Bywater is the kind of neighborhood I would recommend once you have already spent time in the French Quarter and want to see a less obvious side of New Orleans.
Colorful streets
The neighborhood is known for brightly painted homes, historic architecture and a creative character. It is enjoyable simply to walk, although summer heat can make distances feel longer than they look on a map.
Eat and drink locally
Restaurants, cafés and neighborhood bars give you reasons to stop rather than treating Bywater as a sightseeing route. Businesses change over time, so current local recommendations are more useful than a fixed list written years ago.
Crescent Park
The riverfront park provides walking space and views toward the Mississippi and city. It is a useful change of pace after busy streets and crowded attractions.
Do not arrive expecting a theme park
That is exactly the appeal. Bywater is a living neighborhood rather than a collection of major landmarks.
Take your time, respect residents and allow the area to be ordinary as well as interesting. A coffee, a long walk and lunch can be enough of an itinerary.
New Orleans becomes more rewarding when you stop asking where the next famous attraction is. Bywater is a good place to practice.