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A Free Self-Guided Tour of The Garden District New Orleans with map

Cost: Free Starting Point: 2368 Magazine Street, Molly’s Rise and Shine Ending Point: 2627 Coliseum Street, Sandra Bullock’s House Total Distance: About a mile Time Required: About an hour or two Best Time to go: Early in the morning is best to avoid crowds and heat

Getting Here: The historic Saint Charles Streetcar is the most leisurely way to get to The Garden district from The French Quarter. In the Quarter, you can get to the stop by crossing Canal Street at Bourbon. The street names change on either side of Canal Street, and Bourbon Street becomes Carondolet. The price is $1.25 per ride, or $3 for a 1-Day Pass which can be purchased from the driver. You must have cash and exact change or you can download the app Le Pass

Where to stay in the Garden District: The Garden District is also a great place to stay on your vacation to New Orleans. Find the Best Hotels in The Garden District here

The Garden District is known for elegance and refinery; charming Victorian, Italianate, and Greek Revival mansions and oak-lined streets are Garden District staples.

Most of what is now The Garden District was originally part of the Livaudais plantation in 1832. The town of Lafayette was established in 1833, separate from the Creole city of New Orleans. In 1852 Lafayette was annexed into New Orleans as its Tenth Ward.

Today, The Garden District’s vibe is southern, suburban opulence with historic landmarks, celebrity homes and massive oak trees mixed in.

Step back in time with us as we explore the best architecture, history, and legends of The Garden District, with famous food stops along the way.

Molly’s Rise and Shine 2368 Magazine is a quirky and delicious Garden District Staple. This is a great spot to grab some breakfast and coffee before your tour. Pro tip: Virgin Bloody Mary’s pair perfectly with everything on the menu.

Molly’s Rise and Shine is closed Tuesday and Wednesday).

Officially called the Payne-Strachan House, this mansion was built in 1849 by Jacob Payne. Jefferson Davis, once the President of the Confederate States of America, died in the house on December 6th, 1889.

Continue down First, away from Magazine Street.

This beautiful Greek Revival dates to 1857, when it was constructed for Albert Brevard by James Calrow and Charles Pride. It is said that Mr. Brevard never left the home- he died there only 2 years after its completion and is known to still haunt the halls.

In 1989 Anne Rice purchased the house and would go on to write The Mayfair Witches series there, featuring the Brevard House as the ancestral home of the Mayfair witches.

Today, the plaque outside the mansion proclaims the official name to be The Brevard-Rice House, but it’s more commonly referred to as “The Anne Rice House.”

Continue down First, next door, across the street is the next stop:

Built in 1869 for Joseph Carroll by Samuel Jamison, this pink, 3 story Italian stunner is one of the most unique mansions in the Garden District. Joseph Carroll was known for throwing fancy (and often raunchy) parties, with important guests such as Mark Twain. Think about it: Mark Twain partied in this mansion, and maybe even found inspiration in its walls!

Two doors down at 1331 First street is the Morris-Israel House built by the same architect in 1867. Check out the similarities! NBA player Zion Williams just bought this house for his mother. Find out more about Where the Rich and Famous live in New Orleans .

The next intersection should be First and Coliseum Street. Take a right down Coliseum, the next stop will be on your left .

The legend goes: A man had 7 daughters and built these houses for them as wedding presents, to keep them close.

The actual story is less romantic- Henry Hall modeled the houses after the work of famed architect Henry Howard around 1868. His goal was to appeal to those on a modest income that were interested in The Garden District.

The 7 sisters (there are 8 total buildings) are “shotgun” houses, so called because of their layout- you could theoretically fire a gun through the front door and the bullet would go right out the back.

Shotgun houses are a trademark of New Orleans architecture, and these are the only examples of shotgun houses in The Garden District.

Continue down Coliseum two blocks to Jackson, Take a left on Jackson.

This mansion was seen on Season 3 of American Horror Story: Coven and again on Season 8 of American Horror Story: Apocalypse. Today, Buckner Mansion is one of the most photographed homes in all New Orleans.

Built in 1856 by Henry Sullivan Buckner, Buckner mansion was the Soule Business School until 1983 and is now used as a private residence and occasional posh filming location.

While you can’t formally tour the home, AHS fans will recognize plenty of filming locations from the outside. Remember to take photos respectfully, as the house is occupied.

If your on Jackson facing the Buckner Mansion, Prytania Street is to your right. Take a left on Prytania and walk a block, just past Phillips Street.

This French-style mansion was built in 1872 for Bradish Johnson by James Feret, but has served as the private all-girls school, The Louise S. McGehee School since 1929. The school has expanded to include many other buildings on the block, but The Bradish Johnson House remains an icon of McGehee School history.

Toby’s corner is across the street.

This is the oldest house in The Garden District. Thomas Toby built this Greek Revival masterpiece in 1838 but sadly lost the home to foreclosure in 1858. Soon after, Thomas Dugan purchased the property for his daughter and it’s still in his family to this day.

Continue down Prytania, past First. On your left is:

This magnificent mansion was built in 1859 for merchant Edward Davis. It was purchased in 1944 by the Seebold Family who then willed it to Women’s Opera Guild upon their deaths in 1965. The mansion has appeared in several big Hollywood films including Elsa & Peter as well as Django Unchained. Today the Women’s Opera Guild mansion is available to rent for weddings and social events. Guided tours are available seasonally-check out The Guild’s Facebook page .

Continue down Prytania.

This Greek Revival mansion was built in 1852 for Joseph Maddox, owner of The New Orleans Daily Crescent.

In 1925 the Redemptorist Fathers converted the mansion into a Catholic Chapel. This is how the building got its trademark iron pavilion and Virgin Mary Statue, with its “Our Mother of Perpetual Help” dedication from which it is named. Sadly, these were recently removed by the currently owners.

Anne Rice converted The Chapel back into a home in 1996 and it inspired the setting for her book Violin.

Actor Nicolas Cage owned the home from 2005 until 2009, before it was infamously placed into foreclosure. Today, the mansion is a private residence.

Charles Briggs had this Gothic Cottage built in 1849 and today 2605 Prytania Street is still considered the only Gothic-style home in the Garden District.

Even though the cottage isn’t nearly as massive as the neighboring homes, the contrast is part of what gives the Briggs-Staub House it’s charm. The cottage was also one of the first in the Garden District to have indentured servants and free men of color as workers instead of slaves.

Designed by Thomas Sully in 1890 for the Rainey Family, 2631 Prytania is the best preserved of the few remaining houses designed by Sully. This three-story Queen Anne-style mansion is currently a Bed and Breakfast .

Across the street on First is the next stop.

This Italianate styled home was designed by architect Henry Howard for Colonel Robert Short in 1859. During the Civil War the house was seized by Federal troops and in 1864 the villa was used by Michael Hahn, the Governor of Louisiana. General Nathaniel P. Banks then occupied the home- it wasn’t until the end of the war that the property was released to the Colonel, in 1865. Colonel Short lived here until his death in 1890.

This property is best known for its easily recognizable cornstalk fence and is sometimes referred to as ‘the cornstalk house.’ One explanation for the eye-catching design was that Colonel Short’s wife was homesick for the Iowa cornfields where she had grown up. Another says that she simply ordered the most expensive fence available at the time.

It was bought by Paul McCarthy’s Manager Scott Rogers in 2018 find out more about where the rich and famous live in New Orleans . Scott Rogers did extensive work on the property, including adding a pool.

The Rink is a repurposed roller skating rink originally called Crescent City Skating Rink built in the late 19th century. It was converted to shops in the 1970s. It houses The Garden District Book Shop and Still ‘Perkin.

At the time of this writing, The Rink is currently under construction but ‘Still Perkin is still waiting to serve as your drink and bathroom stop. This is the perfect stop to order a Café Au Lait and grab a pastry or other small snack.

The Garden District Book Shop is known to be a favorite of New Orleans author Anne Rice and has hosted many book signings for her. This is one of the best places in the entire world to get signed Anne Rice books, originals and other rare artifacts such as photos of the famed mock funeral she staged to promote her book Memnoch the Devil.

Besides Anne Rice, you’ll find a selection of Louisiana-specific books, and rare titles from local authors that is unbeatable. If you’re souvenir shopping for any history buffs, this is your spot.

Take a left on Washington.

Lafayette Cemetery #1 is closed for renovations but you can look through the gate.

Lafayette No.1 is the unofficial ‘most filmed cemetery in New Orleans.’

Named after the city of Lafayette, which would later become The Garden District this cemetery has been active since 1833. There lies an estimated 7,000 people buried at the cemetery.

Some of the most notable people resting in Lafayette Cemetery No.1 include:

• Judge Ferguson of the Plessy vs. Ferguson “separate-but-equal” case. • Several historic volunteer firemen organizations, now extinct. • Mayfair Witches- in Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches series, the tomb for the witches in The Witching Hour, looks like the Lafayette fireman tombs.

Layfette Cemetery No. 1 is currently closed for renovations, but one of New Orleans oldest cemeteries, St. Louis No. 3 (1853) is open for exploring. Check out our free Tour of St. Louis No. 3 . Daily at 1pm If you’re pressed for time and can’t make our in-person tour, check out our free self-guided cemetery tour .

Aside from its title as one of the Garden District’s most haunted locations, the food at Commander’s Palace is famous for a reason and has won a variety of awards. Two of N.O.L.A.’s most famous chefs, Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse, have gotten their start here.

Commander’s Palace was first established as a saloon in 1893 by the original owner, Emile Commander. Today, the restaurant is a Garden District icon known for its southern charm, award-winning Creole cuisine and the fun-looking, bright blue, Victorian masterpiece that houses it. Inside, the style is traditional fine dining, and the dress code is strictly enforced.

Take a left down Coliseum.

Built in 1832, this handsome house is best known for its appearance in the movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. The 8,000 square foot cottage has been owned by three generations of the Nolan family.

The movie, based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, was filmed almost entirely in New Orleans. The Nolan house served as the nursing home where Queenie, the resident manager played by Taraji P. Henson, raises Benjamin Button, played by Brad Pitt.

Nearly every room in the house was used for the movie and many scenes are instantly recognizable on the house’s porch, front steps, and interior.

The house is named for lawyer Joseph Merrick Jones, who’s law firm still stands today as one of Louisiana’s largest.

Actor John Goodman has resided here since 2005, after he purchased the home from Nine Inch Nails front man, Trent Reznor. Goodman is known for his role in the post-Katrina HBO series Treme and for his role as Dan Conner on the hit TV show, Roseanne.

Walk down Coliseum to Third and look to your left to see the next stop.

This is one of The Garden District’s largest estates at around 12,000 square feet. Built in 1859 as the masterpiece of one of New Orleans’ most famous architects, Henry Howard, this 2-story home is best recognized by its wraparound porches on both of its floors, and its distinctive curved sides. The Walter-Grinnan Robinson House was one of the first homes in New Orleans to feature running water. It is currently the home of Mickey Loomis, the General Manager of The New Orleans Saints.

This charming Swiss Chalet was built in 1867 by William Freret for James Eustis. This is one of only three houses of this style in the entire city of New Orleans. Perhaps because this style of architecture is not so practical in such a hot and humid climate. As of 2009, this is Chalet has served as actress Sandra Bullock’s home.

Joey K’s on 3001 Magazine Street specializes in New Orleans style comfort food, like red beans and rice, jambalaya, and po’boys.

Parasol’s 2533 Constance St , is perfect for a more relaxed, New Orleans style bar atmosphere, with great food (the roast beef po’boy receives especially high praise).

• House of Broel (2220 Saint Charles Avenue): This handsomely columned mansion is unique in that it was built in two different periods- Antebellum and High Victorian. Another unique feature is that, unlike most of the other mansions in The Garden District, you can tour this one.

The Broel family has also dedicated the second floor of the home to The House of Broel’s Dollhouse Museum, a collection of antique dollhouses, model mansions, period figures and décor.

• Ghost Manor (2502 Magazine Street): During the last two weekends in October, you can visit Ghost Manor, a gorgeous Queen Anne Victorian House on 2502 Magazine Street.

The display is free to the public and easily viewed from the sidewalk. The show is made up of more than a dozen different scenes, with Halloween themed characters, all perfectly timed to music. Ghost Manor is a labor of love, gifted by the owners of the home who spend countless hours designing the performances each year.

Would you like an audio version of this tour?

We are excited to announce a partnership with Voicemap self-guide GPS audio tours . These are perfect if you can’t make one of our Free to Join, Guided Tours free self-guided tours These tours work offline on your phone and are enabled by the GPS on your smart phone’s map. VoiceMap’s walking tour app gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. You can start these tours at any time and stop whenever and wherever you like, for as long as you like. You don’t even need to hit pause. The app uses your location to play audio automatically, at exactly the right time and place, and when you start moving again, playback will too. It also gives you directions, making it much easier to put your phone away and immerse yourself in your surroundings, not the screen.

Want to learn more about the Garden District?

Would you like to learn where to Rich and Famous live in the Garden District? Or . Or perhaps more about the history of The Garden District or what the Garden District is Know for ?

Or you can book tour for a more in depth look at The Garden District’s history and culture.

Self Guided Tours of New Orleans with Maps

Want to learn more about New Orleans unique history, neighborhoods and cemeteries at your own pace? check out our other Free Self-Guided Walking Tours !.

We currently offer Free Self-Guided walking tours of the French Quarter, St. Louis Cemetery #3 , and a Self Guided Driving Tour of Day Trips nearby New Orleans .

Our guide to Planning your Trip to New Orleans

Let us help you plan your trip to New Orleans. We are experts of all things New Orleans and we’ve been putting our knowledge together into a guide. This guide is a collection of articles that can act as a free trip planning guide giving you an idea of some of the best things to do, tours that are worth your time and money, places to see and where to eat. So check out our free trip planning guide .

What Nola Tour Guy is About:

Nola Tour Guy is a collective of passionate guides, both men and women, who are experts in the history of New Orleans. Our goals are to give tours that are intellectually stimulating, historically accurate and FUN. We only offer walking tours because we believe that walking is the best way to see a city and learn about it and at a price everyone can afford. Nola Tour Guy offers no novelty tours only the real history brought to life by our passionate guides. Join us, you won’t be disappointed..

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New Orleans  >  New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour Map

‎ New Orleans Tourist Tips ‎ |  Suggested Itineraries For New Orleans

• New Orleans
• Top 10 Things To Do
• French Quarter Walking Tour
• Garden District Walking Tour
• Plantation Mansions
• Frenchmen Street
• Top 10 Must Eats
• Top Ten Must Drinks
• Other Sights
• Best Day Trips
• Helpful Tourist Advice
• Suggested Itineraries
• Madri Gras Tips

Free Garden District Walking Tour:

Walking Tour Locatio n:  New Orleans Garden District Cost :  Free, Self-Guided ( Optional costs listed below ) Style :  Do-It-Yourself Walking Tour ( Self Guided )  Starting Point :  Third Street Street Car Stop End Of Tour :  Washington Avenue Street Car Stop Walking Distance :  Approximately 2.2 miles Time Required :  1.5 Hours of walking ( +1 hour for the official cemetery tour ) Best Time To Go :  Begin your walk around 9:30am so you can get a coffee at stop #6 and join the 1 hour long SOC Cemetery Tour mentioned at stop #7 which leaves daily at 10:30am. Getting Her e:  The historic Saint Charles Street Car only takes 14 minutes from Common Street the edge of the French Quarter ( see map ).  Cost is $1.25 per ride, or $3 for a 1-Day Jazzy Pass which can be purchased from the driver, must have cash in exact change. Fun Scale :  8.5 out of 10

Historical Overview Of The Garden District:

Our free, self-guided Garden District walking tour is one of the best daytime activities New Orleans has to offer.  You’ll be able to get a relaxing escape from the madness of Bourbon Street and a taste of the wealthy side of early-day New Orleans.  From historic mansions, to beautiful vegetation, and an impressive cemetery, there is a lot to see in the Garden District.

