The Treme New Orleans neighborhood has a rich history concentrated in our African-American and Creole ancestors. Congo Square sits in Armstrong Park and was the original meeting place of enslaved Africans on their days off, where they would sing, dance, and play music. Today, you’ll find guides giving tours under the big shady oaks of the square, live music performances in the park, and people enjoying the green space and water features that front the Mahalia Jackson Performing Arts Theatre.

Food is, of course, a center of the neighborhood, with famous eateries like Dooky Chase, Li’l Dizzy’s Cafe, and Willie Mae’s Scotch House, in addition to other local coffee shops and restaurants.

This is a community that takes pride in their history, so as you’re wandering the streets, don’t miss some of the highlights such as St. Augustine’s Catholic Church (founded in 1841), the Backstreet Cultural Museum, and Treme’s Petit Jazz Museum.

It’s a walkable neighborhood, but be aware that it spans both sides of the I-10 because the big and beautiful Claiborne Avenue neutral ground was paved over in 1969 to make way for the elevated interstate. A stroll along Claiborne Avenue is filled with local art decorating the pillars supporting the road that runs above, an homage to what used to be a tree-lined avenue. That’s not to say that green space is in short supply here, because the Lafitte Greenway runs along one end of the neighborhood.

Typical homes in the Treme New Orleans neighborhood are raised cottages and shotguns, but you’ll definitely find larger, more ornate homes along Esplanade Avenue. Off-street parking can be difficult to find, as most homes were built before the 2 car household became a thing.