Neighborhoods in New Orleans

By Sarah Harris

New Orleans is a major city in southeastern Louisiana with a rich colonial heritage. A popular tourist hub for many, The Big Easy encompasses a cluster of bustling urban neighborhoods and laid-back residential areas. Interesting things to do in the city run the gamut – from learning about the fascinating history of New Orleans at The Presbytère to catching a live jazz show in the Arts/Warehouse District, you should be spoilt for choice! No, really – trust us when we say that New Orleans provides ample opportunity for exploration and adventure. The top tourist attractions are scattered all over the city, so there’s no point in staying in one place – to get a full sense of what New Orleans is all about, we recommend getting out there so you can take it all in. If you’re still uncertain about how to go about sightseeing in New Orleans – don't worry, we’ve done all of the heavy lifting for you! To learn more about the best neighborhoods in the city, have a read through our list of the best places to check out in the area. However you choose to explore The Big Easy, we’re sure you’ll have a blast!

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The French Quarter

New Orleans features a lot fantastic attractions and events, many of which are concentrated in the French Quarter. As the historic and cultural heart of the city, the French Quarter is buzzing with life, making it a great place for sightseeing. Some of the area’s most popular attractions include The Presbytère, The Cabildo, and the French Market. And since this is New Orleans after all, the area is equally well-recognized for its vibrant nightlife – after dark, the French Quarter comes to life with areas like Bourbon Street and St. Ann Street being particularly well known for their dive bars and jazz clubs. Really the only downside of the French Quarter is that it is the busiest area of the city, so we don’t recommend it for those who aren’t good with crowds. Still, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor to New Orleans, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest here.

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Treme

Those looking for history and culture in The Big Easy will be delighted by all that Tremé has to offer. As the oldest Black neighborhood in the United States, Tremé is perfect for those visitors of a curious mind. Tourists can learn more about the area’s unique background through its many cultural amenities, including the Backstreet Cultural Museum, Petit Jazz Museum and African American Museum. The neighborhood is known for its distinct feel and cool-but-casual attitude, making it great to explore on foot. Aside from its fantastic museums, Tremé offers some of the best food in the city – whether you’re looking for a quick bite or something a little more decadent, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Our favorite spots are Li’l Dizzy’s Café, Sweet Soulfood, and Gabrielle Restaurant. We suggest setting aside a whole day to explore this unique area, since there’s a lot to cover here.

The Garden District

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The Garden District is a wealthy and luxurious residential section of New Orleans well-known for its beautiful historic mansions and lush greenery. Anybody who comes to The Big Easy looking for incredible colonial architecture will enjoy touring the Garden District. Of course, you can take a casual stroll through the area to admire some of the homes, though we highly recommend booking a guided tour to learn more about the different styles of architecture which are common around this area. The houses are widely renowned for their beauty, and many of them are even owned by Hollywood celebrities. Aside from boasting some of America’s most stunning architecture, the Garden District is also a great place for avid shoppers, with Magazine Street offering a wide variety of high-end boutiques and eclectic stores to be enjoyed. Known for its awe-inspiring scenery and meticulous gardens, this spot is best explored on foot.

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The Warehouse District

Art enthusiasts will be in for a treat in New Orleans. Set in the heart of Downtown, the Arts/Warehouse District proves that the city's contributions to the art world go far beyond jazz. Renovated brick warehouses flank the streets, housing cutting-edge galleries, trendy sidewalk cafes and eclectic boutiques. By day, wander around the streets lined with colorful art, or visit the American Italian Cultural Center. When you’re done learning about the city, check out some of the most innovative restaurants in the area. We highly recommend Compère Lapin for its traditional flavors and sophisticated yet lively atmosphere. And once the sun sets, catch comedy acts and performance arts just a few blocks from Bourbon Street. A vibrant and fashionable area which still manages to retain much of its southern charm, this place is well worth the visit. We especially love this spot because it is continuously evolving, meaning that this is a great place for seasoned visitors to The Big Easy.

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Marigny/Bywater

New Orleans is a culture vulture’s delight. Often lumped together as one, the two side-by-side neighborhoods of Marigny and Bywater are known for their artisans’ galleries, live music venues and low-key vibe. Marigny is a colorful and friendly neighborhood with a lot to offer. On any given day, you’ll find sidewalk musicians and brass bands which characterize this lively urban area. We recommend checking out the Marigny Opera House and then heading Adolfo's for a bite to eat. Its close by neighbor Bywater is an artsy district of the Upper Ninth Ward, much-favored by creative types and food lovers. Highlights of this area include Frenchmen Street and St. Roch Market, a sprawling food market serving up authentic Louisiana cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. Energetic and bursting with culture, we suggest this spot for anybody who’s looking to get in touch with the city’s art scene.

