Overview
— Uptown is a large portion of New Orleans settled in the 19th century after the Louisiana Purchase, upriver from the older parts of the city around the French Quarter and the Central Business District. It includes the Garden District, which is popular with visitors. At the upper end of Uptown is the Audubon & University District, and just beyond that the Carrollton neighborhood. The majority of this historic section of the city escaped the great flood of 2005.
2 sights · 7 things to do · 45 places to eat · 13 bars & cafés · 12 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Uptown
Lafayette Cemetery #1
Historic old cemetery with above ground tombs and distinctive architecture. The cemetery has been featured in many TV shows and movies set in New Orleans.
Latter Branch, New Orleans Public Library
Yes, you can read a book or get a bit of internet time, but this branch of the library is in a 1907 vintage mansion, formerly the home of silent film star Marguerite Clark. This makes it a St. Charles mansion you can see…
Freret Street Market
The first Saturday of most months, featuring produce, crafts, and free live music. Freret Street just upriver from Napoleon Avenue.
Le Bon Temps Roule
Local acts, good beer and burgers. Soul Rebels Brass Band play every Thursday night, it is standing room only and usually packed to the brim so get there early or expect to push your way through a crowd.
The Columns
Old mansion converted into a small hotel. One side of the downstairs front has a bar, the other side a live music venue. Cool jazz and gypsy swing in an elegant setting.
Dos Jefes
Cigar bar; hot modern jazz in a smoky atmosphere.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–Apr. Summer highs reach about 94°F; winter lows dip to about 46°F. Very hot (Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Jul and Jun. (climate data from nearby New Orleans)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- MSY Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, New Orleans — 10 mi away (major hub). Directions
- GPT Gulfport Biloxi International Airport, Gulfport — 70 mi away. Directions
While a busy section of town, car is still an effective means of getting around Uptown, unlike the CBD, French Quarter, or Marigny. Parking is seldom too hard to find, outside major events like Mardi Gras, although you may sometimes have to park around the corner from where you're going, since many of the old commercial buildings have little or no off street parking. Traffic is often slow on major streets, especially during rush hour.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Places to stay listed here: about $26–$150 a night (typical $109), from 13 listed prices.
- Estimated daily budget per person (room, two meals, local transport and an activity): budget ~$70, mid-range ~$180, comfortable ~$320.
Options are grouped as Budget, Mid-range, Splurge in the Sleep guide ↓.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Latter Branch, New Orleans Public Library, Le Bon Temps Roule, Rosy's Jazz Hall
- Lunch The Upperline
- Afternoon Tipitina's, The Columns
- Dinner Pascal's Manale
- Evening The Club Ms Mae's
Day 2
- Morning Dos Jefes
- Lunch Clancy's
- Afternoon Freret Street Market
- Dinner Gautreau's
- Evening St. Joe's Bar
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Some local places for a good cup of coffee, some light eats, and pleasant locations with people-watching.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Uptown New Orleans was developed during the 19th century boom when New Orleans was one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. The concentration and variety of intact 19th and early- 20th-century architecture make it a treat for those who enjoy the architecture of those eras, as well as a frequent setting for movie scenes.
Although predominantly residential, there is a wealth of local shops and restaurants -- many clustered along "neighborhood main streets", others scattered here and there.
The main streets of interest to visitors, stretching in gentle curves reflecting that of the Mississippi River from one end of Uptown to the other, are St. Charles Avenue with its famous streetcar line, and Magazine Street, a commercial hub with a bus line. Those visiting with a car or bicycle may also wish to check out Prytania Street, which parallels St. Charles a couple of blocks closer to the river, competing with St. Charles for beautiful architecture along with a smattering of local businesses.
