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If you’re looking to know where to stay in New Orleans, what neighborhoods to visit, and how to get around in this city, this guide is for you.
Tourism is a major industry in New Orleans. And for a good reason! This city has some of the best vacation destinations, rich history, and a thriving arts scene.
A trip to New Orleans is an experience like no other. From the French Quarter to the Garden District, this city of Creole beauty will surprise you with its sophistication and uniqueness.
New Orleans Neighborhood Guide
Planning a trip to the Paris of the South? Let this guide help you to know more about what it’s like to stay in some of the most famous neighborhoods in New Orleans!
a. French Quarter
The French Quarter is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in because of its accessibility and convenient location. It’s the home of many iconic drinks, including those located in Bourbon Street.
What makes the French Quarter truly unique are the colonial-style architectures that will certainly catch your attention.
This is the perfect place to stay when you will be in New Orleans for a while and would love to get a drink and join parties. Women over 50 can also enjoy a peaceful vacation in the more secluded streets in the heart of the French Quarter.
French Quarter is only a walking distance to Frenchman Street, the best live jazz music home. Other nearby attractions include:
- Bourbon Street
- Preservation Hall
- Jackson Square
- Cafe Du Monde
- St. Louis Cemetery No.1
b. Central Business District
If you are in New Orleans mainly for business, Central Business District is the perfect neighborhood for you. It’s close to the central part of the city and some famous tourist attractions.
This place is ideal for business travelers because it’s a quieter neighborhood than the French Quarter.
However, you can still enjoy after work hours at Lafayette Square for some free concerts and delicious restaurants.
Some of the nearby attractions you can visit when you stay here include the Aquarium of the Americas, Harrah’s Casino, and Canal Place for shopping.
c. Bourbon Street
If you’re after the colorful and lively neighborhood in New Orleans, you should certainly check out Bourbon Street.
It’s the liveliest and wildest street situated in the heart of the French Quarter. This street is filled with amazing hotels, bars, pubs, clubs, and restaurants where you can dine, drink, and party.
Aside from parties and drinks, Bourbon Street is also known for its live acts from almost all types of genres – from jazz, rock to techno trance.
d. Faubourg Marigny
Another famous neighborhood is Faubourg Marigny. It’s one of the best places to stay in New Orleans, where you’ll find iconic shotgun-style homes filled with character.
This area is filled with different kinds of entertainment, perfect for women over 50.
Faubourg Marigny, a blend of unique creole and revived cottages from the 50s, can be described as a local version of the French Quarter.
It is home to some of the best bakeries, tea rooms, pubs, restaurants, and bars. If you are looking for good music, Faubourg Marigny plays the best music to complement your dining experience in restaurants.
This is also the perfect place to stay if you want to blend in and interact with local artists and musicians within the city.
Some nearby attractions include Frenchman Street, St. Roch Market, Fry & Pie, and Bacchanal Wine and Spirits. You’re also walking distance from the French Quarter if you’d like to visit that neighborhood.
e. Lakeview
If you’re planning a family vacation, you should check out Mid-City and Lakeview, situated north of the city proper. Lakeview is filled with picturesque landscapes and unique arts that will certainly catch your attention.
It’s well-connected with Mid-City; these two neighborhoods are relaxing escapes when you want to get away from the French Quarter for a short time.
When you stay in Lakeview, it’s just a short drive to most tourist attractions in New Orleans.
It’s also home to good outdoor adventures, including animal encounters or airboat riding. In this place, you get to appreciate the beauty of nature in New Orleans.
f. Bywater
If you enjoy walking outdoors with friends, you should not miss out on Bywater’s quirky vibe. This area is laid-back and perfect for artists and hipsters looking to join in on the fun.
It’s typically busier and noisier at night, with popular places like Music Box Village and Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits for drinking.
Bywater is the perfect place to be when you don’t have a car. It has long boulevards that will certainly amaze you as you take a stroll and discover more about this area.
Where to Stay in New Orleans: 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay In
To get the most out of your New Orleans Trip, here are the 5 best neighborhoods that will certainly make your vacation a memorable one! We’ve listed different hotels for you to choose which one will suit your budget.
a. French Quarter
If you are after the convenience of your location, the French Quarter is the perfect area for you. Here are hotels and accommodations you can check out, depending on your budget.
1. Best Luxury Hotel: Hotel Monteleone
Discover the French Quarter in luxury with the luxurious Hotel Monteleone. It’s a four-diamond hotel with unique amenities, including:
- Criollo Restaurant and Lounge
- Carousel Bar and Lounge
- Spa Aria
- A rooftop pool and fitness center
Hotel Monteleone offers other upscale amenities and free Wi-Fi throughout your entire stay.
