Garden District Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Garden District
This green and pleasant district is an idea place for a stroll among magnificent mansions and beautiful parkland.

The Garden District has been created from the former plantation lands and is now designated a Historic Landmark District. Based on the original 1806 design by New Orleans architect Barthelemy Lafon, it encompasses lavish mansions and spectacular gardens, pretty cottages and ornately decorated villas, set amongst verdant parkland dotted with canals and fountains.

Many of the original 19th-century buildings are preserved, designed in the Greek revival style, and several of the streets are named after Greek muses. The smaller homes have been turned into delightful shops or bed-and-breakfast accommodation, while notable landmarks include the Anshe Sfard synagogue, Lafayette Cemetery No.1 and a historic skating rink now converted into a shopping mall with a difference.

George Washington Cable House commemorates one of Louisiana’s most influential writers, whose accounts of early Creole life have ensured this important era in the history of the state has been chronicled for posterity. His home on Eighth Street is now a national monument. The Commander’s Palace dates from the 1880s and has a long-standing reputation as one of the finest dining establishments in the whole of America.

Magazine Street is a haven for shopaholics, offering everything from local souvenirs and crafts, antiques and collectables to gourmet products, while stylish boutiques line St. Charles Avenue to the north. Stay in one of the charming bed and breakfasts on this fashionable avenue and wake up to the sound of traditional trams trundling past your window.

The Garden District is transformed every October by the quirky Zombiefest parade, when the undead take over the streets in a fancy-dress frenzy that channels the dark arts of Voodoo. The annual bake-off competition in July is an altogether cosier affair, showcasing the authentic taste of Southern hospitality.

Buses and trams serve the Garden District, and there is plenty of on-street parking. Take a leisurely stroll around this beautifully preserved neighbourhood, or join a tour to discover the history behind its manicured lawns and elegant facades.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Garden District Hotel Deals

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
Fully refundable
The price is AU$233 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
AU$233
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.2/10 Good! (2,490 reviews)
"The property was close to all attractions I wanted to visit. The room was clean and spacious."

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Qtr - Astor
Bourbon Orleans Hotel
Bourbon Orleans Hotel
4 out of 5
717 Orleans St., New Orleans, LA
The price is AU$337 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$337
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this historic hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,775 reviews)
"Great access to the French quarter and Jackson square. Engaging staff. Clean and quiet place to rest."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Bourbon Orleans Hotel
Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter
Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter
4 out of 5
124 Royal St, New Orleans, LA
The price is AU$237 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
AU$237
per night
29 Apr - 30 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and valet parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,215 reviews)
"Property was well kept, staff helpful and friendly. Shower stall seemed to need deep cleaning and there was a musty /moldy smell in Bathroom (not overwhelming but to the discerning nose) ."

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter
Le Pavillon New Orleans
Le Pavillon New Orleans
4 out of 5
833 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA
The price is AU$257 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
AU$257
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this boutique hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,035 reviews)
"Very nice place and convenient for getting to everything."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Le Pavillon New Orleans
Maison Dupuy Hotel
Maison Dupuy Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1001 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA
The price is AU$241 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
AU$241
per night
16 Apr - 17 Apr
Stay at this historic hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,753 reviews)
"Perfect spot for walking distance to the French Quarter"

Reviewed on 27 Mar. 2024

Maison Dupuy Hotel
Holiday Inn FRENCH QUARTER-CHATEAU LEMOYNE, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn FRENCH QUARTER-CHATEAU LEMOYNE, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
301 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA
The price is AU$237 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
AU$237
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in New Orleans. Enjoy free WiFi, valet parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,017 reviews)
"The location, room, and parking were all great, but the staff were all exceptional. We would absolutely stay here again the next time we visit NOLA!"

Reviewed on 28 Mar. 2024

Holiday Inn FRENCH QUARTER-CHATEAU LEMOYNE, an IHG Hotel
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 A.L. Davis Park 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 Magazine Street.

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 Lafayette Square 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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