Your guide to New Orleans’ neighborhoods

Welcome to the Big Easy - home to delicious Creole cuisine and a world-renowned music scene. Follow the iconic curve of the Mississippi for a journey through the many vibrant New Orleans neighborhoods. 

Unlock the mysteries of New Orleans and indulge in the famous southern hospitality as you explore. You don’t have to master the waters of the Mississippi to experience this thriving city up close. Kick off your Cajun adventure from the comfort of your car rental and see what makes New Orleans such a unique destination.

Treme

Fondly known as the birthplace of jazz, Treme is a great place to start your New Orleans adventure. This upbeat area is about a six-minute drive north of the French Quarter and is packed with pulsating jazz bars like Kermit’s Treme Mother in Law Lounge. Here you’ll get a real taste of the laidback, friendly atmosphere and incredible music that this region is so well known for.

If you want to embrace the outdoors, then catch open-air concerts at the Congo Square in Louis Armstrong Park. Later, grab something delicious to eat at the Dooky Chase restaurant - famous for their finger-licking fried chicken. Cap your visit off by checking out the Backstreet Cultural Museum, which provides a fascinating insight into some of the city’s rich traditions.

St. Claude Avenue

St Claude Avenue has gradually morphed into a bohemian paradise – what with its edgy entertainment spots and emerging arts scene. Whether you want to take in a comedy show at spots like It’s Good or soak up some live music at the legendary Hi-Ho Lounge, there’s plenty to pack in.

If you’re up for a bite, fill your plate with finger-licking foods at restaurants like Mandina’s Restaurant. This delightful Italian eatery has been a fan-favorite since 1932, serving house specials like the Gulf fish and catfish meuniere. Staying true to their heritage, you’ll also find Italian classics like meatballs and spaghetti readily available.  Add this to their generous servings, and you’ll leave this quaint eatery thoroughly satisfied.

Warehouse District

New Orleans’ Warehouse District was created to store goods passing through the city’s port but today it’s a plethora of modernized boutiques, coffee shops, lounges and restaurants. If you’re up for some seafood, then make an entrance at the Peche Seafood Grill. Winner of the James Beard Award, Peche serves local delicacies like seafood gumbo and Louisiana shrimp roll.

History buffs can also indulge in Louisiana’s rich history by visiting the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Here, you can discover eccentric pieces painted by Big Easy’s finest artists. You can also check out the National WWII Museum to discover the important role that locals played during America’s WWII campaign.

Mid-City

Nestled conveniently between Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River, Mid-City is one of the best New Orleans neighborhoods to get a real feel of southern culture. The area features a strong, diverse community that are proud of their jazz heritage. Aside from music, you can check out the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park – which features 18 family-friendly rides. In fact, the park is home to ‘Flying Horses’, one of the oldest carousels in the United States.

Along with jazz and carousels, you can also visit the New Orleans Museum of Art – famous for its sculptured gardens and eccentric art pieces. After this, get a meal at the Parkway Bakery and Tavern – a family-owned restaurant that features specials like the smoked alligator sausage.

Lastly, enjoy a peaceful stroll in City Park - a beautiful green space rich with native Louisiana birds and ancient oaks, giving you the much-needed headspace while on vacation. 

Marigny/Bywater

The Marigny neighborhood is located about a six-minute drive north-east from the French Quarter, and it’s considered one of New Orleans’ coolest areas. The young and hip gather here to visit the colorful Creole cottages now-turned modern cafes, restaurants and art galleries.

At the epicenter of this bohemian hotspot is Frenchmen Street – home to live music venues where you can go listen to reggae, blues or jazz music. While you’re at it, check out the JAMNOLA. This warehouse has been converted into an interactive installation featuring bright, colorful rooms displaying fine art and music created by The Big Easy’s local artists. 

Make a visit to Adolfo’s if you’re up for an Italian meal Louisiana style. This quaint but vibrant restaurant is perched above Frenchman Street - famous for their Creole Italian pasta and generous portions of seafood.

Central Business District (CBD)

Since the mid ‘80s, New Orleans’ Central Business District has undergone a radical revolution, now featuring modern offices and banks. This boom in business has brought alongside it an upbeat food and art culture scene. While in the CBD, visit world-renowned art galleries like the Saenger and Orpheum Theaters.

Look no further than the Cochon Butcher for a unique dining experience. It serves local meats, terrines and sausages, perfect for a casual bite to eat. If you’re after a more formal sit-down meal, their sister restaurant Cochon serves up Cajun-inspired dishes right next door.  

Willa Jean is yet another restaurant here that will entice you in. Nestled along O’Keefe Avenue, the restaurant specializes in New Orleans comfort food, serving dishes like fired chicken with Tabasco honey and barbecue shrimp toast.

Uptown Garden District

Uptown Garden District offers New Orleans’ rich southern culture, but in a more modest fashion. Here, you’ll discover quaint neighborhood cafes, restaurants and po-boy shops.  

Fall in love with Tipitina’s – a funky space that’s been a landmark in the neighborhood since 1977. The spot features weekly Cajun dancing sessions and hosts local bands who bring Louisiana’s musical history to life. 

For a hearty meal, look no further than Brigtsen’s. This century-old Victorian cottage is neatly tucked away between Riverbend houses. The cottage features some of New Orleans’ finest Creole dishes that maintain the city’s strong Cajun culture. Prepare to feast on updated classic with delicious results. Led by chef Frank Brigtsen and his wife Marna, the restaurant features culinary classics like the roast duck a l’Orange and the broiled gulf fish with crab crust and lemon crab sauce. There’s so much diversity in this restaurant, you won’t know where to begin.

French Quarter

Welcome to the oldest and arguably most popular neighborhood in New Orleans. Make your way to the French Quarter’s Bourbon Street, where you’ll feel like you’re at a neverending party. You’ll be greeted by great music and food, breathtaking views of the Mississippi and magnificent architecture. But there’s more to the French Quarter than meets the eye.

Right next to Bourbon Street is Royal Street. This elegant route starts from Canal and makes its way down to Esplanade. The stretch features a bevy of antique shops, art galleries and picturesque buildings. Visit M.S. Rau Antiques – a 25,000 square-foot gallery that boasts high-end art collections and sculptures. And if you ask one of the attendants that you’d like to see the ‘secret’ room, you’ll be amazed by what you find. 

While the French Quarter has a bustling scene of award-winning restaurants, nothing beats the culture and dominance of the Galatoire’s 33 – one of the oldest and historical fine-dining institutions in the city. The restaurant features amazing options like the Crab Sardou, which features Louisiana jumbo lump crab and hollandaise. Add this to the smooth black and white ambience, and you’re up for a dining experience of a lifetime.

Want to learn more about New Orleans?

Your adventure in the Big Easy doesn’t have to end here. Discover New Orleans in style and check out some amazing places to visit. Take your Cajun experience to the next level by sampling:

• Best restaurants in New Orleans
• New Orleans driving guide
• Best things to do in New Orleans
• Best hotels in New Orleans