Lower 9th Ward
Lower 9th Ward
4
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4.0
124 reviews
Excellent
51
Very good
33
Average
25
Poor
6
Terrible
9
charles c
6 contributions
July 2024 • Couples
Nice visit, Downtown parking is very expensive $50 a day.Be prepared for a lot of traffic & walking. This time of the year you’ll get a lot rain, it rained every day while I was there but not all day. Good luck
Written 2 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eva P
Ottawa, Canada105 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
While researching for our week-long trip to NOLA, I was really trying to find things to do that are a little off the beaten path, less touristy. And a tour of the area affected by Katrina was definitely on the to-do list. I came across this website: http://lowernine.org (as indicated on their website: lowernine.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to the long-term recovery of New Orleans’ historic Lower Ninth Ward from Hurricane Katrina and the levee breaches of 2005). I emailed them asking if they gave tours. I got an email right away from someone called Laura Paul. A few more clicks, and I found out she was the Executive Director. She said she could give us a tour, we confirmed details with her with a few more emails. I asked if the tours cost anything, she said no, I asked how much people usually donate in exchange for a tour, she said whatever we liked. In the spirit of their '$365 from 365 people' campaign, I made an online donation in this amount before I left on the trip. Laura picked us up at our hotel located just outside the south-west end of the French Quarter, at the exact time she said she would. We were four adults and she showed up in a big pickup truck so the ride was pretty comfortable. We ended up spending 3 hours with her. She was amazing, as was the tour. The things she taught us were anywhere from terrifying, to astonishing, to heartwarming. She is so hardworking, humble, simple, well-versed, well-informed, passionate like no one else I've ever met. She took us to all the four corners of the lower ninth ward, to George's house, and we even stopped in at her own house. She explained exactly how the water entered the area, how people lived before this flood and how the area was, how houses are built in the area, the current challenges overall, the progress and successes, the work being done in the community, how she ended up doing what she's doing, what the organization is doing and how, how volunteering with them works. On the way to and from the lower ninth ward, she briefed us on how the city is laid out, local history and things we saw. She even dropped us off at our next destination, at her offering. I cannot speak highly enough about this experience.
Written 23 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
2RovingWanderers
Colorado73 contributions
When we went to New Orleans last week, one of our main to-do's was to take our rental car into the Lower 9th Ward, and see how the post-Katrina rebuilding was coming along - if at all. When we got there, we drove around on our own, looking at block after block of ruined homes (two years later!), where perhaps one house per block was rebuilt, and the rest lay in shambles. Afterward, we noticed a "Community Cafe" (a soup kitchen and general hangout) on the main drag, with several people sitting out front. We swallowed our sense of intimidation and pulled up to talk to the folks - and immediately got an offer by one of the residents to hop in our car and give us the grand tour of "No Mans Land". This is the area where 40 feet of water surged through the community from a broken levee, killing some 9,000 people, and literally sweeping the homes right off of their very foundations. What we got from this personalized tour was first-hand stories; photos of the roof which our guide clung to for THREE DAYS waiting for help; seeing entire streets that once held homes, now overgrown fields of concrete slabs; hearing how many of the residents were senior citizens with no cars in which to evacuate; and how two years later, residents are STILL fighting with their insurance companies, with threats to take away their FEMA trailers because time has run out, and they still have no homes. The experience was priceless; something that the canned $24 per person "Grayline Katrina Tour" could not have possibly offered in meeting and talking first-hand to these hurricane survivors, and hearing their compelling personal stories which unfortunately haven't ended. We paid our personal volunteer guides $35 each - money which they were thrilled to have, being part of this socio-economic poor uneducated community that still sits without aid - with their former workplaces destroyed, and never rebuilt. I highly recommend this drive to any visitor to New Orleans - and to ask for either Ricky or Charles at the Community Cafe: each who graciously took us on separate tours, to share stories (and photo opportuniteis) which we will never forget.
Written 12 September 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeant831
Philadelphia, PA251 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
When I planned 8 days in NOLA friends said it was crazy. "You only need a few days in the French Quarter" they said. Turns out they were right. One day on Bourbon Street was plenty. But it's the REAL New Orleans you'll miss if you think you've visited because you went to Vieux Carré and got drunk on Bourbon Street.
We spent four days driving & walking around the Lower 9th Ward, and the surrounding areas on both sides of the river, devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The heartbreak but also the spirit of the residents is evident around every corner in the lower 9th ward.
We saw the London Avenue, 17th Street & Industrial canal breaches. In the lower 9th ward I got the sense of a small town on the outskirts of a large city not the vibrant city neighborhood that it once was. Still dotted with vacant lots & boarded up homes, the sadness is palpable. But the spirit of the families who remained is evident in the colorfully painted creole cottages & tidy shotgun houses.
