Self-Guided Tremé Walking Tour
Explore Tremé’s History, Food, and Culture on a Self-Guided Tour
When visiting the Tremé neighborhood, there’s just so much to be discovered. Known as the oldest African American neighborhood in the United States, it’s full of historical sites including Armstrong Park, Congo Square, and Dooky Chase’s Restaurant. Dine on a variety of cuisines ranging from classic Creole to Ethiopian. The self-guided walking tour is designed by geographical order – see our map below to plan your visit.
Dee Allen, The Historic New Orleans Collection
St. Augustine Church
First off, head to Saint Augustine Catholic Church. At over 200 years old, St. Augustine is a landmark. It’s known as the oldest African American church, not only in New Orleans, but in the United States. Each October, the church is at the center of Tremé Fall Fest, a free community festival with proceeds benefitting the church.
Rebecca Todd, NOTMC
Treme Coffehouse
Next up, grab a cup of coffee and pastry from Treme Coffeehouse, a brightly colored neighborhood spot where you can fuel up for a day of exploring.
Monet Hambrick, courtesy of Monet Hambrick/The Traveling Child
Armstrong Park
Freshly caffeinated, you’ll want to visit Armstrong Park and Congo Square. Filled with history, Armstrong Park is a highlight of the Tremé neighborhood. This 32-acre park is home to Congo Square, a historical gathering space for the enslaved and free people of color centuries ago. Filled with statues of musical legends and historical markers, the park is also home to many festivals throughout the year, including the Congo Square Rhythms Festival (March), the NOLA Juneteenth Festival (June), and the Tremé Creole Gumbo Fest (November). You may even catch a drumming circle if you visit on Sunday afternoons.
Located in Armstrong Park, this theater is named for the “Queen of Gospel.” Throughout the year, catch a variety of shows, including dance productions brought to you by the New Orleans Ballet Association and opera from the New Orleans Opera Association.
Justen Williams, New Orleans & Co.
Next up, The Backstreet Cultural Museum, a small but mighty, housing houses the city’s largest collection of Mardi Gras Indian suits. Each suit boasts thousands of beads, shells, rhinestones, sequins, and feathers and takes a year to make. Stop by to learn about some of the city’s other traditions, such as jazz funerals and second lines.
From there, head to the New Orleans African American Museum, which is dedicated to the preservation, presentation, and interpretation of the culture of the African Diaspora. Visitors can enjoy a diverse selection of art and cultural programs that are reflective of the powerful history and contributions of African American people in New Orleans. Visit to see exhibits, live performances, and community days every third Saturday, which provides free admission.
If you’re starting to get hungry now, head over to Li’l Dizzy’s. Known for their Creole classics, Li’l Dizzy’s is a must-visit for lunch in Tremé. Enjoy fried chicken, seafood gumbo, and daily specials, including Friday’s Catfish Jourdain – fried catfish filet topped with shrimp & crabmeat in a lemon butter sauce.
If you’ve got a little more energy in your reserve, start walking to Dooky Chase’s. While it’s about a 15-minute walk, we promise it’s worth it. Among New Orleans’ most famous restaurants, Dooky Chase’s Restaurant has been open since 1941. This Creole restaurant was a meeting place during the Civil Rights era and remains today as a Tremé neighborhood staple. In 2025, the Chase family was awarded a James Beard America's Classics: South Award. Enjoy a cup of their world-famous gumbo along with some fried chicken during your stop or indulge in the golden-fried stuffed shrimp with tartar sauce.
Another landmark in Tremé, the Zulu Social Aid & Pleasure Club is best known for being the first parade on Mardi Gras Day. The hand-painted coconuts they hand out during their parade are a coveted throw among Mardi Gras revelers.
The Free People of Color museum, Musee de f.p.c., is dedicated to the stories of Black New Orleanians dating back to the 18th century. Enjoy the collection of documents, paintings, and decorative arts to present, interpret, and preserve the history and culture shared by so many free people of African descent in New Orleans and throughout the country. All tours must be booked in advance.
When it’s time for dinner, head to Addis NOLA. Addis has Ethiopian food on historic Bayou Road – a stretch of Black-owned shops, eateries, and bars perfect for wandering in and out of. Find jollof, beef tibs, and shrimp kitfo on the menu, alongside craft cocktails and great vibes.
End your evening with live music at one of the many legendary music venues in the area. While you may want to hop in a rideshare after a long day on your feet (gotta save some energy for dancing, after all), Kermit’s Treme Mother-in-Law Lounge, Candlelight Lounge, and The Broadside are all just a short drive away, and the perfect end to a day in Treme.
