Things to do in Garden District New Orleans

New Orleans is a sprawling cultural hub located on the southeastern coastline of the United States. Still, there’s a quieter side of the city just waiting to be explored. For those who are looking to escape all of the hustle and bustle, the Garden District is the perfect place to spend a quiet day in the city.

By Sarah Harris
Published: July 18, 2024
Beautiful architecture and deep history of one of New Orleans oldest and most famous neighbourhoods, the Garden District, Louisiana

Founded way back in the early 19th century, the neighborhood retains much of its southern charm. This spot is well-known for its beautiful historic mansions, though there are a lot of other wonderful attractions and hidden gems that are well worth seeing in the area. The neighborhood is best explored on foot, so you can take in all of the wonderful scenery – we strongly suggest bringing plenty of sunscreen and water along with you to stay comfortable.

 

Marvel at the Wonderful Architecture

A trip to New Orleans just wouldn’t be the same without checking out the city‘s stunning architecture – and what better place to do this than the Garden District? If you want to take some time to appreciate the beauty of the area, we recommend booking a guided walking tour. This way, you can make sure that you don’t miss anything! On the tour, you’ll be able to learn more about the neighborhood’s wonderful history and the unique architectural styles which are prominent in the Garden District. Whilst you’re walking, keep an eye out for the stunning centuries-old oaks which line the historic streets of the neighborhood, as well as the carefully manicured gardens of the homes. Whether you’re a total history buff or just looking to capture that perfect Instagram shot, this is a quintessential New Orleans activity that we recommend for all first-time visitors.

 

Learn About the Area

They say that New Orleans is the City of the Dead, and if you’re a seasoned visitor you’ll already know why. With a long history pertaining to Voodoo and ghosts, New Orleans embraced its position as America’s spookiest city a long time ago. If you’re looking to learn more about the creepier side of New Orleans, we suggest taking a cemetery tour. Whilst there are many great cemetery tours on offer around the area, one of our favorites has got to be the Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 tour, right in the heart of the Garden District. Standing out from St. Louis No. 1 and 2., this spot is known for its fantastic architectural significance, as it is in fact the most filmed cemetery in New Orleans – walking around the place, you might even feel a sense of déjà vu, since this spot was featured on The Originals and NCIS New Orleans. The tour will be lead by a friendly and professional guide, so you can learn more about the unusual burial practices which are unique to this part of the United States. A thoroughly fascinating cultural experience, this spot is not to be missed!

For those looking to learn more about the area, look no further than the New Orleans Fire Department Museum. Built into the David Crockett Fire Company No. 1’s 1859 firehouse, the institute works to preserve and present the history of the city’s fire department. This spot is actually the oldest continuously active volunteer fire company in the United States. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy a comprehensive collection of the city’s fire-related art, artifacts, gear and apparatus going way back to the 18th century. Amongst its permanent collection, there are vintage tools, uniforms, photographs and more. Still, that’s not all there is to see here. Perhaps the museum’s biggest draw is its collection of historic fire engines, highlighting how times have changed. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask! As fun as it is engaging, this spot is great for those who are looking to inject a little education into their vacation experience.

 

Shop ‘til You Drop!

Aside from all of the wonderful architecture going on in the Garden District, the area is great for window shopping. If you’re looking to browse the shops, we suggest heading over to the southern border of the neighborhood – this is where Magazine Street is. As the most upscale shopping destination in the city, Magazine Street is known for its clusters of high-end boutiques and eclectic stores selling clothing, homewares, pottery, furniture and much more. This spot is also ideal for a leisurely stroll, with plenty of sidewalk coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants to make a stop at. We suggest checking out Stein’s Market and Deli, Turkey and the Wolf, or Districts Donuts and Coffee Bar. There are also a lot of great spots to grab a drink around this neck of the woods, so don’t forget to check those out. Thoroughly peaceful and picturesque, Magazine Street is a great place to some quality time with your loved ones and soak up the atmosphere of the city.

If you like to shop when you travel, the Garden District is the perfect place to be. Still, out of all the places to browse in area, we especially love The Rink. Though this spot often flies under the radar, it definitely shouldn’t do. Built into a quaint 19th-century former ice-skating rink, this spot breaks away from the typical mall experience with its quirky collection of specialty boutiques to choose from. Whether it’s books, clothing, or jewelry you’re after, The Rink is guaranteed to have it. This place is also great for picking up souvenirs to take home for your loved ones. When you need to rest those tired legs, there are also a lot of great spots to sit down and grab a bite. Combining wonderful architecture with world-class shopping, this place is a total haven for shopaholics. We love this spot because it’s a little different from your average mall and has a nice laid-back atmosphere.