The entire Garden District neighborhood was once the vast  Livaudais Plantation , ( pronounced Lee-Voo-Day ).  In 1826, Jacques Livaudais lost ownership of the plantation to his wife Celeste Marigny ( sister of Bernard de Marigny ) when he failed to show up for a divorce court proceeding.  Celeste later sold the family plantation to a group of businessmen in 1832 for $490,000 who quickly parceled off and gridded the land into 80 city blocks.  The businessmen saw their new neighborhood as  the American answer  to the French & Creole dominated Vieux Carré ( pronounced Vue Ca-Ray ), know today as the French Quarter.

There had been an influx of affluent Americans to New Orleans following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and after 30 years later they finally got their own community outside of the Vieux Carré ( meaning the Old Square in French ).  Originally called the Village of Lafayette, the development efforts paid off immediately as wealthy Americans flocked to build their mansion estates on the edge of New Orleans.   In 1835, the Village of Lafayette got an extra luxury when the steam-powered Saint Charles Street Car started service.  The Saint Charles Street Car, now electric, is currently the  oldest active streetcar line in the World .

With plenty of space and fertile plantation soil, the mansions in the Village of Lafayette were each surrounded by  huge lawns and gardens  that spanned up to a full city block.   Because of the large lawns, the community was fittingly  nicknamed the Garden District .  The Garden District name officially stuck when the neighborhood was annexed in as a part of New Orleans in 1852.  This incorporation also lead to a second building boom, making the community one of the most desirable to live in.

While there are some bigger Antebellum mansions further in the countryside, the Garden District offers a rare chance to see an entire neighborhood of  preserved mansions  from the 1800s.  Strolling past the rod iron fences, Greek Revival facades, and magnolia trees, you’ll fall more in love with the Big Easy.  While the lawns aren’t as big as they originally were, it is impressive that so many mansions have together survived the test of time against war, fire, and a number of devastating hurricanes.  Still today it is easy to see the combination of both wealth and pride that made the stunning Garden District possible.  Hope you enjoy our map and do-it-yourself New Orleans Garden District walking tour.

The Garden District Walking Tour:

1. saint charles streetcar trolley :.

About The Saint Charles Streetcar Line :   Started running in 1835 with steam, horse, & mule powered trains until the line was electrified in 1893.  Formerly called the Carrollton Line, the trolleys running down Saint Charles Street make up the World’s oldest operating streetcar line . The vintage cars are a quick and enjoyable way to get to do our Garden District walking tour when you are staying near the French Quarter.

Cost : $1.25 per ride or $3 for a city-wide bus & trolley day pass called the Jazzy Pass.  Have exact change on you if possible.   Hours :  The Saint Charles Streetcar runs 24 hours a day with trolleys coming every 20-30 minutes at night; every 10 minutes in the early morning & evening; and every 6-7 minutes during daytime hours.

2. Claiborne Cottage ( 2524 St. Charles Avenue ):

About The Claiborne Cottage :   Stepping off the historic Saint Charles Street Car at 3rd Street puts you right in front of the wonderful Claiborne Cottage.  This elegant yellow cottage was built for Sophronie Louise Claiborne in 1857.  Sophronie was extremely well connected in New Orleans as her father was William Claiborne who served as  Louisiana’s 1st Governor  in 1812.  Prior to moving to Louisiana, her father had filled Andrew Jackson’s seat in the US Congress in Tennessee while Jackson served as President of the United States.  After her father’s time Governor, William also served in the US Senate.

Sophronie Claiborne’s husband Antonie Mandeville de Marigny was a US Marshal after serving in the French Army and was also very well connected from his own wealthy family.  His father, Bernard de Marigny, got rich from the  Marigny family sugar mill  and plantation established in 1829 North of Lake Pontchartrain.  With a playboy reputation, Bernard gained hero status in the Creole community after being elected President of the Louisiana Senate.  Bernard’s sister Celeste de Marigny is also the one who sold the Livaudais Plantation in 1832 to create the Garden District neighborhood.  As you can see from connecting all the dots, this was the  ultimate power family .

The Redemptorist Fathers later bought the Claiborne Cottage in 1923 to be a chapel, but ended up converting it into a school instead.  After later being turned back into a home, a 14-year-old  Anne Rice  moved here when her family rented it in 1955.  Just 2 block from her childhood home, the young author Rice was deeply inspired by the cozy Claiborne Cottage during her teenage years.  Forty years later in 1995, Rice bought the Cottage and it became the primary setting for her famous  ghost novel  Violin  published in 1997.  In the book, the main character Triana sees a ghost playing a violin on the street corner in front of the house.  This is just one of the many Anne Rice related stops you will visit on the New Orleans Garden District walking tour.

3. Briggs-Staub House ( 2605 Prytania Street ):

About The Briggs-Staub House :  As you reach the end of the first block on this walking tour, look for the unique windows of the Briggs-Staub House.  When Charles Briggs had this  Gothic Cottage  built in 1849, most of his rich neighbors looked down on the Gothic Style, but Briggs was from London and didn’t care what they thought.  The neighbors’ real reason for not liking the style is because it reminded them, mostly Protestant, of their Catholic Creole counterparts living in The French Quarter.

Even though the cottage isn’t mansion-sized, we really like how it contrasts the other homes in the area with its small,  church-like windows .  The Charles Briggs’ home was also one of the first in the neighborhood to have Irish indentured servants and free men of color as workers  instead of using slaves .  The home is still considered the only Gothic-style mansion in the Garden District.  You will get a better view of the front of the Briggs home when we pass by it again in a few stops.

4. Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel ( 2523 Prytania Street ):

About The Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel :  Built in the mid-1800s by merchant  Henry Lonsdale , the Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel is one of the most iconic homes on our New Orleans Garden District walking tour.  Lonsdale had started his career as a 16-year-old burlap trader, then hit it big after the Civil War selling a unique blend of coffee mixed with bitter chicory roots.  The blend was first introduced in the after a French blockage in the early-1800s, but thanks to Lonsdale, is still very popular in New Orleans today.

In 1925 the Redemptorist Fathers bought Lonsdale’s massive Greek Revival-style mansion and  turned it into a Catholic Chapel .  The Redemptorist Fathers were in desperate need of a new chapel at the time as the group’s church had been badly damaged by a hurricane in 1918.  The coolest remaining element from the mansion’s time as a chapel is a vine-covered,  iron cast pavilion  near the fence line which shields a statue of the Virgin Mary.  The pavilion is capped with a dedication to “ Our Mother of Perpetual Help ” in big letters and a large gold cross.

Local writer Anne Rice bought the Chapel as a home in 1996 and used it for some of the scenes in her book  the  Violin .  Even at 13,000 square feet, the Chapel was only a fraction of Rice’s primary home at the huge former Saint Elizabeth Orphanage on the far West side of the Garden District.  Actor  Nicolas Cage  later lived here from 2005 until 2009 before hitting foreclosure and the property is currently part of the Saint George Episcopal School.

The interior of the neighboring Maddox-Mclendon House ( 2507 Prytania Street ) was used in the filming of the hit film Django Unchained , even though you’d never know from the plain exterior.  The mansion was built in 1852 for the owner of the New Orleans Daily Crescent, Joseph Maddox.

5. Women’s Opera Guild Home ( 2504 Prytania Street ):

About The Women’s Opera Guild Home :  This magnificent mansion was built in 1859 for merchant Edward Davis.  It was later purchased in 1944 by Doctor & Mrs. Herman Seebold who then willed it to  Women’s Opera Guild  upon their deaths in 1965.  The mansion was originally filled with European & American furniture, artwork, and antiques from the 1700-1800s, most of which is still on display here today.

The  well-preserved interior  is fitting as the Opera Guild itself has been in New Orleans since 1796.  Because of the strong attention to detail with the furnishings, the mansion has been featured in numerous Hollywood films including Elsa & Peter as well as Django Unchained.  Today the Women’s Opera Guild Home is available to rent for weddings, receptions, dinners, luncheons, coffees, teas and beautiful social events.

As you leave the Opera Guild Home and backtrack down the block , make sure to observe the John Parker House ( 2520 Prytania Street ).  The pink, almost Gothic-style home was built in 1853 by a local merchant and later sold to John Parker in 1882 whose son, John M Parker, went on to be Governor of Lousiana from 1920-24.  We love the horsehead tie posts lining the sidewalk near the house like antebellum horse parking stalls.

Guided Tours :  Mondays from Mid-September-May from 10am-4pm for $15.  Outside of the official tour times, you can also enter for $37 with the Grey Line walking tour company, but it’s the only home they enter so following our free walking tour makes more sense.   Mansion Website :  ( HERE ).

6. Sully Mansion Bed & Breakfast ( 2631 Prytania Street ):

About The Sully Mansion :  Sully Mansion was designed by renowned architect Thomas Sully ( 1855-1937 ) in 1890 for the Rainey Family.  Thomas Sully, was among the first to form the unique architectural look of Uptown New Orleans.

The Mansion is the most intact of the few remaining ‘Sullys’ in the city.  Original stained-glass windows, ornate ceiling medallions, heart-pine floors, grand stairway, 14-foot ceilings, the double entry door, glass transoms throughout the house, turned wood balustrades on the staircase and second floor landing, and fish scale wood shingles on the upper portions of the exterior walls are just a few of the features of this rare three-storied Queen Anne-style home. Descendants of the original owner of the home still live around the corner. From the original carriage stone at the curb to the pocket doors in the foyer, this home has welcomed guests as a bed and breakfast for four decades.

The beautiful fully restored front porch overlooks the luxurious garden and 100-year old oak tree. It provides the perfect spot for breakfast, cocktails, conversation or just taking in all that the Garden District has to offer. Gracious rooms, antique accents, and comfortable furnishings create a casual yet intimate atmosphere.

Hotel Website : Here .  Alternative Options : There are four other Bed & Breakfast Inns nearby with the Grand Victorian ( website ), Hubbard Mansion ( website ), & The Columns ( website ) all on St. Charles Street, plus the Magnolia Mansion Hotel ( website ) on Prytania Street which we will visit later on this Garden District walking tour.

7. “ Cornstalk Fence ” House ( 1448 Fourth Street ):

About The “Cornstalk Fence” House :  The “Cornstalk Fence” House, also known as  Colonel Short’s Villa , is one of the most beautiful homes in New Orleans.  In 1859, merchant Colonel Robert Short bought the empty lot and began work on what is maybe the most popular home on this free Garden District walking tour.

The main draw to the magnolia-lined mansion is the decorative  rod iron cornstalk fence  that circles the entire lawn.  It is said that Short ordered the lavish custom fence for his wife after she started to miss the cornfields of her native Iowa.  The fence itself was cast by the Foundry of Wood all the way in Philadelphia which was a fairly expensive thing to do back then.

During the Civil War in 1863, Short’s Villa was seized by the Federal Army and served as the home to the new  Federal Governor of Louisiana  Michael Hahn.  This arrangement was short-lived however as the US Government returned the home to Colonel Short right after the Civil War and he lived here until his death in 1890.

8. “ The Rink ” Garden District Bookshop ( 2727 Prytania Street ):

About “The Rink” Bookshop :  Originally called the  Crescent City Skating Rink , this historic bookstore started out as a wooden floor roller rink built for the  1884 World’s Fair .  The Rink, as it was nicknamed, became very popular as rollerskating was a huge craze at the time.  After staking died out, the building was later used as a livery stable, a mortuary, a grocery store, and a gas station.

Today the building holds a series of small shops and a popular bookshop which is a favorite of local famous  writer Anne Rice .  Anne often holds book signings at the bookstore, but in case you don’t catch her, they always have signed books on hand that you can buy.  The bookshop always seems to have an event of some kind going on and their selection of novels set in New Orleans are awesome.

If you need a little pick-me-up or snack for your walk stop in the  Still Perkin Cafe  on the street level corner of the Rink building.  One of the local specialty coffees served here is blended with bits of Chicory root which started during a French blockage in the early 1800s and became more widely popular after the Civil War.

Bookshop Hours :  Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm; Sunday 10am-5pm.   Bookshop Website :  ( HERE ).   Cafe Hours :  Monday-Friday 7am-6pm; Saturday-Sunday 8am-6pm.

9. Lafayette Cemetery #1 ( 1400 Washington Avenue ):

About Lafayette Cemetery #1 :  The historic, and spooky, Lafayette Cemetery #1 was  established in 1833  with Spanish-style above ground tombs, the same year a Yellow Fever outbreak hit the city.  The large family tombs were often called  Cities of the Dead  as they followed grids of walkways resembling streets.

While above ground cemeteries were also popular in France and Spain at the time, it became an important way to do things in New Orleans.  Formed off the swampy delta of the Mississippi River, New Orleans has a  very high water table  and large parts of the city sitting below sea level, which made burials difficult.  Placing caskets more than a couple feet under the ground put them into soggy, waterlogged soil which often slowly pushed the below ground caskets back to the surface.

Another reason for using above ground tombs was that bodies didn’t decompose well in the swampy soil, but cremation was still frowned upon.  The large tombs would basically serve as  cement ovens  in the Summer heat, quickly breaking down the bodies and wooden caskets.  After 1 year and 1 day had passed, the bones would be pushed to the back of the tomb and another member of the family could take its place.  When epidemic would hit and a large number of bodies were buried above ground at once, it caused horrible smells so the practice was banned except in existing cemeteries.

Famous figures buried here include Judge Ferguson of the  Plessy vs. Ferguson  separate-but-equal case, Brigadier General Harry T. Hays who led the 1st Louisiana Brigade in the Civil War, and the Brunies family of jazz musicians.  Walking among the shades tombs is and learning the history quite enjoyable and is really great if you like taking photos.  Perhaps the most famous tombs of the cemetery are the fictional ones.  Among the fictional characters to buried here are the family of Mayfair Witches from Anne Rice’s  Witching Hour  book series and the vampire Lestat from the another Rice novel  Interview with a Vampire .  In 1994 Interview with a Vampire was made into a movie starring Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise and all the cemetery scenes were filmed at Lafayette Cemetery #1.  Numerous other movies have also been filmed here including  Double Jeopardy  in 1999.

Cemetery Hours :  Dawn to Dusk.   Entrance Cost :  Free to walk through and explore.   Guided Tours :  The best tour is run by Save Our Cemeteries.  Their 90-minute tours leave daily at 10:30am & 1pm and costs $15, but is free for kids. Get to the cemetery gates 10-15 minutes early and bring cash.  Tour Overview :  The tours by Save Our Cemeteries goes very in-depth not only into the cemetery itself, but also the time in which it grew, and how it contrasts with cemeteries in the French Quarter.  Other tour companies charge from $30 to $50 per person for pretty much the same tour, however, the money that Save Our Cemeteries makes goes toward the restoration of the tombs.   Save Our Cemeteries Website :  HERE .

Cemetery Safety :  While the other historic cemeteries in the French Quarter can be dangerous to visit alone, even during the day, this one is pretty safe just like the rest of the central Garden District.  We always use caution in any big city, but have had no issues and always felt comfortable in this cemetery.

10. Commander’s Palace Restaurant ( 1403 Washington Avenue ):

About The Commander’s Palace Restaurant :  Emile Commander started a large Saloon here in 1880 which was often visited by famous clients from Jefferson Davis and Mark Twain.  By the 1900s the Commander’s Palace had already turned into one of the top restaurants in the United States. Today the Restaurant is still one of the best and its classic bright blue and white exterior taking up half a city block if a favorite among photographers.  It is one of the most popular places for locals to eat, especially for weekend brunch.

Restaurant Hours :  Lunch Monday-Friday 11:30am-2pm; Dinner Daily 6:30-10pm; Jazz Brunch Saturday & Sunday 10:30am-1pm.   Dress Code :  No shorts or t-shirts allowed and jackets preferred at dinner.  Men must wear closed toed shoes.   Restaurant Website :  ( HERE ).

