The Garden District, a charming neighborhood in New Orleans, is home to some of New Orleans’ most iconic scenery. The streets are engulfed by centuries-old oak trees and lined with houses ranging from modest shot-gunned style homes to historic mansions. There are so many reasons this is one of our favorite areas in New Orleans, but here are some highlights.
Architecture and Scenery
The Garden District has a diverse mix of buildings, varying from grand mansions on St. Charles Avenue to neighborhood corner bars. If you are hosting a wedding in the Garden District, your photographer will have infinite choices for the perfect photo-opp. Between the scenery on Magazine Street and St. Charles Avenue backdrops, the opportunities are practically endless. Taking in everything the Garden District has to offer is sure to make you hungry, and lucky for you, there are some great options in the area.
2. Walkability
Want to host an event at The Parlor in the heart of the Garden District, and you’re reserving a room block at The Pontchartrain? Your guests will have a hard time choosing where to dine because some of New Orleanians’ favorite spots are in the neighborhood. The Garden District is a vibrant urban neighborhood. The unique fabric of the neighborhood allows locals and visitors alike to mingle in some of New Orleans’ best restaurants, bars, and shops. For the caffeine addict, check out HiVolt or French Truck. After grabbing a cup of joe, head over to Coliseum Square for some fresh air. Need a late night snack? Bouligny Tavern has a great selection of small bites, and their kitchen stays open late. If your favorite sports team is playing in a big game, head over to Tracey’s to watch it while enjoying a cold beer and some classic pub fare. After your event is over, your friends and family can enjoy a night cap at Hot Tin before calling it a night. In addition to the great culinary scene, the Garden District also has something fun for everyone to enjoy during their trip.
3. Entertainment
Along with the restaurant options, the Garden District is an entertainment hub. If the weather is nice and you’re looking to spend some time exploring the neighborhood by foot, take a home tour for a closer look at the unique architecture and design. In the mood for something a bit more unique? Go on a cemetery tour to learn about New Orleans’ above ground cemeteries. Looking for some retail therapy? Magazine Street in the Garden District has some of the best shopping in the city for art, furniture, clothes, gifts and more. Need a place to stay? There are some great hotel options, like The Pontchartrain Hotel, as well as some boutique hotels and bed and breakfast.
4. Central Location
One of the best things about being in the Garden District is the proximity to other great neighborhoods in the city. Though less than two miles “upriver” from the historic French Quarter of New Orleans, the Garden District feels a world apart. If you’re hosting an event at The Parlor at The Pontchartrain, whether your guests are staying downtown or uptown, the Garden District will be a short drive for them. Want to head to the French Quarter? You can be there in 10 minutes or less! From the Garden District, the streetcar is an exciting way to get from one neighborhood to the next.
5. St. Charles Ave. Streetcar
There may not be anything more iconic in New Orleans than the Streetcar. It won’t be the quickest option for transportation, but it is a fun and memorable experience, especially during a nice spring or fall day in the Garden District. There are multiple lines that will take you to different neighborhoods, such as Mid City, Uptown and the French Quarter. One of the most popular lines runs all the way down St. Charles Ave. from uptown to the edge of the French Quarter. This line runs through the Garden District, so no matter where you are in the neighborhood, you’re only a short walk to a delightful streetcar ride. A tip from the locals: don’t call it a trolley!
The cooling canopy of ancient oaks, the rumble of the streetcar, the piercing beauty of antebellum architecture: the Garden District, as its name suggests, is a sensory experience, filled with sights, sounds, smells, and tastes that are uniquely its own. Each New Orleans neighborhood has its own unique charm and personality. They are all special, but we have a certain love for the Garden District because of everything it has to offer. We hope you’ll come visit us sometime soon at one of our locations in The Pontchartrain Hotel!