Uptown shows how dramatically New Orleans changes once you move beyond the French Quarter. Broad avenues, historic homes, universities, neighborhood restaurants and the famous streetcar create a more residential rhythm.
Ride St. Charles Avenue
A streetcar journey along St. Charles Avenue is one of the simplest ways to get a feel for Uptown. Watch the architecture pass outside the window and get off when somewhere catches your attention.
Check current transit information before travelling, as routes and service can change.
Walk the neighborhoods
Uptown covers a broad area rather than one compact sightseeing zone. Garden District visits, Magazine Street shopping and other neighborhood explorations can all fit naturally into a day on this side of the city.
Eat away from the Quarter
One reason I like sending visitors Uptown is food. Exploring neighborhood restaurants reminds you that New Orleans dining culture does not stop at the edge of the tourist center.
Give it half a day
Do not rush out, photograph one mansion and immediately return downtown. Ride the streetcar, walk a few blocks, stop somewhere for lunch and let the city feel residential for a while.
The French Quarter may provide the dramatic introduction to New Orleans. Uptown helps fill in the rest of the picture.