People from all over the world appreciate the fact that New Orleans, Louisiana is one of the most preferred tourist destinations. This is because of its culture, weather and friendly people. Apart from the mentioned advantages, New Orleans boasts an incredible number of attractions such as Jackson Square, the National WWII Museum, Bourbon Street and Preservation Hall. For those who are visiting New Orleans for the first time, it is understandable that you may run out of ideas or thing to do during your stay. For that reason, check out the top 10 things that you can do in New Orleans’ Garden District, Louisiana.
1. Satisfy your bookworm soul in Garden District Book Shop
Come and satisfy your bookworm soul at this mustard-brown building called the Rink, built in 1884. Today, the Rink is home to the Still Perkin’ Café, the perfect place to get a quick coffee or a café au lait to carry with you to the bookstore. Upstairs is the Garden District Bookstore, famous for hosting countless book signings for the famous novelist, Anne Rice. You will get the chance to see photos placed in the shop window of a mock funeral which was staged during one of her book promotions. Inside you’ll find a bookcase full of signed copies of her works. Apart from the works of Anne Rice, Garden District Bookstore is also home to a large collection of regional titles by both nationally and regionally acclaimed authors.
Garden District Book Shop
Address: 2727 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Website: Garden District Book Shop
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
2. Get nostalgic at The Columns and grab a drink
After a long day exploring the gems in New Orleans, come and enjoy a meal at The Columns Hotel. Even though their menu can be compared to none, having a meal at The Columns is not just about the food. Once you are inside, you will immediately notice the grand interior. What will capture your eye most is the dramatic mahogany stairwell that rises tall, meeting a unique square-domed stained-glass skylight in a stylized sunburst motif. This piece is historically important because it is the last piece of its kind designed by Thomas Sully.
The Columns Hotel
Address: 3811 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA
Website: The Columns Hotel
3. Discover the historic Lafayette Cemetery (from USD 35.0)
You have not completely explored New Orleans if you have not yet walked around the elegant and historic Garden District. Take part in this two-hour walking tour which will allow you to fully explore the heart of the neighborhood, including the fascinating Lafayette Cemetery. When you are done exploring Lafayette Cemetery, you will also get the chance to tour several famous homes in the lavish Antebellum neighborhood, including walks past the home of the vampire chronicler Anne Rice. This tour will unveil some of the most remarkable treasures and give you a unique perspective on the fascinating history of this city.
New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour & Lafayette Cemetery
Duration: 2 hours
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4. Shop till you drop at the Magazine Street (from USD 230.0)
This stretch of 6 miles (9.6 km) from Canal Street to Audubon Park, famously known as Magazine Street travels from the Warehouse Arts District all the way through the Garden District and ending at Uptown. Magazine Street is famous for its retail stores which offer a delightful alternative to the typical mall shopping experience. The shops are interspersed with beautifully decorated homes, and a mix of beautifully renovated warehouses and shops selling pottery, housewares, period furniture, books, clothing, glass, toys, soaps, and jewelry. Magazine Street is the ideal destination for a leisurely walk-about, with plenty of cafes, coffee shops, and restaurants all providing refreshments to the tired shoppers.
Private Art Tour of New Orleans with Lunch - Includes Street Art!
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
5. Witness the grand Victorian house featured in the Hollywood hit - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
It is a known fact that the award-winning movie, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was filmed in New Orleans and its surrounding areas. Most of the filming happened at the Nolan House in New Orleans. The Nolan House is located just next to Commander’s Palace and it features a music room, six bedrooms, a reception hall, and a library. The house has been the home for four generations of William T. Nolan II’s family whose daughter Ashley, is a doctor in the movie. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button won three awards at the 2009 Oscars Academy Awards, for Best Achievement in Makeup, Best Achievement in Art Direction and Best Achievement in Visual Effects.
Nolan House New Orleans
Address: 2707 Coliseum St. New Orleans
6. Explore the Antebellum history on tours of New Orleans (from USD 255.0)
Life at the Antebellum South started at the countless plantations that border the Mississippi River, a view that will remind you of the city’s agrarian past. Located just an hour from New Orleans, guests can tour these stately mansions as they hear incredible stories from all perspectives. During the tour, guests will get to know more about the famous local families who built and owned the plantations and the views of the slaves who worked there. You will also learn reasons behind basic traditions such as why the kitchens were not part of the main house and find out how residents lived in comfort before air-conditioning. All of the plantations serve lunch while some even offer overnight accommodations with dinner and breakfast.
New Orleans Airboat and Plantations Tour
Duration: 9 hours
7. Take a food tour of Garden City (from USD 129.0)
Grab this opportunity of exploring New Orleans with your private group of up to 10 guests. During the whole tour, you will get personalized attention from your French-speaking guide as you sample some of the best belt-busting staples such as a pork belly sliders and seductively sweet candies among many others. During the four-hour tour, you will hop in and out of some of the much-loved eateries around St Charles Avenue and the Garden District. The tour includes at least four food stops and an entertaining trivia about the city’s heritage. This tour is the perfect way to discover New Orleans institutions and discovering places only locals seem to know.
New Orleans: French Quarter Food and Garden District Tour
Duration: 5.5 hour
8. Visit the famous Manning household (from USD 25.0)
According to locals, 1420 First Street in the Garden District is not just any home, it is the home of champions. This beautiful historic house is the home of famous football champs Eli and Peyton. Their parents Archie (also one of New Orleans respected figures) and his wife Olivia still live in the home. During the tour of this neighborhood, not every group will be lucky enough to enter this historical home, but a glimpse where it all began is good enough. The area also boasts several other landmarks including Anne Rice’s former home which is located just a few blocks away.
New Orleans Garden District Tour with Lafayette Cemetery
Duration: 2 hours
9. Explore Garden District on a pedicab (from USD 153.0)
Are you looking for the most ideal way to spend your day in New Orleans? Take a private pedicab tour around the American side of town where you will get to see stunning views of abandoned grand cathedrals and celebrities who live in the homes of former cotton royalty. Enjoy the views of New Orleans’ best mansions, as you follow New Orleans’ meteoric rise. Other important sights that you will come across include Buckner Mansion, St Charles Avenue, Lafayette Cemetery and Irish Channel. It is important that you dress for the weather. Additionally, you may bring water and snacks if you must.
Private Garden District Pedicab Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
10. Marvel at the giant turquoise building on the corner of Washington and Coliseum Streets, Commander's Palace (from USD 26.0)
After exploring all the gems that New Orleans has to offer, come and marvel at the giant turquoise building on the corner of Washington and Coliseum Streets. Nestled in the middle of the tree-lined Garden District, Commander’s Palace has been a New Orleans landmark since 1893 famous for the award-winning quality of its food and its convivial atmosphere. Whether you are dining alone, hosting a rehearsal dinner or a board meeting, Commander’s Palace makes entertaining easy. At Commander’s, you and your guests will be pampered with unparalleled hospitality and award-winning cuisine prepared by Chef Tory McPhail. Commander’s Palace is arguably the go-to destination for haute Creole cuisine and whimsical Louisiana charm.
New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours
Discover New Orleans
In New Orleans, there is no room for getting bored. The area is rich in history that begs to be explored. For the best sites to discover during your visit to New Orleans, check out the list above.
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