The parts of Uptown "back of town" (furthest from the river) near Claiborne Avenue experienced some flooding in the Federal levee failure disaster during Hurricane Katrina. For the most part it is still less thriving and of less interest to visitors. A notable exception is a section of Freret Street between Jefferson Avenue and Napoleon Avenue. This circa 1900 neighborhood commercial street was in decline for a generation before it was flooded chest deep in 2005. By 2011, however it was one of the success stories of the New Orleans rebirth. While a few parts are still on the ragged side, the 8 block stretch of Freret is now hopping with new innovative local restaurants, shops, cafes, a comedy club, and a monthly market.
Get in
By car
While a busy section of town, car is still an effective means of getting around Uptown, unlike the CBD, French Quarter, or Marigny. Parking is seldom too hard to find, outside major events like Mardi Gras, although you may sometimes have to park around the corner from where you're going, since many of the old commercial buildings have little or no off street parking. Traffic is often slow on major streets, especially during rush hour.
By streetcar
The St Charles Streetcar is quite a convenient way to get around Uptown, running along the main street from the edge of the French Quarter through the CBD, all the way through Uptown to Tulane University and then on to the main section of Carrollton.
The streetcars are interesting to ride, though it is relatively loud inside (sounds like a somewhat muffled compressor is under the streetcar) and the streetcars travel slower than buses. There are only a few wheelchair accessible stops and most of the streetcars are not wheelchair accessible.
By bus
Bus 11 is the most useful public transport route (aside from the streetcar), coming from Canal St in the CBD and then running the length of Magazine St through the shopping corridor and on to the Audobon Zoo. Bus 16 runs along Claiborne from Canal and bus 10 along Tchoupitoulas.
Bus 27 is another useful route if you are near the shopping corridor. It runs along Louisiana and will take you to the most popular (and safest) cemeteries. The Cemeteries terminus also connects back up with the Canal Streetcar.
By taxi
Taxis are reasonably easy to hail off the street throughout Uptown, provided you are on one of the main roads.
See
The green Saint Charles streetcar line, with 1920s vintage trolleys, was restored post-Katrina by 2008.
Whether traveling on streetcars, driving or biking, St. Charles Avenue is well worth a look for the mansions of the city's 19th-century "millionaire row".
- Garden District is a part of town known for the fine mansions. The official historical district is bounded by St. Charles Avenue, Jackson Avenue, Louisiana Avenue, and Magazine Street; historically some definitions have defined the boundaries otherwise, and more equally fine historic mansions can be found nearby outside these boundaries. The name "Garden District" came from early in the 19th century when this area was laid out with fine mansions of businessmen and plantation owners, building a couple of grand houses to the block surrounded by large gardens. In the late 19th century most of the land owners sold off most of the surrounding lots, on which wooden Victorian homes rich in architectural "gingerbread" were built. Thus, despite the name, the "Garden District" is now notable more for its architecture than for the gardens. Tours of the mansions of Uptown's Garden District are given by the Park Service and by private companies; there are walking and bus tours available. Walking tours typically cost about $25 per person (April 2018), and may sell out, so booking ahead is recommended. Many of the homes have plaques posted in front that describe the history of the house and its historical occupants.
See Lafayette Cemetery #1
Historic old cemetery with above ground tombs and distinctive architecture. The cemetery has been featured in many TV shows and movies set in New Orleans.
See Latter Branch, New Orleans Public Library
Yes, you can read a book or get a bit of internet time, but this branch of the library is in a 1907 vintage mansion, formerly the home of silent film star Marguerite Clark. This makes it a St. Charles mansion you can see the elegant interior of for free!
Do
- Private and group escorted mansion walking tours
- Streetcar ride
Live music venues
Buy
Magazine Street
The six miles of Magazine Street offer a great variety of local businesses: antiques, art new and old, clothing, furniture, and curiosities, with local cafes and restaurants along the way. The greatest concentrations of interesting businesses are in the sections from around Felicity Street to Jackson Avenue, around the intersection of Louisiana Avenue, and from Napoleon Avenue to Nashville Street. However, other businesses are sprinkled along the route, in some places mixed with mostly residential blocks. There are shops for tastes from elegant to funky and for any price range.
