Storyville District

The basics

Very little of historic Storyville remains today, as the area was largely demolished during the 1930s. The Iberville low-income housing projects filled much of the district until 2013, when the projects were torn down to make way for newer affordable and market-rate housing complexes. Parts of the neighborhood have been considered dangerous due to high crime rates, but redevelopment efforts aim to change that. There are few attractions or businesses in Storyville, with the exception of two historic cemeteries, which can be visited on a guided tour. Some New Orleans bike tours also pass by Storyville.

Things to know before you go

• One of the few remaining historic buildings can be seen at 237 Basin Street. It's not much to look at today but was once the saloon of famed madam Lulu White.
• The neighborhood has been considered dangerous due to high crime rates, but redevelopment efforts aim to change that.
• Storyville is largely a residential area, so please be respectful of those who live there.

How to get there

Storyville is within the greater Treme neighborhood of New Orleans and is bordered by Iberville, St. Louis, Basin, and North Robertson streets. It is within easy walking distance of the French Quarter.

When to get there

Storyville is best visited during daylight hours. The St. Louis Cemeteries are gated and locked after dark.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

While Storyville has few attractions, many visitors to New Orleans unknowingly pass through its original boundaries on their way to the city's most famous graveyard—St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Founded in 1789, this legendary burial ground draw scores of curious tourists to its elaborate above-ground tombs, including the mysterious final resting place of voodoo practitioner Marie Laveau. Due to archdiocese rules, the cemetery can only be visited on a licensed guided tour. St. Louis Cemetery No. 2 is also within the Storyville boundaries.