Find the Best Things to Do in Uptown

By
Travel Expert

About Uptown

Uptown Photo courtesy of vxla

Uptown is the quieter yet vibrant grouping of 19th-century Victorian neighborhoods that are located upstream (Mississippi River) from the French Quarter and the CBD. While the old, beautiful architecture of the homes dominate the landscape, this is also a great place to dine, shop and explore. Whether you are riding the St. Charles streetcar in from downtown, or are driving under the sprawling oaks on Carrollton, you will find yourself in awe at the historical sights.

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See & Do

Some of the best nature-based attractions in the city of New Orleans are on display in Uptown New Orleans. While riding the St. Charles Streetcar, you are covered by the shadows of generations old oaks that leave you yearning for more. Luckily, you get it by being able to visit Audubon Park and Audubon Zoo. The park is free, has a nearly two mile long bike/walking path and plenty of room for a picnic, to play Frisbee, etc. The zoo is home to over 2,000 animals and has a water park for children. Across the street from the park are the two adjacent, beautiful campuses of Tulane and Loyala. 

Eat

Uptown is known for its quaint coffee shops, diversified food offerings and dining mecca, Oak St. You can pretty much fill your whole day eating here. Start by enjoying a tasty latte from Rue De La Course, then move down Oak to enjoy an out-of-this-world breakfast from the Oak St. Cafe. For lunch, grab some sake and sushi at Ninja. You may need to walk around a bit after that, as your body will need a digestion period. Dinner at Jacques-Imo's is a must, where you can experience authentic Creole cuisine from one of the areas best chefs. 

Uptown New Orleans' Best Brunch

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Uptown New Orleans' Best Lunch

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Party

Uptown houses two of New Orleans' top concert venues. Maple Leaf Bar is where to go to see the best local funk and other genres in a safe yet dive-bar type of atmosphere. The drinks are priced well and the bartenders will automatically treat you like a regular. Tipitina's is larger, and draws more national acts while staying true to its Big Easy roots. With its two major universities, the college bar scene is pretty large here as well, with Snake & Jake's and The Boot catering to the younger crowd. 

Shop

When you are in New Orleans, you feel like you are visiting a different era. You will feel that way when you browse the many shops that Uptown has to offer. Grab a vintage dress or hat from the boutiques on Carrollton or Oak. The neighborhood has two of the city's best used book stores in Blue Cypress Books and Maple Street Book Shop. Antique and art galleries round out the specialties of the Uptown shopping venues.