11. “ Benjamin Button ” House ( 2705 Coliseum Street ):

About The “Benjamin Button” House :  Built in 1832, this large white house draws in tourists as it served as the main house in the Brad Pitt movie  Benjamin Button .  In the movie, based on an F. Scott Fitzgerald story, the lead character Benjamin Button is raised in this home.  If you’ve seen the movie you can recall many of the scenes which take place on the porch and steps leading up to the home.  Although other homes on this free Garden District walking tour are more impressive, the Benjamin Button House continues to be a tourist favorite.

12. Koch-Mays House ( 2627 Coliseum Street ):

About The Koch-Mays House :  Make sure to check out the facade of the creole-style James McCracken House ( 2601 Coliseum Street ) from 1878 on the way to the enchanting Koch-Mays House.  The postcard-perfect Koch-Mays House was built by US Senator and Ambassador to France James Eustis in 1876.  It’s said that the inspiration for the style of the home came from a plate in a home catalog.  The coolest thing about the home’s layout is how the 3 main sections of the house are staggered to  maximize the sunlight  each area gets no matter what time of day it is.  Later owned by historian Richard Koch, the mansion has been a home of the actress Sandra Bullock  since 2009.

As you leave the Koch-Mays House, make sure to check out the porch and low-profile facade of the  James McCracken “Creole” Home ( 2601 Coliseum Street ).  With a sweeping double staircase, this home was built in 1878 for James McCracken, owner of the Royal Furniture Store, and is one of the only Creole-style homes left in the Garden District neighborhood.

13. Walter Robinson House ( 1415 Third Street ):

About The Walter Robinson House :  As a wealthy banker from Virginia, Walter Robinson was able to build this wonderful mansion from 1857-67 thanks to the fortune he made selling tobacco and cotton.  The mansion is one of the first in the Garden District to have 15-foot-high ceilings and the 1st in New Orleans to have  indoor plumbing  thanks to a water collection roof design.  The mansion itself is over 10,000 square feet with seven large bedrooms and eight-bathroom.  The interior has a lavish ballroom, a grand central staircase below a stained glass window, a gorgeous outdoor pool, and even has an elevator.

After Walter Robinson died, his house became a fancy boarding house in the 1890s, then was the home of the president of the Canal Barge Company (1910-2000), before being bought as a private home again.  The mansion has been featured in many movies over the years including Jason Statham’s  The Mechanic  in 2011.

The neighboring 1,500 square foot carriage house of the Walter Robinson Mansion has been turned into a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom guesthouse.  The carriage house is believed to have been part of the large Livaudais Plantation ( pronounced Lee-Voo-Day ) that covered the neighborhood before it was divided out into the Garden District.

14. Musson-Bell House ( 1331 Third Street ):

About The Musson-Bell House :  This big pink house was originally completed in 1850 for the wealthy tobacco grower, and President of the Cotton Exchange, Michael Musson.  He was  one of the few Creoles  to build mansions in the largely American Garden District.  Musson was also the uncle of  painter Edgar Degas  who stayed a short time before moving back to the Quarter to be closer to the other Creoles.  After the Civil War began to dig into his fortune Musson sold the home to a new owner added the beautiful black cast iron gallery in 1884.

15. Montgomery-Hero House ( 1213 Third Street ):

About The Montgomery-Hero House :  The president of the Crescent City Railroad, Archibald Montgomery, had this large Swiss Chalet-style house built in 1867 to reflect new homes he liked on America’s Northeastern coast.   It’s interesting that the property has retained its large 360-degree lawn over the years as many of the eraly mansions in the Garden District had their lots divided out and now have other homes very close to them.

16. Warwick Manor ( 2427 Camp Street ):

About Warwick Manor :  Built for merchant Hiram Anderson in 1852, this huge pink mansion has served as a home and as a private school for wealthy children.  Since its heyday, Warwick Manor is one of the only mansions in the Garden District that  has been divided  into a multi-unit apartment building.  Knowing that so many different people live here now makes it hard to imagine that it used to only just a single family home when it was built.

Across the road from Warwick Manor is the more modestly sized white “Stained Glass” House ( 1137 Second Street ).  What really stands out on the facade of the mansion is the over the top amount stained glass that lines the doors and portal windows of the entryway.  The home is also very unique to the Garden District walking as the Victorian style was mainly in the Uptown neighborhood of New Orleans.

17. The “ Jefferson Davis ” House ( 1134 First Street ):

About The “Jefferson Davis” House :  Officially called the Payne-Strachan House, this mansion was built in 1849 for Jacob Payne who got rich marketing and shipping cotton.  Payne was very well connected from is own business and from his son-in-law Charles Fenner who was a local judge.  One of Fenner’s friends was Jefferson Davis, who at the time was the President of the Confederate States of America.  Jefferson Davis was brought to the Payne House after becoming ill and later died in the upstairs of the home on December 6th, 1889.

18. “ Mayfair Manor ” ( 1239 First Street ):

About “Mayfair Manor” :  The eerie Brevard-Rice House was built in 1857 by merchant Albert Hamilton Brevard.  You can tell home wealthy Brevard was as the large section of the home facing Chestnut Street was built as a library wing.

Fans of Anne Rice novels will know this mansion as  Mayfair Manor  as the author bought the home in 1989.  Anne used the home as the setting for her famous book  The Witching Hour  which started a series about the fictional Mayfair family of witches who lived in the home.  Rice was already renown for her other hit series of books at the time called The Vampire Chronicles.

19. Carroll-Crawford House ( 1315 First Street ):

About The Carroll-Crawford House :  In the 1860s,  bricklayer Samuel Jamison  decided to try his hand at building houses on his own.  His successful career began here with a home built for Virginia cotton man Joseph Carroll.  Completed in 1869, the design included one of Jamison’s signatures with his amazing plasterwork which can still be seen throughout the interior.  Author  Mark Twain ( Samuel Clemens )  often came to the huge parties the original owner Joseph Carroll would throw inside.

The exterior of the Carroll-Crawford House just  screams Halloween  with its dark iron accents and gnarly oak trees.  The exterior grounds are truly stunning.  While this is one of the coolest looking homes in New Orleans, it is not the inspiration of Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion as some other websites say as they look nothing alike.  Disney used the Shipley-Lydecker House in Baltimore for the mansion in his theme park.

20. Morris-Israel House ( 1331 First Street ):

About The Morris-Israel House :  Along with the mansion you just saw at 1315 1st Street, this was bricklayer Samuel Jamison’s second home project as a new builder.  It was also completed in 1869, but has a little different style to it.  This home looks almost exactly like the Musson-Bell House from stop #11, which Jamison had worked on it with other partners in 1859 before starting his solo career.

Aside from the style, the biggest draw to the Morris-Israel House is that locals tell us that it is haunted .  The biggest scare that happened here was when a skull and bones were found under some floorboards during repairs to the mansion.  It’s not so much that everyone feels there are ghosts that reside inside the house, but that  ghosts are drawn to the home  and try to get in your pictures after dark.

21. Joseph Merrick Jones House ( 2425 Coliseum Street ):

About The Joseph Merrick Jones House :  Built in 1850, this huge mansion became home to lawyer Joseph Merrick Jones in the mid-1900s.  In addition to being an attorney, Jones also served as Secretary for Public Affairs for the US State Department in WW2.  He continued serving the State Department off and on but is best known as the  President of Tulane University  where he had gone to college.  Jones became one of the first school presidents in the country to  allow integration  in 1963, but he and his wife were killed in a house fire near the college shortly after.  A student hall at Tulane was later named in his honor.

In the 1990s, rockstar Trent Reznor from the band  Nine Inch Nails  lived in Jones’ former home and was known for throwing huge parties.  Large parties are fun, unless your neighbor happens to be a local Council Woman ( Peggy Wilson ), so it didn’t take long for a noise ordinance to kick in and drive Trent away.  Celebrities seem to love the house as actor  John Goodman  then became the next owner in 2005.  John’s wife Annabeth even owns a children’s clothing store called Pippen Lane located at 2930 Magazine Street.

22. “ Seven Sisters ” Houses ( 2305-2329 Coliseum Street ):

About The “Seven Sisters” Houses :  Local folklore says that these houses were made for a wealthy man who wanted all 7 of his daughters to live next to each other.  The story is more legend than truth and there are actually 8 houses but they are still very interesting.  What makes them cool is that they were all designed as side-hall  Shotgun Houses .  This means that if you shot a shotgun through the front door of any of the long 1-room-wide houses the pellets would pass untouched through the back of the house.  These skinny houses are still very today popular today mainly in New Orleans’ poor neighborhoods.

23. Pritchard House ( 1407 First Street ):

About The Pritchard House :  In 1858 wealthy cotton farmer Richard Pritchard started building this home, although it took him many years to finish it.  The next owner tried to completely change the style and remove the  Greek columns  in the early-1900s, but did a very poor renovation.  Luckily later in the 1990s Dr. John Piggot bought the Pritchard House and resorted it to its former glory.  With its 4 powerful columns, the Pritchard House is one of the few really great examples of Greek revival in the Garden District.  We have always been a fan of the grand Romanesque columns on mansions as it tends to make them look even bigger than they are.

As you move on from the Richard Pritchard House, make sure to inspect the stone horse carriage step along the sidewalk across the road ( 1408 1st Street ) which dates back to 1846.

24. Archie Manning’s House ( 1420 First Street ):

About Archie Manning’s House :  Since 1982, this has been the home of beloved former NFL Quarterback  Archie Manning  who played for the New Orleans Saints in the 1970s.  Archie is still highly regarded by football fans in New Orleans even he didn’t win a championship because he showed great loyalty by staying with the Saints even when he was the team’s only bright spot.

People who didn’t follow the Saints in the 1970s know Archie better as the father of his Super Bowl-winning sons  Eli & Peyton Manning .  Both of the boys in this stellar football family and their brother older Cooper all grew up in this house.  Cooper is a little lesser known outside of New Orleans as he had to end his very promising football career early due to medical issues with his spine in college.  You can imagine the family all playing catch in the large front yard.  Before leaving make sure to check out the neighbor’s carriage step along the road.

Across the road ( 1423 1st Street ) is a great home to take photos of with a yard jam-packed full of palm trees.

25. The “ Horse ” House ( 2401 Prytania Street ):

About The “Horse” House :  This massive 7,000 square foot pink mansion has a giant relief of two white horses below its First Street facing third story gable.  There are also numerous horse elements throughout the lawn sparking us to call it the Horse House.   We really couldn’t find much verifiable history on the beautiful mansion, but it is one of our favorite in the neighborhood to take photos of.  By far the pink Horse House one of the most memorable stops on our free Garden District walking tour.

Directly across Prytania Street ( at 2406 ) is a Colonial-style brick mansion built in 1905 for local attorney John May.  The home was bought by the Government of France in 1957 and serves as their US Consulate.

26. Bradish Johnson House ( 2343 Prytania Street ):

About The Bradish Johnson House :  This amazing mansion was built in 1872 for Bradish Johnson, who had gotten super rich from his family’s sugar cane plantations.  Bradish’s Whitney Plantation, named after his grandson, opened for tours in 2014 and focuses on the lives of the slaves, ( more info ).  The impressive Garden District home built with the plantation income cost of $100,000 to build which was a huge amount of money back then, equal to over $1.5 million today.

Since 1929 the Mansion has served as the private  Louise S. McGehee School  ( website ) for girls which was founded in 1912.  The move helped the school grow from 30 to over 200 students with classes starting at 5th grade.  The school has since expanded to cover an entire city block with pre-kindergarten through high school buildings, but the Bradish House is still used for academics.  To get an  idea of the scale  of the original Bradish property, the old carriage house is now the school gym and stable is the cafeteria.   Today the McGehee School is very esteemed in not only academics, but also in arts and athletics.  Thinking about sending your daughter here?  Tuition ranged from $11,000-18,000 per year.

27. “ Toby’s Corner ” House ( 2340 Prytania Street ):

About “Toby’s Corner” :  Philadelphia plantation manager Thomas Toby built this timeless home in 1838, making it the  oldest home in the Garden District  still standing today.   Toby’s plantation background is definitely visible as the home is built in a Creole-style much like the famous Laura Plantation just outside of New Orleans.

A series of columns circle the entire house creating a covered wrap around patio and the raised brick foundation not only protects floods, but also helps to circulate air in the mid-Summer heat.  If you look closely, you can even see the fountain with a sugar cane bowl which also ties back to Toby’s roots as a plantation manager.  There used to be a sweeping staircase leading from the 2nd floor into the home’s large garden, but it was removed during a remodel shortly before Toby lost the home to foreclosure in 1858.  Soon after the foreclosure, Thomas Dugan of the  Westfeldt Family  bought it and they still own the mansion today.

We love the heavy foliage which creates almost a jungle of a yard and gives you a great look into why the Garden District got its nickname.  As you round the Northside of the lush property in a few stops, you will great an excellent peek at the front of the house.

28. Buckner Mansion ( 1410 Jackson Street ):

About The Buckner Mansion :  Wealthy cotton grower Henry Sullivan Buckner had this plantation-style mansion built in 1856.  The  22,000 square foot home  has 48 Ionic and Corinthian fluted cypress columns on wraparound double galleries.  In addition to the sure size of the home and number of columns, the mansion also has excellent ironwork and floor-to-ceiling windows.

This is one of the finest examples of  Southern Antebellum architecture  and elegance still standing inside the city of New Orleans.  The huge mansion was home to the prestigious Soule Business School from 1923-1983 before being turned back into a private home.  The Buckner Mansion was also one of the filming locations for the hit TV show  American Horror Story  which filmed its third season in New Orleans.

29. Magnolia Mansion Hotel ( 2127 Prytania Street ):

About The Magnolia Mansion Hotel :  With an eerie history, this mansion was built in 1858 by cotton merchant Alexander Harris for his young bride Elizabeth Thompson.   Nicknamed Lizzie , Elizabeth was still a minor at the time of their marriage.  The mansion was designed by James Calrow who also made the home at 1239 First Street which vampire novelist Anne Rice later used as Mayfair Manor.  That is just the start of the spooky connections as there were also a  series of unlucky events  surrounding Magnolia Mansion.

In 1869 the original owner Alexander Harris and his brother Aaron  both mysteriously died  from yellow fever within 24 hours of each other.  Alexander’s funeral took place right in the mansion.  Following his death, the mansion and family fortune of $200,000 was left to Alexander’s young bride Lizzie.  There were huge  family trust issues  between Lizzie and her family following the deaths.  The cast aside her brother-in-law’s widow and then shortly after remarrying Lizzie sold the mansion and land to cotton miller John Henry Maginnis in 1879 instead of willing it to her own children.

John Maginnis, who was one of the richest men in the deep South, didn’t last long as he was struck by lightning and killed while on vacation in Mississippi on the 4th of July, 1889.  His fortune and 1,000 employee cotton empire were then left to his wife Elizabeth Tweed,  who also nicknamed Lizzie  just like the first widow owner.  Lizzie Maginnis had already had rumors floating around her as her sister had mysteriously died just 2 years before her husband’s lightning strike.  The luck started to change when the Maginnis’ daughter Josephine took over the property.  Josephine was named the Queen of multiple Mardi Gras parades and hosted many social events.  When she died in 1939, Josephine willed the estate to the American Red Cross.

Today the Mansion is not the Widow Maker it started and has served as an  award-winning bed & breakfast  since 2001.  The awards range from Most Romantic B&B in Louisiana to one of the Top Ten Haunted Inns in America.  Even cooler than the hauntings are the  9 uniquely themed rooms  throughout the mansion.  The best ones are the Gone With the Wind room with a grand bed and large draped green blinds, the Moulin Rouge themed room, and Lafitte’s pirate hideaway, not to mention the grand common areas.

Hotel Website :  ( HERE ).

30. House of Broel ( 2220 Saint Charles Avenue ):

About The House of Broel :  In 1851, local merchant George Washington Squires built his home here just before the neighborhood was annexed into the City of New Orleans.  The next owner raised the house up and added the current grand 1st floor to the mansion in 1884.  The Polish Countess, and local dressmaker,  Bonnie Broel  bought the mansion and threw her own wedding here in 1980.  It was such a success that Ms. Broel decided to open her home for tours and other couples weddings.