With its grand architecture and historic design, it’s filled with picturesque and aesthetic spots where you can take photos while enjoying the comfort of your deluxe room.
2. Best Mid Range Hotel: Hotel Mazarin
Hotel Mazarin is located at the heart of the French Quarter, and there are nearby shops, restaurants, and some of New Orleans’ tourist attractions.
It’s a charming yet elegant midrange hotel that gives you a luxurious vibe. Some of its amenities include:
- Patrick’s Bar Vin
- 21st Amendment Bar
- On-site gym
Rooms here are spacious and come with a complimentary buffet breakfast, Wi-Fi, and welcome drinks.
3. Best Budget Hostel: IHSP French Quarter Hostel
The IHSP French Quarter Hostel is a perfect budget hostel for backpackers who are always on the go.
This hostel is right in the center of the French Quarter and is near most shops and restaurants in the city. It’s also walking distance to Bourbon Street if you want to head out and party at night.
This budget hostel offers free WiFi, linens, and lockers. You can also enjoy watching your Netflix favorites in the common room.
Best Things to Do in the French Quarter
The historic French Quarter is certainly a neighborhood favorite. You can do so much and go to different tourist spots, such as the following:
- Enjoy the music of New Orleans in Central Jackson Square
- Visit and admire the historical culture, bars, and souvenir shops along Chartres Street
- Shop at dining at Old French Market
- Check out Preservation Hall
- Enjoy a night out at Orleans Grapevine Wine Bar & Restaurant
- Visit Pirates Alley packed with different businesses and historical buildings
b. Central Business District
The Central Business District is more than a neighborhood for business travelers. It’s a colorful downtown neighborhood ideal for food lovers, culture enthusiasts, and women over 50 who love nighttime activities.
While it’s more peaceful than other neighborhoods, Central Business District also offers fun leisure hours where you can drink and enjoy after a stressful day of work.
1. Best Luxury Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
Enjoy the beautiful sight of the Mississippi River in the Central Business District in the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans.
This hotel allows guests to experience innovative Louisiana cuisine, enjoy a relaxing dip in its resort-style swimming pool, and hold private events while enjoying the beautiful views.
2. Best Mid Range Hotel: Selina Catahoula New Orleans
The Selina Catahoula offers guests a unique experience in a modernized Creole Townhouse. You can enjoy your morning coffee in the courtyard or reward yourself with a glass of cocktails in Piscobar.
Take advantage of its beautiful rooftop while doing your morning yoga or listening to live music at night.
3. Best Budget Hostel: Auberg NOLA Hostel
Located in the center of New Orleans, Auberg NOLA Hostel offers private and shared dorms, common rooms, and a kitchen for all.
Its location is near different cafes, shops, and eateries. You can enjoy partying every night for free because the hostel frequently hosts parties and events!
Best things to do in Central Business District
Central Business District might be ideal for business travelers, but there are still several attractions you can check out in this area, such as:
- Ride the oldest operating streetcar line in the world – St. Charles Streetcar Line
- Visit Immaculate Conception Church
- Enjoy fruit wine and smoothie tasting at NOLA Tropical Winery
- Brose shops at Lafayette Square
- Appreciate Southern comfort food at Commerce Restaurant
- Taste local delicacies at Hobnobber’s Varieties Bar
- Try eating at Juan’s Flying Burrito and Mena’s Palace
c. Bourbon Street
Indulge in crazy and fun nights right in the heart of the French Quarter in Bourbon Street. This area has amazing hotels to stay in before going for a night out of drinking and partying with your friends!
1. Best Mid Range Hotel: Hotel St. Marie
Hotel St. Marie is situated right in the heart of Bourbon Street. It’s a great place to stay because this hotel is near tourist spots that you cannot miss when you visit New Orleans.
Certainly, you’ll love the traditional and historical architecture of their rooms.
This hotel is close to Jackson Square, where you can enjoy live music from local artists and musicians. They offer free WiFi for your entire stay and an outdoor pool. It also has restaurants and a bar so you can grab a bite whenever you want.
2. Best Mid Range Hotel: Homewood Suites by Hilton New Orleans French Quarter
Homewood Suites by Hilton New Orleans is a three-star hotel situated in the heart of Bourbon Street. It provides convenient and comfortable accommodation close to the best bars, pubs, and restaurants in Bourbon Street.
This mid-range hotel offers several amenities, including a fitness center, private parking spaces, a shared lounge, and a beautiful garden.
