6 Must-See Neighborhoods in New Orleans

New Orleans is a city brimming with sensory delights. From the joyful sounds of second line parades and Mardi Gras festivities to the delicious flavors of gumbo and stuffed po’ boys, and the picturesque view of oak trees shading colorful cottages—these elements contribute to the city's irresistible charm.

Navigating New Orleans is a breeze, as many of its captivating neighborhoods are just minutes apart. This makes it easy to transition from the lively, bar-filled streets of the French Quarter to the jazz-infused corners of Frenchmen Street in Marigny. With some of the finest dining in the U.S., no matter which neighborhood you choose, you’re guaranteed a memorable meal. Here are some of the top neighborhoods in New Orleans worth exploring.

Tremé

Ideal For: Immersing yourself in the city's cultural essence

Tremé is recognized as the oldest African American neighborhood in the U.S., and few places in New Orleans capture the city's cultural vibrancy and pride like it does. The neighborhood’s influence on the city’s character is unmistakable; you’ll discover generational recipes from this area featured in award-winning restaurants throughout New Orleans and lively second line parades. All Bout Dat offers guided tours of the neighborhood, including a Black Heritage & Jazz City Tour that stops at Congo Square, a historic gathering place where free and enslaved Africans celebrated their culture through music and dance. At the African American Museum, visitors can explore the contributions of Black culture in New Orleans through various exhibits. Iconic soul food spots like Lil Dizzy’s Cafe and Dooky Chase attract food lovers from around the globe with their delicious gumbo and crispy fried chicken. Fritai, opened in 2021 by chef Charly Pierre, showcases Haitian street food such as plantains, stewed pork, and dumplings. For an authentic New Orleans music experience, head to Kermit’s Treme Mother-in-Law Lounge, where live musicians entertain crowds until the early hours.

Accommodation options

Enjoy a homey atmosphere at this charming 18-room boutique hotel. An on-site café provides coffee and light snacks, and several restaurants are just a short walk away. Set on the grounds of a former railway station, the hotel is situated directly across from the oldest operational cemetery in New Orleans, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where the famous voodoo queen Marie Laveau is laid to rest.

Garden District

Ideal For: Admiring architectural masterpieces

The Garden District boasts stunning oak-lined streets adorned with remarkable homes featuring intricate ironwork balconies. Known as Uptown due to its position along the Mississippi River, it’s an ideal neighborhood for leisurely strolls to admire vibrant gardens and Victorian mansions. For breakfast, be sure to add your name to the list at Surrey’s Natural Juice Bar and indulge in their irresistible bananas Foster french toast. Nearby, Magazine Street is a treasure trove of shops like Magazine Antique Mall, where you can discover antique furniture and vintage home goods. Heard Dat Kitchen serves some of the finest food in the city, available for outdoor dining or takeout. Don’t miss the delightful flavors of its Superdome: blackened fish served with mashed potatoes and lobster cream sauce. In the afternoon, hop on the St. Charles streetcar, which travels about 6.5 miles through the city and is the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world.

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Experience the vibrant design and lively atmosphere at Hotel Saint Vincent. Nestled in the heart of the Lower Garden District and just steps from boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops on Magazine Street, this 75-room hotel opened in 2021, featuring brightly colored rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and vintage art. During the summer, guests can relax by the expansive pool or enjoy iced coffee and snacks at the French Vietnamese Elizabeth Street Café. In the evening, savor dinner from the Italian-inspired menu at San Lorenzo restaurant, followed by cocktails at the exclusive Chapel Club for guests only.

French Quarter

Ideal For: Enjoying vibrant nightlife

While often linked to wild parties, beads, and massive Hurricane cocktails, New Orleans’s French Quarter also offers a delightful introduction to the city’s finest cuisine and unique characters. The heart of the Quarter, Bourbon Street, is lively with numerous music-filled bars like Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar and Black Penny. The historic Old Absinthe House, established in 1806, serves up classics like the frothy absinthe frappé, while Cane and Table features a rum-centric cocktail menu paired with Caribbean-inspired dishes. Galatoire’s is a local favorite, known for its indulgent fried oysters with buttery meunière and roasted chicken stewed in tomatoes with Creole seasoning. For a modern twist, Saint John Restaurant is a sought-after brunch spot in the Quarter, but chef Eric Cook’s slow-cooked white bean cassoulet with braised pork belly will linger in your memory long after your visit. Don’t forget to explore Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo for unique souvenirs like spell kits and tarot cards.