The first floor is staged in all of its 1800s beauty and has a great intimate feel.  Upstairs is the real treat where you can tour the  collection of antiques  Ms. Broel collected over the decades.  The collection includes a desk made for the Duke of Dresden in 1800, a piece of linen from Egypt that is over 2000 years old, a chandelier with hand-blown grapes cascading from its arms.

Maybe the best area of the house is an extensive  collection of magical dollhouses  that Ms. Broel personally designed and decorated for over 15 years.  The enchanting collection of 60 historically has accurate scale model mansions, houses, and shops filled with elaborately costumed figures from the mind of a dressmaker.  With great decor, our favorite models are the English manor house, an antebellum plantation, a sweet shop, and a 28 room  Russian Palace .

The Russian Palace dollhouse is 10 feet tall and 12 feet wide, covering almost an entire wall of the second-floor hallway.  The display is filled with rich tapestries, romantic paintings, fine wall coverings, ornate furniture, and period-dressed dolls.  The faux Fabergé eggs and spiral staircases of the Russian Palace model remind us of a time before the Russian Revolution, in the early-1900s.  Also featured are charming Victorian homes, an Asian art shop, a Baronial hall and the smallest house of all, a fairy hut complete with lace curtains.

Guided Tours :  Tours available Monday-Friday 10am-3pm, by appointment only.  Call 504-494-2220 for your guided tour.   Tour Cost :  Adults $10, Children $5.   Mansion Website :  ( HERE ).

31. Anne Rice’s Childhood Home ( 2301 Saint Charles Avenue ):

About Anne Rice’s Childhood Home :  Fans of Author Anne Rice will be happy to know that this home on Saint Charles Street is where the famous local author grew up as a child until age 14.  This is where Anne’s stories of Vampires and Witches that so many readers have grown to love got their true start.  After visiting so many homes associated with the author, seeing where the young Anne Rice grew up helps to bring this free New Orleans Garden District walking tour full circle.

32. John Morris House ( 2525 Saint Charles Avenue ):

About The John Morris House :  In the 1860s a small cottage stood here with a lot that spanned an entire block to the North.  The large lot bought in 1888 by the wife of gambler John Morris who built the current home you see today.  After graduating from Harvard, John Morris started a horse race track outside of New York City.  This racing facility  hosted the Belmont Stakes  from 1890-1904 as well as the Preakness Stakes in 1890.  After starting the horse track, Morris moved to New Orleans and invested heavily in stocks of the State Lottery which made him very rich.  His wife sold the home when Morris died in 1895.

Robert Downman later bought the home and quickly became the  King of Mardi Gras , known as the Rex.  Each year he would stop the Mardi Gras parade in front of his house to give a toast which the each year’s Rex still does today during the festival.

33. Alfred Grima House ( 2701 St. Charles Avenue ):

About The Alfred Grima House :  Built by Bicknell Payne in 1859, but drastically remodeled by attorney Alfred Grima in 1890 into an Italianate style.  During the remodeling, the entrance was moved from 2701 Saint Charles Avene to 1604 Forth Street.  When Alfred’s widow Clarisse died in 1981 he donated the property to the Historic Society of New Orleans, but has been a private home since 1987.

Other Nearby Attractions:

34. elms mansion ( 3029 saint charles avenue ):.

About The Elms Mansion :  An amazing large white mansion was built in 1869 for,  “Yankee in Gray”  Watson Van Benthuysen II.  Watson was a relative of Jefferson Davis by marriage and served as an officer in the Confederate Army prior to building this mansion.  His wealth mainly came from wine & tobacco trading, but Watson also served as the President of a Saint Charles streetcar company.

From 1931 until the start of WWII, the mansion served as the German Consulate.  In 1952, John Elms Sr., owner of the largest coin-operated amusement company in the South, purchased the home.  Since Elms’ death in 1968, the family has been using the mansion to host weddings and special events.

Mansion Tours :  Self-guided tours are available Tuesdays-Fridays, 10am-2pm.   Mansion Website :  ( Here ).

35. The Columns Mansion Hotel & Restaurant ( 3811 Saint Charles Avenue ):

About The Columns Mansion Hotel :  This enchanting columned mansion was built in 1883 for  cigar baron  Simon Hernsheim.  By the 1890, Simon’s company sold 39 million La Belle Creole cigars a year.  After Simon’s death in 1898, the mansion switched hands many times before being turned into the Columns Hotel in the 1980s.

Today the mansion is the only survivor out of a group of Italianate-style mansions that famed local architect  Thomas Sully  built nearby in the 1880s.  The interior of the mansion is still considered one of the grandest in any late-nineteenth century Louisiana residence.  One of the most dramatic interior features is the mahogany stairwell which rises to meet an extraordinary square domed, stained glass skylight in a sunburst motif.

The  Hotel’s Victoria Lounge  is one of the most unique places to get a drink in New Orleans as you are transported back into the 1880s.  This is a great place to grab lunch and recharge from our free self-guided Garden District walking tour.  They also have a jazz brunch every Sunday from 11am to 3pm.

Mansion Website :  ( Here ).

36. The Brown Mansion ( 4717 St Charles Ave ):

About The Brown Mansion :  This gigantic 22,000 square foot, 4-story, 9 bed, 9 bath, Richardsonian Romanesque Revival mansion is the largest on St. Charles Street and the most palatial home in New Orleans.  It was built from 1901-04 by Cotton King of New Orleans, W.P. Brown who was one of the richest men in the South at the time.  It has rare and expensive ‘flame’ mahogany covering the inside, antique tapestries, stained glass windows, a chandelier from 1780 and mantels from the mid-1700s.  The stately home even has a bed once owned by Marie Antoinette with her crest on the footboard.  In 2012 the estate was bought and restored by local attorney and businessman John Houghtaling.

It is also worth noting a few of the other amazing buildings that are within a block of the Brown Mansion and are included above on our free Garden District walking tour map.  These include the neighboring ‘Anthemion’ House ( 4631 St. Charles Ave ) which served as the US Consulate To Japan from 1938 to 1941 and another block over the stunning Academy Of The Sacred Heart ( 4631 St. Charles Ave ).  The Academy Of The Sacred Heart is a huge palace of a building built in as a private school 1887 and the academy itself goes back to 1857.  Directly across the street from the school is the Smith House ( 4534 St. Charles Ave ) built for the president of the New Orleans Cotton Exchange William Smith.

37. National World War 2 Museum ( 945 Magazine Street ):

About The National WW2 Museum :  Often considered the best museum in New Orleans.  The museum originally opened as a  D-Day museum  as the amphibious Higgins vehicles used in the beach invasions of WW2 were made and tested in New Orleans.  As the excellent museum expanded, Congress declared it America’s official National World War II Museum in 2003 and it gained association with the  Smithsonian Institution .

Some of the many highlights include aircraft displays, D-Day exhibits, plus interactive areas covering the Road to Berlin and the Road to Tokyo.  The museum does a great job and letting you experience what the war and planning were like in both Europe and the Pacific.  Food is available.

Museum Website :  ( Here ).

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Garden District Walking Tour

The Garden District, or 'Lafayette City' as it was once known, is part of Uptown New Orleans.

This area is just a short streetcar ride from Bourbon Street and the French Quarter, but it feels like a world apart.

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It's a must-see in New Orleans, and we know, we lead hundreds of guests each week on walking tours of the neighborhood.

And, in the video below, Andrew, a tour guide with us - Free Tours by Foot takes you on a virtual Garden District walking tour.

Depending on the time of year, we offer daily or 2x daily guided walking tours of the Garden District.

Sights We Cover on the Garden District Tour:

• Colonel Short's Villa
• Briggs-Staub House
• Commander's Palace Restaurant
• Toby's Corner
• Manning House
• Brevard-Mahat-Rice House
• Payne-Strachan House
• Lafayette Cemetery *
• and much more...

*The cemetery is closed to groups for maintenance until further notice. We will still talk about the cemetery at the gate!

New Orleans is well known for uneven streets, most famously in the Garden District.

It is often a source of great humor and peril. Please wear flat shoes and let us know if anyone in your party uses walking assistance.

TOUR INFORMATION

Reservations:  REQUIRED.  Click here to reserve . Groups of 10 or more persons should visit our  group inquiry page .

Where:  Meets on the southwest corner of Prytania St. and Washington Ave. (next to the white wall). Please use our Google map for  directions to the start of the tour . 

Duration:  Approximately 2 hours. Approximately 1 mile in length.

When:  Check out our tour calendar or take our audio tour at your convenience.

Cost:   name-your-own-price tour .  Groups of 6-9  must prepay $10/person.  Groups of 10 or more  must organize a private tour and can read about our  options for groups . 

We have been leading walking tours for 15 years and we are well-regarded experts. Read the reviews for yourself.

GARDEN DISTRICT OF NEW ORLEANS AUDIO TOUR

We also offer a self-guided walking tour and audio tour for you to use anytime you wish.

The audio tour is GPS-enabled, so you can also follow it on your phone. Downloads cost just $2.99.

Here is an audio sample.

We also offer audio tours of other New Orleans Neighborhoods.

Here is how it works:

• Purchase an audio tour.
• Get a confirmation email with .mp3, .pdf, and embeddable Google Map
• Enjoy the tour(s).

Available Tours

• Garden District
• French Quarter
• Lafayette Cemetery #1
• Hurricane Katrina Rebirth
• Music, Arts, and More Tour
• St. Charles Streetcar
• How to Get Here
• Self-guided Tour
• Tips from Locals and Travelers

But first, a bit of background information.

Excluded from early 19th-century Creole society, newly arrived Yankees got to work creating their city.

They bought property blocks that were carved up from the Livaudais Plantation.

The result is one of New Orleans's most desired neighborhoods and one of the nation's most beautifully preserved city districts and it's home to the rich, the famous, the strange, and the dead!

Join Free Tours by Foot on our Garden District Tour as we stroll the leafy, magnolia-shaded streets of the Garden District and a city of the dead, Lafayette Cemetery #1.

This walking tour is not just historic mansions, live oak trees, and manicured gardens.

It also includes stories of legends, tragedy, epidemics, lost causes, movie stars, celebrity chefs, and haunted spirits. 

It's free to visit and walk around the Garden District, and it's a very safe neighborhood.

HOW TO GET TO THE GARDEN DISTRICT

Depending on where you are coming from and going to exactly, the Garden District is approximately 2-3 miles from Bourbon Street in the French Quarter.

How you will get to the Garden District depends on where you are staying and what you want to do of course.  

Since this page is mainly a self-guided tour of the neighborhood, here is a link to the starting point of that tour. 

Some buses service the area and you could take a taxi or an Uber, but we recommend taking a ride on the St. Charles Streetcar.  

The ride along St. Charles Avenue is full of beautiful

If you’re mainly interested in the shopping and dining on Magazine Street, the #11 city bus runs the entire length of that street, from the edge of the French Quarter to the Audubon Zoo.  

By Streetcar

Many reading this will be coming from the French Quarter, and then you will take the St. Charles Streetcar  from Canal Street.

The fare is $1.25, though day passes are also available.  

Be sure to read our guide on taking the streetcars in New Orleans. Below is a short video to give you a taste of what you will see.

Be sure to download our, GPS-enabled audio tour of the St. Charles Streetcar that you could take with you. Here's a sample.

Click here to get the audio tour .

While on your journey to the outskirts of town, you’ll pass through the first of New Orleans’ "American neighborhoods".

Known today as the Central Business District, it was the first neighborhood for the American prospectors arriving in town shortly after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. 

Many structures in this area date as far back as the 1820s.

SELF-GUIDED TOUR

Once again, here is a link to the starting point of that tour.

This walk should take 60-90 minutes, possibly more if you enter Lafayette Cemetery #1 .

Our tour begins just down the road from the Washington Ave. stop at St. Charles Ave.

You can also view this tour on a smartphone on Google Maps and can use it offline as well.   

Stop 1. The Rink/Still Perkin

The mustard-brown building at 2727 Prytania St., was once called the Crescent City Skating Rink, which we call the Rink today.

It was built in 1884, the year New Orleans hosted the World Cotton Centennial Exposition – that year’s name for the World’s Fair.

The whole city prepared to entertain huge crowds of visitors on this site so an ice skating rink was built!

Today it contains a coffee shop, the Still Perkin’ Café, where you can get a quick pastry or sandwich or a café au lait or chicory coffee to carry with you.

Upstairs is the Garden District Bookstore, which has hosted many book signings for the neighborhood’s famous novelist, Anne Rice.

You can see photos in the shop window of a theatrical mock funeral staged during one of her book promotions, and inside you’ll find a barrister bookcase filled with signed copies of her works.

Diagonally across the intersection from the Rink, you’ll see the white-painted brick wall of Lafayette Cemetery #1. Halfway along it on Washington Avenue, you’ll find the cemetery gate.

Stop 2. Lafayette Cemetery #1

Lafayette Cemetery #1 was established in 1833 and was named for Lafayette, the autonomous city where it was located and which would eventually be incorporated into New Orleans.

It is a municipal cemetery, owned and operated by the city rather than by the Catholic Church, and is the third oldest cemetery still standing in New Orleans today.

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27 or more nationalities are represented in its interments. The cemetery still has burials occurring.

There are about 1,000 tombs and an estimated 7,000 people buried in Lafayette #1. It is a city block in size.

For a more thorough exploration, read our self-guided tour and guide to Lafayette Cemetery #1 .

We also have a GPS-led audio tour of the cemetery. 

NOTE : The Lafayette Cemetery #1 is currently closed to the public while repairs and improvements are being made.

The city has estimated that it will reopen to the public in late 2024.

Exit the cemetery where you came in, on Washington Avenue, and walk left to Prytania Street. Turn right on Prytania and proceed one block, where you’ll see a fence with a cornstalk design on the right.

3. Colonel Short’s Villa 

This house, at 1448 Fourth Street, was built by architect Henry Howard for Kentucky-born Colonel Robert Short in 1859.

Local lore says that Short’s wife complained of missing the cornfields in her native Iowa and that he bought the cornstalk fence as a gift for her.

An alternative explanation, suggested by the current owners, is that the wife saw that it was the most expensive fence available in the building catalog and requested it on that basis.

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If you look closely, the corn plants are wrapped in bean vines – a common strategy for efficient cultivation of land, used by the region’s native population.

During the American Civil War, New Orleans was taken and occupied early as a strategic move to cut off Confederate supply lines.

Colonel Short’s Villa was commandeered in September 1862, and Governor Nathaniel Banks lived inside with Major General Benjamin Butler.

As a result of the early occupation, New Orleans, unlike many southern cities, evaded destruction from Sherman’s March.

Continue in the same direction along Prytania Street until the next intersection, where you’ll find the Briggs-Staub house on the left side.

4. Briggs­-Staub House 

The Briggs home, at 2605 Prytania. Street, built in 1854, is the only true example of Gothic Revival architecture in the Garden District.

Because this style reminded the Protestant Americans of the Catholicism of their Creole antagonists, it was not popular.

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Original owner Charles Briggs did not hold African slaves but did acquire Irish indentured servants. The large servant quarters can be seen to the left of the home.

Continue along Prytania to the next house on the same side of the street.

5. Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel - 2523 Prytania St.

The beautiful Madonna and canopy in the yard denote a small Catholic chapel, which used to stand here until Anne Rice, author of Interview with a Vampire , purchased the property.

It became the setting for Violin , another of her novels.

The home was designed by architect Henry Howard in 1857. Most of his works, including this house, were in the Italianate style.

Italianate homes in the Garden District, on average, have ceilings that are seventeen feet high.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Angelica Cordero (@matageli)

You’ll also notice the exquisite metalwork along the galleries.

At the tops of the metal columns, you’ll notice what we call “Romeo spikes” – installed, according to local lore, to keep young men from climbing into young women’s rooms.

