I’ve been to New Orleans several times, but on a recent vacation with my husband, we visited the city’s Garden District for the first time. Prior to our trip, we booked a Garden District tour via Historic New Orleans Tours. The quiet neighborhood is primarily residential, a much different vibe than the bustling French Quarter.

We began our visit with a stop at District Donuts for lunch. The donut, slider and coffee shop rotates its donuts daily. We split sliders (cheeseburger and fried chicken) and a donut (pineapple upside down cake) and each had an iced coffee. After enjoying the delicious meal, we made our way to the tour meeting point.

The two-hour tour takes guests through the Garden District’s stunning architecture. Our knowledgeable guide explained the history of the city and neighborhood and how this is reflected in its architecture. We passed by houses in a variety of architectural styles, including Greek Revival, Georgian, Gothic and Swiss Chalet.       

Next, we spent time in Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, walking through New Orleans’ famed above-ground graves. He discussed the city’s unique burial practices and funerary customs. We then made our way back through the residential section. Along the quiet streets, our guide pointed out a few famous houses, including a filming location from The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a house owned by Sandra Bullock and another owned by John Goodman.

Whether on a guided tour or on your own, a trip to the Garden District is a must!

— Katie Skrzek, vice president/digital director