Don't make getting drunk on Bourbon Street, eating beignets at Cafe Du Monde & buying souvenirs in the FQ the only memories you take from NOLA. Spend more time visiting the real New Orleans: Lake Pontchartrain, the Marigny, Treme, Gentilly, & Bywater. Cross the Mississippi to see Algiers & drive into one of the bayous including Lafitte where you'll find an amazing Cyprus swamp to explore and a local joint for the best soft shell crab Po'boy ever - Bouttes. You'll be glad you did.
We spent four days driving & walking around the Lower 9th Ward, and the surrounding areas on both sides of the river, devastated by Hurricane Katrina. The heartbreak but also the spirit of the residents is evident around every corner in the lower 9th ward.
We saw the London Avenue, 17th Street & Industrial canal breaches. In the lower 9th ward I got the sense of a small town on the outskirts of a large city not the vibrant city neighborhood that it once was. Still dotted with vacant lots & boarded up homes, the sadness is palpable. But the spirit of the families who remained is evident in the colorfully painted creole cottages & tidy shotgun houses.
Don't make getting drunk on Bourbon Street, eating beignets at Cafe Du Monde & buying souvenirs in the FQ the only memories you take from NOLA. Spend more time visiting the real New Orleans: Lake Pontchartrain, the Marigny, Treme, Gentilly, & Bywater. Cross the Mississippi to see Algiers & drive into one of the bayous including Lafitte where you'll find an amazing Cyprus swamp to explore and a local joint for the best soft shell crab Po'boy ever - Bouttes. You'll be glad you did.
Written 11 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dsrtgrl
Charlotte, NC451 contributions
Aug 2013 • Solo
The aftermath of the devastation of Katrina is still visible throughout the lover 9th ward in New Orleans. Nonetheless, it is definitely worth taking the time to visit some very important sites. McDonogh 19 Elementary School, one of the first two sites integrated on November 14, 1960. Aycock Barn, Jackson Barracks, and the Twin Doullut steamboat houses on Egania Street at numbers 400 and 503. You'll see more signs of recovery near the Arabi Food Market 650 Friscoville Avenue which was the hub of this area during the days immediately following the disaster when water hit the 20' mark and completely submerged the market. You'll see many shotgun houses lining the streets nearby, some restored and many still completely destroyed.
If you want to venture to the Upper 9th Ward you'll find a park with the history of Katrina and the subsequent recovery depicted on displays near the new neighborhood re-built by Brad Pitt's Make it Right foundation. You can even stand next to the repaired levy where the breech began so many years ago.
Plan on a few hours and be sure to catch a meal at the Arabi Food Market. It's small and can get busy so you may decide to carry out and eat at the Aycock Barn nearby. Restrooms are available there and some tourist info.
If you want to venture to the Upper 9th Ward you'll find a park with the history of Katrina and the subsequent recovery depicted on displays near the new neighborhood re-built by Brad Pitt's Make it Right foundation. You can even stand next to the repaired levy where the breech began so many years ago.
Plan on a few hours and be sure to catch a meal at the Arabi Food Market. It's small and can get busy so you may decide to carry out and eat at the Aycock Barn nearby. Restrooms are available there and some tourist info.
Written 12 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike D
Mamou, LA314 contributions
Oct 2013 • Solo
The 9th ward was not worth visiting before Katrina. Now, it is worse (if that was possible). No tour company should be capitalizing on other people's pain. The residents of the 9th ward do not get anything out of the money spent on these tours.
The destruction of New Orleans was great during Katrina. But, New Orleans is being rebuilt. Give your tourist dollars to those parts of the city that have been rebuilt. There are many beautiful areas to be enjoyed. This is not one of them.
The destruction of New Orleans was great during Katrina. But, New Orleans is being rebuilt. Give your tourist dollars to those parts of the city that have been rebuilt. There are many beautiful areas to be enjoyed. This is not one of them.
Written 6 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Condocat
North Carolina373 contributions
Apr 2014 • Family
My nephew who lives in NOLA took us on a tour of this area one afternoon. Yes, it is disturbing to see first-hand the devastation from such a powerful storm such as Katrina. What bothers me most is that organized tour companies are capitalizing on these victims' misfortunes!
How can anyone PAY to see this area knowing they are lining the pockets of opportunists? This is not an attraction, but a natural disaster area that changed lives. History unfortunately will repeat itself. Perhaps in the best thing that could have been be done was to move those remaining to higher ground and let this piece of land return to it's natural state. What I did observe is this area remains a mess and tour buses are not helping. Please stay away and help though proper channels with appropiate donations.
