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    Tank G.

    This is a small park located at center of the St Charles Street Street roundabout (intersection of St. Charles and Howard Avenues). It is on a small island by itself. No matter which way you come, you will have to cross the street. Many of the large Mardi Gras parades roll right past here, making it a popular spot during those events. Before it was called Lee Circle, the park was known as Tivoli Circle or Place du Tivoli. It is named after the Confederate General Robert E. Lee. There was a large statue of General Lee perched on top of the tall granite pillar. However, the statue did not survive the national wave of confederate statue removal. It was on May 19, 2017, leaving only the 60' pillar that held the statue and its base. If you visit there that is all you will see. There is 4 sets of stairs leading up to the pillar from each side. The area is clean and there is not much there, so it does not see many visitors, except some homeless and maybe ab occasional history geek like me. There has been an effort to rename the circle from Lee Circle to Egalite Circle, which is French for equality. I am sure it will be given a new name eventually. There is free and metered street parking near the Circle, if you choose to park and get out. Even though the statue is gone, this spot still has some historical significance and I am excited to see what the city has planned for the area.

    Lee Circle and the Lee Monument, New Orleans
    Bruce K.

    General Lee was removed from the top of the top of the Lee Monument in Lee Circle in New Orleans a few years ago. They haven't yet changed the name of the circle and the monument that the statue was on is still here and tall. So New Orleans still has some work to do. The circle, which was the Tivoli Circle until General Lee came along after 1877, is what we're reviewing today, is controlled by traffic lights. The St. Charles trolley line passes through here, so look out for that. A few residentially-challenged folks hanging out at the top of the stairs but they didn't seem to mind us passing through. [Review 14139 overall, 1461 of 2020, number 11 in Louisiana.]

    Amber H.

    Saw this spot while walking out of the WW2 museum. The actual statute was taken down and Not replaced so it is just a Pillar on a hill. Too bad because the hil itself is quite majestic in the middle of traffic circle lol. Not somewhere I would make an effort to stop.

    The pedestal at Lee Circle no longer holds the statue of Robert E. Lee.
    John S.

    One of the highlights of our trip, among many, was passing by Lee Circle on the St. Charles Streetcar and seeing the 60-foot-high pedestal missing the 16-foot statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. The monument was dedicated in 1884 to a military leader who had no direct ties to Louisiana and had never actually visited the state. The statue was removed in early 2017 following a courageous decision by Mayor Mitch Landrieu. I felt good for the streetcar operator and all other blacks in the city that they no longer have to be reminded on a daily basis that a Confederate general fought to keep their ancestors enslaved.

    Re H.

    It's a fun round-about like they have in Europe. No statue anymore and honestly I'm good with that, but I understand how people will feel nostalgic about the loss of something that was always there. I'll be telling the story of how our city grew and made the decision to remove it. I hope they re-name it something cool, like Musicians Circle. Maybe they'll erect a new statue, but oh lawd the controversy. It's fine the way it is...... it's still iconic in its own way..... And when you drive around it you can go "weeeeeeee" if you want a bit of fun.

    John L. H.

    New Orleans is a town with many monuments. Some are cool, others are lame, but they all tell a story. Lee Circle contains one of the more visible monuments. A large large tower of marble is topped by one of the more famous Confederate Generals from the Civil War. It is very impressive to view from the ground level looking up, or from the Pontchartrain Expressway headed towards the lake. The circle itself is difficult to navigate as others have previously mentioned. New Orleans residents are not known for their driving ability to begin with so a circular road with three entrances and exits is quite confusing to most. The concept of yielding the right of way is lost on those entering the circle and I have had a few close calls here. Currently the circle is home to at least three, but possibly four of the SPCA Bead Dog sculptures. I would have a more accurate count, but lost track when a streetcar nearly t-boned my car.

    Andi F.

    The Robert E. Lee Monument in New Orleans, Louisiana is a historic monument dedicated to Confederate General Robert E. Lee. The monument was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. The monument was included by New Orleans Magazine in June 2011 as one of the city's "11 important statues". There has been a lot of controversy over this statue in the years since it was erected. I think its interesting that he is facing north since he was a General for the South in the Civil War. Every year or so, I hear some new rumor that it is going to be removed, but they don't know what to do with it after its taken down, and the talk quiets down. It is mere blocks away from the WWII museum. Seeing as this is an outdoor statue in a circle, and is on the parade route during Mardi Gras, the city does set out port-a-johns for that. I have seen a drunk stumbling along, urinating on the grass. Other than that, there are no gender neutral restrooms in the area that I am aware of. A fellow YELPer pointed out to me that he could be facing north because he was a graduate of the West Point Academy in high standing when he graduated. Also, upon further research, I found that he went on the side of the south when his home state of Virginia seceded from the union, and that he did not necessarily believe in that cause, but believed the union should remain together. The second bit of information I got from his Wikipedia page, so I am assuming that it is correct. Thank you for holding me accountable Kerri!

    Dominik D.

    Not just a picturesque site, but also a great meeting spot and a good geographic marker for where to go next.

    Danielle K.

    Nice quiet spot to stop and take in the surroundings. Located right next to the World War II History Museum, trolley pick up and drop offs, and a Corky bar. There are some homeless folks walking around however they pretty much keep to themselves. I suggest climbing the Giant Steps up to the top and taking some photos.

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    quick and easy stop while exploring the city. Open, central, and interesting to see as you pass through.

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    Must see historical landmark. New Orleans wouldn't be New Orleans without Lee Circle.

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    10 years ago

    Love this historical landmark! Beautiful piece of art and great place to catch a parade!