The more likely intent of most owners was robbery prevention.

You’ll also notice gas lights on the porch that burn all day and night.

Lights like these found on many historic New Orleans buildings, uphold a tradition that dates to the 1833 arrival of J.H. Caldwell, a theater manager and gasworks industrialist, who added gaslighting to much of the city.

Since the Garden District was founded just as his enterprise began, the neighborhood would have never been without light.

Continue along Prytania to this block’s last building on the right.

6. The Women's Opera Guild House - 2504 Prytania St.

The standout homes in the Garden District often include more than one style.

Designed by William Freret in 1859, this building combines a Greek Revival structure and Italianate metalwork with a Queen Anne extension.

Now owned by the Women’s Opera Guild, the home can be toured on Mondays from 1 to 4 p.m.

Recent filming in the house includes the motion pictures Elsa and Peter with Shirley MacLaine and Christopher Plummer and the Quentin Tarantino film Django Unchained .

Continue down Prytania for another block; cross First Street and find the first house on the right.

7. Toby's Corner - 2340 Prytania St.

The Garden District’s oldest still-standing residence was built in 1838. You can note the basic Doric columns, which speak to the home’s age.

Although built for an American owner, the house displays Creole building techniques that are practical for the region.

The house has a raised basement for flooding as well as ventilation.

The ceiling height is 15 feet. Floor-length windows surrounding the structure could be opened to take advantage of cross-breezes coming from the nearby Mississippi.

From the front gate, you can see a sugar kettle being used as a fountain in the front yard, paying homage to southeast Louisiana’s biggest crop.

If you’re here during the Carnival season, you’ll likely see three flags with the insignia of Rex, King of Mardi Gras, one of New Orleans’ many parading organizations.

Next, look across Prytania Street.

8. Bradish Johnson House and Louise S. McGehee School - 2343 Prytania St.

Architect James Freret designed this mansion in the Second Empire style for sugar baron Bradish Johnson in 1872.

It is quintessential Reconstruction-era architecture.

You can also find this style further uptown along St. Charles Avenue in neighborhoods like Audubon Place, which was developed during that era.

Today, the property is the private Louise S. McGehee School for girls. They celebrated their centennial in 2012.

From here, turn back along Prytania to the intersection with First Street, then turn left. Continue along First Street until you find a tan house on the right.

9. Buckner Mansion - 1410 Jackson Avenue

The massive house at Coliseum and Jackson, built in 1856, is the Buckner Mansion, the largest home in the neighborhood.

As you approach on Coliseum Street, you’ll see the back of the house, including a long, three-story extension: this was the home’s slave quarters.

As you come around to the front of the house on Jackson Avenue, you’ll get the full sense of its size – over 20,000 square feet.

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Henry Buckner, its namesake, was a cotton magnate who commissioned the house, and his family continued to live there until 1923 when it became a business school.

You can still see a mosaic stating its educational mission by the front gate.

Now it’s again a single-family home, but it got to play the part of a school in American Horror Story: Coven.

10. Archie Manning House - 1420 First St.

This is the home of former New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning, as well as the childhood home of his sons Peyton, Eli, and Cooper Manning.

The family are full-time residents and are a common sight in the neighborhood.

A lot of footage from the documentary of the family called The Book of Manning (2013) was shot at the home.

11. Morris ­Israel House - 1331 First St.

By the 1860s, the Italianate style was the most popular style of architecture in the Garden District.

Like many New Orleans homes, this one is narrow along the street but extends far back on the lot.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Simply Chic (@iamsimplychic)

Large square lots that failed to sell were often split lengthwise, sometimes more than once, to form multiple lots, leaving owners with no choice but to build long, rectangular homes.

Past visitors to Disneyland in Anaheim, California might recognize this house, as it was the basis for the design of the Haunted Mansion – and the house appropriately has rumored ghosts of its own.

Continue along First Street until you cross Chestnut, then find the first house on the left.

12. Brevard ­Mahat­/Anne Rice House - 1239 First St.

Originally designed in 1857 as a Greek Revival home, this house has noticeable modern additions, like an Italianate bay and a skylight.

Notice the Rosegate fence, believed to be one of the first chain link fence designs in the world.

Viewers today, especially those familiar with the works of former owner Anne Rice, often see skulls rather than rosebuds.

Rice, best known for her novels about vampires in New Orleans, renovated and used the home as her primary residence for many years, besides setting her Witching Hour trilogy inside.

She sold the home in 2003 after the death of her husband, Stan Rice.

Continue along First Street, stopping at the first house on the right after the intersection with Camp Street.

13. Payne­ Strachan House - 1134 First St.

The first and only President of the short-lived Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis, died here in December 1889.

He had been traveling to New Orleans to give a lecture, became ill, and spent his last hours here in the home of Judge Charles Fenner, where he was brought to receive care.

A small monument in front of the house bears the date of Davis’ death: December 6, 1889.

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Notice the sky-blue color of the ceiling on the front porch.

The color is believed to keep winged insects from nesting there and to ward off evil spirits.

Many Garden District homes adhere to this tradition, along with other homes throughout the Gulf South region.

The color is called “haint blue.”

From here, turn back along First Street and proceed until you reach the intersection with Coliseum Street. Turn left and continue until this block’s last house on the right.

14. Joseph Merrick Jones House - 2425 Coliseum St.

This home currently belongs to the actor John Goodman, known locally for his role in the post-Katrina HBO drama Treme by David Simon, creator of The Wire .

He's known more broadly for his film career and long-running role as Dan Conner on the hit TV show,  Roseanne .

He moved to New Orleans over thirty years ago after making the film The Big Easy with Dennis Quaid and Ellen Barkin.

Thanks to his depiction of a staunch defender of New Orleans culture in Treme and his real-life advocacy, New Orleanians take him as an honorary native son.

Before Goodman owned the home, it belonged to Trent Reznor, the singer of Nine Inch Nails.

Some would speculate he was not a good fit as he had quite a few unconventional guests and a recording studio installed inside.

Continue along Coliseum Street and pause at the next block’s last house on the left.

15. Musson­ Bell House - 1331 Third St.

This home was built in 1853 for Michel Musson, one of the few Creoles living in the Garden District before the Civil War.

He was the uncle of French artist Edgar Degas.

Degas briefly lived with Musson in another home on Esplanade Avenue during a visit to New Orleans.

You can tour that home, now called the Degas House.

The backyard of this building, visible along Coliseum Street, contains several detached buildings typical of 19th-century homes.

This includes slave quarters and a kitchen, a stable and carriage house, and a cistern for water storage.

Mark Twain, on visiting the neighborhood and seeing all the cisterns, once commented that it looked as if everybody in the neighborhood had a private brewery.

16. Robinson House - 1415 Third St.

Building on this property began in 1859 and did not end until 1865. It was for tobacco merchant Walter Robinson by architect Henry Howard

The property is one of the largest in the Garden District at 12,000 square feet.

The roof is flat and once gathered rainwater for the home’s indoor plumbing and drinking water.

In 2016, the house was listed for sale for $6.45 million, but the owners had to settle for only $4.5 million when they finally got a buyer!

Continue along Coliseum until you reach the next block’s last building on the right.

17. Koch-Mays House - 2627 Coliseum St.

This Swiss Germanic Chalet, built in 1867, is one of only three homes of this style in all of New Orleans.

It is not a practical style of architecture in a part of the country that gets as warm as New Orleans does.

It was designed by architect William Freret for James Eustis, a one-time U.S. Senator.

Oscar-winning actress Sandra Bullock bought the home in late 2009, and as of 2021 she still owns the property (along with, allegedly, another 16 around the country!)

People flock to the home hoping for a sighting, but she’s rarely here.

She does allow other celebrities to stay though, so you never know who might come out of the front gate.

18. Benjamin Button House – 2707 Coliseum St .

This house (Nolan House) was one of the main shooting locations for the film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, featuring Brad Pitt – and also the one the film had to fight hardest to secure.

The director chose the house as the ideal setting for the retirement home where the title character has lived for many years.

However, the owner, who at the time was evacuated to Houston thanks to Hurricane Katrina, refused the request, as she had many requests from film companies in the past.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Josh Medcalf (@fengshuicat)

It took the director personally convincing her that the film would portray New Orleans in a positive, hopeful light – much needed after Hurricane Katrina – to change her mind.

The design of the house shows the broad array of visual styles the Americans living in this neighborhood drew from.

These include Ionic columns on the ground floor, Queen Anne reliefs on the second floor, and Gothic arches in Greek Revival dormers on a roof of part shingle, part Spanish tile.

Continue along Coliseum to the corner of Washington Ave.

19. Commander's Palace Restaurant - 1403 Washington Ave.

The bright turquoise-and-white building on the corner was erected in 1883 for Emil Commander to be run as a restaurant.

It is now considered one of the best restaurants in the United States and has been owned by the Brennan family, some of New Orleans’ foremost restauranteurs, since 1974.

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Locals attend the weekday martini lunches – twenty-five cents for a martini with an entrée! – but a weekend jazz brunch is also a nice option.

Reservations are required and there is a strict dress code.

And that concludes our self-guided walking tour of the Garden District in New Orleans.

If you are reading this in preparation for an in-person visit, then consider joining other like-minded travelers on a guided tour with us, Free Tours by Foot!

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

Below we share some thoughts and tips from members of our popular New Orleans Travel Tips Facebook group about touring the Garden District, if they felt it was worth the time, and what is the best way to see it.

Our Facebook group has over 40,000 members and consists of locals, regular visitors, and newbies to the city. 

After you've read this post, check our Facebook group for more tips from locals and tourists about visiting the Big Easy!

With so many amazing places to see in New Orleans, it’s hard to narrow down where to go and what to do. So…is the Garden District a “must-see”?

Here’s what group members said about the district and what makes it so special.

Besides the history and houses, the plant life is beautiful, the restaurants are amazing and the shopping is excellent.

We saw lots of comments from members, like this one, who say the Garden District is so nice it’s worth visiting more than once.

We were hard-pressed to find any negative comments about it, the most ‘negative’ being that what makes it special may not be to everyone’s liking.

The only comment we read that found said it wasn't worth visiting was this one, from someone who has the opportunity to see grand old mansions at home.

So if you are short on time in NOLA, and live in a part of the country where there are similar neighborhoods, then perhaps you might prefer to skip the Garden District. 

(Call us biased, but we don't think it should be missed, no matter what you can see back home!)

Once you decide to explore the Garden District, the question is how you want to do so.

Many members felt that taking a guided tour was the best way to get to know the area.

Guides tell you about the history, the special architectural features, and what movies and celebrities are connected to the district.

 And we are very pleased to see that these members took our tour and had a great time!

Some people felt that taking a self-guided tour was a good option, like the one contained in this post.

One of the most popular ways to see the Garden District, other than on foot, is to ride the St. Charles Streetcar .

A common question is which neighborhood should one take a tour of -- the French Quarter or the Garden District.

Plenty of our group members agree with us! Both!

But what if you are short of time? We say to do what this group member suggests!

Choose a Destination... I want them all PLUS general travel tips. Amsterdam Berlin Boston Charleston Chicago Dubai Lisbon London Los Angeles Miami Nashville New York City New Orleans Paris Philadelphia Prague Rome San Francisco Washington DC

About The Author

Sarah Hester

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

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Garden district walking tour.

Step back in time to New Orleans in the mid 1800’s on our Garden District Walking Tour.

The Garden District began as the city of Lafayette in 1833 and became part of New Orleans in 1853. Because the wealthiest of the newly arriving Americans called this area home, they were able to build the mansions that remain proudly standing today.

This 2-hour tour gives guests a crash course in New Orleans Architecture from 1838-1884. We cover the features of  Greek Revival ,  Italianate , and  Victorian Era  architecture. You will leave the tour knowing how to spot these styles and therefore distinguish between them. The neighborhood comes alive with stories of the people who lived here and the architects who designed these incredible mansions. We also can’t forget the majestic Oak trees that line the streets! They are not only beautiful but they provide shade with their massive branches and evergreen crowns.

Included in the Garden District Walking Tour is a discussion about  Lafayette #1 Cemetery . Dating back to 1833, this cemetery was the first non denominational cemetery in New Orleans. It remains one of the most popular cemeteries to visit today. Learn about the three most common types of tombs and the truth about why New Orleans buries above ground. It’s not what you might think!  Note: Lafayette #1 Cemetery is closed to the public h owever, it i s visible to view.

Our Garden District tour guides are experts in the area’s history and architecture and they will engage you with information about the grandiose homes. These were a staple of society and wealth in 19th century New Orleans. You will witness the results of our remarkable preservation efforts. As a result of those efforts, our historic neighborhoods not only maintain their integrity but continue to thrive today.

There is no better way to see the Garden District than on our tour so be sure to reserve your spot.

**Let Mark Twain’s words explain. “Those in the wealthy quarter are spacious; painted snow-white usually, and generally have wide verandas, or double-verandas, supported by ornamental columns. These mansions stand in the center of large grounds, and rise, garlanded with roses, out of the midst of swelling masses of shining green foliage and many-colored blossoms. No houses could well be in better harmony with their surroundings, or more pleasing to the eye, or more home-like and comfortable-looking.” ( Life on the Mississippi )

So what are you waiting on? Join us by booking now to take part in our exclusive Garden District Walking Tour!

Tour Details

• Every day 10am and 1pm
• 2 hour tour

Things you’ll see

• Celebrity Homes
• Antebellum Mansions
• Lafayette Cemetery #1
• Shotgun Houses
• Center Hall Cottages
• Commander’s Palace

Architecture styles

• Greek Revival
• Gothic Revival

Customers receive 20% off coupon for second activity!

• Most Popular!

Highlights of the New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour

Quick Details

• Hour Glass Duration: 2 Hours
• Clock Time of Day: Morning , Afternoon

ENJOY NEW ORLEANS MANSION TOURS & MORE!

This tour focuses on the lush Garden District. Your expert guide will provide a quick overview of Louisiana history before delving into the architectural gems of the neighborhood. Get historical context including info on the slave trade, the patrons of the mansions, and the architects of these beautiful buildings.

New Orleans Garden District is a neighborhood familiar to many thanks to the large number of movies and shows filmed here. American Horror Story: Coven fans will be delighted to know that Miss Robichaux’s Academy is featured on the tour. This incredible New Orleans Garden District tour brings you the Civil War, celebrity homes, and amazing architecture in an accessible and relevant way.

MEETING PLACE FOR BUCKNER MANSION TOUR & MORE!

The Garden District walking tour meets at PJs Coffee House on 2140 Magazine Street.

IMPORTANT INFO

• Please provide us with a valid cell # so in the event of changes, we can contact you
• International travelers – WhatsApp # 504-264-6258
• Mobility impaired – be aware the historic streets of the French Quarter and Garden District are notoriously uneven and present challenges. Our tours measure 1 – 1.5 miles in length.
• DON’T TRUST THE STREETCAR to deliver you to the tour on time, enjoy it afterwards when time is not an issue. It’s the most charming, historic and UNRELIABLE form of transportation on the planet. Call United cabs 504 522-9771 or use Lyft or Uber

Garden District Tours

No trip to New Orleans would be complete without a tour of the Garden District. The most impressive neighborhood in New Orleans, you'll be amazed by the architecture, historic homes, and stories of the people who called the Garden District home

Get to know the characters who built the Garden District into what it is today

You can’t visit New Orleans without spending some time walking the tree-lined streets of the Garden District. Stroll around one of the most beautiful and historically rich neighborhoods in America. The Garden District is known for its amazing architecture, intriguing past, and interesting characters who have lived and played in old “Lafayette City.”

Our Garden District Tour takes the unique angle of focusing on the influential people and historic figures who have lived in the Garden District. Of course, you are still going to see the famous homes and the amazing architecture; However, we tell the story of the Garden District through the stories of the people who helped make the Garden District what it is today. Eccentric characters, Plantation owners and Military Generals have all lived in the Garden District. History is much more interesting when told through the stories of the people.