How can anyone PAY to see this area knowing they are lining the pockets of opportunists? This is not an attraction, but a natural disaster area that changed lives. History unfortunately will repeat itself. Perhaps in the best thing that could have been be done was to move those remaining to higher ground and let this piece of land return to it's natural state. What I did observe is this area remains a mess and tour buses are not helping. Please stay away and help though proper channels with appropiate donations.
Written 14 April 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hellfirekeep
New Orleans, LA100 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
Try not to take a tour of this place, with any company. It's BAD FORM. It is a residential area that was seriously hit by Hurricane Katrina. The locals don't like tourists... just don't travel there if you even want to. Even IF your thinking about booking a Katrina Tour... DON'T.
Written 8 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wnbamiamisol
Key Largo, FL2,791 contributions
At the top of my New Orleans "MUST DO" list was a Hurricane Katrina tour. I live in the Florida Keys and can identify with the devastation hurricanes leave behind. I thought I was prepared to take this drive, since I lost the ground level of my house to Hurricane Wilma's storm surge in October 2005. I wasn't. What I saw in the Lower 9th Ward was far worse than anything I had experienced. I repaired the damage to my house over 9 months. These people in Lower 9th Ward are still living in devastation 42 months later!
Rather than take an organized tour, we decided to take my own car and drive the streets of the Lower 9th Ward. We didn't want a guide or be sitting on a bus, but rather wanted to meander, pause and reflect. We drove street after street seeing damaged houses. Here and there, a FEMA trailer sat in a front yard. (Did you know the same key unlocks every FEMA trailer?)
We saw remnants of a blue tarp that had once covered a roof (FEMA blue tarps roof damage to protect from further damage - these are intended to be used a couple months - NOT 42 months). We saw street after street of apparently abandoned houses. They were neither demolished nor repaired. This was truly a no-mans-land.
We were told by residents that they have been told 15-20 years until New Orleans is "restored." This is just unimaginable in the United States. The Lower 9th Ward was a true eye opener. It made us thankful for what we have.
Absolutely everyone who visits New Orleans should take a couple hours to drive the Lower 9th Ward.
Rather than take an organized tour, we decided to take my own car and drive the streets of the Lower 9th Ward. We didn't want a guide or be sitting on a bus, but rather wanted to meander, pause and reflect. We drove street after street seeing damaged houses. Here and there, a FEMA trailer sat in a front yard. (Did you know the same key unlocks every FEMA trailer?)
We saw remnants of a blue tarp that had once covered a roof (FEMA blue tarps roof damage to protect from further damage - these are intended to be used a couple months - NOT 42 months). We saw street after street of apparently abandoned houses. They were neither demolished nor repaired. This was truly a no-mans-land.
We were told by residents that they have been told 15-20 years until New Orleans is "restored." This is just unimaginable in the United States. The Lower 9th Ward was a true eye opener. It made us thankful for what we have.
Absolutely everyone who visits New Orleans should take a couple hours to drive the Lower 9th Ward.
Written 4 January 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul P
Ontario, Canada152 contributions
Dec 2013
No need to book a tour. Take the 84 bus and you will have a good idea of the mess. There are empty lots, delapitated homes that have yet to be torn down and some cool rebuilding.
This is a great reminder that New Orleans is much more than the French Quarter.
This is a great reminder that New Orleans is much more than the French Quarter.
Written 1 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No question - just wanted to say thank you for posting. I had no idea, after all this time, that there was still so very much that needed to be done
Written 7 July 2019
donniedarko20
Champaign-Urbana, Illinois
What company would you recommend to take a tour of the Ninth Ward?
Written 31 January 2019
Our Lyft driver, Pam, took us on a private tour explaining everything as it happened and what has not happened since
Written 14 July 2019
Susan D
Portland, Oregon
Hi Judysoto,
Did you feel welcome while visiting the Lower 9th Ward? I'd love to visit and help boost the local economy with my tourist dollars, but also respect that maybe my visit isn't wanted. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Susan
Written 3 September 2015
Why would you be unwelcome to spend your money? Seriously, these are not savages who would rather isolate than have commerce. Start at the lower ninth ward living museum, it will teach you about the neighborhood and gow to respect the people there. If you don't treat people there like they are there to be oggled, you will be fine. Just don't be a dick. Leave extra time to get around, the roads are awful.
Written 4 September 2015
Was the fitness center renovated? If so, is their a picture? I could not find one on the website, Tripadvisor and a number of other booking sites. Thanks!
Written 27 December 2014
I did not see a fitness center, but I was not looking, sorry.
Written 28 December 2014
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