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Famous for its jazz music and Creole cuisine, New Orleans is a place like no other. Affectionately known as the Big Easy, this city will enchant visitors with its mix of cultural influences, stunning architecture, and rich history.
New Orleans hotels range from guesthouses and B&Bs to high-end international hotels, and there is something to suit every budget. Selecting the right neighborhood to stay in is key to making the most of your time in this fantastic city. Here is our guide to some of the best neighborhoods to stay in New Orleans for an unforgettable vacation.
French Quarter for History and Nightlife
Highlights: Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, Preservation Hall
When people think of New Orleans, the famed, historic French Quarter is most likely what comes to mind. This is the beating heart of New Orleans’ downtown area, with an amazing food scene and vibrant nightlife.
Many of New Orleans’ top sightseeing attractions are located in the French Quarter, making it one of the best areas to stay for a first-time visit. Originally called Vieux Carré (meaning Old Square), the French Quarter has been a popular tourist destination since the 1890s and retains many of its Creole traditions.
The best-known street in the area is undoubtedly Bourbon Street, which stretches 13 blocks from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue and is famous for its party scene. Royal Street, with its dozens of boutiques, galleries, and antique stores, is also very popular with visitors. Be sure to check out Café du Monde, a historic café serving up some of the best beignets in the city. For live music lovers, head to Preservation Hall on St. Peter Street, which regularly hosts local musicians performing world-class jazz music sets.
Architecture enthusiasts searching for historic buildings need to look no further than Jackson Square. This iconic spot is home to the Cabildo state history museum and the Presbytère Museum which houses an elaborate collection of Mardi Gras artifacts and memorabilia. The triple-spired St. Louis Cathedral, which was completed in 1794, also overlooks the square.
Since the French Quarter is the most popular spot in New Orleans, there’s no shortage of places to stay and some of the city’s best hotels are located here. Prices in the New Orleans French Quarter tend to be a little higher than in other parts of the city, and if you are looking for peace and quiet on your vacation, you might want to avoid staying on Bourbon Street, where live music pours out of the bars long into the night.
Accommodation ranges from luxury boutique hotels like the Bienville House to budget-friendly guest houses and bed and breakfasts like the Inn on St. Peter.
Uptown/CBD for Families and First-Time Visitors
Highlights: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, City Park
The Central Business District (CBD) doesn’t have quite the same historic charm as the French Quarter, but it’s conveniently located to explore most of New Orleans. All four of the city’s streetcar lines stop here, linking the CBD with neighborhoods across the city. In addition, the French Quarter, the Warehouse/Arts District, and the Mississippi River are all within walking distance.
The world-class Mercedes-Benz Superdome, home to the New Orleans Saints, is one of the best-known attractions in this area. Catch a football game if you can, or a live concert if there is no football being played. The South Market District, right near the Superdome, is a great spot for some retail therapy.
If you are visiting NOLA with your children, check out the family-friendly Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in Audubon Park. This spot has been voted one of the top ten aquariums in the US and transports visitors to underwater worlds from the Caribbean to the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. The aquarium is home to over 3,600 animals of more than 250 different species including endangered species such as African penguins and rare white alligators.
The Uptown/CBD area is filled with modern and historic hotels, and many cater to families with children. There is a fantastic range of accommodations on offer, from family-friendly boutique guesthouses like Sonder the Irish House to luxury hotels with swanky rooftop bars like the Brandywine. There isn’t a huge number of budget options in the area, but if you want to be located outside the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter and you have the right budget, this is the spot for you.
Faubourg Treme/Lafitte for Culture
Highlights: Creole and Cajun cuisine, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
Known affectionately as Treme by locals, this historic area on the north side of the French Quarter rose to prominence after the release of Faubourg Treme: The Untold Story of Black New Orleans. This 2008 documentary detailed Treme’s importance to Black American history and told the story of the neighborhood’s economic despair after the area was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.
Today, Treme is home to some of the best southern comfort food, brunches, and drinks in the whole of New Orleans. This soulful area is the top spot to try some traditional Creole and Cajun fare. New Orleans’ oldest cemetery, the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, is also located in Treme. Thousands of visitors come here every year to pay their respects to the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau who is buried here.
Accommodation is a little limited in the Treme area. There isn’t the same selection of large hotels as in the CBD, but there are plenty of small B&Bs suitable for a range of budgets. The Inn at the Old Jail is a surprisingly chic option while the Rathbone Mansions are full of history.
Faubourg Marigny/Bywater for Live Music
Highlights: Frenchmen Street, St. Roche Market
Marigny and Bywater are adjoining neighborhoods with a bohemian spirit and laid-back vibe. Just fifteen minutes walk from the French Quarter, this area is a riot of colorful Creole cottages, art galleries showcasing local artisan work, and plenty of live music venues.
