I’ve written quite a lot about New Orleans, so you might be thinking: What else is there? Believe me there is so much more, 7 visits later I am still discovering new things, not only in NOLA’s more well known neighborhoods like The French Quarter and Garden District, but in other less touristy areas of the Crescent City as well.
Chartres Street French Quarter New Orleans
In recent years, areas outside the French Quarter are being revitalized, and it’s been great to see the transformations taking place. We will always love The Quarter, but we also love branching out to explore other neighborhoods as well.
Piety Street Bridge Bywater
Table of Contents
Bywater
Our new favorite area to explore is the Bywater, a neighborhood filled with colorful historic homes, many of which have been fixed up, trendy new restaurants, bars, parks and shops. A new life is being injected into this up and coming neighborhood and we’re excited to discover something different each time we visit.
Bywater
Bywater Favorites:
Crescent Park
Crescent Park is a recreational area, which runs along the Mississippi River for 1.4 miles between Elysian Fields Avenue to Mazant Street. The park includes 20 acres of landscaping with paths for walking, jogging, and biking, picnic areas, and a dog run.
Piety Street Bridge
I was most excited to visit the Piety Street Bridge, otherwise known as the Rusty Rainbow, which crosses the tracks from the Bywater to the Mississippi River. Walk across and you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of New Orleans and of course it’s unique shape makes it perfectly Instagrammable.
The Piety Street Bridge is located where Chartres Street meet Piety Street in the Bywater. There is no river access from Crescent Park.
Bao & Noodle
We stumbled across Bao & Noodle a few years ago, and loved it so much it’s now on our permanent list. Although it’s not your standard NOLA fare, the food is delicious, and a nice break from the norm.
Bao & Noodle
Bao & Noodle is located at 2700 Chartres Street and is open Tuesday – Saturday 11:30 am-2:00pm Lunch and 5:00pm-10:00pm Dinner.
Studio BE
The Bywater is home to Studio BE, a 35,000 square foot exhibition space, which features large scale works by New Orleans artist and filmmaker BMike. Our visit didn’t coincide with the studios’s opening hours, but it’s on my list for next year’s visit, and we really enjoyed the brightly colored exterior of the studio buildings.
Studio BE Artist: BMike
Artist: BMike
We found this unique lending library while wandering around the Bywater.
Lending library Nola style!
Faubourg Marigny
The Faubourg Marigny, or the Marigny as it’s often referred to, is within easy walking distance from the French Quarter. It is somewhat less touristy, but hurry because it’s catching on quick, this lively neighborhood is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Marigny Mardi Gras House New Orleans
The Marigny’s main street is Frenchmen, and you’ll find plenty of food, an art market, and fun shops, but the biggest draw is the music. There are Jazz clubs aplenty on Frenchmen Street, and I highly recommend spending at least part of one evening taking in the local sound and culture.
Dat Dog Frenchmen Street
Marigny Favorites:
The Palace Art Market (formerly the Frenchmen Art Market)
We love visiting the family friendly Palace Art Market. The Market takes place in evenings and features over 80 local artisans. If you have younger kids, they’ll love the opportunity to draw on the “floor” of the market’s outdoor living room while you stroll around that admire the art.
The Palace Art Market
The Palace Art Market is located on Frenchmen Street, and is open 7 nights a week Sunday – Wednesday 7:00 pm – 12:00 am, Thursday – Saturday 7:00 pm – 1:00 am and Saturday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
Dat Dog
Dat Dog is a fun casual place to grab a bite. It’s always on our list as the food is great, and so is the service. If you’re not a beef eater, don’t worry they have lots of other options, including alligator and duck. Some of the more unusual toppings are: blackberry sauce, andouille sausage, and crawfish Étouffée.
Even the hamburgers are hot dog shaped at Dat Dog
Dat Dog is located on Frenchmen Street. The hours are Sunday – Wednesday: 11:00 am – midnight, Thursday: 11:00 am – 1:00 am, and Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am – 3:00 am.
The Spotted Cat
No trip to NOLA would be complete without music. You’ll find locals and tourists alike at The Spotted Cat a quintessential NOLA music venue. Check the website for a listing of what’s on, but if traveling with your family do keep in mind that this is a cash only 21 and over venue.
The Spotted Cat is located at 623 Frenchmen Street and is open Monday to Friday: 2:00 pm – 2:00 am and Saturday & Sunday: 2:00 pm – 2:00 am.
Magazine Street
Not exactly off the Beaten Path, Magazine Street is the path. Running for six miles between Canal Street and Leake Avenue, it is a treasure trove of shops, restaurants, and bars. Many of the establishments are one of a kind. You’re guaranteed to find something of interest, along the way.
Magazine Street
Because of its length many people choose to take a cab directly to specific locations, but if you have the time and inclination to walk you’ll have the opportunity to experience many of NOLA’s great neighborhoods including, the Central Business District, the Warehouse District, the Garden District, and Uptown. We chose to split our time and walked different sections of the street over the course of a few days.
Magazine Street
Magazine Street Favorites:
Derby Pottery & Tile
If you’ve been to NOLA before you may have noticed that embedded into every street corner there are tiles spelling out the street’s name. They’ve become an icon of the city and we were delighted to visit the shop where they’re made.
We found out you can order your own custom NOLA tiles spelling out whatever your heart may desire.
Derby Pottery & Tile is located at 2029 Magazine Street check the website for opening hours.
Dirty Coast
A t-shirt shop of a different sort. Dirty Coast is where the locals shop, but visitors are definitely welcome. If you’re looking for something to bring home that feels more authentic this is the place.
Dirty Coast T-shirt
District Donuts
We discovered District: Donuts, sliders and Brew while walking on Magazine Street a few years ago. They’re not beignets, but its become a tradition all the same. These guys really know how to make a donut, and their sliders and brew (coffee) are pretty great too.
King Cake Donut
District Donuts is located at 2209 Magazine Street and is open everyday from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Sucre
We love to stop and get a sweet treat at Sucré where they have everything from giant ice cream sundaes to petite French macarons.
Sucre is located at 3025 Magazine Street and is open Sunday – Thursday 9:00 am – 10:00 pm and Friday – Saturday 9:00 am – 11:00 pm.
Warehouse District
Cochon Butcher
You may have heard of Cochon, which is a fine dining restaurant, but did you know they have a casual restaurant and wine bar just next door? The food is delicious, affordable and no reservations are required.
Cochon is located at 930 Tchoupitoulas Street and is open Monday – Thursday 10:00 am – 10 :00 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm. Cochon Butcher does NOT except reservations.
The French Quarter
While its true that we’ve wandered the streets of the French Quarter for hours on end there are still many places we have yet to visit to discover.
Rainy afternoon on Royal Street
French Truck Coffee
Self proclaimed coffee snobs, who are never content with the coffee in our hotel, we were delighted to find that French Truck Coffee has a location in The Quarter, and we found ourselves there multiple times throughout the visit.
French Truck Coffee is located at 217 Chartres Street and is open Monday – Friday 7:00 am – 6:00 pm and Saturday and Sunday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Red Truck Clubhouse & Red Truck Gallery
I’m not going to lie, it was the sight of this sparkling ceiling (this photo does not do it justice), peeking out from the partially opened doorway that drew us into the Red Truck Clubhouse, but it was the mouthwatering smell of the pizza that persuaded us to stay, and we were not disappointed.
While we were eating we discovered that the Red Truck Clubhouse is part of the Red Truck Art Gallery, which is located over on Royal Street. The gallery was closed for the evening, but these tiny replicas of everyday objects were in the window. What is about tiny things that makes them so cute? Have you ever seen an adorable dumpster before? Well, now you have!
The Red Truck Clubhouse is located at 740 North Rampart Street and is open 12:00 pm – 2:00 am everyday. The restaurant/art bar is located just across the Armstrong Park Arch, which is in itself is worth a visit. The Red Truck Gallery is located at 940 Royal Street and is open everyday.
Armstrong Park is located in the Treme, a neighborhood we have yet to explore, which means we will just have to go back…
Have you visited New Orleans? Do you have some off the beaten path favorites? If so, I’d love to hear about them.
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Wilbur's Travels
So much colour. Those off the beaten track districts look magnificent. I visited NO in 2001 and had a fabulous time. The jazz & Mardi Gras museums are two of my faves. As for Bourbon Street, wow! Wilbur. #farawayfiles
Hilary
Yes, New Orleans is a very colorful place in many ways! As for Bourbon Street…. well, I actually never go there, it’s, way too touristy and not really indicative of that the city is really all about.
passion fruit, paws and peonies
This is such a fabulous guide – thank you, I really enjoyed it. My husband has visited here a few times and it is great to get to know it a little more. Maybe I’ll get to go with him one day and take him to the Spotted Cat..! xx Maria
Hilary
It’s really such a special place. There’s nowhere else like it.
Esther
New Orleans has been on my list since forever. The colours, the cuisine, the music. What’s not to love. It’s great to see that the whole family enjoyed themselves, so now I know I can safely take our little one when he’s grown up a bit.