The Garden District Tour is a 90-minute walking tour that covers about 1 mile. We meet at The Rink Shopping Center and finish the tour less than a block away, inside of Lafayette Cemetery.

• Historic Homes of the Garden District
• You'll learn about the unique Architecture found throughout the Garden District
• Our Garden District Tour also includes a walk through Lafayette Cemetery
• and much more!

Garden District Tour Info

7 days per week

10am and 4pm | 90 Minutes

Ages 12+: $19.99 | Ages 6-11: $9.99 | Ages 5 & under: Free

Why are Garden District Tours so popular?

It is hard to think of a more relaxing way to spend a morning or evening than on a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Garden District. Of course the homes and amazing architecture tend to be the main draw for our Garden District tours, but there is so much more waitinf for you.

Our guests truly enjoy hearing the stories of those who played our their days in the Garden District. We take tremendous pride in telling the stories of these inspiration (and sometimes kooky) people.

Famous Residences

Jefferson Davis

Lafayette Cemetery

Buying tickets for our garden district tour.

You must purchase tickets in advance - we often sell out

Buy Tickets Online

Buying tickets online is fast and secure with Gallivanter. Just click the button to buy tickets online, select your tour, and enter your info. Your tickets will be emailed to you immediately.

Our friendly Guest Services Reps are available from 9 am - 1 am, 7 days per week at 1-855-938-2211 . We can answer any questions you may have, take your order, and email your tickets right away!

The beauty of Lafeyette Cemetery

Lafeyette Cemetery, located in the heart of the Garden District, makes up a portion of our tour. You'll learn about the history and the people of Lafayette Cemetery

The Garden District was amazing! One day I'd love to own a home there - until then I will have to settle for this great tour.

Real TripAdvisor Review

I'm a big Anne Rice fan and seeing her home was a highlight of my trip to New Orleans. I can recommend this tour to anyone.

I bought tickets for this tour as a surprise for my wife, who is a fan of all things Southern. She enjoyed it and I did too.

Our Tour Guide for the tour was great. He answered all of our questions, was funny, and knew everything. We'd do any tour with him!

Where does the Garden District Tour start?

The Garden District Tour meets at the intersection of Prytania and Washington Streets, in the heart of the Garden District. Our starting location is conveniently located next to The Rink Shopping Center, located at 272 Prytania Street. You are able to grab drinks inside before the tour starts or use the restroom.

What about parking?

Parking isn't usually much of a problem in the Garden District. Within a few minutes of driving, you should easily find on street parking with the immediate vicinity of the starting location.

If you are running late or need directions please call our office at 855-938-2211 .

Looking for a different tour? Try one of these.

New Orleans Cocktail Tour

Discover New Orleans' cocktail history while trying them

French Quarter History Tour

Hear the secrets of the French Quarter's history

St. Louis Cemetery Tour

Explore St. Louis Cemetery on this guided tour.

Book your Tickets now

Our Garden District Tour often sells out. Don't lose out on the best tours in New Orleans, get your tickets now.

• 504.503.0199
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What to Expect on a Garden District Walking Tour 

• May 11, 2022
• Garden District Walking Tour

Table of Contents

New Orleans is a city with a rich history and culture, and the Garden District is one of its most beloved neighborhoods, making it a very popular tourist destination in New Orleans. This historic neighborhood is known for its large mansions and lush gardens, where visitors can take a Garden District walking tour with New Orleans Legendary Walking Tours and see the district with its impressive homes, all while learning about the rich history.

History of the New Orleans Garden District

The Garden District was originally developed in the 19th century as a residential area for wealthy citizens. The architecture of the district is a mix of French and Spanish influences, and many of the mansions feature intricate ironwork and stained glass. The Garden District was originally laid out as the Faubourg Livaudais in 1832, made up of the Livaudais plantation. In 1833, this region became the City of Lafayette and was formally incorporated into New Orleans by 1852.

Several neighborhoods in New Orleans were given the first name 'Faubourg' upon their founding; it is an old French term approximating 'suburb'.

In addition to its architectural significance, the Garden District is also mentioned in the National Register of Historic Places and is home to several important landmarks, such as the Lafayette Cemetery. Whether you’re interested in history or simply want to enjoy a leisurely stroll through a beautiful neighborhood, the Garden District is sure to delight.  

Lafayette Cemetery

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is one of the oldest city-governed cemeteries in New Orleans. Named after the City of Lafayette, which was annexed to the City of New Orleans as the Fourth District, this cemetery has become one of the most popular tourist spots in the Garden District.

This historic cemetery was established in 1833 and is the final resting place for many famous New Orleanians, including the Brunie family, who were very notable jazz musicians. Visitors can take a guided cemetery walking tour with New Orleans Legendary Walking Tours to learn more about the enigmatic history of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.

Homes & Architecture

As you walk through the Garden District, you’ll notice the many grand mansions that line the streets. These homes were built by some of New Orleans’ most wealthy citizens in the 1800s and are a prime example of the city’s architectural diversity. Many homes were constructed in the center of two large lots (60′ x 120′) surrounded by landscaped grounds, which were frequently bordered by big iron fences and even masonry walls that are set back from the road with large gardens.  

Several residences were built in the late antebellum period in a variety of architectural styles, including Greek Revival raised center hall cottages, side hall townhouses, and 2-story 5-bay center halls with double galleries. Shotgun-style houses began to be built in the late 1840s and continued until around 1910. Some of the most notable homes in the Garden District include The Beauregard-Keyes House , The Hermann-Grima House , and The Pontalba Buildings.

If you’re interested in taking a New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour , New Orleans Legendary Walking Tours will definitely meet the need! Our knowledgeable guides will take you on a tour through this historic neighborhood and tell you all about its fascinating history. We offer group tours which take you through the most amazing sites that the Garden District has to offer. Contact us today to learn more and secure your spot!

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Book Online or Call 504.777.7769

Tours Daily: 10am

Ages 13–64:  $37.00 each Ages 65+:  $30.00 each Kids 6-12:  $18.00 5 and under:  Free

Set Your Eyes on the Beauty of New Orleans.

New Orleans’ Garden District is one of the most picturesque neighborhoods in the nation.

If you’re looking to explore outside of the French Quarter area and see how our people live and have lived, this excursion is perfect for you. See the neighborhood’s gorgeous mansions and their notable large, opulent lawns.

You’ll see residences of Anne Rice, Sandra Bullock, and John Goodman. As well, houses featured in movies such as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and the Buckner Mansion of American Horror Story fame.

Garden District Tour FAQs:

• Content is for all ages.
• Tour is designed to be 2 hours but, can run over.
• Check in is 15 minutes prior to start.
• For everyone’s courtesy, tours leave on time.
• Tours go on rain or shine.
• Tours are about a mile walk.
• Tour does not end where tour starts. Guest will be helped after the tour with directions to where they are going next.
• Easy to get to with the St Charles Streetcar. (Leave extra early streetcar is really slow.)

Check out our longer Garden District FAQ here

How long is the tour? Is it a difficult walk?

The tour is around two hours and the streets are flat. There are a couple of sidewalks ravaged by the roots of the trees, but it’s a simple matter to safely circumvent them. Mobility-challenged guests can easily get around.

How do we get there?

Guests can take the Saint Charles streetcar to stop 12, Washington Avenue. They can also take the Magazine bus to Washington Avenue. Finally, an Uber is around $10 – 12.

Is there a bathroom?

At the beginning of our Garden District there is a lovely coffee shop with clean restrooms. Better go then!

Is there anything else to do around there?

The riverside border of the Garden District is Magazine Street. “Magazine” means “store” in French, as in military store, today it means shopping! Boutiques, galleries, restaurants all line up for a lovely, post tour walk. Another fine thing to do would be to take the streetcar and continue up magnificent Saint Charles Avenue past more grand mansions, up to the University area.  

The best Garden District walking tour!

Garden district walking tour, why take a garden district walking tour.

“Majestic,” “elegant,” “breath-taking” – these words are how guests describe their experience of the Garden District. “Wow” is a pretty common word as well. And what better way to enjoy it than a tour?  You could rent a car, or take a van tour, but that would miss the magical ambience and the effect the original residents wanted to make. A tour of the Garden District puts you right there amidst the sprawling live oak trees, the fragrant magnolias and the resplendent flowering plants. The Garden District predates cars and was meant to be admired on foot.

What to expect

A tour with a local !  Another wonderful thing about the Garden District is the unique feeling there. There is literally no other neighborhood like it, where history, culture and art come together in a lovely symphony. The original folks here were immigrants, new Americans who wanted to celebrate their newfound opportunities. Each house is a statement. In a way, the Garden District is the largest art gallery in the world. A tour should be intimate. We do not send out large groups and do not yell out random facts. You should expect your tour to be urbane, informative and fascinating. After a couple of days of partying in the raucous French Quarter, a Garden District walking tour is a welcome respite, a noble escape.  Here’s some more info on what to expect on the tour . 

Garden District history primer

In the early days the Garden District was just a bunch of sugar fields . We were French and Spanish when all of a sudden the worst thing in the world happened: Napoleon sold us to the Americans! Mon Dieu! All of a sudden, these rough and tumble, buckskin wearing dudes came down the river and it was instant dislike on both sides.

Then a funny thing happened – everybody got rich! This gentleman figured out a way to granulate sugar for the first time on American soil. What’s good about that? Granulated sugar never goes bad, you can send it to Australia and it will make it. 

The Americans didn’t want to live downtown with the Frenchies, so they bought an enormous plantation from a rich old family. They placed a cemetery in the middle and laid out a twelve block by five block grid around it. Every resident got a quarter block and they built castle-like mansions in the middle of their quarter block.

Because, unlike the secretive French Quarter, you could see the trees and flowers around each mansion, the neighborhood is called the Garden District. They also thought to line the wide streets with shady live oaks that are green year round, therefore it’s cooler during our hot days/ Think of it as a developed neighborhood that is older than the Civil War. 

The only business in the Garden District is stately Commander’s Palace restaurant, therefore the neighborhood has little traffic and might be the most tranquil area in town. Many athletes, movie stars and celebrities in general have a residence here. A pleasant way to take our walking tour of the Garden District would be to take the Saint Charles streetcar up to Washington Avenue, where we meet every morning.

Starting Location:

2800 St Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70115

On the corner of Washington Ave and St. Charles Ave.

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East and Southern US , Louisiana , North America · August 11, 2022

18 Famous Places to See in New Orleans’ Garden District

The Garden District is arguably the most beautiful neighborhood in New Orleans.

Here you will find quiet streets lined with oak trees, stately mansions surrounded by ornamental cast iron gates, and historic homes tucked behind manicured gardens.

It’s no wonder that over the years, many celebrities and well-known public figures have chosen to call this neighborhood home.

The Garden District is located only a few miles from Bourbon Street, but feels like it’s a world away!

It is a very walkable neighborhood, so be sure to set aside a few hours to take this self-guided walking tour to discover 18 of the best places to see in the New Orleans Garden District!

* Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase or book a reservation through the provided link then we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We really appreciate your support!

18 Famous Places to See in the New Orleans Garden District

A brief history of the Garden District

The New Orleans Garden District was first established in the early 1800s by wealthy plantation owners.

The sprawling plantations were eventually parceled out and the lands were purchased by some of New Orleans’ most affluent residents.

Regal mansions surrounded by seductive gardens began populating the area known as the city of Lafayette.

As the area grew, Lafayette became annexed into the city of New Orleans and the lots were further subdivided.

This led to the Garden District’s distinct eclectic mix of opulent antebellum mansions, ornate Victorian homes, and utterly charming shotgun cottages.

Many of the original homes still remain, and this area is considered to have one of the largest and most well-preserved collections of historic mansions in the South.

The Garden District has even been designated a National Historic Landmark.

As you walk around, you’ll notice historical markers on the gates of some of the more significant homes. It is so interesting to read the history about the homes and the families that lived there.

The Garden District’s boundaries extend approximately from St. Charles Avenue on the north, Josephine Street on the east, Magazine Street on the south, and Toledano Street on the west.

This walking tour begins at St. Charles Avenue and Josephine Street. The St. Charles Avenue streetcar line has a stop conveniently located here if you are coming from the French Quarter.

See below for a self-guided walking map:

A Self-Guided New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour

1. pontchartrain hotel.

Address: 2031 St Charles Ave

The Pontchartrain Hotel is an iconic historic hotel that dates back to 1927. It first opened as a luxury apartment building before transitioning to a high-end hotel in the 1940s.

Pontchartrain’s guest list includes the likes of movie stars and presidents such as Frank Sinatra and Gerald Ford.

But the real reason that we are starting this New Orleans Garden District walking tour here, is for the mile-high pie at the hotel’s restaurant!

Jack Rose is located inside the Pontchartrain Hotel and is one of the most photogenic restaurants in New Orleans.

The dining rooms are both elegant and whimsical and the food is delicious!

You’ll find a well-executed menu with a modern twist on classic Creole dishes. Just be sure to save room for the mile-hie pie for dessert!

Now that you are sufficiently stuffed, it’s time to burn some calories and head out on a walking tour of the New Orleans Garden District!

2. St. Mary’s Chapel

Address: 1516 Jackson Ave

St. Mary’s Chapel was built in 1844 and was the original church of the St. Alphonsus Parish.

It was the first Roman Catholic church in the city of Lafayette, which was later incorporated into the city of New Orleans.

This was also the first church for German-speaking Catholics in Louisiana.

The small and intimate one-room chapel has been moved three different times and lovingly rebuilt board by board.

The chapel is generally closed to the public except during mass. We lucked out as the priest just so happened to pull up as we were walking by and let us in to take a look.

The interior is simple yet charming, just as you would expect a neighborhood church in the south to look!

Mass is held six days a week. Here is the schedule if you would like to participate.

3. Magnolia Mansion

Address: 2127 Prytania St

Magnolia Mansion is the epitome of a southern antebellum-era mansion with a sprawling wrap-around porch, haint blue paint, hurricane shutters, and gas lanterns.

But Magnolia Mansion also has a storied past.

It was originally built in 1857 by investment broker Alexander Harris for his underage bride.

Eleven years later, Harris died in the home of yellow fever and after much family drama, his widowed wife sold the home to the Maginnis family.

After living in the home for 10 years, tragedy literally struck again. On the fourth of July, John Maginnis was struck and killed by lightning, leaving yet another widow to care for the home.

His widow, Lizzie, continued to live in the home and their daughter, Josephine, thrived here. She was one of New Orleans’ most beloved debutantes and went on to become a Mardi Gras Queen.

She hosted many lavish parties and social gatherings in the home and brought some much needed joy inside these walls.

Josephine later gifted the Magnolia Mansion to the New Orleans chapter of the Red Cross. During WWII, the home was filled with volunteers cutting and hand-rolling bandages.

In 1954, the home became a private family residence once again until 2021 when it reopened as an elegant boutique hotel .

The rooms are reasonably priced, the location is great, and it’s quite a memorable experience to spend the night in a historic southern mansion!

4. Buckner Mansion

Address: 1410 Jackson Ave

Buckner Mansion is perhaps the most regal and most photographed home in the Garden District.

This 20,00 square-foot mansion was built by cotton tycoon, Henry Sullivan Buckner in 1856.

It was meant to be the most grandiose home in the south, with three ballrooms and a wrap-around porch featuring 48 columns.

The home stayed in the family for 67 years until it was sold to the Soule Business School, one of the finest schools in the south.

Buckner Mansion once again became a private residence in 1983. Today it is supposedly available to rent for a whopping $4,700 per night, but I couldn’t find the listing.

But one thing I can confirm is that the Buckner Mansion was featured in seasons 3 and 8 of American Horror Story: Coven.

The exterior of the home served as Miss Robichaux’s Academy For Exceptional Young Ladies. It is quite fitting, considering that this house is rumored to be haunted.

Miss Josephine was a former slave of the Buckner family. After the Civil War, she stayed on as the family’s governess and midwife and many believe she never left.

