Things to do in Uptown New Orleans

By Sarah Harris

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Beautiful architecture and deep history of one of New Orleans oldest and most famous neighbourhoods, the Garden District, Louisiana
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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.
Sarah Harris
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Neighborhoods in New Orleans

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! 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. 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 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. 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. 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.
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

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