Garden District New Orleans Map
Introduction
The Garden District is a historic neighborhood in New Orleans that boasts beautiful homes, lush gardens, and iconic landmarks. This travel guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, outdoor adventures, and more in the Garden District. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to this charming neighborhood in New Orleans.
Top Attractions
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is a historic cemetery that dates back to the 19th century and is known for its above-ground tombs and intricate ironwork. It’s a popular spot for photos and is a must-visit attraction in the Garden District.
The Rink
The Rink is a historic skating rink that has been transformed into a shopping and dining destination. It’s home to a variety of boutiques, restaurants, and cafes, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.
Hidden Gems
The Garden District Book Shop
The Garden District Book Shop is a cozy bookstore that’s tucked away on Prytania Street. It’s filled with a curated selection of books, including many titles about New Orleans history and culture. It’s a great spot to browse and pick up a unique souvenir.
Commander’s Palace
Commander’s Palace is a legendary restaurant that has been serving up Creole and Cajun cuisine since 1880. It’s known for its elegant dining room, jazz brunches, and iconic turquoise-and-white striped facade. It’s a must-visit for foodies and history buffs alike.
Food Scene
Commander’s Palace
As mentioned above, Commander’s Palace is a top restaurant in the Garden District. It’s known for its innovative Creole and Cajun cuisine, including dishes like turtle soup, gumbo, and bread pudding souffle.
St. James Cheese Company
St. James Cheese Company is a cheese shop and cafe that serves up a variety of sandwiches, salads, and cheese plates. It’s a great spot for a quick lunch or snack, and the cheese selection is top-notch.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Walking Tour
The Garden District is a great neighborhood to explore on foot, and there are several free walking tours that you can take to learn more about its history and architecture. Check out Free Tours By Foot for more information.
Streetcar Ride
Riding the streetcar is a classic New Orleans experience, and it’s an affordable way to explore the Garden District and other neighborhoods in the city. A one-way fare is just $1.25, and you can purchase tickets on the streetcar or at various kiosks around the city.
Outdoor Adventures
City Park
City Park is a sprawling park that’s located just a short drive from the Garden District. It’s home to a variety of attractions, including a botanical garden, a sculpture garden, and a golf course. It’s a great spot for a picnic, a bike ride, or a leisurely stroll.
Audubon Park
Audubon Park is a smaller park that’s located within the Garden District. It’s home to a golf course, a zoo, and a variety of walking paths and picnic areas. It’s a great spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some fresh air.
Family-Friendly Activities
Audubon Zoo
The Audubon Zoo is a top attraction for families in the Garden District. It’s home to a wide variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, and tigers, as well as a playground and a splash park.
The Rink
The Rink, mentioned above as a top attraction, is also a great spot for families. It’s home to a variety of kid-friendly shops and restaurants, as well as a small ice skating rink that’s open seasonally.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Longue Vue House and Gardens
Longue Vue House and Gardens is a historic estate that’s located just a short drive from the Garden District. It’s home to a beautiful house and landscaped gardens, as well as a variety of events and exhibitions throughout the year.
Magazine Street
Magazine Street is a bustling commercial district that’s located just a few blocks from the Garden District. It’s home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries, as well as a thriving arts and culture scene. It’s a great spot to explore if you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path.
Natural Wonders
Bayou St. John
Bayou St. John is a scenic waterway that’s located just a short drive from the Garden District. It’s a great spot for kayaking, canoeing, or just taking a leisurely stroll along the shore.
Crescent Park
Crescent Park is a newer park that’s located just across the Mississippi River from the Garden District. It offers stunning views of the city skyline and the river, as well as a variety of walking paths and picnic areas.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Columns Hotel
The Columns Hotel is a historic hotel that’s located in the heart of the Garden District. It’s known for its beautiful architecture and its iconic front porch, which is a popular spot for cocktails and people-watching.
The Bulldog
The Bulldog is a popular bar that’s located on Magazine Street, just a few blocks from the Garden District. It’s known for its extensive beer selection and laid-back atmosphere.
Local Markets
Magazine Street Market
The Magazine Street Market is a small farmers’ market that’s held on Saturdays in the heart of the Garden District. It’s a great spot to pick up fresh produce and other local goods.
French Market
The French Market is a larger market that’s located in the French Quarter, just a short drive from the Garden District. It’s home to a variety of vendors selling everything from fresh seafood to handmade crafts.
Beaches and Mountains
The Garden District is located in a flat, low-lying area of New Orleans, so there aren’t any mountains or beaches nearby. However, there are several nearby parks and natural areas that offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.
Cultural Immersion
Preservation Hall
Preservation Hall is a legendary music venue that’s located in the French Quarter, just a short drive from the Garden District. It’s known for its traditional jazz performances and its commitment to preserving the history and culture of New Orleans music.
National World War II Museum
The National World War II Museum is a world-class museum that’s located in the Central Business District, just a short drive from the Garden District. It’s dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of World War II and is a must-visit attraction for history buffs.
Art and Music Scene
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is a top museum that’s located in the Warehouse District, just a short drive from the Garden District. It’s dedicated to showcasing the art and culture of the American South and features a variety of exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Tipitina’s
Tipitina’s is a legendary music venue that’s located in Uptown, just a short drive from the Garden District. It’s known for its iconic marquee, its commitment to local music, and its laid-back atmosphere.
Walking Tours
Ghost Tour
New Orleans is known for its haunted history, and there are several ghost tours that you can take in the Garden District and other neighborhoods in the city. These tours are a great way to learn more about the city’s spooky past and see some of its most haunted sites.
Architecture Tour
The Garden District is known for its beautiful homes and architecture, and there are several walking tours that you can take to learn more about the history and design of these buildings. These tours are a great way to see some of the most iconic sites in the neighborhood.
Historical Sites
The National WWII Museum
As mentioned above, the National WWII Museum is a top attraction for history buffs in New Orleans. It’s dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of World War II and features a variety of exhibits and events throughout the year.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is a historic