Where to Stay in New Orleans: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Posted: 5/23/23 | May 23rd, 2023 New Orleans is known for its rambunctious nightlife and wild Mardi Gras. But there’s more to the Big Easy than the frozen drinks on Bourbon Street. It’s essential to branch out during your visit. The Garden District, the Central Business District (aka CBD), the Marigny, Bywater, and Mid-City (among other neighborhoods) all have their own distinct style, vibe, and personality. And, since each is going to shape your experience, you want to pick an area to stay that fits your style. To help you plan your trip, here is my breakdown of the best neighborhoods in New Orleans for visitors (as well as suggested accommodations in each). But, first, some frequent questions I get asked about staying in New Orleans: What’s the best neighborhood for sightseeing? This one is pretty simple: the French Quarter. Yes, it’s packed with tourists, but if sightseeing is on your agenda, then a stay here is a must. What’s the best neighborhood for families?If you’re traveling as a family, Mid-City is the place for you. In addition to hugging up against the expansive City Park, the area is also home to the Louisiana Children’s Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Art. What’s the best neighborhood for shopping? The Warehouse District is filled with great shops and boutiques. Make sure you hit Magazine Street, which stretches into the Lower Garden District as well. What’s the best neighborhood for foodies? Tremé and the 7th Ward are excellent for people who travel with their stomach and taste buds in mind. There are new trendy spots but also a handful of excellent traditional Creole and Cajun restaurants. What’s the best neighborhood for history? While lots of people might point the history buff to the French Quarter — and understandably so — the Garden District is a more tranquil neighborhood that is worth exploring, replete with 19th-century mansions and historic cemeteries. What’s the best neighborhood for hipsters? The Marigny and neighboring Bywater are chock-full of dive bars, art galleries, and cool restaurants with an all-around hip vibe. Frenchmen Street boasts a bunch of great jazz bars and bohemian hangouts. What’s the best neighborhood overall? It’s hard to pick just one neighborhood in a city where each district has its own unique flavor and style, but I’m going with the French Quarter, because that is usually the one that lures people here in the first place. So, with those questions answered, here’s a breakdown of each neighborhood, with suggested accommodations, so you know precisely where to stay in New Orleans: Where to Stay in New Orleans for Sightseeing: the French Quarter This famed historic neighborhood is the central spot for most visitors to the Big Easy. The debaucherous district — where you can walk around with a potent Hurricane drink in hand — is also loaded with famous restaurants, small museums, and cocktail bars. It may get crowded at times, but the French Quarter is most definitely worth spending time in, as it’s one of the great neighborhoods in North America. Best places to stay in the French Quarter: BUDGET: City House Hostel — City House Hostel is one of the most centrally located, budget-friendly accommodations in town. The bunk beds in the dorms don’t have privacy shades, but the mattresses are quite comfortable. There’s a kitchen for guests and a fun common room with foosball. MIDRANGE: Villa Convento — Rumored to be the “House of the Rising Sun” from the famed 1960s song by the Animals, Villa Convento is steeped in history. Housed in a former convent from the 1830s, the villa has loft, balcony, and courtyard rooms, all of which are bedecked with antique furniture. LUXURY: The Ritz-Carlton — Situated in the southwest corner of the Quarter, the Ritz-Carlton is the epitome of luxury. Rooms are decorated with the commissioned work of local artists; some have balconies overlooking the Quarter. They also feature signature robes, marble bathrooms, Asprey bathroom amenities, soundproof windows, and high ceilings. Where to Stay in New Orleans for Families: Mid-City Just about a 10-minute ride on the streetcar, Mid-City feels hours away from the decadence of the French Quarter. The neighborhood is made up of stately houses along Canal Street and quirky and cute bungalows down side streets. There are a number of great restaurants — such as Parkway Bakery & Tavern, home of one of the best po’ boy sandwiches in town — as well as a set of fantastic museums, such as the Louisiana Children’s Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Art. City Park, a huge swath of green that is an oasis of tranquility, can also be found here. Best places to stay in Mid-City: BUDGET: India House Hostel — This budget-minded hostel smack in the center of Mid-City has male-only, female-only, and mixed dorm rooms. Bunks don’t have privacy dividers but the mattresses are comfortable. In addition to the usual hostel amenities, such as a nice common space an

Where to Stay in New Orleans: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit