A Walking Tour of NOLA's Garden District, New Orleans, Louisiana

If you’re a fan of beautiful old houses, then the New Orleans Garden District is a must-see when visiting the Big Easy. This gorgeous neighborhood is known for its historic mansions, lush gardens, and oak-lined streets. It’s also home to some of the city’s most famous residents, like Sandra Bullock. The best part is you can explore as much or as little of it as you like. 

The Garden District comprises an area of 6 by 14 city blocks surrounding the Lafayette Cemetery No.1. It’s bordered by Louisiana Avenue to the west, Josephine Street to the east, and Carondolet to the North. And to the south is the lively Magazine Street, where people come to eat, drink, and shop. 

The Garden District was originally part of the Livaudais Plantation before the land was subdivided and sold off. The area then became part of the City of Lafayette, a suburb that was later annexed by the City of New Orleans in 1852. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1974.

Formal tours of the area are available through various companies, but you can also just rock up and wander around on foot. We decided to do just that, riding in on the Charles Avenue Streetcar. We hopped off at Washington, which is just a block away from Lafayette Cemetery No.1. This historic graveyard, founded in 1833, was New Orleans’ first planned cemetery. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).