New Orleans is an exciting city to explore, with so many areas each offering something a little different. Though it might seem a little daunting trying to navigate a new place, we promise that the outcome is totally worth it. And now, you don’t have to miss out! Explore the city to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

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Things to do in Uptown New Orleans

New Orleans is a fantastic cultural hub drawing in millions of visitors each year. Whilst the city is well-known for its big personality, there’s a quieter side to New Orleans that’s well worth exploring. Located upstream of the Mississippi River, Uptown is a delightful grouping of 19th-century neighborhoods. Whilst each neighborhood varies, the area is mostly popular for its beautiful architecture and laid-back atmosphere. Still, if you’re thinking that you’ll be bored there, you couldn’t be more wrong. With some of the city’s best cultural attractions, hidden gems and authentic dining spots, there’s always something to see and do in Uptown – all that’s left to do it decide what it is! Still daunted by the idea of exploring a new place? Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. If you’re planning to discover this charming area of New Orleans, have a read through our comprehensive list of interesting things to do in the area. We promise you won’t regret it! Explore the Area A visit to New Orleans just wouldn’t be complete without taking a look at some of the incredible architecture in the area. Uptown is generally well-recognized for its beautiful structures, though the Wedding Cake House tops the list as one of the area's most exquisite visitor attractions. Built way back in 1825, the house was designed in colonial-revival style, true to the nature of the neighborhood. Today, this stunning Victorian mansion draws in visitors from near and far for its uncanny resemblance to – yup, you guessed it – a fondant wedding cake! With its grandly decorated balconies and columns, this spot paints a true picture of antebellum style. This is a private residence and not available for tours, though its incredible exterior alone makes this spot well worth the visit. We recommend touring the surrounding area, since there are plenty more architectural beauties to be enjoyed. Whether you’re a history and architecture buff or just looking for that perfect Instagram shot, this place is a total must-see. If strolling through aisles of locally sourced produce and fun pantry ingredients takes your fancy, you just might enjoy the next item on our list. Operating weekly year-round uptown, the Crescent City Farmers’ Market is a great place to spend time with friends and family. With over 60 small farmers, fishers and food producers, this spot is one of the top food markets to visit in the city, ranking high up next to the French Market. Still, this attraction’s main draw has got to be its fresh food vendors, serving up a wide array of culinary delights. Try artisanal foie gras with freshly baked bread. Enjoy hand-rolled hot tamales. Or, cool down from the southern weather with some decadent gelato. In addition, you can shop everything from crafts and souvenirs to one-of-a-kind vintage items and collectibles here. We couldn’t think of a better way to soak up the culture and atmosphere of the area. Get Cultured If you’re looking to up the ante from streaming movies on your iPad whilst on vacation, we’ve got a way better alternative. For a great viewing experience that offers something a little different, we suggest heading over to the Prytania Theatre in the heart of the Garden District. A remnant of the Roaring Twenties, the theater dates back to 1927, offering a great taste of the old south. In fact, this place is recognized as the oldest single-screen movie house still operating in Louisiana. It draws in the crowd because of its timeless beauty and can seat up to 750 people. The theater is known for its outstanding programming, with a great mix of modern blockbusters and old classics to be enjoyed. In addition, the spot has traditional movie concessions, with fresh hot popcorn, nachos, candy and also a bar. Since this spot is a single-screen theater, we strongly recommend checking online for what’s showing before heading over. We love this spot because it’s the perfect place to appreciate movies in a unique and atmospheric space. New Orleans isn’t just a great place to catch a jazz show – in fact, the city is packed with fantastic cultural institutions ranging through all types of disciplines. If it’s art that takes your fancy, we know just the place – the Newcomb Art Museum. A constituent of Tulane University, this spot works well to educate and inspire those who’d like to learn more about modern art. The institute is perhaps best known for its significant collection of Newcomb pottery, for which it is named, though there’s a lot more to see here. Walking through the museum, visitors can also enjoy drawings, paintings, sculptures, and prints from some of the world’s most prolific modern artists. In addition, the institute is home to several one-of-a-kind stained-glass windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The museum is small and free of charge, making it perfect for those who are trying to travel on a budget. Since this place is continuously switching up their exhibits, you can visit again and again and you’ll always be seeing something new. A total favorite for locals and visitors alike, this stop works to provide a fantastic cultural experience for those of all ages. Have a Blast! Those looking for great family day trips won’t have look much further than Uptown. Whilst the area is bursting with fantastic things to do, one of our all-time favorite stops has got to be Audubon Zoo. First opened to the public way back in 1884, this place has been delighting visitors from near and far for a very long time. We especially love this spot because it works to cultivate interest in the natural world whilst promoting the idea of conservation. Today, visitors can enjoy engaging and educational exhibits featuring over 2,000 animals across a wide array of species. Expect to see everything from giraffes and zebras to snakes and cougars. If you’re the type who likes to get up close with the animals, don’t forget to check the website before heading out to ensure that you don’t miss live feedings and meetings. This place has several cafés and shopping destinations to enhance the experience. We recommend taking plenty of sunscreen and water, since a lot of the exhibits are outdoors. A total crowd-pleaser, we love this spot for rekindling our sense of childlike wonder. No doubt uptown New Orleans is full of fun attractions and fascinating hidden gems. And now, you don’t have to miss out! Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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Adventurous Things to do in New Orleans

