New Orleans’ Garden District is known for architecture more than gardens, but you don’t need to be an architect to be won over by her charm (and hauntings) or find bucket list things to do!
The Garden District is New Orleans‘ fancy, opulent side; the charming Victorian mansions and Creole cottages ooze historic southern charm; this is where you go to feel like Scarlett O’Hara. The GD is the opposite of the tall townhouses in the French Quarter and the craziness of Bourbon Street.
Like many who have fallen in love with New Orleans, the Garden District holds such a special place in my heart. Standing beneath the Spanish moss-covered oak trees and historic homes light a fire in my soul unlike anywhere else.
I’m so excited to share with you Things To Do in New Orleans’ Garden District!
Where to Stay in the Garden District
The Garden District is an excellent place to stay because it’s safe, beautiful, and quiet, yet only a streetcar away from the French Quarter.
Everything you need, from food and drinks to historic shopping, is in the neighborhood.
These are my top picks for Garden District hotels (note: The Columns is haunted at no extra charge)-
Exploring the Garden District
The St. Charles Streetcar
Born in 1835, The St. Charles Streetcar is the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the entire world, a visual icon of New Orleans.
The historic streetcar is a scenic, fun, and affordable way to transition between The Garden District and The French Quarter.
Drinking alcohol while riding the streetcar is not allowed– someone needed to read that, I just know it.
The path: 6.5 miles from the Central Business District through Uptown. The trip is about 45 minutes each way.
Prices: $1.25 per ride or $3 for a 1-Day Pass, which can be purchased from the driver, in cash, with exact change.
Tip: The Garden District is bigger than you might think. Pack a portable charger to keep all of your devices going and a tripod to get the best mansion photos.
St. Charles Ave.
St. Charles forms the northern border of The Garden District, and like the rest of the neighborhood, it’s essentially a parade of grand, historic mansions.
While the Rues of the French Quarter are ‘Parisian modern,’ the Garden District’s avenues exude a ‘grand southern luxury’ vibe.
The best way to see St. Charles is on the Streetcar, but you can also jog along the median that divides the street and houses from the streetcar tracks.
For pictures: you’re looking to snap pics with a classical New Orleans feel, with the Streetcar and towering southern estates in the background, St. Charles is the spot.
Tip: the streetcar stops can be jarring- hold on tight!
Lafayette Cemetery No.1
New Orleans is known for its otherworldly cemeteries.
Lafayette No.1 is the unofficial ‘most filmed cemetery in New Orleans.’ This hauntingly beautiful cemetery has been in use since 1833, with an estimated 7,000 people buried there.
Lafayette’s claims to fame:
- Hosting the final resting place of Judge Ferguson of the “separate-but-equal” court case.
- Housing the tomb that inspired author Anne Rice for both Lestat’s tomb in Interview with a Vampire and the tomb for the witches in The Witching Hour.
- Serving as a filming location for both The Originals and NCIS: New Orleans.
Note: Currently closed for renovations, the city has promised that Lafayette will eventually open for tours again.
American Horror Story Coven House (Buckner Mansion)
The Buckner Mansion was seen in Season 3 of American Horror Story: Coven and again in Season 8 of American Horror Story: Apocalypse.
Because of this, the mansion is one of the most photographed mansions not only in the Garden District but in all of New Orleans.
While you can’t formally tour the home, AHS fans will recognize plenty of scenes from outside the gates. The house itself is charming and makes for a great photo backdrop!
Remember to take photos respectfully, the house is occupied.
Anne Rice House (Brevard-Rice House)
Anne Rice purchased this Greek Revival stunner in 1989 and began writing her Mayfair Witches series here.
The house first appears in The Witching Hour, which features the Brevard House as the Mayfair Witches’ ancestral home and is mentioned throughout the series.
Today, the plaque outside the mansion says the official name to be The Brevard-Rice House, but fans (myself included) know it as “The Anne Rice House.”
The Columns
A grand Italianate glimmers between the mansions on St. Charles Avenue. This building is found on many lists of New Orleans’ most famous haunted places, and after you’ve been inside, you can see why.
The original owner of the home, Simon Hersheim, committed suicide by cyanide poisoning in 1895 after his wife and sister died of unknown causes. His ghost is said to have never left and is said to haunt the building.
Today, that mansion is called The Columns, and it operates as a 4-star hotel and bar with a reputation for class and Victorian elegance.
