New Orleans Neighborhoods, Locations and Districts

(New Orleans, Louisiana - LA, USA)

A variety of contrasting images and impressions are conjured up in people's minds upon hearing the name New Orleans. The city of New Orleans is home to a veritable melting point of cultures and beliefs, from African and Indian through to Cajun and Creole, all of which can be sampled in the exciting flavors of the restaurants and distinctive architectural styles of the French Quarter and Warehouse District, with the latter being home to an exciting bohemian community of museums and art galleries.

Contrast this with the splendor of the mansions and exquisite gardens dominating the Garden District and the University area of Uptown and you get an idea of what New Orleans is all about. The headiness and excess of its famed nightlife and regular New Orleans festivals provide constant celebrations of music, life and all things spiritual and sensual.

Around the French Quarter

A number of distinct communities have evolved in the areas surrounding the French Quarter of New Orleans. The Marigny district is located to the east within easy walking distance of Bourbon Street. Action is centered along Frenchman Street where a growing number of bars and New Orleans restaurants appeal to a sizable bohemian and gay community. Downriver you will find numerous faubourgs, or neighborhoods, known collectively as the Bywater and increasingly popular as an artist hangout. Tremé district, to the north of the New Orleans French Quarter, is a black community acclaimed for its musical roots.

French Quarter

The French Quarter is what makes New Orleans famous the world over. With jazz music floating in and out of Bourbon Street's bars and clubs, and locals and visitors mixing it up together in a swirl of cocktails and color, the area epitomizes what New Orleans is all about. Bounded by Canal Street, North Rampart Street, Esplanade Avenue and North Rampart Street, the French Quarter also boasts beautiful Spanish and Greek Revival architecture (the French buildings were destroyed in the fires of 1788 and 1794, apart from the Old Ursuline Convent that was built in 1745 and is now the oldest building in New Orleans). Jackson Square forms the heart of the French Quarter district and is packed with artists, fortune tellers and street musicians, while nearby is the French Market and the Voodoo Spiritual Temple.

Central Business District (CBD) / Warehouse District

Situated within the area between Canal Street, Loyola Street, Howard Avenue and the Convention Center Boulevard, this Central Business District (CBD) / Warehouse of New Orleans was once a sugar plantation and is now an eclectic mix of high-rise office towers and hip art galleries. Warehouses are home to cutting edge art galleries, while numerous trendy New Orleans restaurants and a number of museums are scattered throughout the area. Highlights in New Orleans' Central Business District (CBD) / Warehouse District include the landmark of Lee Circle, a popular viewing point for Mardi Gras parades; Lafayette Square, dating back to 1788; and the Neo-Gothic St. Patrick's Church.

Garden District

The Garden District, located to the south of the French Quarter, is where New Orleans' aristocracy first settled and is characterized by opulent mansions of intricate architectural design and beautiful landscaped gardens. This New Orleans district is enclosed by St. Charles Avenue, Magazine Street, Jackson Avenue and Louisiana Avenue, and is best explored on foot. The writer Anne Rice once lived here, no doubt influenced by nearby Lafayette Cemetery, dating back to 1833 and featuring eerie aboveground tombs.

Uptown

For the locals in New Orleans, whenever someone mentions Uptown, they are referring generally to the area 'up from the river'. Broadly speaking, it takes in the Lower Garden District as well as the University area. Tulane and Loyola universities are located here, and given the predominantly young age of the local crowd, there are plenty of trendy restaurants, music halls and bizarre shops to keep you occupied. Audubon Zoo, with its excellent collection of wildlife, is also located in the Uptown district of New Orleans.