West Bank

About West Bank

The Mississippi River winds its way through New Orleans dividing the city into the East and West Banks. The West Bank of New Orleans lies across the river from the French Quarter, Downtown, and Uptown New Orleans. The best way to get to the Westbank is via Ferry. Just a short walk from the French Quarter is the Canal Street Ferry Landing. Free for passengers or one dollar per car, it is a great way to experience the Mississippi River at one of the country's busiest ports. There are two Westbank landing sites accessible from the Canal Street Landing; Algiers Point directly across the river, or further upstream to Gretna. Directly across the river is Algiers Point, the second oldest neighborhood in the city, dating back to 1719. Algiers Point is an historic district and has been home to many great Jazz Legends. It now features the Jazz Walk of Fame Tour located along the Levee, next to the ferry landing. Algiers is also home to Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World, where you can get a look behind the scenes of how Mardi gras comes together. A scenic 20 minute ferry ride from Canal Street puts you in Historic Gretna, La. Downtown Gretna contains many historic buildings along Huey P. Long Avenue dating back to the early 1800's. It is home to many events throughout the year including a weekly farmers market, a monthly Art Walk, and the yearly Gretna Fest. The Gretna Festival is held the first weekend in October, celebrates the local culture and heritage, and features many local and national musical groups drawing thousands of visitors each year.