June 2024. For our first visit to the United States of America since the COVID-19 pandemic, we flew to New Orleans via London Heathrow with British Airways. After two days of exploring NOLA, Amtrak‘s Crescent overnight train brought us from Louisiana to New York, where we we stayed one night only before flying home.

The New Orleans Riverwalk and Riverfront offer a blend of shopping, dining, entertainment, and big views of the Mississippi River, making them popular destinations for both locals and tourists.

New Orleans Riverwalk

The New Orleans Riverwalk, officially known as The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, has its roots in the 1984 Louisiana World Exposition. By coincidence, we had a refreshment there. 

The site was transformed from a World’s Fair pavilion into a commercial hub, reopening in 1986 as the Riverwalk Marketplace. In 2014, it underwent a significant renovation and rebranding, emerging as The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, the nation’s first downtown outlet center.

Location and accessibility

The Riverwalk is conveniently located along the Mississippi River, stretching from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center to the Spanish Plaza, which is a nod to the Plaza de España in Seville. It is easily accessible by foot, car, and public transportation, with nearby connections to the Canal Street Ferry and the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar line.

Shopping and eating

The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk features over 75 retailers, including high-end brands, local boutiques, and specialty stores. 

Notable stores include Coach, Kate Spade New York, and Le Creuset. But most, if not all, are of the ‘outlet’ type. So big brands, but discounted. 

The shopping experience is complemented by a diverse array of eating options:

• Café du Monde: Famous for its beignets and café au lait, this iconic café offers a taste of New Orleans tradition.
• The Crazy Lobster Bar & Grill: Known for seafood dishes and live music, providing a lively dining atmosphere.
• Ruth’s Chris Steak House: An upscale steakhouse offering prime cuts of beef and an extensive wine list.

New Orleans Riverfront: a scenic promenade

The New Orleans Riverfront features a scenic promenade that runs parallel to the Mississippi River. This walkway offers breathtaking views of the river, the Crescent City Connection bridge, and the various steamboats and barges that pass by. 

The riverfront is adorned with benches, shaded seating areas, and beautifully landscaped gardens, making it a popular spot for leisurely strolls, jogging, and people-watching.

Attractions and landmarks

• Spanish Plaza: Located at the eastern end of the Riverwalk, this picturesque plaza features a large fountain and is a popular spot for outdoor events and gatherings.
• Audubon Aquarium of the Americas: A world-class aquarium showcasing a diverse array of marine life from the Gulf of Mexico and beyond, located adjacent to the Riverwalk.
• The Canal Street Ferry Terminal: Provides ferry service to Algiers Point, offering scenic views of the New Orleans skyline and the Mississippi River.
• Woldenberg Park: A green space along the riverfront that is perfect for picnicking, walking, and enjoying outdoor concerts and festivals.

Events and festivals

Both the Riverwalk and Riverfront host a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, adding to their vibrant atmosphere. These events range from holiday celebrations and cultural festivals to live music performances and food fairs. 

The spacious promenades and plazas provide ample room for large gatherings, making them popular venues for community events and special occasions.

Connectivity to other attractions

The Riverwalk and Riverfront’s central location makes them convenient starting points for exploring other popular attractions in New Orleans. 

They are within walking distance of the French Quarter, the Arts District, and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The proximity to the Canal Streetcar line allows easy access to other parts of the city, including the Garden District and Mid-City.

From New Orleans to New York on Amtrak’s Crescent – USA 2024

1. REVIEW | British Airways Brussels to London Heathrow.
2. REVIEW | British Airways World Traveller London Heathrow to New Orleans.
3. NEW ORLEANS | Streetcars, Garden District, Algiers Point, Riverfront, Jackson Square.
4. REVIEW | Louisiana State Museums – the Presbytère and the Cabildo, in New Orleans.
5. NEW ORLEANS | French Quarter ft. Bourbon Street.
6. REVIEW | voco St. James Hotel.