A small sample of some of the more interesting unique shops includes the following.
Shop Derby Pottery (Derby Pottery and Tile)
Derby Pottery and Tile manufactues the iconic New Orleans Blue and White street tiles in the American style (since 2003) and Belgian style. New Orleans Blue and White street tiles are indigenous pieces of history unique to the city of New Orleans. Beginning in the 1880s the city of New Orleans has embedded letter tiles in city sidewalk intersections identifying the two street names. In the more commercial districts of the city you will see the name of a business embedded in front of what was, or still is a storefront, especially in evidence along Magazine Street where the Derby Pottery studio and showroom are located. You will find street tiles throughout the city, in all the different Wards, and as house numbers.
Elsewhere Uptown
The Rink 2200 block of Prytania at the corner of Washington Avenue. A small shopping center in a building that used to house a 19th-century skating rink. Notable shops include:
Eat
Budget
- Cafe Luna, 802 Nashville at Magazine. Coffee & tea, sandwiches & pastries.
Eat Company Burger
Very high quality hamburgers
- Dat Dog≤, 5030 Freret (2½ blocks up from Jefferson Avenue; they moved across the street to larger space in 2012) +1 504 899-6883. Hot dog stand bammed up a notch, New Orleans-style. A variety of quality wieners and sausages, including Louisiana Hot Sausage and Alligator Sausage for the adventurous. Lunch & early dinner, Tu-Su, open late Sa night. Cash.
- Domilise's Po-Boys, 5240 Annunciation. Good neighborhood po-boy place has been here for generations.
Eat Frankie & Johnny's
Local favorite for crawfish. If you're not on a diet, get a side order of the fried bell pepper rings.
Eat Freret Street Po-Boy & Donut Shop
Corner of Valance (halfway between Jefferson and Napoleon Avenues). The name explains it.
- Guy's Po-Boy, 5259 Magazine, 891-5025. Small traditional po-boy place. M-Sa 11AM-4PM
- Joey K's, 3001 Magazine, 891-0997. Neighborhood po-boys, catfish, and fresh caught fish specials.
Eat Juan's Flying Burrito
Reasonably priced Mexican.
Eat La Divina Gelateria
Excellent Italian style panini sandwiches served from 11AM to 7PM, and they stay open 'til 10PM (F Sa 'til 11PM) serving some amazing gelato.
Eat Magazine Po-Boy Shop
Traditional po-boy sandwiches, plus seafood and vegetarian dishes, breakfast omelettes and burritos.
Eat Mahony's Po-Boy Shop
Po-boys, plus a bar with local draft beer.
Eat Mona's
Middle Eastern. Also has branches in Mid-City and Faubourg Marigny.
Eat Nacho Mama's
Mexican, lunch & dinner 7 days a week.
Eat Nirvana
Awesome $10 buffet every weekday lunch, as well as Thursday and Sunday nights. Great food, good value.
Eat Ray's Uptown
Creole and po-boys. Live music some evenings.
Eat Slice Pizzeria
Slice Pizzeria is one of New Orleans most popular pizzeria's and Italian eateries serving fresh pizzas by the slice and the pie.
Eat Stein's Deli
Great fresh deli sandwiches.
Eat Surrey's Cafe and Juice Bar
Breakfast and lunch, lots of fresh local ingredients.
- Taqueria Corona, 5932 Magazine: cheap good Mexican. Closed for siesta from 2PM to about 5:30PM in the afternoons.
Snacks
Eat The Creole Creamery
Truly good ice cream, from a small cup or cone to a huge elaborate sundae. They also make shakes & malts in the old fashioned soda fountain style, and offer many locally made fresh flavors of ice creams, from standard to distinctive, and even a few sugar-free flavors.
Eat La Divina Gelateria
The gelato here costs a little bit more, but it is some of the most amazing you'll have ever tasted. 11AM-9PM; they also serve fresh panini and salads during lunchtime.
