Known over the world for entertainment, located in the heart of New Orleans' oldest neighborhood, the French Quarter. Bourbon Street also boasts many interesting historical buildings. One in particular is Jean Lafitte's "Old Absinthe House" begun almost two centuries ago. Pedro Frout and Francisco Juncadilia of Barcelona erected it to house food, tobacco and Spanish liquor. One tale is that it was here that the notorious pirate Jean Lafitte and "Old Hickory" himself, Andrew Jackson, plotted the Battle of New Orleans.

A visit to New Orleans is not complete without a stroll down Royal Street or Rue Royale, as it was named when the city was a jewel in King Louis XV's empire. Today, famous restaurants, opulent antique shops, art galleries and quaint gift shops greet you. Among the many historic buildings is the LaBranche House, better known as "the Lace Building", built in 1835 for Jean Baptiste LaBranche, a wealthy sugar planter. The house on the corner of Royal and St. Peter streets, with its elaborate, rounded cast-iron balconies, is a favorite of artists and photographers.

Located facing historic Jackson Square and the Mississippi River is one of America's most famous cathedrals; it has the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating cathedral in the United States. It was named after the Patron Saint of Bourbon, France. The first church was built in 1718 and destroyed by a hurricane in 1723, and the second by a fire on Good Friday in 1788. The present structure, which is of Spanish design, was built in 1794 by Don Almonester y Roxas, expanded and largely rebuilt in 1850.

One of the earliest streets to be laid out in the design of the fledgling community. Its most historic building, over 260 years old, is the Bourbon-Orleans at 717 Orleans St. A man named John Davis built the Orleans Ballroom where the famous Quadroon Balls were held, the clock on the Cathedral tolled the hours for the music to start. Mr. Davis also founded the first French Opera House in America, with opulence equal to those in Europe. David lost his enterprise during the Civil War and in 1881 an order of nuns obtained the building for a school. In 1964 the property was sold to the current hotel.

If you are looking for a focal point in the French Quarter, also known as the Vieux Carré, the corner of St. Louis and Royal Street will be your choice. There are excellent restaurants, a first class hotel and a variety of shops displaying the latest in exquisite gifts and antiques, all in a setting of historic buildings. Antoine's Restaurant was established in 1840 by Antoine Alciatore, and is the country's oldest family-run restaurant. World renowned French-Creole cuisine, impeccable service and unique atmosphere have combined to create an unmatched dining experience in New Orleans.

The most interesting area in the heart of the French Quarter, or Vieux Carré as it is frequently referred as. The first floor of the Presbytère was built in the early 1700's by Don Andres Almonester y Roxas, New Orleans greatest benefactor and father of the famous Baroness Pontalba, The Presbytère originally housed the city's Roman Catholic priests and authorities at the start of the 19th century, it was adapted as the city hall, and in the 20th century became a museum. The tempting shops and cafes, and the artwork on the fences surrounding Jackson Square draw visitors and local residents to the area.