Getting to know New Orleans

Welcome to the Big Easy!

We have been to New Orleans a few times and we continue to explore more and more of the city. This is our overview of the neighborhoods and sights we have seen so far; New Orleans is so exciting due to the diverse neighborhoods and history. We can’t wait to get back and wander more.

“Laissez les bon temps rouler”

Let the good times roll!

French Creole Saying

A Bit of History

The earliest influences were the French and Spanish and remain within visible throughout the city. Founded in 1718 as a French colony until the end of the Seven Years War, ownership transferred to the Spanish in 1763. It remained under the Spanish Flag until 1802 -1803 when it reverted to the French before becoming part of the Louisiana purchase and part of the United States.

The Neighborhoods

The French Quarter was the first colonial city bordered by Canal Street, rampart and Esplanade streets and the Mississippi River. Today the area one of the most famous tourist destinations. Home to many famous restaurants and bars, the nightlife of Bourbon Street is a mix of the history and culture of the city. The part of the city is laid out in a grid pattern; the best way to experience the neighborhood is pick a street and get wandering. This area is the most touristy and the most fun! So stop along the way; have a drink (even take it with you – it’s allowed!) and some amazing food and embrace the New Orleans motto.

Top Sites

• Jackson Square
• Saint Louis Cathedral
• Bourbon Street
• Riverbank
• Cafe Du Monde
• French Market

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A Cool Thing to Do

New Orleans is one of the most haunted cities in the United States. Taking a Ghost tour is a fun way to explore the history of the city and get spooked, especially when taking at night. These tours explore the darker, gruesome and sinister history of the city. Most stops have been verified as real hauntings.

Check out Ghost Tours

Garden District

Initially, the area surrounding the French Quarter was full of plantations; As the surrounding areas developed, people began to venture out of the French Quarter, farms were sold off into smaller parcels. Designed by architect Barthelemy Lafon, homes with extensive gardens, fountains and distinctive style were constructed with one or two per street. Hence the area became known as the garden district. The neighborhood has a variety of different architecture styles and now is known for the range of home styles.

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Further Along the River

Similar to the Garden district, Bywater was once mostly plantations until the early 19th century when there was significant community development as the population outgrew the French Quarter. A mix of working class and artists there is a distinct Locals only vibe that is still welcoming and quite friendly. It reminded me of Williamsburg, Brooklyn in the early days, with the warehouses and industrial spaces mixed with the residential. This section is hip.

Mid-Day, the community feels sleepy, biding it’s time until the sun begins to set, and Happy hour begins. Within the colorful homes based in Colonial design, are hidden gems of great bars and restaurants that come alive as the evening turns to night. The engaging and diverse crowd makes for a fun night and a worthwhile trip. As word gets out about this hip neighborhood, it’s attracting more traffic but keeping its relaxed feel.

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Mid-City Area

Founded in 1854, City Park is the 20th most visited park urban park in the United States. Approx. 50% larger than New York’s Central Park; the park is one of a few self-supporting parks. Within the 1300 acres, the park has a botanical garden, golf course, mini-golf, Storyland, an amusement park, stadium, tennis center, running track, biking, a couple of restaurants and boat rentals. There is also a children museum and the New Orleans Museum of Art; including an outdoor sculpture garden.

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One of its most famous attractions – Dueling Oaks; during the early 1800’s one way to settle disputes was with a duel; city park was a quiet spot outside the city, where two oaks to mark the location. Today only one tree remains, and dueling is outlawed. Hurricane Katrina created considerable damage to the park, but a team of dedicated employees and local citizens has worked tirelessly to bring the park close to its pre-hurricane glory.

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Check out the City Park website

A Short Ferry Ride Away

Part of Algiers, 15th Ward New Orleans, Algiers Point is a National Historic District on the West Coast of the Mississippi River. Named for the navigational point to help shipping vessels navigate the deepest portion of the river. The notable neighborhood has many homes and structures pre-date the Civil War, but after a devastating fire in 1895 destroyed much the area most were re-built and currently maintained in the historic design.

It’s an easy trip across the river from the French Quarter on the Canal Street Pedestrian Ferry. Wandering, we found lovely historic homes, churches, and restaurants and shopping. We hung out at a remarkable bar for a couple of hours and enjoyed getting to know a few of the locals and history of the neighborhood. If you want a bit more structure to your visit; check out this website featuring a couple of walking tours.

Algiers Point

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Getting Outside the City

When researching New Orleans, a lot of tour operators encourage you to go to Honey Island usually in combination with a plantation tour. While this is a great experience and a full day adventure, we found exploring the Jean Lafitte National Park as more our style. There are over 23,000 acres of Park and preserve; this includes swamps, marshes, forests, and bayous. Within the Park, there are hiking trails and paths, allowing you to see different vegetation and animals. They have self-guided tours on their website as well as Ranger-led walks.

Check out the Preserve here

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We added in a swamp tour on a flat bottom boat. The almost 2-hour trip was educational and informative. Our guide shared much of the history and how the ecosystem works within the swamp with a touch of humor. We saw several alligators, baby alligators, and birds. We had a fun experience and enjoyed getting away from the city.
Depending on the time of day its a 20-30 minute Uber/taxi ride outside the city. The tour will also include hotel pick up for an additional fee.

Check out our Tour here

Getting Around New Orleans

Each time we visit New Orleans, we find more and more to love. We continue to wander and gain more insight to what makes Nola so special. Share with us what you love about New Orleans!