We live an amazingly vast city, so should Tulane University students desire to leave their quaint Sharp dorm room or house on Broadway, there a bunch of great neighborhoods surrounding campus to enjoy as the weather warms up.
Before jumping to other areas, students should enjoy what Uptown New Orleans has to offer. Though Uptown is primarily comprised of Loyola University and Tulane University, the neighborhood also features Magazine Street, Oak Street, and the Audubon Park and Zoo.
Besides Uptown, perhaps most familiar to the Tulane community is the French Quarter. Streets lined with European Architecture and boutique shopping allow for an easy day to enjoy the city while connecting with people who live here. On top of leisurely walks and shopping, you can also enjoy the many street performers that fill the neighborhood with sound throughout the day and night. Streets like Bourbon and Frenchmen offer nightlife opportunities not found elsewhere, featuring numerous bars and restaurants.
Following the French Quarter, Tulane students are also usually scattered across the Garden District. Filled with grand historic mansions, lovely gardens and parks, and neighborhood eateries, the Garden District is the perfect location for a golden hour Instagram. The route to the Garden District is also home to many stops along the St. Charles Streetcar, allowing you to explore with ease. Lastly, Magazine Street is filled with great eats and shops.
Downtown New Orleans is another great place to be. You’ll find great shops, restaurants, bars and theaters in the city’s Central Business District, just across Canal Street from the French Quarter. The area also has many rooftop bars and high-scale hotels, perfect for a special occasion. Downtown is also the business epicenter of New Orleans for those in need of internships or jobs.
Mid-City is a historic district that has a quirky local flavor and lots of fun restaurants. The neighborhood is great for mingling with locals and enjoying the views of City Park, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the city’s famous above-ground cemeteries.
Esplanade Ridge is an architecturally rich neighborhood near the French Quarter that has large double-galleried houses and some of the best B&Bs. Walkable and enjoyable, Esplanade Ridge is a collection of upper-class homes with literal southern comfort and rocking-chair-filled front porches. The neighborhood also features outdoor cafes, and a bike path from the Old US Mint to City Park.
Treme is America’s oldest African-American neighborhood. Here, you can find fascinating museums and authentic New Orleans music and cuisine. Colorful Creole cottages and other cute homes are abundant. The neighborhood is also home to centuries old churches and architecture.
Lastly, the Arts/Warehouse District. Live music, and famous art galleries define this area. The Warehouse Arts District embodies New Orleans now by celebrating and reimagining its culture.
Whether you are looking for a good restaurant, a nice walk, or a place to hang out with friends, the neighborhoods of New Orleans that surround Tulane campus will not disappoint. Each area has its own unique vibe and all are worth exploring.
COVER PHOTO: Justin Haber
About Max Cohen
Max Cohen is The Crescent’s wonderful Senior Editor. He’s a senior double majoring in English and Communications with a minor in Political Science. When he’s not editing or writing articles, he enjoys exploring New Orleans and playing guitar.
Max Cohen is The Crescent’s wonderful Senior Editor. He’s a senior double majoring in English and Communications with a minor in Political Science. When he’s not editing or writing articles, he enjoys exploring New Orleans and playing guitar.
