Sub-Neighborhoods of New Orleans

Hidden Gems: Discover New Orleans' Best Small Neighborhoods

New Orleans is known for its neighborhoods: there’s the world-famous French Quarter and the neighborhood that inspired an entire TV series - Tremé. But going off the beaten path and into the sub-neighborhoods of New Orleans will lead you into hidden restaurants, chill hangout spots, and haunts that only the locals know about. Here are a few subdistricts of New Orleans worth visiting.

Jump To: Lower Garden District | Bayou St. John | Irish Channel | The Riverbend | Broadmoor | Seventh Ward | St. Roch

Lower Garden District

Whether you choose to take a ride on the streetcar, go on a stroll past historic architecture (see our Lower Garden District stroll here), or shop ‘til you drop, the LGD has it all. Magazine Street runs through much of the neighborhood which is conveniently located in Uptown New Orleans. You’ll work up an appetite and find many eateries just steps away. There are also a few boutique hotels to choose from for your stay.

Explore More: Self-Guided Lower Garden District Walking Tour | Guide to Lower Magazine Street

Bayou St. John

Located in Mid-City, Bayou St. John is known for its laid-back neighborhood vibe and relaxing access to nature. Home to many a festival including Bayou Boogaloo and Praise Fest, on any given day you’ll find people running, kayaking, dining outdoors, or simply taking in the sun. Enjoy a po-boy on the banks of the bayou from Parkway Bakery, grab a pint at Bayou Beer Garden, or enjoy New Orleans-style cooking at Neyow’s Creole Café.

Explore More: Bayou St. John Neighborhood Guide

Irish Channel

Bound by Jackson Avenue and Delachaise, Magazine, and Tchoupitoulas streets, New Orleans’ Irish Channel is a quaint neighborhood named in honor of the wave of Irish immigrants who first settled there in the 1830s. Today it stands as a vibrant neighborhood packed with breweries, shopping, and lots of friendly dive bars. As another Uptown neighborhood that claims a section of Magazine Street within its borders, you’ll quickly realize what makes this neighborhood quite so charming.

Explore More: Irish Channel Neighborhood Guide

Riverbend

The Riverbend is a section of Uptown New Orleans near Tulane and Loyola universities. Here you’ll find independent bookstores and locally owned restaurants. Shop on Oak Street and discover Blue Cypress Books. Dine at Brigtsen’s for dinner, Satsuma for brunch, or the much-loved diner Camellia Grill for waffles, cheeseburgers, freezes, and more. Take a stroll in Audubon Park or ride the streetcar down tree-lined South Carrollton Avenue.

Explore More: Guide to Oak Street | Things to Do Near Tulane's Yulman Stadium

Broadmoor

Located somewhere in between Mid-City, Uptown, and Tremé, the Broadmoor is a residential neighborhood with a couple of cool hang-out spots. Laurel Street Bakery is a lovely place to start your day with fresh bagels and coffee. El Pavo Real is a cheerful neighborhood spot with delicious Mexican food. Stop by Zony Mash Beer Project for brews, food trucks, crawfish (in season), comedy nights, art markets, live music, and more. The Independent Caveau frequently hosts wine classes but is also great for a casual date night with wine and cheese.

Seventh Ward

A sub-neighborhood of Mid-City, the Seventh Ward is full of classic New Orleans culture. Home to the New Orleans Fair Grounds, it’s also where the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival takes place every year. Several famous New Orleanians hail from the Seventh Ward, including Jelly Roll Morton, Allen Touissant, Germaine Bazzle, Frank Ocean, and Mia X. When visiting the Seventh Ward, check out Park Island Brew, Sweet Lorraine’s Jazz Club, and Bayou Road, which is a hub for Black-owned businesses.

Explore More: Guide to Bayou Road | Guide to Lafitte Greenway

St. Roch

St. Roch is a subdistrict of the Bywater. Running through the neighborhood is St. Claude Avenue, where you can find a variety of restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. St. Roch Market is a food hall with several different types of cuisine. Go rock climbing at New Orleans Boulder Lounge or take a yoga class at the New Orleans Healing Center. The New Marigny Theatre boasts a variety of live performances, and Hi-Ho Lounge is a popular spot for live music and a nightcap.

Explore More: Guide to Saint Claude Avenue