A Guide to New Orleans Must-Visit Districts

French Quarter

While New Orleans offers much beyond the French Quarter, the Crescent City’s most famous district is required for any first-time travelers. Walk around Jackson Square, visit the French Market, explore the shops on Royal Street, take a ghost tour, and, of course, spend some time walking Bourbon Street with a drink in hand.

Central Business District

As New Orleans’ downtown area, the Central Business District mixes the old with the new in style and substance. Take in a New Orleans Saints game at Caesars Superdome and visit the historic Lafayette Square, while enjoying premier shopping, eateries and more.

Warehouse Arts District

You can spend hours in this trendy and sophisticated district while perusing the gallery-lined Julia Street, Ogden Museum of Southern Art and Contemporary Arts Center. History buffs will not want to miss the world-class National WWII Museum.

Uptown

Take a historic street car down St. Charles Avenue and into Uptown to explore the Garden District area with its historic mansions and oak-lined streets. Pop in and out of the shops and boutiques along Magazine Street, while also sampling some of New Orleans’ best eating and drinking spots.

Mid-City Area

Want to relax with the locals? Head to Mid-City, an unpretentious area that includes the stunningly beautiful New Orleans City Park, New Orleans Museum of Art and several above-ground cemeteries.

Tremé

Lined with Creole cottages and shotgun houses, Tremé holds distinction as the oldest African-American neighborhood in the United States. Visit the New Orleans African American Museum and the Backstreet Cultural Museum to learn how Black communities shaped New Orleans traditions, culture and history.

Marigny & The Bywater

If you’re hoping to revel in New Orleans music during your visit, head to Marigny’s Frenchman Street, where you can find music everywhere. Check out The Maison, The Spotted Cat Music Club and d.b.a. (where you can often find the traditional jazz street band, Tuba Skinny, playing on Saturdays). Nearby, the Bywater’s art-driven fun includes JAMNOLA and performances at Music Box Village.

Classic New Orleans

Commanders’ Palace: It may sound strange, but calling Commanders’ Palace an institution in New Orleans feels like a gross understatement. The teal-painted Victorian house and its New Haute Creole menu combine for an essential experience for anyone visiting the southeastern US.

Also try: Arnaud’s Restaurant | The Camellia Grill | Galatoire’s Restaurant | Napoleon House

French Quarter Bars

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar: This Bourbon Street hole-in-the-wall holds the possible distinction as the oldest bar in the US and may be haunted by its namesake, pirate Jean Lafitte. Your experience with the Voodoo Daiquiri will depend on whether or not you sip your drinks.

Also try: Pat O’Brien’s Bar | The Black Penny | Cat’s Meow | The Famous Door

Beignets

Café du Monde French Market: Another essential New Orleans spot, Café du Monde serves up these quintessential deep-fried pastries with extra powdered sugar and ambiance. However, better beignets can be found across the city, so perhaps sample all of them…for research.

Also try: Morning Call Coffee Stand | Loretta’s Authentic Pralines | The Vintage Restaurant | Café Beignet

Cocktails

The Carousel Bar & Lounge: Grabbing a coveted seat at the revolving bar in Hotel Monteleone has been a New Orleans tradition for 75 years. Be sure to order a Sazerac to try the classic cocktail invented in the drink capital of the US.

Also try: The Sazerac Bar | Cure | Pigeon and Whale | Jewel of the South

Creole and Cajun

Jacques-Imo’s Cafe: Funky and casual, Jacques-Imo’s sits in a two-story shotgun in Uptown and serves “real N’awlins food” and alligator cheesecake.

Also try: Dooky Chase Restaurant | Cafe Sbisa | La Petite Grocery | Cochon Restaurant

Po-Boys

Domilise’s Po-boys & Bar: Asking where to eat the best po-boy in New Orleans sparks the same heated opinions as who has the best New York pizza or Philly cheesesteak. Start assessing for your favorite spot with a visit to one of (if not the) best with Domilise’s, an Uptown favorite owned by the same family since 1918.

Also try: Parkway Bakery & Tavern | Parasol’s Bar and Restaurant | Li’l Dizzy’s Cafe | Verti Marte

Brunch

Bearcat CBD: After some late nights in New Orleans, you’ll need a solid brunch to refresh and refuel. Bearcat CBD hits all the marks with a solid menu, first-come, first-serve seating and an easy location in the Central Business District.

Also try: Atchafalaya Restaurant | Brennan’s Restaurant | Elizabeth’s Restaurant | Surrey’s Café & Juice Bar