When we think of New Orleans, we think of beautiful architecture, jazz shows, and authentic southern cuisine. What many visitors don’t often consider is the surprising amount of adventurous things there are to do in the Big Easy. Indeed, there are countless things to do here for the daring explorer – that is, if you know where to look. From beautiful hiking trails and swamp tours to spooky cemeteries, New Orleans is a total haven for plucky explorers. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff or just looking to try something new, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Still not sure how to make the most of your time in New Orleans? Don’t worry! We’ll take you through the best adventurous activities and attractions in the Big Easy! Keep scrolling to find out more. See the City Of course, it’d just be wrong to travel all the way to New Orleans without taking a ride across the magnificent Mississippi River. While there are a number of ferries which sail across the mighty Mississippi, we recommend taking the Algiers Ferry. The ferry stops at Algiers Point, a location on the lower end of the river which retains much of its 19th-century charm. This neighborhood is best explored on foot, so make sure to wear your comfiest walking shoes and bring plenty of water. Take time to explore the area and check out the village’s small art galleries, friendly pubs and quaint Creole cottages. There are also a lot of unique stores around this area which are great for picking out souvenirs for friends and family, so be sure to have a good look. We suggest taking the ferry back to the city around sunset, since it will grant stunning views of the skyline. Trust us on this one! Amongst other things, New Orleans is well-known as the City of the Dead. If you’re curious about learning more, there are many cemetery tours on offer across the city, though the most popular ones are at St. Louis No. 1 and 2. Located on the further parameter of the French Quarter, these cemeteries are included on the National Register of Historic places, with St. Lous No. 1 being the oldest place of its kind in the city. Though it might sound a little strange, these spots draw in around 100,000 visitors annually for their fascinating history and distinctive above-ground gravestones. On the tour, you can learn more about burial practices unique to this area of the United States, including jazz funerals and Voodoo traditions. In addition, these cemeteries are where some of the most famous New Orleans residents have been laid to rest: Voodoo queen Marie Laveau is buried in St. Louis No. 1, and jazz musicians Danny Barker and Ernie K. Doe are buried in St. Louis No. 2. A thoroughly enthralling cultural experience, this one is not to be missed. Get in Touch with Mother Nature Seated right by the Gulf of Mexico, New Orleans has a wealth of tropical lush greenery to be explored. Since the city lies along the southeastern coastline, outdoor activity is almost always a good idea because of the city’s perennial warm weather and clear blue skies. Still, we actually recommend hiking during the winter months, so it won’t be as humid during this time of the year. Of all of the outdoorsy visitor sites in the city, we strongly suggest checking out the Barataria Preserve, located just outside of Marrero. This popular nature reserve covers over 26, 000 acres of flatwoods and wetlands, making it the perfect spot to get in touch with Mother Nature. In addition, this place is home to a wide array of unusual wildlife, so it’s great for all animal lovers – visitors can expect to see everything from deer and minks to alligators and water snakes. This place is also a prime destination for birdwatchers, with over 300 species making the attraction their home. For those who are eager to learn more about the environment, the site’s visitor center offers educational films and exhibits. We honestly couldn’t think of a better way to spend a sunny day in New Orleans! Take advantage of the beautiful weather in New Orleans by spending some time in the outdoors. There are a lot of cool things to do for nature lovers in this neck of the woods, though we recommend taking a swamp tour – this way, you’ll be able to glide straight through the area and get close up with the wonderful natural attributes of New Orleans. The best place to do this is at Honey Island Swamp, which is recognized as one of the most pristine swampland habitats in the United States. Take a flat-bottomed boat through the area to experience the distinctive beauty and incredible biodiversity of the south. Visitors can expect to see all types of wildlife on the tour – there are deer, turtles, alligators, and more – you name it, they’ve got it! As you ride, a professional guide will take you through the ins and outs of one of the United States’ most unique ecosystems. This interpretative boat tour is great for those of all ages, offering a fun way to learn about the environment. Have a Blast! If you’re looking to unlock your sense of childlike wonder, look no further than Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. Breaking away from the typical theme park experience, this spot is more of an old-fashioned fairground offering a true sense of the old south. This place features around 18 rides and attractions to be enjoyed, so you know that there’s something for everybody here. For younger visitors looking to have a blast, there are classics like the Ferris Wheel and bumper cars. If you want to kick it up a notch, rides like Coney Tower should be right up your alley. In addition, the park has traditional fairground treats like sliders, corndogs and cotton candy. This spot captures all of the charm and whimsy that you’d expect from a place with a name like Carousel Gardens. Whether you’re a kid or just young at heart, this attraction would make the perfect day trip! New Orleans is bursting with adventurous things to do, no matter what your style. And now, you don’t have to miss out! Explore the city to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
Garden District - New Orleans, Louisiana
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Relaxing things to do in New Orleans

The city is well-recognized for its larger-than-life attitude, but still, it’s nice to take a break sometimes. If you’re looking for the most relaxing activities and attractions in The Big Easy, you’ve most certainly come to the right place!
Sarah Harris

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