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Excellent way to learn...
Excellent way to learn about the St Louis cathedral with the early days in New Orleans and French Quarter
St. Louis Cathedral: Exclusive Access & Guided Tour
+6 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Price from
- $53 / person
- Location
- New Orleans, United States
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 9 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 20
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Tour Patron
- Meeting point
- Tour guests should collect at the main cathedral door in Jackson Square.
Description
Explore the historic St. Louis Cathedral with exclusive early access before it opens to the public. With a knowledgeable cathedral historian as your guide, immerse yourself in the rich history and architecture of America's oldest continuously active cathedral. This intimate 1-hour tour allows you to capture stunning photos and explore restricted areas while learning about the cathedral's resilience through time. Perfect for history enthusiasts and those looking for a unique cultural experience in New Orleans. - Enjoy 30 minutes of exclusive access before public opening - Expert-led tour by a knowledgeable cathedral historian - Maximum group size of 20 for a personalized experience - Located in Jackson Square, easily accessible for visitors
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, and Sat
- Start times
- 9:00 AM
- Next available
- Fri, Oct 16
- Adult (ages 13+)
- $53
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 15.
Tour Options
Itinerary
St. Louis Cathedral
Experience the grandeur of America’s oldest continuously active cathedral in an intimate, VIP setting. Enjoy exclusive early access to St. Louis Cathedral 30 minutes before it opens to the public, ensuring a peaceful and immersive exploration of this sacred landmark. With small group tours led by expert cathedral historians, hear stories, access restricted areas, and take all the photos you like – all before the doors open to the general public. Founded in 1718 and rebuilt in 1850, St. Louis Cathedral stands on the site of two former churches, one lost in the Great Fire of 1788. Named for King Louis IX of France, it has welcomed historic figures such as General Andrew Jackson and Pope John Paul II. The cathedral is also the resting place of influential early settlers, including Don Andres Almonester y Roxas, who funded its 1794 reconstruction. Over the centuries, it has survived a bombing, a bell tower collapse, and Hurricane Katrina, remaining a testament to resilience and faith.
What's included
Included
Early Cathedral Access - Restricted Area Access
Not included
Does Not Include Self Guided Tour
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
9 reviews
How it compares in New Orleans
- Starting price $53 is 33% above the typical $40 for tours of similar length in New Orleans
Excurgo comparison of 705 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does St. Louis Cathedral: Exclusive Access & Guided Tour take?
St. Louis Cathedral: Exclusive Access & Guided Tour lasts about 1 hour. The itinerary has 1 stop.
How much does St. Louis Cathedral: Exclusive Access & Guided Tour cost?
Prices start at $53 per person for this New Orleans experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does St. Louis Cathedral: Exclusive Access & Guided Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, starting at 9:00 AM.
Can I cancel St. Louis Cathedral: Exclusive Access & Guided Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Tour guests should collect at the main cathedral door in Jackson Square. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is St. Louis Cathedral: Exclusive Access & Guided Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 20 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is St. Louis Cathedral: Exclusive Access & Guided Tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 9 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Tour Patron.
Reviews(9)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
K
Well presented tour
Span of history and diverse connections to people and places is impressive. Guide very knowledgeable and pleasant.
S
Beautiful historical tour of Saint Louis Cathedral
What a surprise. As a local who has attended church, weddings and other events at Saint Louis Cathedral I didn’t think I would enjoy the tour as much as I did. The tour guide was excellent. I learned so much about the history of the Church, The city, local families influence and Pope Loe’s connection to New Orleans. I highly recommend taking this tour. You won’t be dissatisfied. It’s worth getting up early.
C
Amazing!
Wow. What an informative tour. It makes me see this cathedral in a whole new and exciting way. Tour guide was lovely! A real expert.
G
The history of Cathedral...
The history of Cathedral is Beautiful. I can't wait until the renovations are complete and I can return.
R
Great tour with great tour guide
We met Rosemary, our tour guide just outside the cathedral. She was prompt and instructions on meeting were clear. Rosemary was knowledgeable and very personable. We enjoyed our tour and highly recommend it to others. We wish to express our appreciation to Rosemary for giving us a great tour.
M
Stunning Place
Wonderful experience with a very experienced guide I believe her name was Rosemary. Such a stunning place, highly recommend.
A
Beautiful church the tour...
Beautiful church the tour guide was very knowledgeable and learned a lot it was well worth my time and effort
R
Amazing Cathedral Tour
The tour of St. Louis Cathedral showcases the best of The French Quarter. Early access to the church before it opens to the public was truly special. The guide was knowledgeable and well spoken. The VIP tour is restricted in size to keep the experience small and intimate. This is a must-do.
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from$53
5.0(9) Free cancellation