Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge Travel Guide

A comprehensive tour guide for Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge: list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, food, where to stay, local culture, safety, getting here, and more.


Introduction to Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge

Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge are two adjoining neighborhoods in New Orleans that offer a mix of rich cultural heritage, history, outdoor adventure, and local culinary scene. Mid-City is home to several famous museums, like the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Louisiana State Museum, while Esplanade Ridge has some of the oldest architecture in the city, including the opulent mansions of Esplanade Avenue.

List of Places to Visit in Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge

Here are some of the must-visit places in Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • New Orleans Museum of Art: Features the art and culture of several civilizations, including African, European, American, and Contemporary.
  • Louisiana State Museum: Showcases the history and culture of Louisiana, with exhibits on jazz music, Mardi Gras traditions, and Louisiana’s natural resources.
  • Beauregard-Keyes House: This 19th-century mansion once belonged to Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard and was later bought by celebrated author Frances Parkinson Keyes.
  • Lafitte Greenway: A 2.6-mile stretch of linear park, this was once a railroad corridor that now functions as a public park and bike trail.

Natural Attractions of Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Bayou St. John: This 2-mile long waterway was once one of the major trade routes in Louisiana and is now a favorite for kayaking and fishing.
  • City Park: One of the largest urban parks in the country, it features several attractions, including a botanical garden, a golf course, and a children’s amusement park.
  • Mississippi Riverfront: Provides stunning views of the iconic river, with access to riverboat tours and cruises.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge

Bayou St. John and Lafitte Greenway Trail

This 3-mile roundtrip path starts at the Lafitte Greenway and leads to Bayou St. John. The trail is flat and easy to navigate, and offers views of picturesque houses and the bayou itself.

Best Things to Do in Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge: Activities and Tours

  • Jazz Tour: Take a walking tour of the historic Tremé neighborhood and learn about the birthplace of jazz and the people who made it happen.
  • Cocktail Tour: Experience the unique cocktail culture of New Orleans with a guided tour of some of the best bars in Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge.
  • Ghost Tour: Learn about the haunted history of the neighborhoods with a night-time ghost tour.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge

Day 1: Visit City Park, including the Botanical Garden, Storyland, and the Sculpture Garden.

Day 2: Explore the New Orleans Museum of Art and the nearby historic Ponce de Leon building.

Day 3: Take a bike tour on the Lafitte Greenway, including a stop at Bayou St. John.

Day 4: Visit the Beauregard-Keyes House, followed by a stroll along its grand neighbor, Esplanade Avenue.

Day 5: Take a food tour of Mid-City, with stops for Po-boys at Parkway Bakery and Tavern and beignets at Morning Call Coffee Stand.

Day 6: Learn about the rich history of Louisiana and its people at the Louisiana State Museum.

Day 7: Take a riverboat tour of the Mississippi River and end the day with a sunset view at the Riverfront Park.

Food and Drink Scene of Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge

Must-Try Dishes

  • Po-boys: A quintessential New Orleans sandwich, po-boys are stuffed with seafood, meat, or veggies, and are a must-try at Parkway Bakery and Tavern.
  • Gumbo: A thick, hearty stew, the gumbo is a mix of meat, seafood, and spices, served over rice. Try it at Lil Dizzy’s Cafe.
  • Beignets: These fluffy, powdered sugar-dusted treats are a staple of New Orleans cuisine, and Morning Call Coffee Stand is the perfect spot to try them.

Local Beverages

  • Sazerac: The official cocktail of New Orleans, the Sazerac is a mix of rye whiskey, absinthe, and bitters. Try it at The Sazerac Bar in the Roosevelt Hotel.
  • Hurricane: Another famous cocktail, the Hurricane is a fruity concoction of rum and passionfruit juice, best enjoyed at Pat O’Brien’s bar.

Where to Stay in Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Pontchartrain Hotel: A historic hotel in the Garden District, the Pontchartrain offers luxurious rooms and a rooftop bar with stunning views.
  • The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans: A luxury hotel in the French Quarter, the Ritz-Carlton features a spa, pool, and exquisite dining options.
  • Oakview Bed and Breakfast: A cozy, family-owned guesthouse in Mid-City, Oakview offers comfortable rooms and personalized hospitality.

What to Buy in Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Artwork: New Orleans has a vibrant art scene, and several galleries in Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge feature works by local artists.
  • Traditional Crafts: Wooden toys, pottery, and jewelry crafted by local artisans are also popular souvenirs of the area.

Local Culture and Customs of Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge

  • Mardi Gras: Held annually in February or March, Mardi Gras is a traditional festival of parades, floats, and street parties, with roots in medieval Europe.
  • Secondline Dance: A beloved tradition of the African-American community, secondline dance involves brass bands and parade-goers following the “first line” of social club members during a parade.

Best Time to Visit Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge

Fall and winter (September to February) are the best times to visit Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge, with cooler weather and more manageable crowds. Spring (March to May) is also a popular time, with the added appeal of the Mardi Gras festivities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge

Do:

  • Explore the neighborhoods by walking or biking the Lafitte Greenway and the Bayou St. John Trail.
  • Experience the local culinary specialties, like po-boys and beignets.
  • Learn about the history and culture of the area at the museums and historical sites.

Don’t:

  • Leave valuables in plain sight in your car, as car theft is a problem in the area.
  • Wear revealing clothing or act disorderly during Mardi Gras, which can lead to unwanted attention and misunderstandings.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge

While generally safe during the daytime, it’s always a good idea to stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially after dark. Avoid walking alone or in deserted areas at night, and keep your belongings secure.

Health in Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge

New Orleans is prone to mosquitoes and other insects, so make sure to apply repellent when you’re outdoors. Tap water is safe to drink, but it’s always good to carry a reusable water bottle with you.

Getting to Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge

  • Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport: This is the main airport serving the city and is located approximately 12 miles west of Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge.

Bus Stations Near Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge

  • Union Passenger Terminal: Serves as the central bus station for most intercity buses, including Greyhound and Megabus.

Other Options

  • Streetcar: The streetcar system in New Orleans is a fun and affordable way to explore the city, with the Canal Streetcar line stopping near Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge.
  • Taxi or Rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services are widely available in New Orleans and can be arranged through apps like Uber or Lyft.

How to Get Around in Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge

Walking or biking is the best way to explore Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge, due to the abundance of sightseeing opportunities and relatively flat terrain. There are also several taxi and rideshare services available.

Where to Go Next from Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • French Quarter: The historic heart of New Orleans, the French Quarter is known for its colorful architecture, vibrant nightlife, and famous Bourbon Street.
  • Garden District: Known for its stunning mansions and beautiful gardens, the Garden District is a must-visit for architecture and history enthusiasts.
  • Audubon Park: Located in Uptown New Orleans, Audubon Park features several attractions, including a zoo, a golf course, and a nature preserve.

Conclusion

Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge are unique neighborhoods that offer a perfect mix of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and local cuisine. With this comprehensive guide, you can be sure to make the most of your visit to these vibrant areas of New Orleans.

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