You can also enjoy an American-style breakfast every morning and an outdoor swimming pool when you want to relax and take a dip. There’s also free WiFi in the entire hotel and a business center.
Other amenities include:
- Billiards and mini-golf course
- A sun terrace
- 24-hour front desk
- ATM and a concierge office
3. Best Budget Guest House: Bon Maison Guest House
Bon Maison Guest House is a budget-friendly accommodation that provides a comfortable stay for women over 50.
It’s situated near St. Louis Cathedral in an old brick building. This guest house is pet-friendly and offers a terrace when you want to enjoy your morning coffee with a view.
All rooms are air-conditioned with free toiletries, a hairdryer, and WiFi. This guesthouse also has a picnic area and a garden where you can relax and enjoy outdoor nature.
Best Things to do in Bourbon Street
As mentioned earlier, Bourbon Street is considered to be the loudest and craziest place in New Orleans.
It’s home to numerous bars and pubs where you can hang out with your newfound friends as you explore this area. If you visit Bourbon Street, don’t forget to try the following:
- Visit Tropical Isle and listen to Cajun and Zydeco bands while drinking
- Indulge in steaks at Galatoire’s 33 Bar & Steak
- Take a walk at Musical Legends Park to learn more about New Orleans jazz heroes
- Listen to jazz while drinking at Fritzel’s European Jazz Club
- All night partying at Oz
- Try out absinthe cocktails at Old Absinthe House
d. Faubourg Marigny
If you are all for a laidback and hipster vibe, you should certainly check out hotels and accommodations in Faubourg Marigny. Staying here allows you to connect with local artists as you share your passion for music.
1. Best Luxury Hotel: Hotel Peter and Paul
Get the most out of Faubourg Marigny’s hipster vibes in the luxurious Hotel Peter and Paul.
This four-star grand hotel was built in a former church and school; it shows off vintage yet upscale rooms ideal for travelers who love anything vintage and historical.
Hotel Peter and Paul offers free WiFi in rooms and public spaces and has a restaurant, bar, and a bookstore for visitors. There is also a garden and a terrace for guests who love to relax outdoors.
2. Best Mid Range Hotel: Lamothe House
The Lamothe House Hotel is a charming and colorful hotel equipped with a sun terrace, lounge bar, and an outdoor swimming pool. Its location is within walking distance to Bourbon Street and the French Market.
Hotel guests can enjoy free WiFi, a common area with a microwave, refrigerator, and complimentary coffee or tea.
There are 35 rooms equipped with flat-screen televisions with cable channels, high-quality beddings, and comforters.
Lamothe House Hotel is ideal for travelers on a budget but is willing to spend the right amount of money for a comfortable sleep at night.
3. Best Budget Hostel: Madam Isabel’s House in New Orleans
Madam Isabel’s House in New Orleans has a unique and bursting vibe right in the center of Faubourg Marigny.
This budget hostel has both private and dorm-style rooms with comfortable beds. It also has a garden and a large deck when you want to breathe and enjoy nature.
They offer laundry facilities; guests are served free continental breakfast and WiFi in public areas and their rooms. Inside the private rooms are refrigerators, stovetops, microwaves, and hot tubs.
Best Things to do in Faubourg Marigny
Experience the funkiness of this charming neighborhood with the following attractions:
- Go out and stroll along Frenchman Street, a lively area filled with bars, clubs, and delicious restaurants
- Enjoy local beers at Brieux Carre and small-batch beers at Parleaux Beer Lab
- Admire art culture at the Art Garage
- Try out local bites at Rock Market
- Shop at the monthly flea market – Piety Street Market
- Enjoy live jazz music at The Spotted Cat Music Club
- Listen to live music at the bohemian HiHo Lounge
e. Lakeview
Enjoy New Orleans with your entire family by staying in some of the best accommodations in Lakeview. This area is a family-friendly neighborhood where you can enjoy different activities perfect for your entire group!
1. Best Luxury Hotel: Midtown Hotel: Downtown New Orleans
Midtown Hotel is a comfortable and quiet hotel right in the busy center of Lakeview, New Orleans.
This hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and large rooms equipped with televisions with cable channels.
Guests can also enjoy the on-site restaurant and a lounge bar when they want to relax and drink before heading to bed.
2. Best Mid Range Hotel: Canal Street Inn
Canal Street Inn offers an old-fashioned but unique bed and breakfast.
It’s only a walking distance from the French Quarter, and there are several common places for relaxation when you want to meet new tourists, including a living room, a terrace, a dining room, and an outdoor garden.
