New Orleans may be known for its lavish French Quarter, but its Central Business District is just as exciting. It’s anchored by the historic Lafayette Square, which hosts everything from summer concerts and blues music festivals to public rallies and political inaugurations. By day, the New Orleans CBD is buzzing with corporate nine-to-fivers, when lunch cafes and happy hour specials are the order of the day.
By night, the district comes alive with a fantastic food and entertainment scene. It’s home to a string of the city’s best restaurants, bars and theatres, as well as popular attractions like Aquarium of the Americas, Harrah’s Casino and the Canal Place shopping centre. For bargain hunters, a trip to Outlet Collection at Riverwalk is a must.
Access to the New Orleans CBD is fantastic, with Lafayette Square just a 20-minute walk from the French Quarter. Streetcars are the most popular way to get around, with stops dotted throughout the CBD. For tourists, the double-decker city sightseeing bus is a fantastic way to explore the city.
While today the CBD is a modern business hub, it wasn’t always so Westernised. In the 19th century, the majority of the downtown core was home to French-speaking Creole communities. For architecture fans, the CBD is a fascinating place to explore. It’s home to a host of beautifully preserved commercial, industrial and warehouse buildings, which now house trendy apartments and stylish hotels.