Garden District Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Garden District
Head to this historic and peaceful district, a world away from New Orleans' party venues.

The Garden District might be just a short streetcar ride from the French Quarter, but it feels like a world away thanks to its collection of gardens, parks, canals and fountains. Perhaps New Orleans' prettiest place to stroll, the Garden District was built on plantation land in the early part of the 19th century. Newly arrived Yankees, who were excluded from Creole society, created their own city, building beautiful antebellum mansions surrounded by magnificent gardens. Now this is one of New Orleans’ most desired neighbourhoods and has been beautifully preserved in a Historic Landmark District. Although most homes are not open to the public (though there are occasionally tours on offer through the local tourist office), it's most definitely worth a walk through the neighbourhood to enjoy a peaceful break from more raucous areas of New Orleans.

Away from the beautifully preserved mansions in the Upper Garden District, some of the neighbourhood's cottages and small homes nearer the river retain original 19th-century architecture and have been turned into antique shops, boutiques and cafés. There are also plenty of attractions such as George Washington Cable House on Eighth Street. Washington was a writer who portrayed early Creole life. Visitors should also head to the above-ground tombs at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. The graveyard has been in continual use since 1833 and is considered one of the most beautiful in the city.

Souvenir hunters should make a bee-line for Magazine Street, near the southern border of the district, while St. Charles Avenue to the north has fashionable restaurants and bars.

The Garden District is a wonderful place for a stroll, and tours are often available. The Garden District is easily accessible by car, streetcar, and city bus, or on foot from the CBD or Uptown. It's easy and free to park your car on any side street.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Garden District Hotel Deals

Old 77 Hotel
Old 77 Hotel
4 out of 5
535 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, LA
The price is NZ$150 per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
NZ$150
per night
1 Jul - 2 Jul
Book a stay at this historic hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,792 reviews)
"This is our third stay at this hotel and we absolutely love it. From the staff to the rooms to the food, everything exceeds our expectations. If you are a coffee lover try their cold brew coffee! The hotel is within walking distance to major attractions."

Reviewed on 1 Jun. 2024

Old 77 Hotel
Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Qtr - Astor
Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Qtr - Astor
4.5 out of 5
739 Canal Street at Bourbon, New Orleans, LA
The price is NZ$183 per night from 24 Jun to 25 Jun
NZ$183
per night
24 Jun - 25 Jun
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,731 reviews)
"Very convenient location in relation to French Quarter and Burbuon street."

Reviewed on 1 Jun. 2024

Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Qtr - Astor
Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter
Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter
4 out of 5
124 Royal St, New Orleans, LA
The price is NZ$218 per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
NZ$218
per night
1 Jul - 2 Jul
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,145 reviews)
"Very nice right n the middle of everything"

Reviewed on 3 Jun. 2024

Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter
Bourbon Orleans Hotel
Bourbon Orleans Hotel
4 out of 5
717 Orleans St., New Orleans, LA
The price is NZ$275 per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
NZ$275
per night
1 Jul - 2 Jul
Book a stay at this historic hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,059 reviews)
"Immediate access to Bourbon St. Nice room. Friendly staff. Attached bar has good live music but highly suggest to ask to NOT have a room over the bar or on Bourbon St."

Reviewed on 1 Jun. 2024

Bourbon Orleans Hotel
New Orleans Marriott
New Orleans Marriott
4 out of 5
555 Canal St, New Orleans, LA
The price is NZ$283 per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
NZ$283
per night
1 Jul - 2 Jul
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,730 reviews)
"Just love staying at Marriott Properties. They always exceed expectations."

Reviewed on 31 May 2024

New Orleans Marriott
The Royal Sonesta New Orleans
The Royal Sonesta New Orleans
4.5 out of 5
300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA
The price is NZ$285 per night from 4 Jun to 5 Jun
NZ$285
per night
4 Jun - 5 Jun
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and a nightclub. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,557 reviews)
"Amazing pool! Great staff!"

Reviewed on 31 May 2024

The Royal Sonesta New Orleans
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Garden District

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Irish Channel

If you're spending some time in Irish Channel, Magazine Street and Mississippi River are top sights worth seeing.

Irish Channel
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Central City

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Consider a visit to Keller Square and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Central City. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at St. Charles at Felicity Stop or St. Charles at Euterpe Stop.

Central City
Mardi Gras World featuring interior views and art as well as an individual female

Lower Garden District

4/5(6 area reviews)

Travellers love Lower Garden District for its beautiful gardens, and you can see more of New Orleans by jumping on the metro at St. Charles at St. Andrew Stop or St. Charles at Josephine Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Port of New Orleans and National World War II Museum.

Lower Garden District
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Arts/Warehouse District

3.5/5(2 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Arts/Warehouse District. Top attractions like National World War II Museum and Confederate Memorial Hall Museum are major draws, and you can catch the metro at St. Charles at Julia Stop or Saint Charles at Saint Joseph Stop to see more of the city.

Arts/Warehouse District
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Uptown Historic District

5/5(2 area reviews)

Known for its abundant dining options and colourful gardens, there's plenty to explore in Uptown Historic District. Top attractions like Audubon Park and Audubon Zoo are major draws, and you can catch the metro at St. Charles at Jefferson Stop or St. Charles at Valmont Stop to see more of the city.

Uptown Historic District
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New Orleans Central Business District

4.5/5(74 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and great live music, there's plenty to explore in New Orleans Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Canal Street and Mercedes-Benz Superdome, and jump on the metro at Carondelet at Poydras Stop or Poydras Street Stop to see more of the city.

New Orleans Central Business District

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