There have been reports that the ghost of Miss Josephine can be heard sweeping the floor, opening and closing doors, and turning lights off and on.

People have even occasionally caught the hint of lemon wafting by which was her favorite scent.

5. Trinity Episcopal Church

Address: 1329 Jackson Ave

The Trinity Episcopal Church was the first non-catholic church in the original French colony that settled in Louisiana.

The congregation was formed in 1847 in a small one-room building. The current Gothic Revival Style church building was consecrated in 1866 and has stood as a beacon in the community ever since.

The interior features some of the original furnishings dating back to the late 1800s with intricate stained glass windows and hand-cut timber flooring.

Next to the church, you’ll find the private Trinity School housed in the most beautiful pink historic home.

6. Magazine Street

The 6-mile-long Magazine Street is filled with antique stores, boutique shops, and art galleries all with richly embellished storefronts.

This is the best spot in the Garden District to pick up a unique souvenir, score that one-of-a-kind antique, and discover handcrafted gifts.

You’ll even find an alligator museum and the coolest Free People store I’ve ever seen!

The best shops can be found starting at Felicity Street and extending about four blocks down Magazine Street to Philip Street.

7. Goldsmith-Godchaux House

Address: 1122 Jackson Ave

The Goldsmith-Godchaux House has a delightful color scheme with pink siding, kelly green shutters, and a haint blue porch ceiling.

But the interior is the real showstopper. This home was designed in 1859 by the well-renowned 19th-century architect, Henry Howard.

The soaring 15-foot walls are splashed with bright hues of pink, green, and gold. You’ll also find more fresco wall paintings and stenciling in this home than in any other home in the South from the same era.

The original paint colors and patterns have all been painstakingly preserved by the current owners, the Sheen family.

This home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places but is closed to the public as it is a private residence.

Click the link to see photos of the interior and learn more about this home.

8. District Donuts Sliders Brew

Address: 2209 Magazine St

If you need a pick-me-up during your New Orleans Garden District walking tour, then be sure to stop at District Donuts.

Here you will find some of the best donuts in all of New Orleans. They make their donuts fresh from scratch every morning. Everything is homemade, even the sprinkles!

Their menu features a rotation of six different flavored donuts.

This includes classics like glazed and chocolate, and a few unique creations like Girl Scout Cookie, Maple Bacon, Blueberry Cheesecake, Horchata, Nutter Butter, Hibiscus, Pink Lemonade, and so many more!

District donuts is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition to their donuts, the menu also includes a selection of sandwiches, sliders, and salads.

And as their name states, they are also known for their freshly brewed coffee.

District Donuts has a few locations around New Orleans, but the Garden District location is our favorite.

The hip coffee shop is housed in a historic building and is bursting with character. You’ll find original brick walls, exposed ductwork, and brass fixtures.

9. Brevard-Rice House

Address: 1239 First St

This Greek Revival home was built in 1857 and was once the home of novelist Anne Rice and her husband Stan Rice who was a poet and painter.

It is rumored that this home was the setting for her famous Mayfair Witches novels.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to stop here so I don’t have a photo, but click the link for a photo and more information.

10. John Goodman House

Address: 2425 Coliseum St

John Goodman is a beloved American actor who is best known for his role as the family patriarch in Rosanne .

He also starred in movies such as The Babe, The Flintstones, Blues Brothers, Evan Almighty, The Hangover III , and dozens more.

His iconic voice is behind the animated character Sulley in Monster’s Inc. , as well as Baloo in The Jungle Book , and many more.

When Goodman is not busy filming, he likes to call New Orleans home. His wife is a NOLA native and the two bought this beautiful home in the Garden District.

He is well-loved in the neighborhood and can often be seen walking his dog around the block.

The home, also known as the Joseph Merrick Jones House, was originally built in the 1800s by Jones who was a well-known doctor and professor of medicine at Tulane University.

This mansion was also home to another famous face. One of the previous owners was Nine Inch Nail’s lead singer, Trent Reznor.

His neighbor just so happened to be a councilwoman and shortly after he moved in, a new anti-noise ordinance was put into place. He didn’t end up sticking around too long!

11. D’Arcy Manning House

Address: 1420 First St

This home was originally built in 1844 for the notable hatmaker James D’Arcy and his new bride.

They commissioned Irish-born architect Henry Howard to design the home.

This was his first ever contract and he went on to design over 280 other homes and buildings in Louisianna, including the previously mentioned Goldsmith-Godchaux House.

Over the years, eight other families lived in this home, including a state representative. But perhaps the most famous residents are the Manning Family.

In 1982, NFL Quarterback Elisha Archie Manning III moved his wife and three sons into this home.

Archie played for the New Orleans Saints for over a decade and two of their sons, Peyton and Eli, went on to play in the NFL as well.

While the Mannings no longer reside here, it is still cool to see Peyton Manning’s childhood home and imagine all the footballs that were tossed on this lawn.

12. Toby’s Corner

Address: 2340 Prytania

The Toby-Westfeldt House is a Greek Revival-style home that was built in 1838.

The significance of this home is that it is the oldest house in the Garden District. 

We didn’t get a chance to stop here so I don’t have a photo, but click the link to see photos of the exterior and gorgeous interior.

13. Bradish Johnson House

Address: 2343 Prytania St

Many of the mansions in the Garden District reflect the Greek Revival style. However, the Bradish Johnson House is unique in that this post-Civil War mansion was built using the French Second Empire–style.

The home was originally built in 1872 for Bradish Johnson, a wealthy industrialist. He owned a large milk distillery in New York and several sugar plantations and refineries in Louisana.

His distillery was involved in the “swill milk” scandal that led to stricter consumer protection laws.

The Bradish Johnson House was one of the finer homes in the neighborhood and cost $100,000. That would be the equivalent of around $2.7 million today.

It was one of the only homes in the city that had a basement, and it even had an elevator.

This was just one of the many properties owned by Johnson. At the time of his death, his real estate investments included 31 properties in New York and 6 plantations in Louisianna.

In 1929, the home was purchased by the Louise S. McGehee School, an elite private girls school.

The home was extensively renovated, turning parlor rooms into classrooms, the stable into a cafeteria, and the carriage house into a gym.

Over the years, the school has continued to expand and now owns nearly the entire 2300 block of St. Charles Avenue.

They have acquired six historic mansions that have since been repurposed into stunning classroom buildings as part of the McGehee Garden District campus.

14. Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel

Address: 2607 Prytania St

This structure is an example of an Italianate-style mansion. It was built in 1857 and designed by the famed architect, Henry Howard.

In 1925, the home was purchased by the Redemptorist Fathers and was turned into a Catholic Chapel.

In 1996, novelist Anne Rice purchased the chapel and turned it into her private residence. This home was even used for several scenes in her book, The   Violin .

The home was then purchased in 2005 by actor Nicolas Cage. He lived here until 2009 when the home went into foreclosure.

The structure currently serves as part of the Saint George Episcopal School. It was undergoing extensive renovations when we visited, so unfortunately we weren’t able to get a very good picture.

If you do get a chance to peek into the yard, you’ll notice an iron pavilion with a statue of the Virgin Mary inside. This is an original statue from the Mother of Perpetual Help chapel.

15. Nolan House

Address: 2707 Coliseum Street

The Nolan House has been made famous as the childhood home of Brad Pitt’s fictitious character, Benjamin Button, in the blockbuster movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button .

The 7,800-square-foot mansion was originally built in 1832 for the family of William T. Nolan. It was substantially renovated in 1872 and features 6 bedrooms, a library, a reception hall, and a music room.

It is remarkable to note that until recently, this home had remained in the Nolan family for three generations over the past 180 years.

The home went on the market in 2014 and sold for $1.5 million. It reportedly went up for auction a few years later and was listed for a cool $2.85 million.

The director of the movie had his heart set on this home and went to great lengths to negotiate with the family who had evacuated the home after a storm.

After flying to Houston to have tea with the owner, they were gracious enough to agree and filming took place in almost every room of the house.

One of the Nolan daughters, Ashley, even played the role of a doctor in the movie!

16. Sandra Bullock’s House

Address: 2627 Coliseum Street

Sandra Bullock may not be a native of New Orleans, but a piece of her heart belongs here.

She first fell in love with the city while helping with the Hurricane Katrina recovery effort.

She also starred in the film The Blindside which was written by Michael Lewis, a NOLA native.

In 2009, Sandra Bullock and then-husband, Jesse James, put down roots and purchased this hauntingly beautiful 6,615-square-foot Gothic Victorian mansion for a little over $2 million.

A year later, Bullock adopted her son Louis Bardo Bullock, who was born in New Orleans. She even named him after Louis Armstrong, New Orleans’ most beloved jazz musician. 

Bullock currently owns multiple properties in different states, but spends most of her time here in New Orleans with her two kids.

*Related Post: For more recommendations, see our guide How to Spend an Unforgettable Weekend in New Orleans !

17. Commander’s Palace

Address: 1403 Washington Ave

Commander’s Palace is one of the most iconic restaurants in New Orleans.

It first welcomed guests in 1893 and has been a fixture in the Garden District ever since.

Commander’s Palace is known for its bright turquoise exterior, high-end Creole cuisine, and .25-cent lunch martinis.

Some of New Orleans’ top chefs have worked at this world-famous restaurant, including celebrity chef, Emeril Lagasse.

The three-story restaurant has plenty of seating, but it’s also one of the most popular restaurants in New Orleans so you’ll need to make reservations in advance.

And if you’re looking for more restaurant recommendations, be sure to check out our guide 8 of the Best Places to Eat in New Orleans !

18. Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 was established in 1833. It was the first cemetery in the city of Lafayette and is one of the oldest cemeteries in New Orleans.

This plot of land was originally part of the expansive Livaudais Plantation that was subsequently subdivided into city squares.

Many of the tombs belong to early German and Irish immigrants who settled in the city of Lafayette.

A few other prominent citizens that are buried here include Samuel Jarvis Peters, the founder of the New Orleans public school system, and Confederate General Harry T. Hays.

As with the other cemeteries in New Orleans, the tombs at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 are mostly above ground. This is due to the high water table and the early French and Spanish influence.

The cemetery has been closed indefinitely to the public since 2020 in an effort to preserve and restore the historical graveyard that has been overrun with tourists.

However, if you are interested in touring a cemetery, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is open for guided tours.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the final resting place for Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. This is also where Nicolas Cage has erected a pyramid-shaped tomb.

For more details about the tour, see our guide 12 Things to do in the French Quarter .

I hope you find this self-guided New Orleans Garden District walking tour helpful! And if you prefer to take a guided tour to learn the history from a local, I would recommend this guided walking tour for only $29.

A few more stops on a New Orleans Garden District walking tour:

If you have time, here are a few more historic landmarks in the Garden District that are worth visiting.

• Payne-Strachan House : (1134 First Street) Originally built for Judge Jacob Payne in 1849. It is also the former home of Jefferson Davis, the first and only president of the confederacy, who died in this house in 1889. 
• Carroll-Crawford House : (1315 First Street) This vibrant pink home with deocrative iron lace railings was built in 1869 for cotton magnate Joseph Carroll. He was known for throwing extravagant parties and even rubbed shoulders with Mark Twain.
• Colonel Short’s Villa : (1448 Fourth Street) This home was built in 1859. Although the home is beautiful, it is the wrought iron fence that really steals the show. The fence features a detailed pattern of morning glories and cornstalks. It was commissioned by Colonel Short for his wife who was homesick for her hometown in Iowa.
• RN Girlings English Apothecary : (2726 Prytania) In the 1880s, this building was home to Robert Nash’s Girling’s English Apothecary. Nash was instrumental in helping Louisiana become the first state in the nation to license pharmacists. The building continued to be used as a pharmacy until the 1950s. 
• The Rink : (2727 Prytania St) Right next door to the apothecary, you’ll find a 19th-century skating rink that has since been converted into a small shopping center. It was originally built in the 1880s as the Crescent City Skating Rink and was a popular gathering place for Garden District residents.
• Beyonce & Jay Z home: (1527 Harmony St) This former home of Beyonce and Jay Z was once an old Presbyterian church. The vacant home caught on fire and the police suspected arson. It is located a little further away so you may want to drive to this spot.
• What celebrities live in the Garden District? John Goodman and Sandra Bullock currently live in the Garden District. Former celebrities and famous people that once lived in the Garden district include Beyonce & Jay Z, Peyton Manning’s family, Nicolas Cage, Nine Inch Nails rocker Trent Reznor, novelist Anne Rice, confederate president Jefferson Davis, and countless political figures.
• Is the Garden District safe? The Garden District is one of the safest neighborhoods in New Orleans. However, it is still advised to avoid walking the streets after dark.
• Why is it called the Garden District? This area was once home to sprawling plantations. It was then developed with only a few houses per block. These houses were surrounded by lush gardens which led to the name “Garden District”. As the city grew, the lots continued to be subdivided and more houses were built. Today, the main draw is the architecture, but there are still plenty of beautiful gardens in the neighborhood.
• What is considered the Garden District? The Garden District is located about 2.5 miles southwest of the French Quarter. The boundaries extend approximately from St. Charles Avenue on the north, Josephine Street on the east, Magazine Street on the south, and Toledano Street on the west.
• What is the Garden District known for? The Garden District is known for it’s historic southern mansions and leafy avenues. It is considered the most beautiful neighborhood in New Orleans.

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GARDEN DISTRICT TOUR

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GARDEN DISTRICT WALKING TOUR / LAFAYETTE CEMETERY TOUR

SEE THE MOST BEAUTIFUL HOMES IN NEW ORLEANS

We invite you to join us on a leisurely stroll through the stunning " Garden District " of New Orleans . See the stomping ground of authors, poets, movie stars, artists, and sports legends such as Anne Rice , John Goodman, and Archie Manning, including the Benjamin Button House and home to the "Coven" in American Horror Story as well as many mysterious and loved fictional characters. 

Enjoy the towering southern live oak trees, magnificent crepe myrtles, and the stunning magnolias that some have said make walking tours through the garden district neighborhood akin to walking through a fairy tale. Learn the deep and rich history of the area and how it fits into the overall story of New Orleans, including the jealousy and mistrust that led to the "new money" of the "garish" Americans trying to show up the splendor and glory of the "old money" Europeans on the other side of town.

Points of Interests

On your tour to the Garden district, you will enjoy seeing the following locations: 

Garden District Anne Rice House/House on 1st Street/Mayfair Mansion Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 Commander's Palace Garden District Book Shop Magazine Street St. Charles Avenue

TOUR THE LAFAYETTE CEMETERY

Along with your garden district walking tour, you will also get a chance to visit the oldest Municipal Cemetery in New Orleans , Lafayette #1, the site of filming for many famous movies and TV shows, including Interview with a Vampire and Double Jeopardy. Learn about New Orleans’ above-ground burial practices, and join us in some gossip about dead people!

** Note: Lafayette Cemetery is closed on Municipal Holidays such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Labor Day. The tour will not include the cemetery on those holidays.

Tour Information

  WHEN :   Everyday 10am

  LENGTH :   2 hours

  STARTS FROM:  INSIDE Starbucks Coffee located at 2801 Magazine St (corner of Magazine and Washington Streets)

  ENDS AT:  1403 Washington Ave

  DISTANCE:   1 mile

 INTERNET SPECIAL: $22

Over 20 Years of Excellence!

Worth the trip to new orleans by itself, luke is great, charm, professionalism, knowledge & fun, it was amazing and very informative, great start tge trip, enjoyed it so much we booked another tour, great tour, best walking tour ever.

Not Just Your Ordinary Cheap Thrill!

Fun French Quarter Walking tours led by Master Storytellers. Choose from our Ghost & Vampire walking tour, Garden District walking tour, Tour Tremé or Saints and Sinners: a Dirty little French Quarter History tour. Who knew history could be so much fun? All tours are about one hour forty-five minutes, walking distance is just under one mile. Bring your camera (and your friends), wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared to have fun! Established in 2006. Locally owned and operated. We love entertaining you and it shows. Join us for the best walking tours New Orleans has to offer. Book online for $22 per person and you receive a discount of $3 per ticket! (Regularly $25 per person).

