Central Business District Travel Guide

Plan the ultimate trip to Central Business District in New Orleans with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore top attractions, hotels, food scenes, safety tips, and more.


Central Business District, or CBD, is a bustling region located in the heart of New Orleans. Skyscrapers, historic buildings, museums, and world-renowned restaurants all make their homes in this vibrant district. Whether you are a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or food lover, CBD offers something for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best things to do in CBD, where to eat and stay, how to get around, safety and health tips, and much more.

Introduction to Central Business District

Located in Greater New Orleans, Louisiana, CBD is the central business hub for the city and is considered a major economic player in the state. As one of the oldest neighborhoods in New Orleans, the district has a rich history and is filled with stunning architecture from the 19th century. The streets are lined with live oaks, and the Mississippi River is just a short walk away. CBD is a bustling center of commerce and culture, and visitors can easily access famous attractions like the French Quarter, Canal Street, and Bourbon Street from here.

List of Places to Visit in Central Business District

Whether you’re traveling solo or with family or friends, there are plenty of attractions worth visiting in CBD. From culturally important museums and historical sites to outdoor adventures and scenic views, you’ll find plenty of things to do in this district.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. World War II Museum - This museum is a must-visit for history buffs, and is considered one of the best military museums in the world. It features artifacts, interactive displays, and personal accounts of those who served in the war.
  2. Ogden Museum of Southern Art - This museum showcases contemporary art and unique artwork from the Southern United States.
  3. National WWII Museum - Features a collection of artifacts, exhibits, and interactive experiences centered around World War II.
  4. Louisiana Children’s Museum - Perfect for families with children, this hands-on museum features numerous interactive exhibits.
  5. New Orleans Pharmacy Museum - It’s an ideal way to learn more about the city’s history, and one can find the city’s oldest pharmacist’s Apothecary shop in this museum.

Natural Attractions of Central Business District: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Riverwalk Marketplace - This historic wharf provides breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and is a popular spot to catch a riverboat.
  2. Woldenberg Riverfront Park - Located along the banks of the Mississippi River, this park offers walking paths, sculptures, and art installations.
  3. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve - Just a short drive from CBD, this park offers plenty of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Central Business District

Biking and hiking are two great ways to experience the historic features of the city, and CBD offers plenty of scenic trails.

  1. St. Charles Avenue - this avenue is a popular route for cyclists and in particular tourists, it gives an enigmatic tour of the past especially in the afternoon when the buildings are lit up.
  2. Lafitte Greenway - this biking route runs through several neighborhoods in the city and offers access to several hotspots and historic sites in the city.

Best Things to Do in Central Business District: Activities and Tours

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there are plenty of things to do in CBD. From guided tours to street car rides, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable experience.

  1. Streetcar Ride - Take a ride on one of the quaint streetcars in the city and experience the old-world charm of New Orleans. Streetcars provide transportation along Canal St., St. Charles Ave., and the Riverfront.
  2. Ghost and Vampire Walking Tours - Enjoy a spooky stroll through the streets of New Orleans, learning about local ghost and vampire lore along the way.
  3. Creole Queen Riverboat Dinner Cruise - Enjoy a romantic dinner cruise on a riverboat, complete with live jazz music and breathtaking views of the Mississippi River.
  4. New Orleans Cocktail History Tour - Visit various bars and enjoy the famous cocktails that originated in New Orleans.

Week-Long Itinerary for Central Business District

If you’re planning a week-long visit to CBD, here’s a sample itinerary of the best things to do and see.

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the National WWII Museum and explore the interactive exhibits
Day 2 Stroll around the Lafayette Square and enjoy the beautiful artworks
Day 3 Take a streetcar ride to the Garden District and explore the stunning mansions and architecture
Day 4 Take a swamp tour and learn about the unique ecosystem of the Louisiana swamps
Day 5 Visit the historic St. Louis Cemetery and learn about the voodoo culture in the city
Day 6 Take a walking tour of the French Quarter and experience the unique culture of New Orleans
Day 7 Enjoy a relaxing day at Woldenberg Riverfront Park, followed by a dinner cruise on the Mississippi River

Food and Drink Scene of Central Business District

From traditional Creole cuisine to world-renowned chefs, CBD offers a diverse culinary experience that tantalizes the taste buds.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Beignets - fluffy pastries served with powdered sugar, a New Orleans classic.
  2. Red Beans and Rice - A dish that originated during the Civil War in Louisiana, red beans and rice today serves up as soul food.
  3. Jambalaya - A delicious combination of rice, vegetables, meat, and spices, jambalaya is a Creole classic.

