Welcome to CBD and Warehouse District
Top Reasons to Go
Warehouse District Gallery Crawl. Browse the many art galleries that line Julia Street and its surroundings.
Cutting-edge dining. Sample some of the finest in Louisiana contemporary cuisine from chefs who are quickly becoming household names.
Fascinating museums. Revisit a defining chapter of our nation's history at the National World War II Museum, or discover a new favorite artist in the airy, urban oasis of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art.
Carnival season year-round. At Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World at Kern Studios, see floats from years past, watch video footage, observe artists working on next year’s creations, and stock up on souvenirs.
Getting Here and Around
The CBD and Warehouse District together make up a fairly small area and can be readily explored on foot; the close proximity of the Warehouse District's museums and galleries makes sightseeing especially easy. The CBD is adjacent to the French Quarter, just across Canal Street. To travel to or from Uptown or the Garden District, you can take a cab, drive, or take the St. Charles Avenue streetcar—any stop from Canal Street to Lee Circle will do. (If you have an extra 20 minutes, walking is also feasible.)
Making the Most of Your Time
Arts- and culture-loving travelers can easily spend a few days visiting the museums, auction houses, and galleries here. The area also is a great nightlife destination, with some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants, music clubs, and Harrah's New Orleans.
Safety
Parts of the CBD are more deserted at night than other highly trafficked tourist areas. Staying close to the river while downtown and near the pulse of Warehouse District nightlife is the safest bet after the sun sets. By day, these areas are bustling with workers, shoppers, and tourists.
Quick Bites
Congregation Coffee Roasters. The house-roasted coffee here is delicious, but added takeaways are the cute alligator-themed mugs and memorabilia to take home (a "congregation" is the collective name for a group of alligators); the fresh pastries; and the hearty breakfast and lunch options, like the pickled greens and poached egg on toast. 644 Camp St., Central Business District, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70130. 504/265–0194; www.congregationcoffee.com. No dinner.
Lucy's Retired Surfers Restaurant and Bar. This bar, courtyard, and dining room are a nice spot for a margarita, fresh seafood, or a Southwestern-style snack. The menu pays homage to surfing pioneers with bios and specialty dishes. On weekends, tables are cleared near the bar for impromptu dance parties. 701 Tchoupitoulas St., Warehouse District, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70130. 504/523–8995; www.lucysretiredsurfers.com.
Willa Jean. A quick coffee and pastry from this sunny locale is just as enjoyable as their long, decadant brunches. 611 O'Keefe Ave., Central Business District, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70113. 504/509–7334; www.willajean.com.
