Shreveport, Louisiana Travel Guide

Discover Shreveport, Louisiana: A vibrant city where Southern charm meets cultural richness along the scenic Red River, offering a blend of history, entertainment, and culinary delights.

Shreveport, nestled in the northwest corner of Louisiana, is a city rich in history, culture, and Southern charm. Known for its location along the Red River, Shreveport offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban excitement. Visitors can explore the vibrant downtown area, filled with a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. The city's riverfront is a hub of activity, with scenic parks, riverboat casinos, and the iconic Shreveport Aquarium. The city's cultural scene is equally impressive, boasting numerous museums, galleries, and theaters. The R.W. Norton Art Gallery is a must-visit, featuring an extensive collection of American and European art. For music enthusiasts, Shreveport's historic Municipal Auditorium is a notable landmark, famously known as the home of the Louisiana Hayride, which helped launch the careers of legends like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. Food lovers will find Shreveport a culinary delight, with its mix of traditional Southern cuisine and innovative dining options. From mouth-watering barbecue to savory Creole dishes, the city's food scene is sure to satisfy. Don't miss out on a visit to the local farmers' markets, where you can sample fresh produce and handmade goods. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Shreveport promises an unforgettable experience.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Shreveport.

Visit the Shreveport Aquarium early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more personal experience.
Explore the Red River District for a range of dining and entertainment options in a lively atmosphere.
Check the schedule at the Shreveport Municipal Auditorium for live performances and historical tours.
Spend an afternoon at the R.W. Norton Art Gallery and don't miss the beautiful gardens surrounding the museum.
If you're a foodie, try the local farmers' markets for fresh produce and unique Louisiana treats.

Neighbourhoods in Shreveport

Downtown Riverfront

Highland Historic District

Explore All Neighbourhoods in Shreveport

Explore Shreveport: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Shreveport

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Shreveport Aquarium

Discover the vibrant marine life and interactive exhibits at Shreveport Aquarium, a top attraction for tourists and families along the Downtown Riverfront.

4.4

Sci-Port Discovery Center

Discover science and fun at the Sci-Port Discovery Center in Shreveport, LA—a thrilling destination for families and science enthusiasts.

4.3

Wonder Oasis Waterpark

Discover exhilarating water slides, relaxing pools, and family-friendly fun at Wonder Oasis Waterpark in Shreveport, Louisiana.

3.9

Betty Virginia Park

Discover the beauty and tranquility of Betty Virginia Park, an urban oasis in Shreveport, Louisiana, perfect for families and nature lovers.

4.6

Best landmarks in Shreveport

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Bally's Shreveport Casino & Hotel

Discover the ultimate gaming and relaxation experience at Bally's Shreveport Casino & Hotel, where luxury meets entertainment on the beautiful Riverfront.

4.0

Sam's Town Hotel & Casino, Shreveport

Discover the excitement and entertainment at Sam's Town Hotel & Casino, your ultimate destination for gaming and relaxation in Shreveport.

4.0

Shreveport Aquarium

Discover the aquatic wonders at Shreveport Aquarium, where marine life comes alive along the banks of the Red River.

4.4

Hilton Shreveport

Discover Southern hospitality and modern comfort at Hilton Shreveport, your ideal home base for exploring Louisiana's vibrant attractions.

4.2

Best restaurants in Shreveport

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The Blind Tiger

Discover The Blind Tiger in Shreveport - A lively American restaurant serving delectable Cajun cuisine amidst vibrant Southern hospitality.

4.5

Crawdaddy's Kitchen

Discover the vibrant flavors of Cajun cuisine at Crawdaddy's Kitchen in Shreveport - a seafood lover's paradise!

4.4

Orlandeaux's Café

Experience authentic Creole cuisine at Orlandeaux's Café in Shreveport - where flavor meets tradition in every dish.

4.6

Gibbons Fine Grill

Experience the flavors of America at Gibbons Fine Grill in Shreveport – where quality ingredients meet Southern hospitality.

4.5

Best bars in Shreveport

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Sand Bar

Experience the dynamic nightlife at Sand Bar in Shreveport, a hub for food, drinks, and entertainment in a vibrant setting.