Local Beverages

  1. Sazerac - This cocktail featuring rye whiskey is considered the first cocktail to have originated in America.
  2. Hurricane - This rum-based drink served in a tall glass and is a popular drink during Mardi Gras celebrations.
  3. Dixie Beer - A local beer that has been brewed in the area for over 100 years.

Where to Stay in Central Business District: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

CBD offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget and taste. You can choose from luxury hotels, budget-friendly hostels to intimate guesthouses.

  1. Ace Hotel - This award-winning hotel occupies a beautifully revitalized historic building.
  2. The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery - Located metres away from World War II Museum, this hotel occupies a historic building and is known for its boutique vibe.
  3. HI New Orleans Hostel - Budget-friendly accommodation located in the heart of the city.

What to Buy in Central Business District: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

New Orleans is known for its unique souvenirs and products that make great mementos of your trip. Some of the things to consider for souvenir shopping are:

  1. Mardi Gras Beads - The colorful strings of beads are a hallmark of the Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans.
  2. Pralines - These sweet, nutty treats originated in France but have become a classic New Orleans souvenir.
  3. Cajun and Creole Spices - you can buy them for yourself or as a gift for a culinary-loving friend.

Local Culture and Customs of Central Business District

New Orleans has a distinct culture that is famous for its art, music, food, and architecture. One of the key elements of New Orleans culture is the tradition of Mardi Gras, a carnival season celebrated in late winter. The dress code in the city is generally casual, and visitors are encouraged to try traditional Creole and Cajun dishes like gumbo, crawfish, and jambalaya. It is also worth noting that public drinking is allowed, so visitors can enjoy local beverages as they stroll the city streets.

Best Time to Visit Central Business District

The best times to visit CBD are in fall (September- November) and spring (March - May). These times are pleasant and avoid the stifling summer heat, and the rainy winter season.

Do’s and Don’ts of Central Business District

Do:

  1. Try the local food and beverages.
  2. Take a streetcar ride and explore the French Quarter.
  3. Take a guided tour to learn more about the city’s history.

Don’t:

  1. Litter on the streets.
  2. Wander around empty streets in the nighttime.
  3. Touch or feed the alligators while on a swamp tour.

Safety and Health

Safety in Central Business District

Like any major city, CBD is safe overall, but visitors should take the usual precautions. It’s better to avoid isolated and dark areas, especially around the downtown and riverfront areas at night. Also, pay attention to your valuables and surroundings, don’t walk around with flashy jewelry.

Health in Central Business District

CBD is a generally safe area when it comes to health hazards. However, visitors should protect themselves against the hot and humid summer weather and avoid public drinking. Hand sanitizers should be a regular part of your gear and wearing masks indoors is mandatory again to reduce the spread of Covid-19.

Getting to Central Business District: Transportation Options and Logistics

The closest airport to CBD is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), which is located approximately 16 miles from the district. There are several options to get to CBD from the airport, including taxi and ride-sharing services.

Airports Near Central Business District

  1. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) - 16 miles away
  2. Lakefront Airport (NEW) - 7 miles away

Bus Stations Near Central Business District

  1. Greyhound Bus Lines - Located in the nearby neighborhood of Warehouse District.
  2. Megabus - Located at the Union Passenger Terminal in New Orleans.

Other Options

  1. Streetcars - You can take the streetcars to CBD.
  2. Taxis and Ride-sharing services- Uber, and Lyft services, are widely available in New Orleans.

How to Get Around Central Business District

CBD is a relatively small area that can be explored on foot or by bike. Streetcars are also a fun and convenient way to get around the city, with a single fare cost of $1.25. Taxis, Uber, and Lyft services are also available in the area. However, if you’re looking to explore the nearby neighborhoods, renting a car can be a good option.

Where to Go Next from Central Business District: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several places you can visit from CBD, including:

  1. The French Quarter - A short walk from CBD, this famous neighborhood features stunning architecture, historic landmarks, and delicious food.
  2. Garden District - Take a streetcar ride to this beautiful neighborhood full of stunning mansions and historic architecture.
  3. Swamp tours- Experience the unique and exotic ecosystems of the Louisiana swamps.

Conclusion

Central Business District is an ideal destination for anyone looking to explore the cultural heritage and beauty of New Orleans. From museums and historical attractions to outdoor adventures and world-class dining establishments, CBD has something for everyone. We hope that our comprehensive travel guide helps you to plan a perfect trip to this district and create unforgettable memories.

Canal Street Canal Street National World War II Museum National World War II Museum