Discover 'The Originals' Filming Locations In New Orleans

Hey guys, if you're a fan of The Originals, you know this show isn't just about vampires, werewolves, and witches; it's also a love letter to New Orleans. The city itself is practically a character, with its spooky charm, historic architecture, and vibrant culture playing a huge role in the series. Today, we're going to take you on a virtual tour of some of the most iconic New Orleans filming locations that brought the Mikaelson family's drama to life. Get ready to feel like you're walking the same streets as Klaus, Elijah, Rebekah, and the rest of the supernatural crew!

A Stroll Down French Quarter Streets

When you think of The Originals, the French Quarter is probably the first place that comes to mind, right? And for good reason! This historic heart of New Orleans served as the primary backdrop for many of the Mikaelson's antics. You'll recognize the wrought-iron balconies, the gas-lit street lamps, and the bustling sidewalks that often featured in intense negotiations, magical showdowns, and, of course, some seriously dramatic confrontations. While you can't exactly step into Mikaelson Manor (we'll get to that!), you can absolutely wander through the real-life streets that were transformed into the supernatural hub of the city. Imagine standing at the corner of Royal Street or Bourbon Street, picturing the Mikaelsons making their grand entrances or clandestine meetings. The showrunners did an incredible job of capturing the unique atmosphere of the Quarter, making it feel both ancient and alive, much like the immortal beings who call it home. We're talking about those narrow, winding streets where secrets are whispered and danger lurks around every corner. The sheer density of history and the palpable sense of mystery in the French Quarter made it the perfect setting for a show steeped in ancient lore and family feuds. Even the sounds of the city – the distant jazz music, the calls of street vendors, the chatter of crowds – were woven into the fabric of the show, adding another layer of authenticity. So, put on your walking shoes and prepare to immerse yourself in the very essence of the city that The Originals so brilliantly showcased. It's more than just scenery; it's the soul of the show.

Mikaelson Manor: A Glimpse of Grandeur

Okay, so Mikaelson Manor, the opulent and sprawling home of the Mikaelson family, is a central location in The Originals. While the grand exterior you saw on screen was often a composite and heavily enhanced with CGI, the inspiration and many of the surrounding shots were filmed in some truly stunning locations around New Orleans. The show aimed to give the Mikaelsons a residence that reflected their immense age, power, and wealth, and they absolutely nailed it. The sprawling grounds, the historic architecture, and the sense of timeless elegance were all key. Think of those incredible scenes where Klaus would brood on his balcony or where family meetings would take place in grand, dimly lit rooms. The production design team really pulled out all the stops to create a place that felt both imposing and inviting, a sanctuary for a family constantly under threat. Many exterior shots that gave the impression of the manor's setting were filmed in and around the picturesque Garden District of New Orleans. This area is famous for its magnificent historic mansions, lush gardens, and oak-lined streets, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of Southern grandeur. While you won't find the actual Mikaelson Manor sitting behind a velvet rope, exploring the Garden District will give you a fantastic sense of the kind of majestic and historic atmosphere that inspired the show's depiction of the family's ancestral home. It's a place where history whispers from every corner, and the sheer scale and beauty of the homes evoke the power and legacy the Mikaelsons always strived to maintain. It's the perfect place to imagine the ancient vampires residing, surrounded by the enduring beauty of New Orleans.

Jackson Square: Where History Meets the Supernatural

Jackson Square is another landmark that frequently appeared in The Originals, providing a picturesque and historically significant backdrop for many pivotal moments. This iconic New Orleans landmark, with its towering St. Louis Cathedral, charming artists' stalls, and the Mississippi River nearby, served as a constant reminder of the city's rich history and enduring spirit. You'd often see characters walking through the square, having serious conversations or observing the city's life unfold around them. The presence of the cathedral, a stunning piece of architecture with centuries of history, often added a layer of gravitas to the scenes. It's easy to imagine the Mikaelsons, ancient beings themselves, finding a strange sort of peace or perhaps even a sense of ownership over a place so deeply rooted in time. The show utilized the open space and the surrounding historical buildings to create a sense of scale and importance, making even casual strolls feel significant. Think about the moments when the supernatural world clashed with the everyday life of the city; Jackson Square was often the stage for these contrasts. It’s a place that embodies the soul of New Orleans – resilient, beautiful, and full of stories. Wandering through Jackson Square today, you can still feel that same energy. You can sit on the benches, watch the street performers, admire the artists, and gaze up at the majestic cathedral. It’s a place where history breathes, and it’s not hard to picture the Mikaelsons moving through this vibrant public space, perhaps contemplating their next move or simply observing the mortals they’ve long outlived. The show's connection to this central, historical hub really grounds the supernatural elements in a tangible, real-world setting, making the fantastical feel that much more believable.

