Where to Stay in New Orleans: A Neighbourhood Guide

Short answer: for a first visit, stay in the French Quarter, ideally in the quieter lower Quarter or on Royal Street rather than on Bourbon Street. Music lovers should look at the Marigny, and anyone who values sleep at the Garden District.

Prices depend heavily on the festival calendar. During Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest and big events at the Superdome, rates can rise sharply and minimum stays apply, so book early or avoid those dates. Summer is the cheapest season.

The French Quarter

The heart of the city, with historic hotels, guesthouses in old townhouses and courtyard pools. Everything is walkable. The trade-off is noise: rooms on or near Bourbon Street can be loud until the early hours. The blocks downriver, towards Esplanade Avenue, are calmer and more residential.

Faubourg Marigny

Just downriver from the Quarter, with colourful Creole cottages, bed and breakfasts and short-term rentals, and Frenchmen Street's music clubs on the doorstep. Quieter at night than the Quarter, except along Frenchmen itself, and the streets empty quickly a few blocks away from it.

The CBD and Warehouse District

Across Canal Street, with big chain and boutique hotels, rooftop bars and the WWII Museum. Convenient for the airport bus, the Superdome and the convention centre, and often cheaper than the Quarter, but quieter after office hours.

The Garden District and Lower Garden District

Leafy, residential and elegant, with guesthouses in old mansions, the shops and bars of Magazine Street, and the St. Charles streetcar for the ride downtown. A slower pace, and a good base for a longer stay.

Mid-City

Near City Park and the Jazz Fest grounds, on the Canal streetcar line. Few hotels, but some good neighbourhood restaurants, and practical for Jazz Fest.

Wherever you stay, check whether parking is included if you're driving. Our getting there guide covers the streetcar lines that link each area, and our music guide maps out the best clubs.