Self-Guided Arts/Warehouse District Walking Tour

Explore the Vibrant Arts & Culture of New Orleans’ Warehouse District

The Arts/Warehouse District of New Orleans is somewhat of a blast from the past – what was once an industrial neighborhood filled with warehouses is now home to a number of boutique hotels, restaurants, shops, and museums. The chic little sister of downtown, visiting the Arts/Warehouse District is easy with our self-guided, self-paced tour below. Feel free to go off the beaten path.

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1. Bearcat

Start your day with breakfast at Bearcat. Think: crab cakes, bison burgers, boudin egg rolls, and plenty of vegan options. Their good cat and bad cat menus let you pick from the best of both worlds.

2. Mammoth Espresso

In the mood for just coffee? Mammoth is the place to go. Located one street over from Bearcat, this boutique coffee roaster has classic coffee beverages as well as its own creations, like the espresso tonic and matcha lemonade. You’ll want to fuel up for our next stop at nearby museums.

3. Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience

Our first attraction of the day is the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience. MSJE explores the many ways that Jews in the American South influenced & were influenced by the distinct cultural heritage of their communities. Often untold stories are told through exhibits featuring documents, photographs, and artifacts.

In addition to the MSJE, there are several other museums in the area. These can take a while to explore, so feel free to jump ahead in the itinerary to lunch if you’re trying to visit two or more.

4. The National WWII Museum

Frequently honored as a top museum in the country, the National WWII Museum is a must on any traveler’s list. Telling the story of the American experience during the war, the museum is home to both special and traveling exhibits, a variety of events, and a 4D theater experience. The museum is also home to “Expressions of America,” an immersive, outdoor sound and light show with a 1940s-style dinner menu. Located on the campus is the Higgins Hotel, the official hotel of the National WWII Museum.

5. Ogden Museum of Southern Art

Just down the road from the National WWII Museum, The Ogden Museum of Southern Art holds the largest and most comprehensive collection of Southern art in America. New special exhibits regularly go on view and events featuring live music are frequent. The museum is free to Louisiana residents on Thursdays with valid ID.

6. Gianna

For lunch, head to Magazine Street, just three blocks from Riverwalk Outlets. Serving lunch and dinner daily, Gianna is an Italian food lover’s dream. With a farm-to-table approach, their menu changes seasonally. Hand crafted pizza and pasta, fish, ribeye, and lamb lasagna are just a few of the offerings. With an impressive wine and cocktail list plus delectable dessert, you can dine here over and over and still have a different flavor palate each time. 

7. Pêche

If fresh seafood is on your bucket list, head to Pêche for an upscale lunch. Open daily for lunch and dinner, enjoy fresh oysters on the half shell, whole grilled fish, seafood gumbo, and even fish sticks. Don't skip the key lime pie for dessert.

8. Preservation Resource Center

After lunch, you might want to check out the Preservation Resource Center. The PRC is a great hub for delving into the history of the Warehouse/Arts District neighborhood. This 50-year-old nonprofit offers an array of programs, classes, tours, and workshops focused on preserving, renovating, maintaining, and celebrating New Orleans’ historic architecture. The center features a small display on the history of the Arts/Warehouse District.

9. Lafayette Square Park

Our next stop is a walk in the park! Lafayette Square Park is home to many festivals throughout the year in New Orleans. Be it the concert series Wednesday at the Square in spring or LUNA Fête, the holiday lights festival, in fall, it’s the second-oldest public park in New Orleans and the largest park you’ll find in the Arts/Warehouse District. Stop by for a stroll on your self-guided tour of the neighborhood.

10. Julia Street Art Galleries

After perusing the streets for a bit, you may be in the mood for some shopping. Julia Street, also known as “Gallery Row,” is lined with over a dozen galleries occupying former storefronts, showrooms, and other mercantile establishments that have been revamped, redecorated and ready for show. Many of these shops you can walk right in and buy pieces to add to your home collection, or perhaps, start your collection.

11. Riverwalk Outlets

For more shopping, check out the shops at Riverwalk. Riverwalk Outlets are your Arts District shopping destination, with over 45 retail stores and 16 dining spots. If you’re in a shopping mood, stop in to shop the deals at Riverwalk.

12. Maria’s Oyster Bar

For a pre-dinner drink, check out Maria’s Oyster Bar, one of the newest additions to the neighborhood. Their happy hour runs 4-6 p.m. daily. Munch on pimento cheese croquettes, smoked tuna dip, and raw oysters, naturally. Happy hour drinks include a daiquiri of the week and wine flights, in addition to beer and wine.

13. Plates

When you’re ready for dinner, head to Maria’s sister restaurant, Plates. This spot is a seafood-forward tapas-style restaurant. Their apple salad, tuna crudo, and crispy coq au vin are not to be missed. Plates is open for brunch on weekends and dinner daily.

14. Fulton Alley

After dinner, how about some bowling? Fulton Alley is a fun place to stop. In addition to the bowling alley, this spot has games and bar food – with some New Orleans specialties thrown in there (crawfish bread).

15. Caesars New Orleans

We couldn’t write a self-guided tour of the Warehouse/Arts District without mentioning Caesars! Caesars New Orleans Hotel and Casino boasts the latest in slots, video poker, table games, exciting entertainment, restaurants, and so much more. Dine at Nobu, Emeril’s Brasserie, Nina’s Creole Cottage, and more while enjoying games in the Casino and concerts at The Fillmore.