The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis King of France, commonly known as St. Louis Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral on Jackson Square in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical tips for planning a visit.
This guide was checked in July 2026. St. Louis Cathedral now offers a new early-access guided tour, running before the building opens to the public each morning, which is not yet mentioned in many older guides.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Daily, 9:30am–4:00pm (last entry 3:45pm); closed during Mass, weddings and private events |
| Ticket prices | Free general entry (donations welcome); guided tour $49 per person; self-guided audio tour $12.50 per person |
| Address | 615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans, LA 70116 |
| Nearest transport/parking | Riverfront streetcar, Dumaine Street stop; nearest paid parking garages a short walk away on Decatur or North Peters Street |
| Typical time needed | 30–60 minutes (up to 1 hour with a guided tour) |
St. Louis Cathedral opening hours
St. Louis Cathedral is open to the public every day of the year from 9:30am until 4:00pm, with last entry at 3:45pm. These hours apply year-round and do not change by season. The building closes to sightseeing during Mass, weddings, and other private events, so access can be interrupted without notice.
Regular Mass times are Saturday at 4:00pm, Sunday at 9:00am and 11:00am, and weekdays at 12:05pm. Visitors planning a visit around these times should check the cathedral’s online calendar before arriving.
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St. Louis Cathedral ticket prices
General entry to St. Louis Cathedral is free, though donations are welcomed. Two paid options are available for a more in-depth visit. An exclusive early-access guided tour runs Monday to Saturday at 9:00am, thirty minutes before public opening, led by a cathedral historian in a small group. This tour costs $49 per person, plus taxes and fees. A self-guided audio tour, using a provided iPad and headphones, costs $12.50 per person and runs on separate hours, from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in July 2026.
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How to get to St. Louis Cathedral
St. Louis Cathedral stands on Jackson Square in the French Quarter, within walking distance of most French Quarter hotels. The nearest streetcar stop is Dumaine Street on the Riverfront Line, a short walk from the entrance. Several RTA bus routes stop nearby on Canal Street, about a ten-minute walk away. Rideshare and taxi drop-offs are best arranged on Decatur Street, since the streets facing Jackson Square are largely pedestrian.
Parking at St. Louis Cathedral
St. Louis Cathedral has no on-site parking. The closest options are paid public garages and lots a short walk away, including several around Decatur Street, North Peters Street, and the French Market. Street parking near Jackson Square is limited, metered, and strictly enforced, with many spaces reserved for loading or pickups. Booking a garage space in advance through a parking app is the more reliable option during busy periods.
How long to spend at St. Louis Cathedral
Most visitors spend between thirty minutes and one hour inside St. Louis Cathedral. A self-guided look at the nave, altar, and stained glass typically takes around thirty minutes. Visitors combining this with the guided or audio tour should allow closer to one hour in total.
Accessibility at St. Louis Cathedral
St. Louis Cathedral is wheelchair accessible. The accessible entrance uses a ramp and an electric door on the west side of the building, near the Cathedral Garden. An accessible restroom is available inside. Visitors with specific accessibility needs, including large groups, are advised to contact the cathedral in advance on 504-525-9585.
Inside St. Louis Cathedral
Painted ceiling murals depicting scenes from the life of Saint Louis IX of France span the nave and sanctuary ceiling, above the main altar and historic pipe organ.
Stained-glass windows around the building illustrate episodes from the cathedral’s own history, including its founding and later reconstruction.
Several side chapels branch off the main nave, including a shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Prompt Succor.
A commemorative plaque marks the 1987 visit of Pope John Paul II, and the adjoining square honours General Andrew Jackson with its central statue.
A small gift shop near the entrance sells religious items and cathedral memorabilia.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Timing | Visit early morning or after 2pm to avoid the busiest midday period. |
| Crowds | Weekday afternoons are generally quieter than weekends. |
| Layout | Enter and exit through the main doors facing Jackson Square, unless using the accessible west-side entrance. |
| Entry process | No tickets are required for general entry; simply walk in during opening hours. |
| On-site logistics | Leave food and drink outside, and remove hats before entering. |
Frequently asked questions about St. Louis Cathedral
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is St. Louis Cathedral suitable for children? | Yes, general entry is open to all ages, and there is no admission charge. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for St. Louis Cathedral? | No booking is needed for general entry; the guided tour and audio tour should be booked online in advance. |
| Is St. Louis Cathedral open on Sundays? | Yes, though access is limited around the 9:00am and 11:00am Sunday Masses. |
| Are bags allowed at St. Louis Cathedral? | Small bags are permitted; food and drink are not allowed inside. |
| Is photography allowed inside St. Louis Cathedral? | Yes, except during Mass and other services. |
Things to do near St. Louis Cathedral
- Jackson Square: the landscaped square directly in front of the cathedral, lined with local artists and street performers.
- The Cabildo: a Louisiana State Museum site next to the cathedral, covering the state’s colonial and Civil War history.
- The Presbytère: the matching museum building on the other side of the cathedral, with exhibits on Mardi Gras and Hurricane Katrina.
- French Market: a historic open-air market a few minutes’ walk along Decatur Street, with food stalls and craft vendors.
- Café du Monde: a well-known café for coffee and beignets, a short walk from the square.
What to visit tomorrow
- Cathedral of St. Joseph, Baton Rouge: Louisiana’s other historic diocesan cathedral, about 1 hour 20 minutes away by car.
- Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales, Houma: a Gothic Revival cathedral in Terrebonne Parish, about 1 hour away by car.
- St. Joseph Co-Cathedral, Thibodaux: co-seat of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, about 1 hour away by car.
- Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Lafayette: the seat of Catholic worship in Cajun country, about 2 hours away by car.
- Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Biloxi: a Gulf Coast cathedral in Mississippi, about 1 hour 30 minutes away by car.