Free breakfast is served every morning, while drinks and refreshments are available the entire day. The location of this hotel is close to different New Orleans attractions, such as:
- Canal and Royal Street
- Caesars Superdome
- Audobon Aquarium
3. Best Budget Hostel: Nola Jazz House
Nola Jazz House is a convenient budget hostel located on the streetcar line and is within walking distance to the French Quarter.
It’s the perfect place to stay when you want to meet new locals and tourists and experience some of the best New Orleans food, music, and culture.
This hostel also offers free breakfast while you enjoy the wonderful scenery at the outdoor patio. If you want to party and drink, it’s just a ten-minute ride to Bourbon Street and the City Park.
Best Things to do in Lakeview
Lakeview is the best location to spend time with your family. Here are some ideas on what to do and where to go when you stay in Lakeview.
- Take a walk at New Orleans City Park
- Admire sculptures and other artwork at The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
- Enjoy the scent of flowers at the New Orleans Botanical Garden
- Take your kids to ride the carousel at the Carousel Gardens
- Satisfy your seafood craving at The Blue Crab
- Indulge in homestyle-cooked meals at Russell’s Marina Grill
f. Bywater
Bywater is the perfect place to stay in New Orleans when you’re traveling with friends and want to enjoy the city’s laid-back vibe.
It’s where you get to meet locals who can tour you around to know more about the culture of the Birthplace of Jazz.
Here are some of the accommodations you can choose for your adventure at Bywater.
1. Best Luxury Hotel: Sonder the Bywater
Sonder will make you feel at home as you enjoy the luxurious rooms and amenities. It has a vintage and homey vibe, perfect for a group of friends to bond at night. All rooms are air-conditioned and have free WiFi.
Their rooms are also equipped with a flat-screen TV, mini dining area, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, and a coffee maker.
The location of Sonder is near the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and Morial Convention Center.
2. Best Midrange AirBnB: Bywater Guest House
The Bywater Guest House is a New Orleans Cottage perfect for big groups of tourists looking for a cozy place to spend the night. It has a true Creole style with a comfortable and quiet vibe.
This guest house offers a leafy garden patio where you can enjoy your morning coffee. The interiors are also very colorful; you will certainly not find anything dull in this place.
3. Best Budget Hotel: Olde Town Inn
The bright blue Olde Town Inn is a good low-budget place to stay in when you visit Bywater.
This accommodation offers old-fashioned-furnished rooms and suites which are perfect for any group. There’s free WiFi and parking spaces available, and you can even bring your pet with you.
If you like to take a walk, Bourbon Street, French Market, and Washington Square are nearby.
Best Things to do in Bywater
Whether you’re with family or friends, there are too many things you can do when you stay in Bywater:
- Visit Dr. Bob Art if you love to see colorful artworks
- Listen to different musical instruments in Music Box Village
- Check out art exhibitions at Studio BE
- Enjoy local delicacies at Elizabeth’s
- Enjoy nature while taking a walk along Royal Street
- Taste different wines at Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
Transportations Around New Orleans
Touring around New Orleans is easy because most of the best places to visit are just within walking distance of each other.
However, if you still need to ride public transportations to reach your destination, here are some you can find around New Orleans.
1. Taxi and rideshare apps like Lyft and Uber are the easiest and least hassle transportation for touring.
2. You can also check out streetcars, especially when you go to the Garden District from the French Quarter. Their fares are priced at $1.25 per person and must be paid in the exact amount.
3. Jazzy passes are also available if you plan to take multiple transportations during your stay in New Orleans.
New Orleans Travel Tips
If you plan to go to New Orleans, the best time to visit is between February and May. These are the months when it’s most comfortable and when the weather is cooler.
When you want to get the most out of visiting Bourbon Street, don’t miss out on Mardi Gras celebrated every February.
It is one of the craziest Bourbon Street celebrations. So if you want to come during Mardi Gras, it’s better to plan your itinerary and book your place in advance before everything becomes sold out.
If you come between December to January, it’s more peaceful and relaxing. You don’t need to book and plan in advance during these two months.
The least desirable months are from June to November because of the hurricane and heavy storm season.
Looking for tours?
Avoid the crowds & book a private tour!
And Don’t Forget!
- Bring comfortable shoes.
- Stay healthy. Pack your best activewear and stay on top of your daily workout!
- Take care of your skin with only the best skincare products.
- Need a new luggage, backpack, or travel bag? Here’s our top recommendation!
- Find the best airport parking options before your trip. Compare parking lots, rates, info and reviews on AirportParking.com.
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