How to Experience the Columns
The first way is by enjoying a few cocktails and small plates: Stop in and watch the world pass by on the outdoor patio, surrounded by magnolia trees, with views of the St. Charles Street Car.
The second option is to brave a night at the hotel: Rooms and suites range from casual to dramatically ornate, and some even have Victorian furnishings, claw-foot tubs, balconies, 4-poster beds, or formal seating areas.
Shopping in the Garden District
The Rink
The Crescent City Skating Rink opened in December 1884, at a time when roller skating was HOT. Lots of really cool outfits and one-of-a-kind nights happened during this building’s time as Crescent City.
Flash forward to 1979, the property was repurchased and repurposed into smaller retail stores.
The Garden District Book Shop
One of those stores is The Garden District Book Shop, which also opened in 1979.
Disclaimer: I’m biased about this one. The Garden District Book Shop is one of my favorite bookstores of all time.
The Garden District Book Shop is the spot for New Orleans-specific titles, plus autographed and rare copies.
The Book Shop is a must-see for Anne Rice fans or anyone interested in scoring signed and original copies of her titles.
Still ‘Perkin
Also located in The Rink, you’ll find a simple, pleasing coffee shop, ‘Still Perkin.
If you’re exploring the Garden District on foot, this is the perfect place to have a light snack or some caffeine, sit down, get out of the sun, and people-watch.
Most places in the Garden District don’t have public restrooms, so take advantage.
Magazine Street
Picture this: 6 miles of southern mansions, eclectic boutique shops, and locally owned eateries.
While the French Quarter’s Royal Street is known for opulence and high prices, Magazine has more variety, offering quirky shops and themed coffee houses.
What To Do on Magazine Street
- French Truck is the prime coffee spot in the area. The aesthetic and atmosphere here are upbeat and optimistic, as expected from the vivid yellow exterior. Try their signature New Orleans iced coffee or lemon ginger tea.
- The Funky Monkey is a fun little vintage shop where you can find costumes and other kinds of ‘Funky’ clothes.
- The Rum House is highly rated for Caribbean and Latin food.
- Dat Dog serves up hot dogs (also veggie dogs!) in a colorful, Instagram-friendly environment.
Start your stroll down Magazine Street near The National WWII Museum. If you’re shorter on time, start around the Magazine Antique Mall (3017 Magazine St) in the Lower Garden District.
Magazine Street ends at the famous Audubon Park. Wise oak trees, semi-creepy lagoons, and postcard-worthy picnic spots pretty much some up Audubon Park.
Where to Eat in the Garden District
Commander’s Palace
Aside from being one of New Orleans’s most haunted locations, the food at Commander’s Palace is pretty damn good and has won various awards such as Best Restaurant, Best Chef, and Best Wine List.
Tip: Make reservations in advance- this place is popular!
The Ruby Slipper Cafe
The Ruby Slipper Cafe is your go-to for breakfast and brunch offerings with a Southern spin. My favorite thing to order is the Brioche French Toast Bites or one of the fried tomato breakfasts!
Le Bon Temps
Here’s your basic bar with local music plus late-night pub grub. Le Bon Temps claims to have “the best damn bloody marys in town.” I’ll leave you to decide that for yourself!
Magazine Street
Hit up one of the food stops on Magazine Street mentioned above.
Common Questions about the Garden District
Why is it called “the Garden District?”
The Garden District was where the wealthy Americans chose to live in an attempt to distance themselves from the general filth and open sewage in the French Quarter.
Initially, each block only had two houses, each surrounded by sprawling, decorative gardens, which is how the neighborhood got its name.
Is the Garden District Safe?
The Garden District is one of the safest places in the city of New Orleans. That being said, it’s essential to use common sense and basic safety practices.
What ward is the Garden District in?
The Garden District is in the 11th Ward. This ward is also home to the Irish Channel, most of Faubourg Delassize, and a few other smaller neighborhoods.
What streetcar goes to the Garden District?
How convenient that a streetcar goes right into the Garden District. The name of that line is the St. Charles Streetcar mentioned above.
Can you drive through the Garden District?
You absolutely can drive through the Garden District in New Orleans- just keep in mind the area is primarily residential, so drive like you live there.
Can you walk from the French Quarter to the Garden District?
Short answer- yes.
Long answer- I wouldn’t advise it. It’s a long walk through a mix of good and bad neighborhoods. Depending on where you’re staying, definitely do your homework.
Pin it for later
Check in
Did you experience the Garden District? Do you have a question that wasn’t answered here?
Let me know in the comments below 🙂 Or tag me on social media:
