Garden District

The basics

This picturesque neighborhood is best experienced on foot, and options run the gamut from historical tours to cultural tours. Garden district tours typically feature popular highlights such as the historic Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, famous antebellum houses, and the eclectic shops and restaurants of Magazine Street. If you sign up for a ghost tour, expect your tour guide to recount paranormal tales of the neighborhood. You'll quickly understand why scary films such as Interview with a Vampire and Dracula 2000 and TV show American Horror Story: Coven were shot here. Some New Orleans bus tours, including hop-on hop-off options, include stops in the Garden District.

Things to know before you go

• This neighborhood is a must-visit for history buffs and first-time visitors to New Orleans.

• Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to spend a few hours walking.

• Guided walking tours generally involve 2–3 hours of walking and begin at a central meeting point in the neighborhood.

• The area is wheelchair accessible for the most part.

• For a particularly fancy meal, head to Commander's Palace at 1403 Washington Ave, which has been serving the Garden District community since 1893.

How to get there

The easiest and most historic way to get to the Garden District from the French Quarter is by joining a tour or taking the St. Charles Streetcar (which also stops at Tulane and Loyola universities and the Audubon Zoo, part of the Audubon Nature Institute). It's also possible to reach the area on foot and via the Magazine Street bus.

When to get there

Visit between February and May, when the weather is more comfortable. The calendar this time of year is packed with events, including Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Expect a lot of heat and humidity if you visit between June and September.

Celebrity homes in the Garden District

This live oak–shaded neighborhood is no stranger to celebrities, and a number of them have homes in the area. While strolling through the neighborhood, you might spot the houses of Archie and Peyton Manning, John Goodman, Sandra Bullock, and the late Anne Rice.

Is the Garden District worth seeing?

Yes, the Garden District is worth seeing. It's full of beautiful old mansions, many with sprawling verandas and lush gardens filled with trees and flowers. Most also have intricate wrought-iron work on their fences and balconies. It's also home to the Lafayette Cemetery No.1, one of the city's prettiest historic cemeteries.

What is the most famous street in the Garden District?

St. Charles Avenue is the most famous street in the Garden District and among the best-known streets in the city. Many of the most spectacular mansions in the neighborhood, including the Elms Mansion, are right on the avenue, and it’s a great place to experience Mardi Gras parades.

Can you drive through the Garden District?

Yes, you can drive through the Garden District. However, if you're driving, you'll need to keep your eyes on the road, and you'll miss much of the area's beautiful architecture. Instead of driving, join a guided tour or hitch a ride on the St. Charles Streetcar instead.

What is the best time of year to visit the Garden District?

The best time to visit the Garden District, outside of the Mardi Gras period, is during the spring, when the temperatures are warm but not too hot, and flowers are in full bloom. After temperatures and humidity have dropped, the later part of fall is equally pleasant, weather-wise.

What do you see on a tour of the Garden District?

Tours of the Garden District vary, though you can expect to see lots of beautiful architecture while you learn about the area's history from your local guide. Many tours also include visits to the famous Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, except when it’s closed for maintenance or restoration.

Should you book Garden District tours in advance?

Yes, you should book Garden District tours in advance. Tours sell out, so it’s worth securing your spot to avoid disappointment. Some tours make it easy to cancel up to 24 hours before your departure time, so you can get a full refund if your plans change.

Ways to explore

This picturesque neighborhood is best experienced on foot, and walking tours run the gamut from historical tours to cultural tours. Garden District tours typically feature popular highlights such as the historic Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, famous antebellum houses, and the eclectic shops and restaurants of Magazine Street. If you sign up for a ghost tour, expect your tour guide to recount paranormal tales of the neighborhood (you'll quickly understand why scary films such as Interview with a Vampire were shot here). Some New Orleans bus tours, including hop-on hop-off options, also include stops in the Garden District.

Accessibility

Individual attractions and landmarks have varied accessibility, but the neighborhood has wide, flat pavements that are wheelchair-accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sun protection, water bottle, bug spray, camera

What to wear

The weather here is often hot and humid—wear lightweight layers in natural fabrics.

Not allowed

While the rules vary by tour, most don’t allow smoking, pets, or alcohol.

Amenities

Public transit, gardens, shops, restaurants

Address

The Garden District is located in Uptown New Orleans, upriver of Downtown and the French Quarter. The St. Charles Avenue Streetcar connects it to the rest of the city, while taxis, rideshare services, and tours with included transport offer additional ways to get there.

Driving

St. Charles Avenue and Magazine Street are major thoroughfares that run through the neighborhood. However, parking can be limited in the Garden District, so you may want to use taxis or rideshare services instead.

Public transportation

The St. Charles Avenue Streetcar is one of the best—and most charming—ways to get to the Garden District. Local bus lines, including the 11 and 91, also serve the area.

Best times to visit

The Garden District is popular throughout the day. Plan a daytime visit to shop, grab brunch, and browse shops, or visit in the evening for drinks and dinner.

Best days to visit

As a rule, you can expect the crowds in New Orleans to be heavier on weekends. Come on a weekday for a slightly calmer experience.

Best months to visit

Spring is the most popular time in the Garden District and in New Orleans; it's when festivals are held and blossoms abound. Summer brings soaring temperatures and occasional hurricanes.

Special events

Visit New Orleans in the spring to catch popular citywide events like Mardi Gras.