The Garden District is a highly unique area of New Orleans presenting plenty of things to do for all types of travelers. Explore this wonderful area of 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
Go City Travel Expert

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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
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Things to do in New Orleans

A melting pot of great food, music, history and culture, New Orleans has been drawing in visitors from near and far for decades – and with good reason! There are lot – and we mean a lot of fantastic things to do in The Big Easy. From the stunning design of the Presbytere and learning about how parade floats are made at Mardi Gras World to great music at Preservation Hall, New Orleans pretty much has it all. Whether you’re a culture vulture, an artsy type, or a foodie, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. If you’re a first-time visitor you might feel a little overwhelmed by the possibilities – but don’t worry – that's what we’re here for! If you’re planning to head over to New Orleans, and aren’t quite sure where to begin, make sure to read through our list of the best cultural gems and hidden treasures in the area. You might not be able to squeeze all of them in, but there’s certainly no harm in trying! See the Sites Brimming with a unique and storied history, New Orleans is well-known for its magnificent venerable structures. The city was founded by the French in the early 1700s and ruled by the Spanish for 40 years, all of which can be seen through its eclectic mix of architectural styles. Whilst much of the city’s architecture speaks NO’s past, The Presbytere stands out as one of the nation’s best examples of colonial Spanish architecture. Once serving as a courthouse under Spanish rule, this Designated Historic Landmark is now open to the public, with engaging educational exhibitions focusing on the background of New Orleans. There are two permanent exhibitions: ‘’Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond’’ and ‘’Mardi Gras: it’s Carnival Time in Louisiana’’. We also recommend taking some time to see St. Louis Cathedral, which is right next door. Learn About the City Another one of the top visitor attractions in the city is the Cabildo. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960, The Cabildo is great for those who want to learn more about the background of the city. First constructed in 1795, the building is recognized as one of the most historically significant buildings in America and is known for its classical style of architecture. Once serving as the seat of government during the Spanish colonial period, this spot is now a fantastic educational attraction open to visitors all throughout the year. The museum’s small yet comprehensive collection features around five hundred artefacts taking visitors through the storied history of New Orleans and Louisiana. Located along Jackson Square, this spot is easily accessible by bus or cab and has a lot of interesting things to do in the surrounding area. We recommend checking out St. Louis Cathedral, which is right next door! No other place in America knows how to put on a festival quite like New Orleans. Even if you’re not visiting during Mardi Gras, you can still get a sense of the traditional Christian holiday at Mardi Gras World. As fun as it is fascinating, Mardi Gras World seeks to offer a behind-the-scenes look into the nation’s biggest party. Tour a 300, 000 square foot working warehouse where the floats, characters and costumes are made for this unique event and learn more about the work that goes into these spectacular pieces. In addition, you’ll be able to hear more about the history and traditions of the holiday and see how technology helps to aid the creative process. The guides are very friendly and informative here, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask away! Whether you’re a total crafting geek or just looking to snap that perfect Instagram shot, this is the place to be. Find Fun Activities to Do If you love animals like we do, you’re sure to enjoy the next item on our list. Located in the historic Uptown New Orleans, Audubon Zoo is the perfect place to spend some quality time with the family whilst seeing some great critters. We especially love this place because it offers a great opportunity to see some exotic wildlife without causing any harm to the animals. This attraction is home to a whopping 2,000 animals, so you know that there’s plenty to see here. Amongst its expansive repository, you can expect to see everything from American river otters and spider monkeys to gorillas and Mayalan tigers. If you’re the type who likes to get up close with the animals, this place offers special exhibits and feedings. We suggest checking online before you head out, so you won’t miss the chance to interact with your favorite furry friend. In addition, this spot has a gift shop, a play area, as well as a café to enhance the experience. Both educational and fun, we love this spot because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. Of course, a trip to New Orleans just wouldn’t be complete without listening to some authentic jazz. Whilst the city is chock-a-block with some fantastic jazz spots, none can quite compete with the likes of Preservation Hall. Established way back in 1961, the venue often served as a rehearsal spot for the likes of some of New Orleans’ most highly revered jazz musicians, including George Lewis, Punch Miller, The Humphrey Brothers, and more. Today, this small though venerable structure now serves as a great place to hear some of the best jazz in the city. The house band is none other than The Preservation Hall Jazz Band – you can catch these guys around the globe, but there’s no better place to see them than at their home venue. This spot also has limited seating and doesn’t take reservations, so we recommend showing up early to ensure your seats! A charming and atmospheric venue with a lot of history behind it, Preservation Hall provides a fantastic cultural experience to remember. No doubt New Orleans is one of the most exciting cities to visit in the south. Known for its fascinating history, great music and vibrant culture, The Big Easy really has it all. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, you’re sure to be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding interesting things to see and do there. 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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