4.1

The Noble Savage

Discover the heart of Shreveport at The Noble Savage, where great food meets vibrant live music in a family-friendly atmosphere.

4.5

Fatty Arbuckles Pub

Fatty Arbuckles Pub: A lively bar experience along the Downtown Riverfront in Shreveport, where great drinks and good company await.

4.4

Strange Brew LLC

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Shreveport at Strange Brew LLC, where local craft beers and live music create an unforgettable atmosphere.

4.5

Best nightclubs in Shreveport

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Haze On Texas

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Haze On Texas, Shreveport's premier night club, offering unforgettable music and a lively atmosphere.

4.3

J.O.S.H. Lounge

Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Shreveport at J.O.S.H. Lounge, where great music and drinks await.

4.3

Central Station

Discover the electrifying nightlife at Central Station, Shreveport's top night club and bar, featuring great music, dance, and drinks.

4.2

The Shreveport Club

Experience the vibrant nightlife of The Shreveport Club, where music, dancing, and exceptional service come together in an upscale setting.

4.8

Best shops in Shreveport

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Bayou Walk Shopping Center

Discover Bayou Walk Shopping Center, Shreveport's top destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, perfect for every traveler.

4.4

Mall St. Vincent

Discover the vibrant shopping experience at Mall St. Vincent in Shreveport, featuring diverse stores, dining options, and community events for all ages.

4.0

Eastgate Shopping Center

Explore Eastgate Shopping Center: Shreveport's premier destination for shopping, dining, and local culture.

4.2

Shoppes at Bellemead

Explore Shreveport's favorite shopping destination with diverse stores, delightful dining, and a relaxing spa experience at the Shoppes at Bellemead.

4.5

Explore Shreveport on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Shreveport, mapped for you.

Shreveport Essentials

Shreveport is accessible by several means of transportation. The Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV) serves as the primary airport, offering flights from major airlines. For those driving, Shreveport is conveniently located at the intersection of Interstate 20 and Interstate 49. Greyhound and Megabus provide bus services to and from Shreveport, and the Amtrak train station in nearby Marshall, Texas, offers rail connections.
Transportation within Shreveport includes a variety of options. The SporTran bus system serves the city and surrounding areas with several routes. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. Renting a car is also a convenient choice for exploring the city and nearby attractions. Shreveport is relatively easy to navigate by car, with ample parking available downtown and at most attractions.
The official currency is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city for cash withdrawals. While most establishments accept card payments, it is advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in areas where card services might be unavailable.
Shreveport is generally safe for tourists, but like any urban area, it is important to take standard precautions. Areas with higher crime rates include the neighborhoods around Downtown and Queensborough, especially after dark. Tourists should avoid walking alone at night in these areas and remain vigilant of their surroundings. Keep valuables secure and be cautious in crowded places.
In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Shreveport has several hospitals, including Willis-Knighton Medical Center and LSU Health Shreveport. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For non-urgent health concerns, numerous pharmacies are available throughout the city. Familiarize yourself with your hotel’s emergency procedures and local emergency contact numbers.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably, especially in the summer when temperatures can be high. Casual attire is generally acceptable. Religion: Do respect religious customs when visiting places of worship. Some churches may require modest attire. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. Southerners are known for their friendliness. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine, such as crawfish and gumbo. Don't forget to tip your server, as it is customary in the United States.
To experience Shreveport like a local, visit the local farmers' markets, such as the Shreveport Farmers' Market, for fresh produce and handmade goods. Attend a live music show at one of the many venues hosting local artists. For a unique experience, explore the Red River District which offers dining, nightlife, and entertainment. Engage with locals who are often eager to share stories and recommendations about the best places to visit.

