How long does it take to walk through the Treme neighborhood?

The walk typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes. This includes time to explore Louis Armstrong Park and visit the local museums and churches along the 1.5-mile route.

Is the Treme neighborhood safe for a self-guided walk?

Yes, Treme is safe for walking during daylight hours. As with any urban area, it is best to stay on the main streets, be aware of your surroundings, and complete your stroll before sunset.

Is Treme worth visiting if I'm staying in the French Quarter?

Absolutely, Treme is just across Rampart Street from the French Quarter and offers a much more authentic, local perspective on New Orleans history. It is the birthplace of many of the city's most famous cultural traditions.

Can I see Mardi Gras Indian suits in Treme?

Yes, the Backstreet Cultural Museum is the best place to see authentic, hand-beaded Mardi Gras Indian suits. These intricate costumes are central to the neighborhood's unique cultural identity.

What is the significance of Congo Square?

Congo Square is a historic landmark where enslaved people gathered to dance and play music on Sundays. These gatherings preserved African rhythms that eventually evolved into jazz and other American music genres.

Are there many hills on this walking route?

No, the route is extremely flat, making it an easy walk for most fitness levels. Be cautious of uneven pavement on some of the older neighborhood sidewalks.

What is the best time of day to explore Treme?

Morning to early afternoon is best. This ensures that the museums and churches are open and allows you to enjoy the neighborhood atmosphere while the sun is up.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the rhythmic heart of the Crescent City with a self-guided walk through Treme, the oldest African-American neighborhood in the United States. This neighborhood stroll offers an intimate look at the cradle of jazz, where African traditions, European influences, and Caribbean rhythms fused to create a sound that changed the world. Unlike a standard walking tour New Orleans visitors often take in the French Quarter, this route dives deep into the resilience and creativity of a community that has maintained its unique identity for centuries. As you explore independently, you will encounter the hallowed grounds of Congo Square, where enslaved people gathered on Sundays to keep their ancestral music alive, and the solemn Tomb of the Unknown Slave, a poignant reminder of the area's complex history. This walking route highlights the architectural beauty of Creole cottages and the spiritual significance of St. Augustine Catholic Church, the oldest Black Catholic parish in the country. You will also learn about the vibrant traditions of Mardi Gras Indians and Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs at the Backstreet Cultural Museum. While many look for a guided tour New Orleans history buffs will find that this audio walk provides a more personal connection to the story of jazz and the spirit of the Treme. From the brass bands that echo through the streets to the quiet dignity of the historic churchyards, this experience captures the soul of New Orleans. Whether you are a music lover or a history enthusiast, this self-guided adventure allows you to discover the birthplace of legends like Louis Armstrong at your own pace, ensuring you don't miss the hidden gems that make this neighborhood truly legendary. It is an essential walking tour New Orleans travelers should experience to understand the city's true cultural foundation.

Tour Stops (7)

Congo Square

Welcome to the spiritual birthplace of jazz. In the 18th and 19th centuries, this open space was the only place in the United States where enslaved Africans were permitted to gather on Sundays. They brought with them the rhythms, songs, and dances of their homelands—traditions that were suppressed elsewhere. Here, the beating of the Bamboula drums and the sounds of the African lute blended with European melodies. This cultural collision laid the groundwork for what would eventually become jazz, blues, and gospel. Today, the square remains a sacred site for musicians and practitioners of African-derived religions, serving as a powerful symbol of cultural resilience and the enduring spirit of the New Orleans community.

Louis Armstrong Park

Named after the city's most famous son, 'Satchmo,' this 32-acre park is a tribute to the giants of New Orleans music. As you wander through the grounds, look for the towering statue of Louis Armstrong himself, holding his trumpet toward the sky. The park also honors other legends, like Sidney Bechet, and features the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts. Beyond the statues, the park is a beautifully landscaped space with arched bridges and lagoons, built to revitalize the Treme neighborhood. It serves as a gateway between the French Quarter and Treme, acting as a permanent stage for the festivals and brass band performances that define the city's vibrant outdoor life.

Tomb of the Unknown Slave (St. Augustine Churchyard)

Tucked away on the grounds of St. Augustine Church is one of the most moving memorials in the United States. The Tomb of the Unknown Slave consists of a large cross made of heavy marine chains, with smaller chains draped over it. This monument honors the countless enslaved people who died without a known resting place and whose labor built the very foundations of this city. It was dedicated in 2004 to acknowledge the suffering and the strength of those who were denied their names and their freedom. Standing here offers a quiet moment of reflection on the human cost of history and the ongoing journey toward healing and remembrance in the Treme community.

Saint Augustine Catholic Church

Founded in 1841, St. Augustine is the oldest African-American Catholic parish in the country. It was established by free people of color who, in a remarkable act of defiance against segregation, purchased pews for enslaved people so that everyone could worship together. The church has been a pillar of the Civil Rights movement and a sanctuary for the neighborhood for nearly two centuries. Its architecture is a classic example of New Orleans religious design, but its true beauty lies in its history of social justice. The church famously fought for its survival after Hurricane Katrina, standing as a testament to the unwavering faith and communal bond of the Treme people.

Treme Coffeehouse

This isn't just a place for a caffeine fix; it's a neighborhood hub where the modern Treme meets its storied past. Housed in a beautifully restored building, the Treme Coffeehouse is a favorite for locals, musicians, and artists. The interior often features local artwork and historical photographs that tell the story of the surrounding streets. It is the perfect spot to experience the 'village' feel of Treme, where neighbors still greet each other by name and time seems to move a little slower. Grab a New Orleans-style coffee and perhaps a pastry as you soak in the atmosphere of a community that prides itself on its hospitality and its deep-rooted traditions.

Backstreet Cultural Museum

To understand the soul of New Orleans, you must understand its 'backstreet' culture. This museum houses the world's most comprehensive collection related to Mardi Gras Indians, Jazz Funerals, and Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs. Founded by the late Sylvester Francis, the museum showcases the incredible artistry of the hand-beaded and feathered suits worn by the Black Masking Indians. Each suit can take a full year to create and weighs upwards of 100 pounds. You will also learn about the Second Line parades—the joyous, rhythmic processions that follow jazz funerals. It is a vibrant, living archive of the traditions that keep the heart of Treme beating loud and proud.

Voodoo Authentica Inc

As you reach the edge of Treme and the French Quarter, you encounter the real-world practice of Voodoo. Unlike the 'spooky' caricatures often seen in movies, Voodoo Authentica showcases the religion as a sophisticated spiritual system with roots in West Africa. This shop and cultural center is dedicated to providing accurate information about the faith's history and its role in New Orleans life. You can see handcrafted altars, traditional dolls, and herbal remedies. It is a place of respect and education, highlighting how Voodoo provided a sense of identity and empowerment to enslaved people and continues to be a meaningful spiritual path for many locals today.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk focusing on jazz history is ideal for music lovers. This route covers Congo Square and the Backstreet Cultural Museum, providing a deep dive into the origins of jazz and the traditions of brass bands and Mardi Gras Indians.