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Located just a minute’s walk from Bourbon Street, this 102-room hotel feels like a serene retreat from the bustling nightlife. It features room balconies, a cozy courtyard where guests enjoy complimentary breakfast, a Prohibition-themed bar, and stunning centuries-old Spanish architecture, all adding to its charm.

Faubourg Marigny

Ideal For: Experiencing live music

Venture beyond the French Quarter to discover the pastel cottages and artistic community of Faubourg Marigny. Home to Frenchmen Street, a lively area filled with jazz clubs and cafés, this neighborhood offers an energetic nightlife that's a bit more laid-back than the Quarter. For live music, Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro occupies a beautifully restored 1800s storefront, showcasing talents from New Orleans and beyond. Studio Be, created by street artist and gallery owner BMike, is a stunning 35,000-square-foot warehouse dedicated to celebrating Black culture through mixed media art. At Bywater American Bistro, James Beard Award-winning chef Nina Compton and her team serve dishes like roasted Gulf fish and wagyu beef lasagna, drawing inspiration from global comfort foods. Browse a diverse selection of books at the independently owned Baldwin & Co, then cool off with creatively named smoothies like Ya Heard Me and Beaucoup Berries at Botanicals Nola.

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Once a 19th-century church, Hotel Peter and Paul now boasts 71 charming rooms filled with antiques, some featuring cozy fireplaces and lofts with spiral staircases. Enjoy a Sazerac cocktail alongside small plates of brioche toast and roasted Gulf shrimp at the Elysian Bar located on the ground floor.

Warehouse District

Ideal For: Exploring new art

Experience some of the city’s finest restaurants, retail shops, and art galleries in the Warehouse District, just a 15-minute walk from the French Quarter. On the first Saturday of each month, Julia Street comes alive as galleries open their doors for free access to new exhibitions, including the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and the Contemporary Arts Center. Here, you can recharge at Mr. Wolf Espresso, surrounded by vibrant art and books celebrating Black culture. A special exhibit at the National WWII Museum currently highlights the contributions of Japanese American veterans. This area also boasts some of the city’s most popular dining spots, including Pêche and Cochon, where the renowned suckling pig with stewed okra, tomato, and pork jus lives up to its reputation.

Accommodation options

One of the latest hotel openings in the city, Kimpton Hotel Fontenot expanded in March 2023, adding 12,000 square feet of meeting and event space, along with 33 new guest rooms and suites, and a French brasserie named King. The service here embodies New Orleans's famed hospitality, from the bustling Peacock Room bar to the welcoming front desk check-in. Be sure to try a chocolate babka knot at the ground floor café, Gospel Coffee & Boozy Treats.

Mid-City

Ideal For: A home-like experience

For an authentic neighborhood vibe that feels removed from the tourist hotspots yet is only about a 10-minute taxi ride away, consider Mid-City. Nestled between Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River, this area hosts the renowned annual Jazz and Heritage Festival and boasts over 2,000 species of flowers in the city’s Botanical Gardens. Mid-City is also home to the New Orleans Museum of Art, showcasing both domestic and international fine art. Be sure to visit the free Besthoff Sculpture Garden while you're there. While debates about the best po’ boy in the city are common, many locals swear by the roast beef sandwich from Parkway Tavern Bakery. For a lively atmosphere and classic Creole cuisine, make a reservation at Neyow’s for a bowl of their beloved filé gumbo.

Accommodation options

Nestled on a serene street, this historic eight-room bed-and-breakfast features a tranquil courtyard for relaxation and is only a 15-minute streetcar ride from downtown New Orleans. Guests can savor a complimentary gourmet breakfast each morning, highlighted by blueberry bread pudding.