES

Named for former mayor and politician Maurice 'Moon' Landrieu, this riverside promenade offers great Mississippi views.

8. Jackson Square

0.29 MILES

Whatever happens in the French Quarter usually begins here in Jackson Square, at Decatur and St Peter Streets. It's a gentle, carnivalesque scene,…