The heart of the square is indeed the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral, and around the square there is often live music, street acts and more. Also on the opposite side (close to the river) is Cafe Du Monde! If you happen to step in the church, take a look at my favorite piece, a statue of Joan of Arc.
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, is the first licensed pharmacy in the US, est. 1816. It's only a $5.00 admission and we HIGHLY recommend that you go at 1pm for the "guided tour". This is all about the "dark side" of the early stages of medicine and how it has evolved. This is also a dark humorous explanation, so if you are easily offended or "P.C." about the subject matter, this is not for you. However learn about the absurd practices and diagnosis made within the city. *Nothing gory in this museum.
Hand's down the best bread pudding in NoLa... Don't let the address full you, this is a romantic yet classic restaurant for traditional French & Creole fusion! Order a cocktail (we love a good old Sazerac, Gentleman's Campfire, Kir Royale, French 75, their signature Galatoires cocktail) Get the sampler to start, if you're still hungry order something after that (but you should be good!). If you just want to grab a drink, go next door to their "33 Bar &Steak" restaurant, but do yourself a favor and order some BREAD PUDDING!
Hands down the BEST PRALINES ( pronounced "PRAW- Leens") in all of NOLA!!! Trust us, as we have taste tested many over the years and we always go back the Laura's. They have traditional and chewy pralines, classic flavor is amazing and they have fun creating flavors like maple, chocolate blends and more. There are plenty of fresh testers on the daily, so pop in for a quick sugar fix!
Fleur de Paris, a place where you can get the ultimate NoLa gear. I'm talking hats, dusters, vintage threads and vintage inspired dresses. The ladies in the family personally love the dusters, as we feel like Stevie Nicks. Their hats are quite unique and you can also have them custom design to your preference. I pop in there sometimes for a little dress up and the nostalgic feeling the store gives.
Hové®, known all over the world for its fine fragrances, was begun in 1931 by Mrs. Alvin Hovey-King. The daughter of a Calvary officer, and wife of a Navy Commander, she spent much of her life traveling around the world and expanding her love of making her own perfume, a craft learned from her Creole French mother. This hobby grew into a serious pastime, and so after the market crash of 1929, which ruined the retired Commander's investment business, Mrs. Hovey-King opened Hové® at 529 Royal Street in what had been the grand house of the popular Spanish Governor Estevan Miro. The family lived in the beautiful apartment above the shop. They are now about to have the 5th generation of their leading ladies take over! This is one of our favorite for perfume, body lotion and candles. Please take the time to smell and find your unique scent. (for both women and men) Our top personal favorite: Heliotrope (we buy this scent quarterly in perfume & lotion).
A beautiful store of handmade lace, linen and soaps from Europe. To be very honest, this store has limited years left. We've been coming here for years to gather beautiful pieces for the home, baptism clothing and the classic panuelos (scarfs). You will notice right away the soft scent of rose in the store. Grab a soap to go and stick it in your clothing drawers (your intimates with thank you). For those who appreciate craftsmanship and fabric textiles you will enjoy this little treasure.