The Garden District is much like the French Quarter. You could park your car anywhere, and just walk around the different areas looking at the homes, architecture, and gardens. So many of the homes are just magnificent, and many have plaques or informational signs. It is a beautiful, lively part of New Orleans, and definitely worth a look. We did end up there right around the time school was getting out, though, so it was busier than we would normally prefer, but still, you cannot beat the views.

James was a fantastic tour guide and gave great detail about the tress and plants, architecture, history, and even some fun gossip about the garden district. Would highly recommend!

The garden district of New Orleans is such a quaint hideaway in the city it is safe, picturesque and that street car is amazingly convenient to get back and forth! I highly recommend this area to stay in New Orleans to get away from the hustle and bustle but you are only a 10 minute street car ride from the French quarter so it’s very convenient!

The garden district feels more like a lived in neighborhood than the Quarters though both are historical, well loved, well preserved areas that many New Orleans call home. You can take a guided tour or you can download a self-guided tour map and stroll at your own leisurely pace to take a gander at the beautiful, ornate, historical mansions and gardens of the Garden District. When you're ready for break, there are score of excellent choices down St. Charles and Magazine street. Vintage Cafe is one of my new favorites. The Garden District can be accessed from the Quarters and CBD by both bus and streetcar making it a very easy day trip destination. However, due to age and gnarly roots of massive, old trees, wearing sensible shoes is a must. For these same reasons, getting around by stroller or wheel chair can be challenging on some streets.If you want to take a stroll and travel back in time without the noise and chaos of the French Quarter, then head on over to the Garden District get lost in a time gone by.

This is the real New Orleans experience. Antebellum mansions and manors, charming strip of boutique shops, great authentic N.O. style cuisine, and watering holes frequented by the locals. Get away from the French quarter and experience this neighborhood if you want an authentic experience of the Crescent City at it's best.