Mid-City is a historic area of New Orleans that has many exciting things to see and explore. First settled at the end of the 19th century, Mid-City remains a diverse and brightly-colored area of the city.
Mid-City has no shortage of things to do—whether you prefer walking around a park, going to a museum, enjoying a good meal, and more—you will find something you love. So if you need a break from the fast-paced movement of the French Quarter, Mid-City will give you the perfect laid-back day you need.
Top 10 Things to Do in Mid-City
1. Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art
1 Collins Diboll Cir., (504) 658-4100, noma.org
The New Orleans Museum of Art is the oldest fine arts institution in the city with 40,000 objects in its permanent collection. NOMA is constantly hosting new exhibitions and updating its events calendar so there is always something new to see there. In addition to the museum, there is a sculpture garden located on the museum grounds.
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Wednesday from 12-7 p.m. The sculpture garden is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
2. Take a Stroll in New Orleans City Park
1 Palm Dr., (504) 482-4888, neworleanscitypark.org
New Orleans City Park is a gorgeous 1,300-acre space that attracts over one million people every year. There are plenty of biking/walking paths, gardens, vendors, and ceremony spaces in the park—so there is something to do for everyone. Some specific attractions are the Botanical Gardens, the festival grounds, and the 11 lagoons all over the park.
City Park is open every single day from 5 a.m to 10 p.m. Check out their website to be in the know about their many upcoming events.
3. Walk Around Longue Vue House & Gardens
7 Bamboo Rd., (504) 488-5488, longuevue.com
Longue Vue House & Gardens is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring their historic house museum and eight-acre garden. Longue Vue is open all year round to the public for anything from picnics to retreats. They host specific programming, as well as regular admission to the museum for $10 per person.
The house is open Monday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check out their website to purchase tickets, as well as for info on any upcoming events.
4. Have Dinner at Toups' Meatery
845 N. Carrollton Ave., (504) 252-4999, toupsmeatery.com
The Toups family has been in Louisiana for over 300 years and has developed an understanding of the local food of the land. So when Toups' Meatery was opened in 2012, it was understood that they would follow the deep-rooted family tradition of authenticity. They are known for their specialty cocktails by the pitcher, as well as their charcuterie boards.
Chef Isaac Toups is a highly celebrated culinary genius, having been named a James Beard Best Chef semi-finalist and finalist three times. Make a reservation to eat at their stylish restaurant or Toups Meatery to cater your next private event!
5. Crack Open a Cold One at Bayou Beer Garden
326 N. Norman C Francis Pkwy., (504) 302-9357, bayoubeergarden.com
If you're looking for a relaxed spot to have a beer and burger, this is just the place for you. Bayou Beer Garden serves 45 beers on tap on their back patio. It is the perfect space to go to watch a football game or to catch up with friends in an adorable outdoor area. Join them on Tuesdays for trivia, or check out their calendar for upcoming events.
Or if a glass of wine and a selection of cheeses is more your speed, their wine-based sister location is just a short walk over a connecting bridge. Whatever way you like to enjoy a beautiful patio-style bar, the Bayou Beer Garden has you covered.
6. See Some Live Music at Chickie Wah Wah
2828 Canal St., (504) 541-2050, chickiewahwah.com
If you love live jazz, roots, or funk music, then you should look no further than Chickie Wah Wah. This intimate music club is located right on Canal Street and is known not only for its music but also for its drinks and specialty sandwiches. They pride themselves on showcasing local musicians, but they also curate evenings with touring musicians.
Their events calendar is always jam-packed so there is seldom a quiet night. Just a short street car ride up from the French Quarter, there is always fun to be had at Chickie Wah Wah!
7. Enjoy a Meal at Vessel
3835 Iberville St., (504) 603-2775, vesselnola.com
Just one block off of the Canal Street streetcar line sits Vessel, a restaurant serving American and local food inside of a repurposed historic church. The culinary team serves up locally sourced and seasonal cuisine New Orleans-style. Their full bar also serves up cocktails, beer, wine, and more!
Whether you want to have an intimate night on their patio seating or meet new people with their community-style tables, Vessel has a space for everyone to enjoy. Make a brunch or dinner reservation on their website to secure your spot.
8. Spend a Night Bowling at Rock 'N' Bowl
3016 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 861-1700, rocknbowl.com/new-orleans
Music and bowling lovers unite! This unique Mid-City spot has been a mainstay for over 30 years. Combining bowling, live music, delicious food, and more, Rock 'N' Bowl is the recipe for a fun night. Their live music calendar is always packed and their menu is full of Creole-style classics.
Rock 'N' Bowl has 18 bowling lanes and a full bar, so you can sip on a drink and enjoy bowling for $25 per lane per hour. Take a look at their website to stay updated on upcoming live music events.
9. Enjoy a Po' Boy at Parkway Bakery and Tavern
538 Hagan Ave., (504) 482-3047, parkwaypoorboys.com
Parkway Bakery and Tavern is an iconic New Orleans restaurant that has been around since 1911. They have been serving authentic po' boys since 1929, the very year they were invented. They were even recognized by USA Today as serving the best po' boys in Louisiana. Parkway estimates that they serve around 1,000 customers per day.
With dozens of po'boy options and baked goods on the menu, Parkway is a great place to appreciate New Orleans' history and enjoy authentic food.
10. Stop for Brunch at Biscuits & Buns on Banks
4337 Banks St., (504) 273-4600, biscuitsandbunsonbanks.com
Housed in a local neighborhood shotgun house, Biscuits & Buns on Banks is a great restaurant to savor some Creole and American breakfast and lunch foods. All of their ingredients are high-quality and local, and they pride themselves on using seasonal ingredients and never compromising on quality.
Although known specifically for their biscuits, you can find whatever breakfast or brunch food you are craving here. Enjoy their selection of coffees and juices, or BYOB to take brunch to the next level.
Best Ways to Spend Time in Mid-City
Mid-City is a beautiful part of New Orleans with plenty of outdoor spaces and fun things to do. Head over to City Park to take a walk amongst the picturesque old-growth oak trees and stop for a few hours in the New Orleans Museum of Art. Have a meal at one of Mid-City's best restaurants or enjoy a drink at a local bar. Then, catch live music or go bowling for the perfect end to your night.
So don't wait any longer—take the streetcar up Canal Street and find out what Mid-City has to offer.