One of the most visited parts of this area is Frenchmen Street, a hotspot for live music and authentic New Orleans jazz clubs. If you are a music lover this is the place to be, and some of the best live music venues in New Orleans, including Snug Harbor and The Spotted Cat, are located here. Foodies will love the St. Roche Market in the Bywater with its vast array of global cuisines.
Accommodation in the Marigny and Bywater areas tends to offer a more relaxed and offbeat experience. There are no major chain hotels here, but you can expect to find several old-time Southern mansions that have been converted into great B&Bs and guesthouses. You’ll find Sonder the Bywater is conveniently located and the Lookout Inn provides excellent budget accommodations.
Garden District for Relaxation
Highlights: Magazine Street, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, Impressive architecture
Lined with oak trees and stunning mansions, the Garden District in the Uptown area is largely residential and perfect if you are looking for some peace and quiet on your New Orleans getaway.
Restaurants in this area are world-class and some of the best fine dining options in the city can be found here. But if you’re on the hunt for something a little more low-key, check out the Garden District Marketplace for more casual food vendors offering locally-made beignets and international street fare.
During Mardi Gras, crowds line St. Charles Avenue, the Garden District’s main thoroughfare, hoping to catch some of the coveted beads and trinkets thrown during the parades. Tulane and Loyola universities are in this neighborhood, so expect to see plenty of students partying alongside you. At the southern border of the Garden District, Magazine Street is filled with upscale eateries, boutiques, and home decor shops, making it a great place to stop for some lunch or pick up a souvenir.
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is a haunting, historic resting place that tells the story of the city on its aging tombstones. This is one of the most famous sites in New Orleans, and it is well worth spending an hour or two wandering down the paths and among the mausoleums.
Places to stay in the Garden District are limited, so book early if you can. Expect to find a good selection of B&Bs, inns, and smaller hotels. The Homewood Suites and Sonder at Duncan Plaza are great options.
Warehouse District for Art Enthusiasts
Highlights: Ogden Museum, National WWII Museum
The Warehouse District, also known as the Arts District is a fantastic choice for art and culture enthusiasts. This former industrial area is now an established cultural center and there are dozens of world-class art galleries to explore — particularly on Julia Street. Check out the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and the Contemporary Arts Center for a glimpse into the creative heart of this cultural city.
For history lovers, the National WWII Museum could easily occupy a whole day. Exhibits highlight the role of world leaders as well as the everyday men and women who helped fight the war that changed the world. Multimedia displays and many personal accounts of people from the time make this a fantastic immersive experience.
It is about a twenty-minute walk to the French Quarter, and some people might prefer to get a cab at night when the streets can get rowdy.
The Warehouse District has a wide range of accommodation options, from sweet boutique guesthouses to large brand-name modern hotels. The Sonder at Constance Lofts and The Lola are great options.
Mid-City/Lakeview for Great Access to the Sights
Highlights: New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA), City Park, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park
Just north of French Quarter, the laid-back Mid-City/Lakeview area is a wonderful place to stay if you want convenient access to New Orleans’ sights without the noisiness of the French Quarter. This is another great area for families and there are plenty of outdoor green spaces for little ones to run around.
The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) is the city’s oldest arts institution and holds a fine collection of domestic and international art, with changing exhibitions and events held throughout the year. It is situated within City Park, just a few minutes walk from the Canal Street – City Park streetcar terminus.
Also within City Park is the New Orleans Botanical Garden, a stunning garden with over 2,000 species of flora and fauna. If you are traveling with children, City Park is home to a carousel and the Louisiana Children’s Museum making it an excellent spot for little ones. On a sunny day, you can head to the lake, rent a boat, and spend a couple of hours cooling off on the water.
There are plenty of great bars and restaurants in the Mid-City area. Check out 12 Mile Limit and Finn McCool’s for cheap cocktails and plenty of space to dance. Cuisine in the area offers more of a global flavor, with Mexican tacos, Vitanemes bahn mi, and fresh seafood all on offer here.
There is a great range of accommodation on offer in Mid-City, from large hotel chains to boutique homestays and inns. Many of the smaller hotels and B&Bs are tucked down the side streets, promising a great night’s sleep after a long day of exploring. For an intimate and cozy stay Maison de Manon is a two bedroom house close to the Street Car.
Find the Perfect New Orleans Neighborhood
Deciding where to stay in New Orleans can be tricky because there are no bad options! Whether you’re drawn to the nightlife in the French Quarter, the live music in Marigny and Bywater, or the quiet elegance of the Garden District, there is a neighborhood perfect for you.
Wherever you choose to stay, the vibrant culture of New Orleans is guaranteed to make your vacation one to remember.