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    10 years ago

    Circle K next door to pick up some cheap snacks and water. It gets hot out here on the walking trip

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    Beautiful park in downtown New Orleans

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    Ask the Community - Lee Circle

    Review Highlights - Lee Circle

    I'm sort of conflicted about giving Lee Circle 4 stars, since I'm a born, bred, and proud Damn Yankee who thinks such a giant statue of Robert E.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

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    French Quarter - At night in the French Quarter

    French Quarter

    4.3(251 reviews)
    1.0 miFrench Quarter

    The French Quarter, also known as the "Vieux Carre" is the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans. It…read moreis also simply called, "The Quarter." It encompasses the land along the Mississippi River from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue (13 blocks) and inland to North Rampart Street (seven to nine blocks) and totals 78 square blocks. Everyone should experience the French Quarter at least once! On one trip to New Orleans, I stayed in an historic hotel in the French Quarter, which made that trip very unique and memorable! It's home to Jackson Square which is a 2.5 acre historic landmark park. Preservation Hall, home to the famous Preservation Jazz Band is a must do in the French Quarter. The House of Blues in the French Quarter was the site of a great Billy Idol show my Sorority Sisters and I saw a few years ago. Pat O'Brien's Bar is a fun stop, with a lively courtyard, famous for their hurricanes, and dueling piano entertainment in their piano lounge. I absolutely love the Old Absinthe House in the French Quarter! It's very intimate, rich with history and folklore, built in 1806 and the location of the creation of the Absinthe House Frappe in 1874. It's very interesting to watch the bartenders make Absinthe, which involves a flame and a spoon. Personally, I don't like absinthe; however, I recommend everyone try it (especially here) at least once to decide for yourself! The Dungeon, also in the French Quarter, was a fun destination club to visit. Back then, it opened at midnight (I'm not sure of their hours of operation today) and again, is quite the intimate place and renowned for being the rock n roll hangout for Kiss, Queen, ZZ Top, 38 Special, and more. Cafe Du Monde is another "must do" in the French Quarter! Do try their coffee and beignets! The chicory flavor is unique and the coffee here is very good especially served au lait! The French Quarter is the original Cafe Du Monde New Orleans location which today is over one dozen locations in NOLA. Do not pass up the opportunity to try the original muffuletta sandwich at the world famous Central Grocery! These are giant, delicious sandwiches and seriously, one sandwich feeds two adults easily. There is always a line at Central; however, it moves quickly. Get a jar of their Muffuletta Olive Salad to go! Do visit the French Quarter and laizzez les bons temps rouler!

    What can be said about the French Quarter that hasn't already been written a thousand times?…read more Plenty--once you see it the right way. If you've never been, skip the chaos of Mardi Gras and visit during the quieter stretches of mid-spring, preferably during the day. That's when the Quarter reveals itself. The crowds thin just enough to let you move at your own pace, to look up at the wrought-iron balconies, to hear the music before you see the musician, and to take it all in without fighting your way through it. History here isn't something you read about--it surrounds you. Spend time at Jackson Square, anchored by its iconic statue of Andrew Jackson, and framed by the stunning St. Louis Cathedral. Artists line the square, musicians fill the air, and street performers remind you that this city doesn't separate culture from daily life--it lives it. And then there's the food and music--both deeply rooted, unapologetically bold, and unmistakably New Orleans. Yes, the flavors can lean spicy, but the kitchens here know their audience. Just speak up, and they'll meet you where you are. But here's the truth: no photograph, no movie, no travel piece ever quite captures this place. The French Quarter isn't something you observe--it's something you experience. And once you do, you'll understand why people keep coming back, trying to put into words what is, at its core, impossible to fully explain.

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    French Quarter - Calle santa ana

    Calle santa ana

    French Quarter - One of many haunted houses

    One of many haunted houses

    French Quarter - The Vampire Cafe

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    The Vampire Cafe

    Spanish Plaza - Tranquil.

    Spanish Plaza

    3.8(13 reviews)
    0.7 miCentral Business District

    Beautiful fountain on the water front at the plaza. Its changed thru the years. You used to be able…read moreto go down and sit in front of the tiles with the water misting you. That was fabulous in the warmer months. Now you can't...benches are long gone. But its beautiful to look at....especially at night.

    Wow. It has been a while since this place has been reviewed and man has things changed. This Plaza…read moreis currently under construction and is a wide open waterfront space that overlooks the Mississippi River towards Algiers. It is located between the old ferry terminal and the CityWalk shops. The main feature of the Plaza is a large fountain. It has now changed Its inner portion use to be lined with the seals of the provinces of Spain and you could also be able to walk right down to the fountain. With the renovation, both of those features are now gone. You will also find a Mardi Gras Jester statue here too. This is where one of the river cruise tour boats are docked. I did not see many benches of places to sit here, outside of sitting on the fountain and there is not much shade other than that from the Market Place and World Trade Center. There are paid parking lots, metered street parking and garages available to park, but they are all a short walk. Nothing is really close. There use to be a Fat Tuesday and seafood restaurant here, but that has since gone due to the construction. In 1976, Spain dedicated the plaza to the City in remembrance of their common historical past. It also served as a pledge of fraternity in the future. It was originally named Eads Plaza, after James Eads, the engineer who improved the navigability of the mouth of the Mississippi River. You get one of the best views of the Mississippi River Bridge from here. That is the bridge that connects the city's East and West Banks. Fun fact: This is where the Rex Crew land every year on Fat Tuesday to kick off Mardi Gras Day. The space hosts music concerts, art exhibits, rallys and festivals. I like this park, mostly for what it was in the past and what it can be. Currently there is not much here except the fountain, which is a nice one. I hope that this place reaches it potential soon. It will be awesome again.

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    Spanish Plaza
    Spanish Plaza
    Spanish Plaza

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    Lee Circle - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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