The Garden District takes you back to 19th-century New Orleans with its historic mansions, striking cemeteries, and ancient oak trees. If you’re looking for a quieter spot in the city, this is the place to go. It offers a more laidback vibe than some of the more party-centric neighbourhoods, but you’ll also find plenty of dining and shopping options along its boundaries.
The Garden District is bordered by prominent streets, with St. Charles Avenue on its north, Magazine Street on its south, First Street to the east, and Toledano Street to the west. It’s one of the city’s most picturesque neighbourhoods and going for a walk around is the best way to take in views of centuries-old mansions and lush gardens.
Garden District in New Orleans - one of the highlights of 10 Best Things to Do in New Orleans and 10 Most Instagrammable Places in New Orleans (Read all about New Orleans here)
What are the highlights of the Garden District?
The Garden District is an upmarket suburb of New Orleans, with gorgeous mansions in various architectural styles. Many of these homes date back to the mid-1800s, featuring Greek Revival, Georgian, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Colonial, and Victorian designs. Ornate wrought-iron gates and quaint courtyards with bougainvilleas and crepe myrtles are common features in the neighbourhood.
One of the main highlights of the Garden District is the Briggs-Staub House, built by Charles Briggs in 1849. Many come to take photos of this mansion as it's the only one in the neighbourhood that's built in the Gothic Revival style.
Commander's Palace is a prominent restaurant on Washington Avenue. This award-winning venue serves refined Creole Louisiana dishes in a 19th-century mansion. Visit on Wednesdays to enjoy an evening of wine, cocktails and cheese, along with live music.
Fans of the American Horror Story TV series might recognize Buckner Mansion as the exterior of Miss Robichaux’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies. The 3-storey mansion, which dates back to 1856, is reputedly haunted. You can rent the place for a night to see if that’s true.
For more chilling sights, check out Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, just a half-mile southwest of Buckner Mansion. Established in 1833, It’s one of the oldest cemeteries in New Orleans. Many TV shows and movies were shot in this haunting cemetery, including Interview with the Vampire (1994), Hard Target (1993), and The Vampire Diaries (2009).
photo by JasonParis (CC BY 2.0) modified
Where to shop, eat and drink in Garden District?
The Garden District is flanked by some of New Orleans’ busiest streets, all of which offer a variety of dining, drinking, and shopping opportunities. Head south to Magazine Street, a 6-mile stretch along the Mississippi River. You can find a good mix of vintage shops, independent art galleries, fashion boutiques, and specialty stores here.
Good to know about Garden District in New Orleans
The easiest way to get to the Garden District from the French Quarter is the St. Charles Streetcar line. It covers a distance of 13.2 miles between the French Quarter and the Central Business District of New Orleans. Each streetcar stop has a designated number, starting from the French Quarter (Stop No. 0).
If you're relying on public transportation to get around, the 1-day Jazzy Pass gives you better value for money. You can enjoy unlimited trips on RTA buses and streetcars for just a few dollars. A 1-way trip along the St. Charles Streetcar line takes about 45 minutes if you’re not stopping at any stops.
Garden District in New Orleans
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Where to stay in New Orleans
Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Qtr - Astor
Bourbon Orleans Hotel
Omni Royal Orleans Hotel
New Orleans Marriott
Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans
Maison Dupuy Hotel
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
Homewood Suites by Hilton New Orleans French Quarter
Old 77 Hotel