Eat Hansen's Sno-Bliz
4801 Tchopitoulas at Bourdeaux a few blocks up from Napoleon. The Commander's Palace of sno-ball stands; ice shaved microscopically fine, flavored with shockingly luscious syrups made fresh every day. Dozens of flavours to choose from, and you can also add whipped cream, ice cream, condensed milk, marshmallows or crushed pineapple. A local legend since the 1930s! Tu-Su 1PM-7PM, open May 1-Labor Day. If they're not open, content yourself with the next best from Tee Eva's or SnoWizard listed below.
- SnoWizard, 4001 Magazine (at Constantinople) Another excellent sno-ball place, a short walk down from Napoleon. Open during hot weather Su-F noon - 8PM; Sa noon - 7PM.
Eat St. James Cheese Shop
The staff of knowledgeable cheese mongers will help you fill your cheese needs. They also make tasty lunch sandwiches to eat there or take out.
Eat Sucré
Artisan gelato, cakes, chocolates and pastries prepared daily by an award winning team of pastry chefs.
Eat Tee Eva's
Good sno-balls and tasty pies and praline candy. Try the miniature pies (pecan, sweet-potato, or creole cream cheese), just enough for a snack.
Coffee houses
Some local places for a good cup of coffee, some light eats, and pleasant locations with people-watching.
- CC's, 900 Jefferson (at Magazine Street), has other locations too. Wi-fi.
- Cafe Luna, 802 Nashville at Magazine: Coffee & tea, sandwiches & pastries. Locals loved it even more when it was the first coffee shop Uptown to reopen after Katrina. Wi-fi
- Fuel, Magazine just up from Bourdeau Street. Wi-fi
- Mojo coffee house , 1500 Magazine Street (corner of Race Street). M-F 6:30AM-midnight, Sa Su 7AM-midnight. Great coffee! lots of teas, sandwiches, soups, bubble tea and free Wi-fi. Mojo also features organic fair trade coffee.
- PJ's, 5432 Magazine (just up from Jefferson Avenue). Small local chain also has location in Carrollton and others around the metro area. Wi-fi
Eat Still Perkin'
In "The Rink", a small shopping center at the corner of Washington Avenue.
Mid-range
Eat Ancora Pizzeria & Salumeria
Upscale pizzeria -- they imported a 3-ton wood-burning oven from Naples. Also makes salumi (Italian style cold cuts). Bar with draft beers, wines, cocktails.
Eat Cafe Atchafalaya
Seafood and decadent desserts. Look for the giant frying pan on the side of the building and get ready for great eats. An established restaurant for over 30 years, the Cafe came back big after hurricane Katrina with a new owner, a beautifully renovated interior, and full menu of New Orleans classics with an original twist. Come early for brunch on the weekend or stay late in the bar every night.
Eat Baru
Caribbean Latin bistro & tapas
Eat Casamento's
Oysters, oysterloaf. A local tradition for generations. Note: This is a cash-only establishment. There is an ATM inside the restaurant.
Eat Crêpe Nanou
Crêpes and other French taste treats, dinner only.
Eat Dick and Jenny's
A casual fine dining contemporary creole restaurant set in a mid-nineteenth century barge board cottage. Reservations are not taken.
Eat High Hat Cafe
Casual Southern and Louisiana Cuisine.
Eat Ignatius
Cajun, Creole and po-boys, lunch and dinner. Try the roast beef po' boy, it is the bomb.
- La Thai 4938 Prytania (at Robert), tel: +1 504 899-8886. Thai
Eat Lilette
New Orleans Magazine Chef of the Year Chef John Harris cooks you an unforgettable meal in this neighborhood bistro.
Eat Martinique Bistro
French Caribbean, dinner.
Eat Mayas
Latin American & Caribbean cuisine, with Cuban predominating. Dinner Tu-Sa; lunch F Sa, brunch Su.
