10 Things to Do in Uptown New Orleans

The large sprawling oaks, the colossal French colonial homes, and the St. Charles Avenue streetcars of Uptown usually make up the archetypal image of New Orleans. As one of the older districts within New Orleans, Uptown is seeping with history, culture, and character.

Located on the Eastbank of the Mississippi and "upstream" from the French Quarter, it's filled with historic architecture, well-established restaurants, and artistic charm that you can only fully experience by seeing it first hand. Uptown New Orleans is a quintessential Southern jewel. It's a neighborhood where you won't mind being stuck in traffic during the school year because there's always beauty to behold when you roll down your window.

Things to Do in Uptown New Orleans

1. Hop on the St. Charles Ave. Streetcar Line

Whether you have a destination in mind or not, taking the streetcar is a great way to relax and observe the beauty of Uptown New Orleans. If you need relief from walking around all day, let these beautiful machines be your refuge and take you away.

Jump on the St. Charles line and stop along the way if your nose catches the aroma of some fried seafood or freshly baked goods. Travel back to Old New Orleans by riding on the historic St. Charles streetcar line.

2. Stroll Through the Neighborhood

If you walk along St. Charles Avenue, there are several streets glistening with architectural gold. Take your pick and start your maze through the beautiful neighborhood to look at some of the most grand and most eye-catching homes in New Orleans.

Small shotguns with colorful charm and large mansions with architectural ornaments, there's always a variety when you take a walk in Uptown. You might get lucky and catch an estate sale with unique NOLA treasures.

3. Vintage Shopping at Funky Monkey

3127 Magazine St., (504) 899-5587, funkymonkeynola.com

There are several shops to get all your old-school styles, but one of the best spots for that vintage look or dazzling costume is Funky Monkey on Magazine Street. Just across the street is the Rum House where they serve a platter of "damn good nachos," so you can grab a buzzer and shop at Funky Monkey while you wait for your table.

Another block down is the Magazine Antique Mall, packed with antique prints, clothes, and treasures. You could spend a lifetime in here, so make sure you carve out enough time for your visit.

4. Visit the Arts Market at Marsalis Harmony Park

8211 S. Claiborne Ave., (504) 658-3200, facebook.com/artsmarketneworleans

The Arts Market at Marsalis Harmony Park (formerly Palmer Park) is open on the last Saturday of every month, so fill your Saturdays in Uptown with good taste. It features a little over a hundred local artists showcasing and selling their crafts, food, and music.

It's a fun place to shop local for yourself or for someone else! Grab your friends and family and take a walk in the park while supporting local vendors.

5. Curl up with a Book at the Milton H. Latter Memorial Library

5120 St. Charles Ave., (504) 596-2625, nolalibrary.org

Located on St. Charles Avenue is this old library that was originally home to a wealthy New Orleans family. Built in 1907, this beautiful structure has stood the test of time and remains to be one of the oldest New Orleans Public Library locations.

Behind the library's main building is a small second-hand bookstore that's the coziest spot to find the classics or your favorite genres for great deals. Take in the neo-Italian facade of the library and then take in a good book or two.

6. Grab a Sandwich at Turkey and the Wolf

739 Jackson Ave., (504) 218-7428, turkeyandthewolf.com

A beloved New Orleans favorite, Turkey and the Wolf is on Jackson Avenue and has a retro theme that makes you nostalgic for childhood. They have a limited menu, but their sandwiches are carefully constructed to taste like no other.

They elevate the classics like fried bologna, leftover Thanksgiving, and fried chicken. Order the Collard Green Melt with a side of fries and you'll want to wait in line at 11 a.m. the next day.

7. Walk Through Tulane and Loyola's Campuses

6823 St. Charles Ave. & 6363 St. Charles Ave.

These two universities are neighbors, so it's easy to visit both within the same day. The historic oak trees lined through Tulane's campus are something to behold as you're engulfed in historic architecture.

Right across both campuses is Audubon Park, which is the perfect space to picnic with your friends. Walk through the park to see the Holy Name Church bell tower on Loyola's campus peeking through the branches.

8. Grab a Coffee at Rue De La Course

1140 S. Carrollton Ave., (504) 861-4343, ruedelacourse.com

If you need caffeine or a place to finish some work, there's no better place than Rue De La Course on Carrollton Avenue. This coffee shop is located in what was once the building of an old Canal bank branch.

It even has the old bank vault on the second floor where you can look down from the high ceilings and see everyone drinking their espresso and listening to soft classical music. Make sure to grab one of Rue De La Course's specialty bagel sandwiches.

9. Have a Family Fun Day at Audubon Zoo

6500 Magazine St., (504) 861-2537, audubonnatureinstitute.org

Part of the Audubon Nature Institute, the Audubon Zoo is located in Audubon Park at the start of Magazine Street. Explore the grounds and take the kids to splash around at "Cool Zoo" for a family-fun water park experience.

The zoo is separated into many different sections that showcase animals from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and more. Make sure to stroll the zoo's Louisiana Swamp section and see some rare white alligators!

10. Grab a Sno-ball at Hansen's Sno-Bliz

4801 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 891-9788, snobliz.square.site

After a long day in the New Orleans heat, grabbing a sno-ball at Hansen's is one of the best ways to stay cool. They've been around for over 84 years, and they have an eclectic assortment of flavors for everyone to enjoy.

Some of Hanson's many, many flavors include Satsuma, Strawberry, Fruit Punch, Root Beer, and Cream of Coffee. If you have a sweet tooth, order the wedding cake sno-ball with condensed milk and you'll be hearing bells.

What to Do in Uptown New Orleans

This list could go on and on, but Uptown New Orleans is such a big neighborhood to take in that you'll need to ease yourself into it. Use this list as inspiration for your itinerary the next time you're in town. Mardi Gras isn't the only time you should visit Uptown; any Tuesday will do!