#farawayfiles
Hilary
Oh yes! My kids have been going since they were babies and I’ve written numerous posts about family activities there. We go with them every year and have never had any trouble.
bavariansojourn
I have only been once, but I will forever remember it for the food, the music, the beautiful streets, and the fact that we nearly missed our cruise ship as we were having such a good time in one of the music bars! 😀 #farawayfiles
Hilary
Ha! If you have to miss the boat, than I think NOLA is a pretty good place to be stuck!
Janis
Loved reading this post, New Orleans has been on my wish list for years (actually a couple of decades now). I like the look and sound of Faubourg Marigny. It’s great to visit some regions a little less known. #farawayfiles
Hilary
Oh you must find tour way to NOLA! I’d love to see it through the eyes of our world for you. The French Quarter is so special it can be hard to leave, but there is so much more…
Allison
New Orleans has been on my wishlist for years. This post just makes me want to go that much more. #FarawayFiles
Hilary
It’s a pretty special place! Get there before you move to Ireland… 😘😘
Katherine
Bywater looks pretty awesome! Especially Crescent Park. I can’t wait to visit New Orleans (one day)… I’m trying to convince the other half ot accept it as a honeymoon destination. It just looks so exciting and colourful! #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Now that would be quite a honeymoon destination! How exciting that you’re planning a honeymoon. Congratulations!
Rhonda Albom
It’s been a long time since I have been in New Orleans. I never traveled far outside the French Quarter but you now show good reasons to ventures further. I am glad that the city has revitalised and that these less well known areas are seeing improvement.
Hilary
Hopefully you’ll come back again someday!
Bryna - Dotted Line Travels
I’ve always wanted to visit New Orleans and this post makes me want to even more so! I want to try all the amazing eats you found, and I love the colourful buildings too! Pinned for later!
Hilary
Nola is a very colorful city! Hope you get there someday…
Are We Adults Yet
Wow! I love the photo at the top, the clouds are beautiful. So many great spots to bookmark for my next trip. NOLA is one of my favorite cities!
Hilary
Oh! Would love to hear what some of your favorite NOLA spots are!
Are We Adults Yet
I feel like I always eat the whole time I am there 🙂 I did a post a while back about my favorite restaurants. My favorite non-food thing is to go to Mardi Gras World, I know it’s touristy but I love to see the artists making the floats and think it’s really fun that you can take pictures everywhere. I think I’ve been three times?! It’s always changing as they prep for next year’s parade so it’s even fun as a returner. Oh and I do love the Spotted Cat that you mentioned, such a fun spot!
https://www.areweadultsyet.com/2018/02/08/where-to-eat-in-new-orleans/
I’m really excited to check out some of your off the beaten path suggestions. I usually stick pretty close to the quarter cause my trips are so short. I need to plan a longer stay!
Hilary
I’ve been to Mardi Gras World! It is fun! I’ll read your post! Will be fun to see if we frequent any of the same spots…
Angie
This is wonderful Hlary. How great to be able to get to know a place so well. I wouldn’t be able to stop taking pictures of those coloured houses. And the arts market sounds fantastic. #farawayfiles
Hilary
Believe me, I have a “few” photos of NOLA. Ha ha!
Ladies What Travel (@LadiesWTravel)
Ah this makes me want to visit New Orleans more than ever before! Looks like such a vibrant, historic city…. Pinned for later! x #FarawayFiles
Rebecca - Glutarama
I loved every minute of reading this Hilary, it was like you were my actual tour guide, you visited all the things I would love to have seen and your photos are gorgeous, only been to the USA twice and when I return I am going to have to take in New Orleans, a beautiful city with such heritage.
Hilary
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the post, and I know you’ll love NOLA when you find your way there.
Lucy At Home
Wow I love the studio walls where it looks like the boy has drawn all over the car park outside! – What a great way to make a painting 3D and bring it to life! Thank you for sharing your New Orleans picks. And congratulations because someone thought this was the best blog post they’d read all week and chose to add it to the BlogCrush linky for you. Hurray! Feel free to pop over and collect your “I’ve been featured” blog badge #blogcrush
Hilary
I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post, and what fun to be someone’s favorite post! We loved that mural too, so creative and well done.
beatravelling
Memories! Had a good time in NOLA last fall 🙂 So “fun” to know we both crossed the Piety Street Bridge 😀 #farawayfiles
Hilary
I really enjoyed the bridge. We love that neighborhood… definitely fun to think we walked the same path!