Eat La Petit Grocery
An old neighborhood grocery morphed into a fine restaurant. Veal, pork, duck, etc. Dinner M-Sa 6PM-10PM.
Eat Reginelli's
741 State (at Magazine). Italian & pizza.
Eat Savvy Gourmet
4519 Magazine, Gourmet food and cooking utensil shop also serves fresh made sadnwiches, salads, and treats at lunch time.
Splurge
Eat Clancy's
Popular and local uptown Contemporary Creole bistro.
Eat Commander's Palace
One of the most highly regarded traditional upscale restaurants.
Eat Emeril's Delmonico
Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse's third restaurant in town; he bought out the venerable New Orleans Delmonico's.
Eat Gautreau's
Excellent uptown restaurant!
Drink
Drink The Bulldog
One of the city's largest selections of beers on tap and in bottles, also serves burgers and delicious waffle fries.
Drink The Club Ms Mae's
Friendly dive. Cheap! $1 drinks all the time ($2 doubles!)
Drink The Columns
Very classy (but not high-hat)! Has nice patio overlooking St. Charles Avenue. Free food during Friday happy hour from 5PM-7PM. Small combos play live music many evenings.
Drink Cure
Upscale cocktail bar in an out-of the way neighborhood; also serves gourmet small plates. Not cheap, but obsessively high quality.
Drink F & M Patio Bar
A favorite local dive famous for dancing on the pool table.
Drink Fat Harry's
College bar with typical bar food.
Drink Half Moon
Laid back dive. Lots of locals. People like to bring their dogs here.
Drink Igor's Lounge and Game Room
Drink and have a burger while playing the slot machines or doing your laundry in their coin operated machines.
Drink King Pin
Nice laid back bar. Mostly locals. Shuffleboard!
Drink Milan Lounge
Little neighborhood bar. Very friendly bartenders. Chicago Cubs memorabilia all over the place.
Drink Parasol's
Old Irish neighborhood bar. Also serves po-boys and seafood. Their block party on St. Patrick's Day is always jammed.
Drink St. Joe's Bar
Just an off-beat little bar that knows how to make good drinks. For something different on hot summer days, try the blueberry mojito.
Sleep
Budget
Stay Auberge NOLA (Auberge Nouvelle Orleans)
Hostel offers mixed dorms, female-only dorms, and one private apartment with its own bathroom and kitchen. Security lockers provided in dorms. Dorm guests from abroad must provide a foreign passport; American dorm guests need an out-of-state ID and a student ID. Dorms restricted to guests under 40 years of age. Apartment guests need an out-of-state ID or foreign passport and can be of any age. Office open 8:30AM-10PM; arrivals outside these hours are possible if arranged in advance.
Stay Marquette House (New Orleans International Hostel)
A block from the St. Charles Streetcar line (Jackson Street stop), features free but slow Wifi, free parking. The place is not clean and the kitchen has two microwaves but no stoves, cutlery or crockery. There is no TV room or lounge area.
Mid-range
Splurge
Stay safe
Uptown is a large section of the city. Being a relatively high-end area, it is one of the safest in New Orleans. The parts of most interest to visitors are generally some of the safer in the area, but neighborhood conditions can change dramatically within a few blocks. Be aware of where you're going if you venture away from major streets like St. Charles, Prytania, and Magazine. Parts of the Garden District are bordered by housing projects and unsafe neighborhoods. Be cautious if parking on dimly lit side streets at night. If you're unsure of an area ask in advance or play it safe and take a cab.
Nearby
Jefferson
City / town · 10 listings · 4 mi away
Metairie
City / town · 18 listings · 6 mi away
Avondale
City / town · 3 listings · 6 mi away
Chalmette
City / town · 1 listings · 8 mi away
Kenner
City / town · 5 listings · 10 mi away
Saint Rose
City / town · 1 listings · 13 mi away
Jean Lafitte
City / town · 7 listings · 14 mi away
Luling
City / town · 4 listings · 16 mi away
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