Ever wanted to experience New Orleans like a princess? The 2009 Disney film The Princess and the Frog, does just that. The movie centers on Tiana, a young girl who dreams of running her own restaurant right here in New Orleans, and her adventures throughout the city following a kiss with an unlikely creature. This beloved film brings New Orleans to life. Tiana’s adventures include riding the streetcar, visiting the bayou, and – spoiler alert – getting married at St. Louis Cathedral, among other things. In honor of the film we love so much, we’ve put together an itinerary for seeing New Orleans through the eyes of Princess Tiana. See why New Orleans is magical – both in the movie and in real life.
Take a streetcar ride throughout New Orleans
The streetcar is more than just a symbol of New Orleans in The Princess and the Frog – it serves as a main form of transportation for princess Tiana. And there’s no better way to see the city than to take a streetcar ride. Stretching from North Carrollton to St. Charles Avenue, all the way to Canal Street, you can get a grand tour of New Orleans for just $1.25. There are five different streetcar lines: St. Charles, Canal Street-Cemeteries, Canal Street-City Park, Riverfront, and Rampart-St. Claude, each of which originates downtown, and takes you to different parts of the city. Hop on any line and see the city just like princess Tiana!
Get some gumbo at Dooky Chase Restaurant
Princess Tiana is inspired by the legendary Leah Chase, entrepreneur and owner of the famous Dooky Chase restaurant in New Orleans. Just like Ms. Chase, Tiana is known for her gumbo. Stop by Dooky Chase for lunch on Tuesday through Friday or dinner on Friday night and get some gumbo yourself.
Have a beignet – or two, or three
Princess Tiana loves to bake this beloved New Orleans dessert herself! And it wouldn’t be an adventure through New Orleans without a stop for beignets. After you take in the serene sights of City Park, stop by Morning Call for a delicious serving. Enjoy a Cafe au Lait while devouring pillowy clouds of powdered sugar right in the middle of the urban oasis that is City Park.
Experience a tarot card reading
Doctor Facilier serves as the antagonist in The Princess and the Frog, but we can’t help loving him and his Voodoo magic. Take a stroll through the French Quarter if you’d like to have your cards read like the characters in the movie, or visit the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum located at 724 Dumaine St. for a look inside Voodoo history.
Visit the Bayou
Banished to the bayou when she becomes a frog, Tiana meets some important friends along her journey back into New Orleans. Luckily, you don’t have to go far to enjoy a bayou in this city. Located in Mid-City near City Park is Bayou St. John, perfect for walking alongside or enjoying on a relaxing canoe ride. Keep your eyes open – you might just run into Princess Tiana (in frog form, of course!)
Take a ride on Steamboat Natchez
A pivotal moment in the movie comes as Prince Naveen is about to propose to Tiana aboard the Steamboat Natchez, as it cruises into the city. It’s a serene moment on the river, and one that you can experience yourself. If you’re looking for that magical moment, we recommend hopping on for the Dinner Jazz Cruise that departs at the Toulouse Street Wharf behind Jax Brewery.
Go on a cemetery tour
Tiana visits a cemetery in the last part of the movie, giving screen time to an important part of New Orleans’ history. Cemetery tours allow you to experience that history while enjoying some of the most beautiful and iconic spots in the city. Take a page from Tiana’s book and add a tour to your New Orleans itinerary.
Finish at the French Quarter
The movie ends with Tiana officially becoming a princess in her wedding to Prince Naveen. The couple ties the knot (as humans) at beautiful St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in the United States, and the perfect ending for our New Orleans itinerary, through Tiana’s eyes.
*Editor’s Note: For more information on planning the perfect family vacation, visit NewOrleans.com.