When is the best time to visit Shreveport?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Shreveport

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Shreveport. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHey y'all
  [Hey y'all]
- GoodbyeSee ya later
  [See ya later]
- YesYeah
  [Yeah]
- NoNah
  [Nah]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/Sure thing
  [Please/Sure thing]
- Thank youThank ya
  [Thank ya]
- Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [Pardon me/My bad]
- How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [How y'all doin']
- Fine. And you?Fine. And you?
  [Fine. And you?]
- Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [Ya speak English?]
- I don't understandI don't get it
  [I don't get it]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseLet me see the menu, please
  [Let me see the menu, please]
- I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [I don't eat meat]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [Cheers!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseI would like to pay, please
  [I would like to pay, please]
- Help!Help!
  [Help!]
- Go away!Get outta here!
  [Get outta here!]
- Call the Police!Call the Po-lice!
  [Call the Po-lice!]
- Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [Call a doc!]
- I'm lostI'm lost
  [I'm lost]
- I'm illI'm sick
  [I'm sick]
- I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [I wanna buy...]
- I'm just lookingJust lookin'
  [Just lookin']
- How much is it?How much is it?
  [How much is it?]
- That's too expensiveThat's too high
  [That's too high]
- Can you lower the price?Can ya lower the price?
  [Can ya lower the price?]
- What time is it?What time is it?
  [What time is it?]
- It's one o'clockIt's one o'clock
  [It's one o'clock]
- Half past (10)Half past ten
  [Half past ten]
- MorningMornin'
  [Mornin']
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [Afternoon]
- EveningEvenin'
  [Evenin']
- YesterdayYesterday
  [Yesterday]
- TodayToday
  [Today]
- TomorrowTomorrow
  [Tomorrow]
- 1One
  [One]
- 2Two
  [Two]
- 3Three
  [Three]
- 4Four
  [Four]
- 5Five
  [Five]
- 6Six
  [Six]
- 7Seven
  [Seven]
- 8Eight
  [Eight]
- 9Nine
  [Nine]
- 10Ten
  [Ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's a/the...?
  [Where's a/the...?]
- What's the address?What's the address?
  [What's the address?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [Can you show me (on the map)?]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [When's the next (bus)?]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [A ticket (to ....)]

History of Shreveport

Shreveport was founded in 1836 by the Shreve Town Company, a corporation established to develop a town at the junction of the newly navigable Red River and the Texas Trail. Named after Captain Henry Miller Shreve, a riverboat captain who cleared the Great Raft, a huge logjam that clogged the river, Shreveport quickly became a commercial hub in the region.
During the American Civil War, Shreveport served as the Confederate capital of Louisiana after the fall of Baton Rouge. The city was a vital manufacturing center and supply depot for the Confederate Army. It was also the site of the Confederate headquarters for the Trans-Mississippi Department. Shreveport remained under Confederate control throughout the war and was one of the last Confederate cities to surrender.
Following the Civil War, Shreveport experienced significant growth and development as the city rebuilt. Railroads arrived in the 1870s, further establishing Shreveport as a transportation and commercial center. The city's economy diversified beyond agriculture to include timber and oil, setting the stage for future economic booms.
The discovery of oil in the early 20th century transformed Shreveport into a thriving metropolis. The Caddo Pine Island oil field, discovered in 1906, was one of the first and largest in the state. The boom attracted workers and entrepreneurs from across the country, leading to a period of rapid growth and prosperity. Shreveport became known as the 'Oil Capital of the South.'
Throughout the 20th century, Shreveport developed a rich cultural scene. The establishment of institutions like the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, the Strand Theatre, and the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum highlighted the city's commitment to the arts. The city also became known for its contributions to the music industry, particularly in blues, jazz, and country music, with venues like the Municipal Auditorium hosting iconic performances.
Shreveport played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement. In the 1960s, the city was a site of numerous protests and civil rights actions. Local leaders and activists worked tirelessly to desegregate public facilities and schools. One of the notable figures was Dr. C.O. Simpkins, a dentist and civil rights leader who played a crucial role in the movement in Shreveport.
In recent decades, Shreveport has continued to evolve, balancing its rich historical heritage with modern development. The city has focused on revitalizing its downtown area, promoting tourism, and diversifying its economy. Shreveport's cultural and historical landmarks, such as the Red River District, the Sci-Port Discovery Center, and the R.W. Norton Art Gallery, continue to attract visitors and residents alike.