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Garden District Walking Tour

Tour details, garden district: america’s prettiest neighborhood..

The New Orleans garden district deserves special attention due to the fact it boasts the world’s largest collection of 19th century American Southern Style Mansions. View the unique architecture as you walk by some of New Orleans most famous homes. Enter an ancient cemetery and see the homes of some of America’s most famed celebrities. Join us on New Orleans’ best garden district tour.

• Groups allowed
• Local Tour Guide

What’s Included

Enjoy a two-hour tour through the New Orleans Garden District.

• One of America’s most beautiful neighborhoods. The best New Orleans has to offer!
• Celebrity homes, Movie locations, Lafayette Cemetery, beautiful architecture, majestic mansions, and so much more!
• Tour starting location is at Gracious Bakery. Please allow 15 minutes for pick-up.
• Tour begins at 2:00 pm.
• Tour is approximately 2 hours long.

Adults: $29.99

Children under 6: free

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Entertaining and Educating Travelers Since 1995

Garden district.

• Wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, bring a raincoat
• We do many tours in the rain but reserve the right to cancel if there's lighting or if the rain is too loud to speak over.

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Great Tour Jane was our tour guide and having majored in history in school, she was very knowledgeable and informative. Provided historical and current data on the French Quarter. Had a very nice time as a first timer to New Orleans. - Fred K

From : Two penguin chicks of highly endangered species hatch at Audubon Aquarium https://www.nola.com/news/two-penguin-chicks-hatch-at-new-orleans-audubon-aquarium/article_bf95d16c-f077-11ee-8546-0fd746a212a6.html https://www.tourneworleans.com/

Great Tour with a Great Guide Leonce is charming and energetic ... he could have kept going when we were ready for a nap. The 2 hours flew by. By all means, book a tour and ask for Leonce. - Laurie G G, Arlington, Vermont

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Unique Nola

Review Highlights

“ We had a great time (it was a little rainy, but it almost added to the tour) David was very knowledgeable and an AWESOME storyteller. ” in 10 reviews

“ If you are lucky enough to get Randy as your tour guide, consider yourself extra lucky. ” in 7 reviews

“ Dane was incredible and gave us so much information about the houses, styles of homes, history of the people and town. ” in 6 reviews

Location & Hours

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815 Toulouse St

New Orleans, LA 70112

French Quarter

Serving New Orleans Area

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We at Unique Tours of New Orleans believe in crafting our guests' experience into something special beyond the standard fare excursion 'round the city. We do this by employing exceptional guides, as well as limiting the number of people on a tour to 15- making it a more personal journey for you and your group. …

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We took the family friendly ghost tour on a recent trip and our guide Dalvin was fantastic! The tour definitely had interesting ghost stories tailored to smaller ears but still captivating, especially with Dalvin's super engaging storytelling. We also learned a lot of history! My little one has been quoting facts and telling stories from the tour to his friends and grandparents after getting home. I think a 6 year old absorbing that much and retelling what he learned is the highest compliment for a kid friendly tour! Thanks again, Dalvin!

Took the Sinister Criminal Intentions tour 4th of July weekend and it was a great experience. Johnathan was a great guide and able to share a ton of true modern and historic murder stories littering the French quarter. His personal experiences in Nee Orleans certainly add to the depth of color his is able to provide. Each person in our tour group was drawn in and waiting to hear more. I highly recommend this tour for your next trip to NoLa.

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Business Owner

Jul 24, 2023

I am very happy you enjoyed walking the French Quarter with Jonathan. Thank you so much for your nice review.

We have never been to NOLA and booked a morning tour to take us around the French Quarter after seeing all the good reviews. Our tour guide, Sean, was very knowledgeable about the history of the area and gave us a very good tour. It was just the two of us, so it was nice to have a small tour compared to the others we saw going around at the same time. My only critique, was the customer service part from our guide. Sean came walking up to us outside of Unique Nola and asked if I was Megan and said okay, we are going to start the tour. There was no - hello, how are you doing today, who do you have with you, or even I'm Sean and welcome to NO. The entire point of having a intimate tour is to get to know your customers and just overall friendliness. It was just as if it was let me get through this routine sprinkled with some awkward jokes throughout, and call it a day.

Dec 5, 2022

I am sorry Sean didn't greet you in the manner you wish. I am happy that you had a very good tour, though.

The most amazing tour I've had! We had Anderson as tour guide and he was such a gentleman. He was so knowledgeable about NOLA's rich history and brought us to amazing spots around town, each with its own story. Anderson really brought the stories to life with his storytelling and charm. If you're a first timer or even a local, highly recommend taking the 8pm Lewd Spirits tour. A great combo of spirits of the liquid and spooky kinds.

May 8, 2023

Thank you very much for your amazing review!

The spooky family ghost tour was described as good for kids 5 and up. It was not good for our 7 year old nor did it describe kid friendly ghosts. When the guide began talking about abortions and experiments performed by a doctor on kidnapped girls in one of the historic buildings, we knew it was time for our child to leave. The tour needs to be changed to reflect the description more accurately. The tour guide himself was lovely and had a great 'spooky' vibe and was very friendly and energetic - but the tour did not match up for the kids.

Jan 9, 2024

It sounds like you were on Our Favorite Ghost Tour, not the Spooky Family Tour. Both tours are for all ages. Spooky Family is G-rated, and Our Favorite Ghosts is PG. Sorry for the confusion.

I would give this group 100 stars if I could. We got very lucky and were the only people on our tour. Dane was incredible and gave us so much information about the houses, styles of homes, history of the people and town. We had so much fun. We couldn't believe how quickly 2 hours went by. Highly recommend for an informative and fun tour!

Jan 23, 2023

Thank you so much for your great review. I am happy you learned about our city and had fun with Dane.

Dalvin was fantastic! We learned a lot about the city and heard some great stories. Worth it.

YAY! Thank you. I am happy you had a great time.

I took a tour with Mike and absolutely loved it. I learned so much about the culture and history of the French district. Mike is a walking encyclopedia and was so knowledgeable. It was just me and one other person so it almost felt like a private tour. 100% recommended especially with Mike. Incredible guy with a ton of stories! Side note, we ended up the tour at Cafe Du Monde and I didn't realize that it is a cash only establishment. The other woman on the tour gave me $20 to buy beignets and a coffee. While this has nothing to do with the tour, I was touched and thankful for the good people in this world and wanted to recognize that.

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Sep 2, 2021

Thank you very much for the wonderful review of your French Quarter by Night Tour. I am thrilled that you enjoyed it so much.

Dane Rhoades is the best tour guide! We came on a couples trip and the girls wanted to do a true crime tour. The guys came along for support, but by the end of our tour they were SOLD. Dane was engaging, funny, and accommodating. His story telling skills kept us interested the entire time! Would highly recommend this company.

Jun 6, 2022

Thank you for your Review! I am happy that everyone enjoyed your tour with Dane.

We had signed up for the sinister criminal intentions tour but ended up doing one very similar the day before. We called and they were very accommodating allowing us to change to the Lewd Spirits Ghost Tour. The tour was small and personal. We stopped at two bars and we had to buy drinks at both in order to use the restroom. All in all an amusing evening.

Sep 26, 2022

Thank you for your review. The bars you went to do not require you to buy a drink if you are tour with us. I have no idea where you got that idea from.

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Do You Need a Car in New Orleans? What You Need to Know

W elcome to the Big Easy! Before we headed down to New Orleans over Spring Break , I were scratching my head trying to decide if renting a car was necessary. Everywhere I looked, advice was vague or conflicting, leaving me more confused than ever. I couldn’t find a definitive answer to the question “Do you need a car in New Orleans?” – so, to be safe, I rented one.

After spending an amazing time soaking up everything this lively city has to offer, I want to make it easier for YOU to decide if you should rent a car, and spoiler: for most trips to New Orleans, you probably won’t need a car.

Whether you’re here to groove to jazz on the streets, feast on beignets, visit City Park or soak up the rich history (or like me all of the above) , I’ve got the lowdown on why going car-free might just be your best bet. Let’s dive in and get you prepped for your own adventure in one of America’s most charming cities.

Why You Should Consider Not Renting a Car in New Orleans

Why skip the rental car in New Orleans? Well, it turns out that in NOLA, your feet and a few smart transit choices might be all you need. First off, the heart of the city’s charm—the historic French Quarter—is totally pedestrian-friendly, and walking through those lively streets is half the fun.

Parking can be a headache and quite pricey, especially near major attractions and during big events like Mardi Gras. Plus, New Orleans’ public transit system, including its iconic streetcars, covers most of the must-see spots efficiently and affordably. Going car-free not only eases your travel stress and saves you money , but also keeps you right in the thick of the city’s never-ending energy and spontaneity.

So when you are planning your New Orleans travel itinerary, keep in mind that the city’s charm unfolds on foot and through inexpensive public transit, offering a more intimate and engaging experience than you could ever get behind the wheel of a car.

Pros of Having a Car in New Orleans

Here are a few reasons why renting a car might be a good idea when visiting New Orleans:

• Flexibility : Go anywhere, anytime. Having your own wheels gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and on your own schedule. I hate to feel “stuck” so this is one of the reasons I chose to rent a car.
• Day Trips : Access to nearby attractions outside city limits, like historic plantations and mysterious swamps, becomes much easier with a car. Or if you wanted to combine a beach visit with your New Orleans trip. This was my other reason for renting – I was afraid we’d want to explore beyond the city and a car would be something we needed.
• Families : Traveling with kids or elderly family members? A car can simplify logistics, making it less stressful to manage naps, snacks, and comfort stops.

If you decide to rent a car in New Orleans, check for the best rates at DiscoverCars .

Cons of Having a Car in New Orleans

While renting a car in New Orleans offers certain perks, it also comes with its fair share of drawbacks:

• Parking Challenges : Finding a parking spot in the busier parts of the city, especially the French Quarter, can be frustrating and expensive. Many streets have limited parking, and garages often charge premium rates. One of our hotels had valet-only parking at $49/night – this is a BIG extra expense ( I was lucky my status with that hotel waived it)
• Traffic Congestion : New Orleans has some pretty heavy traffic, particularly during major festivals or events. Navigating crowded streets can add unnecessary stress to your vacation, and driving in a place where you don’t know where you are going is stressful enough!
• Cost : The cost of renting a car adds up quickly when you consider rental costs, fuel, and parking fees. This can take a significant chunk out of your travel budget, which could be used for more fun activities or dining out in the city.

Opting out of a car rental might just save you a headache and keep a little extra cash in your pocket for enjoying what New Orleans has to offer.

Alternatives to Driving in New Orleans: How to Get Around New Orleans Without a Car

Once I got to know New Orleans, I quickly realized how unnecessary our car rental was. There are plenty of alternatives to driving, and unless we plan a lot of day trips , I won’t bother renting a car next time.

Public Transportation Around New Orleans

The streetcars are not only a great way to get to some of the major tourist spots, but they are fun and can be an attraction themselves. Plus, they are CHEAP – like $3 per day cheap. Almost every local we spoke to ( even our walking tour guide ) gave us the rundown on how awesome the streetcars are, so the locals recommend them too!

After our small bus tour , I had a great feel for how to get around New Orleans on foot and had the layout of the city and French Quarter in my head. At that point, we walked pretty much everywhere . Not only did it enable us to get to most of where we wanted to go, but it also allowed us to really soak up the NOLA vibes. Plus, many of the things we ended up doing were walking tours, so we were on foot anyway!

New Orleans Weekend Itinerary

Visit my Etsy store to get a “done-for-you” weekend itinerary for New Orleans with your teens. All the planning is done for you – just print it out and follow along!

There were two occasions where we took an Uber, and based upon the things we did, if we hadn’t had a car we could have used a rideshare to and from the airport and to brunch one morning. Other than that we could have easily taken the streetcar or walked everywhere we wanted to go.

Insider tip: if you don’t know where exactly to tell your Uber/Lyft driver where you are, walk to the nearest hotel before you schedule your pick-up . It makes it super easy to find your driver.

In New Orleans, there are plenty of fantastic tours you can take, and I’d highly recommend indulging in a few (which is easier to stomach if you’ve saved on a car rental ). Simply by t aking a small bus tour for an overview of the city you’ll get a feel for where you want to go back to and can then either look for a bus tour to take you there or just take a streetcar or ridshare.

Book a fun small bus tour of the city like this one on your first day like we did and it will make the rest of your trip easier!

Tips for Visitors Choosing Not to Rent a Car

If you’re leaning towards exploring New Orleans without the hassle of a car, here are some tips to make your stay smooth and enjoyable. First, consider booking your accommodation in neighborhoods like the French Quarter or the Central Business District (CBD). We stayed in both areas and found walking to where we wanted to go was easy and felt safe.

The Hyatt Centric is located in the French District and makes walking that area a breeze!

To navigate the city efficiently, download the RTA app on your smartphone. It’s a handy tool that provides real-time updates on bus and streetcar routes, helping you plan your travel around the city with ease.

Lastly, while walking is a great way to soak in the local ambiance, always stay alert and stick to well-lit, busy streets, especially at night. Remember to keep your valuables close to your body (as you would in any big city) .

Following these tips can make your car-free trip not only feasible but also thoroughly enjoyable.

My Experience: Do you Need a Car in New Orleans Cost Analysis

To really help you make your decision, I’ll share the cost analysis of our last trip – the exact money we paid with renting a car versus what it would have been without.

COST WITH A CAR: Car rental: $430 (it is REALLY expensive to rent a car in New Orleans); Uber: $32 (one night to Frenchmen Street from the French Quarter and back). Gas: $5 (cause we barely used it!). I didn’t have to pay for parking, but if I had, it would have been another $50. So total spent by having a car: $467

COST WITHOUT A CAR: Had we gone without a car, we would have taken an Uber to the hotel, so about $35 each way, totaling $70. Same Uber for Frenchmen Street: $32. Another Uber for brunch one morning: $30 and a final Uber to take us to the Garden District and back ( or we could have taken the streetcar and saved even more) : $33. Total spent if we hadn’t had a car: $165. That’s over $300 in savings!

FAQs: Do I Need a Rental Car in New Orleans?

Do i need a car in new orleans.

Unless you are planning a lot of day trips, no!

Do you need a rental car in New Orleans?

No, you can easily depend on public transportation, walking and rideshares.

Is New Orleans walkable?

The main tourist areas of New Orleans are very walkable.

What are the main transportation options for getting around New Orleans?

Walking, the bus & street car, and rideshares

What is parking like in New Orleans?

Parking is challenging and expensive.

The Answer: Do You Need a Rental Car in New Orleans?

And there you have it, a full scoop on whether you really need a car in New Orleans. Going into our Spring Break trip, the decision to rent a car seemed like the best option. But after immersing ourselves in the city, it became clear that for most visitors, a car might just complicate things more than it helps.

From our adventures through the bustling streets to the quiet moments enjoying local cuisine , we learned that New Orleans is best experienced at a slower pace and without the burden of a car.

In retrospect, skipping the car rental on our next trip could save us a bundle and spare the headache of navigating through traffic and hunting for parking. The real charm of New Orleans lies in its walkable districts so you are going to find yourself spending more time walking than driving regardless.

Before you book that rental car, consider how you plan to explore the city. If your itinerary keeps you mainly in the heart of New Orleans and you’re up for a little walking, then you might find, like we did, that a car is something you can easily do without. Save that extra money for an additional plate of crawfish étouffée , a creepy cemetery tour , or a night out on Frenchmen Street—you won’t regret it.

More help with planning the perfect New Orleans vacation:

• Discover the Past: Best New Orleans Cemetery Tours
• Exploring the BEST Beaches Near New Orleans
• 19 BEST Things to Do in New Orleans with Teens
• Exploring New Orleans with Kids

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