The Historic New Orleans Collection: A Hub of Intrigue

While not always explicitly named, the architecture and feel of various historical buildings in New Orleans, including those associated with institutions like The Historic New Orleans Collection, often provided the perfect setting for the Mikaelsons' clandestine meetings and complex schemes. These institutions house and preserve the rich history of the region, and their stately buildings often exude an air of mystery and importance that fits perfectly with the supernatural drama unfolding in The Originals. Imagine scenes set in dimly lit studies, grand libraries, or elegant boardrooms – the kind of places where ancient secrets are discussed and power plays are made. The show's production team expertly scouted locations that conveyed a sense of legacy and authority, and buildings like those found within The Historic New Orleans Collection are prime examples. These places are repositories of the past, filled with artifacts and stories that echo the long lives and deep histories of characters like Klaus and Elijah. They offer a visual representation of the weight of history that the Mikaelsons carry. When you visit these areas, you can almost feel the presence of the characters, picturing them in hushed conversations or strategic planning sessions within these venerable walls. The detailed architecture, the antique furnishings, and the sheer sense of accumulated knowledge within such collections provide a fittingly dramatic backdrop for a show about immortal beings navigating the complexities of power, family, and survival. It’s this blend of real-world history and fictional intrigue that made The Originals so compelling, and locations like these were crucial in establishing that unique atmosphere.

Cemeteries: Where the Past Never Truly Dies

New Orleans cemeteries, known as Cities of the Dead, are legendary for their above-ground tombs and haunting beauty, and The Originals absolutely leaned into this unique aspect of the city. New Orleans cemeteries were used to enhance the gothic and eerie atmosphere of the show, providing a fittingly dramatic setting for supernatural occurrences and profound character moments. Think of the tombs holding the secrets of generations, places where the veil between the living and the dead feels thin. The unique architecture of these cemeteries, with their elaborate mausoleums and intricate carvings, is visually stunning and deeply evocative. They represent the permanence and the historical depth that the Mikaelsons, as immortals, often grappled with. Many scenes that required a sense of finality, rebirth, or even a confrontation with mortality were filmed in or inspired by these atmospheric burial grounds. The show tapped into the inherent spookiness and the rich history associated with these places, making them feel like natural extensions of the supernatural world. While specific cemeteries might have been used for certain shots, the overall vibe of New Orleans' necropolis is what truly permeated the series. Exploring these cemeteries today is like stepping into another world, one where history and myth intertwine. You can wander through the narrow paths, admire the ornate tombs, and feel the weight of centuries of stories. It’s easy to imagine witches performing rituals, vampires seeking refuge, or even spirits lingering in these hallowed grounds, adding another layer of mystique to the already compelling narrative of The Originals. The show’s use of these locations perfectly captured the city’s reputation for being a place where the past is always present, and the line between life and death is beautifully blurred.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1: A Historic Ground

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, the oldest and perhaps most famous cemetery in New Orleans, provided a deeply atmospheric and historically resonant setting for scenes in The Originals. This iconic burial ground, with its distinctive above-ground tombs and solemn beauty, offered a palpable sense of history and a touch of the macabre that perfectly suited the show's supernatural themes. Many of the tombs within St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 are elaborate structures, testaments to the lives and legacies of those interred within, and the show leveraged this visual richness to enhance its narrative. Imagine characters having intense, private conversations amidst these ancient tombs, or perhaps even engaging in rituals where the spirits of the past could be invoked. The cemetery’s unique layout and the sheer age of the monuments contribute to an atmosphere that feels both sacred and slightly unsettling, making it an ideal location for exploring themes of mortality, legacy, and the enduring power of the past. For fans of The Originals, visiting St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is like stepping directly into the world of the show. You can almost feel the presence of the characters as you walk among the tombs, imagining the secrets they might have shared or the dark magic they might have practiced within its hallowed grounds. The cemetery's status as a National Historic Landmark further underscores the sense of timelessness and historical weight that the show sought to portray. It’s a place where history isn't just remembered; it's felt, making it an unforgettable filming location that added significant depth and visual texture to the Mikaelson saga.

