New Orleans is a city best explored on foot. Around Champions Square, visitors can find famous sports venues, historic streets, museums, shops, and places to eat. This walking tour begins in the city’s sports district and leads toward the Mississippi River. You can follow the full route or choose the stops that interest you most. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and keep your camera ready because there will be plenty to see along the way.
Begin at Champions Square
Champions Square opened in 2010 on the former site of the New Orleans Centre shopping mall. This 90,000-square-foot outdoor entertainment venue hosts concerts, festivals, private events, and large community gatherings. It becomes very lively on Saints game days, when fans arrive in black and gold to enjoy music, local food, and activities before entering the stadium. Check the event schedule before your visit because access and activities can change based on what is happening that day. View information about Champions Square.
Admire the Caesars Superdome
Walk toward the Caesars Superdome and take time to study its round shape and gold-colored outer walls. Opened in 1975, this downtown landmark has hosted Super Bowls, college championships, concerts, Mardi Gras events, and visits from famous guests. Its 680-foot-wide roof is supported without columns blocking the large space inside. Walk around the building to find different views and photo angles. The Superdome looks impressive from the ground, where its great size is easy to see.
Stop by the Smoothie King Center
Beside the Superdome stands the Smoothie King Center, home of the New Orleans Pelicans. The arena opened in 1999 and hosts basketball games, concerts, comedy shows, and family programs. If the New Orleans Pelicans are playing during your stay, attending a game can add another local experience to your trip. Even without an event, the outside of the arena helps visitors understand how Champions Square connects the city’s main sports and entertainment venues in one walkable area.
Follow Poydras Street
Continue toward Poydras Street, a wide road that runs through the Central Business District. Along the way, you will pass tall office buildings, hotels, restaurants, and pieces of public art. This part of the walk shows a modern side of New Orleans that feels different from the French Quarter. Stop at Lafayette Square, a green public space surrounded by historic buildings. The square dates back to the 1700s and is a peaceful place to rest beneath the trees before continuing your tour.
Visit the Sazerac House
From Lafayette Square, walk toward The Sazerac House near Canal Street. This attraction shares the history of the Sazerac cocktail and the part drinks have played in New Orleans culture. Its displays include old items, hands-on features, and stories about the people who helped shape local drink traditions. Nearby Canal Street marks the border between downtown and the French Quarter. Its streetcars, busy sidewalks, and large buildings make it another good place for photos and people-watching.
Explore the Warehouse District
You can also extend your walk into the Warehouse District, where old industrial buildings now hold restaurants, galleries, museums, and homes. The National WWII Museum is one of the best-known attractions in the area and uses films, planes, vehicles, and personal objects to tell powerful stories. Staying at a plaza suite hotel in New Orleans makes it easy to explore this neighborhood while remaining close to Champions Square, the riverfront, and other downtown sights.
Walk Toward the Riverfront
Head toward the Mississippi River to enjoy a different view of the city. Large ships travel along the water while streetcars pass nearby. Walk through Spanish Plaza or continue to the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk for shopping and food. The Audubon Aquarium is farther along the riverfront and gives families a chance to see sharks, penguins, sea turtles, and animals from Louisiana waters. This part of the route combines outdoor views, indoor attractions, and places to take a break.
End Your Tour With a Comfortable Stay
This route lets tourists experience sports, history, architecture, local culture, and river views in one part of the city. After walking from Champions Square through downtown, relax at a plaza suite hotel in New Orleans with more room than a standard guest room. Plaza Suite Resort offers spacious accommodations in the Warehouse District near many popular attractions. Contact Plaza Suite Resort to plan your stay and make this downtown walking tour part of your New Orleans visit.