The French Market: A Taste of Local Life

While often overshadowed by the more dramatic and supernatural elements, The French Market also made appearances in The Originals, grounding the fantastical narrative in the everyday pulse of New Orleans. This historic marketplace, one of the oldest in the United States, served as a vibrant backdrop for scenes depicting the city's lively street life, local culture, and the mundane world that the Mikaelsons often had to navigate or manipulate. You might have seen characters browsing the stalls, interacting with vendors, or simply passing through as part of a larger sequence. The market's bustling atmosphere, filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of local produce, crafts, and food, provided a stark and engaging contrast to the dark and dangerous world of vampires and witches. It reminded viewers that even supernatural beings have to contend with the realities of the human world and the city they inhabit. The show used The French Market to showcase the authentic spirit of New Orleans, adding a layer of realism and charm to the series. It’s a place where history meets commerce, where generations of New Orleanians have gathered, making it a living, breathing piece of the city’s heritage. For fans visiting today, walking through The French Market is a sensory experience. You can sample local delicacies, find unique souvenirs, and soak in the energetic atmosphere. It’s a fantastic spot to connect with the real New Orleans that served as the stage for so much supernatural drama. It allows you to appreciate the city not just as a setting for fictional conflict, but as a vibrant community with its own rich history and culture, which The Originals so skillfully incorporated into its storytelling. It’s the perfect place to find a little bit of normalcy amidst the extraordinary.

Restaurants and Cafes: Where Plots Were Brewed

Beyond the grand landmarks, numerous restaurants and cafes in New Orleans provided intimate and atmospheric settings for crucial plot developments and character interactions in The Originals. These often less conspicuous locations, tucked away in charming corners of the city, served as neutral grounds for tense negotiations, secret meetings, or moments of quiet reflection. Think of a dimly lit booth in a historic restaurant where Klaus might have been plotting his next move, or a cozy cafe where Elijah shared a rare moment of vulnerability with another character. The show's creators understood that not all significant events happen in grand halls; sometimes, the most impactful scenes occur in everyday settings that feel grounded and relatable. These establishments often boasted unique architecture, classic New Orleans decor, and a palpable sense of history, contributing to the show's overall aesthetic. The ambiance of these places – the clinking of glasses, the murmur of conversation, the aroma of delicious food – added a layer of realism that made the supernatural drama feel even more intense. While specific restaurant names might not have been heavily promoted within the show, the types of establishments used were quintessentially New Orleans, adding to the show's authentic feel. When you explore the city's culinary scene, you're not just enjoying great food; you're walking through settings that could have easily been a backdrop for a pivotal scene in The Originals. It's a chance to savor the flavors of New Orleans while immersing yourself in the world of the Mikaelsons, imagining the secrets whispered over coffee or the alliances forged over dinner. These intimate settings offered a crucial counterpoint to the epic battles and grand pronouncements, reminding us of the human (or in this case, immortal) element at the heart of the story.

The Supernatural Heart of New Orleans

Ultimately, New Orleans filming locations were essential to the success and immersive quality of The Originals. The city's unique blend of history, mystery, and vibrant culture provided the perfect stage for the Mikaelson family's epic saga. From the haunting beauty of its cemeteries to the bustling energy of its markets and the timeless elegance of its historic architecture, New Orleans itself became a character, breathing life into the supernatural world the show created. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just appreciate a good story, exploring these locations offers a deeper connection to the series and a chance to experience the magic of the Crescent City firsthand. So next time you're in the Big Easy, keep an eye out for the places where Klaus, Elijah, and the rest of the gang brought their ancient feuds and immortal struggles to life. You might just feel a little bit of that Mikaelson magic yourself!

Beyond the Screen: Experiencing New Orleans

Guys, visiting these New Orleans filming locations is more than just ticking off a fan list; it's about experiencing the soul of the city that made The Originals so special. Imagine sipping a Sazerac in a bar that looks like it could have been a Mikaelson hangout, or catching a jazz band in a courtyard where supernatural secrets might have been exchanged. The real magic of New Orleans lies in its ability to blend the ordinary with the extraordinary, much like the show itself. You can take a guided tour specifically focused on The Originals filming sites, or you can simply wander through the French Quarter and Garden District, letting the atmosphere of the city envelop you. Look for those stunning balconies, the hidden courtyards, and the historic buildings that ooze character. You might even find yourself in a restaurant or cafe that feels eerily familiar from a tense scene. The beauty of New Orleans is that its historic charm is so pervasive; you'll feel connected to the show even without consciously seeking out every single filming spot. So, embrace the spontaneity, get lost in the streets, and let the city's unique spirit guide you. Because when you're in New Orleans, you're not just visiting a place; you're stepping into a story – a story that The Originals so masterfully told. It's about savoring the moment, soaking in the history, and maybe, just maybe, feeling a chill down your spine as you imagine the Mikaelsons walking the same path. It’s an adventure for the senses and the soul, offering a tangible connection to the beloved series and the unforgettable city that brought it to life.