Where To Stay In New Orleans: 5 Best Areas & Neighborhoods

New Orleans does not do quiet compromise. Every corner of this city has its own distinct personality. 

The famous French Quarter gets all the spotlight, but the city’s actual architectural story is wilder than most people realize. Those iconic iron balconies everybody takes photos of are actually Spanish design, built after massive fires wiped out the original French buildings in the late 1700s. If you crash in the Quarter, you step right out into pure history and round-the-clock noise. It is brilliant for a first visit, but it never really turns off.

Slip just past the Quarter into the Marigny or Bywater and the whole scene shifts. Brightly painted shotgun homes line the streets, and locals drift toward Frenchmen Street for jazz instead of the mayhem on Bourbon. Down here, music drifts out of open dive bar doors, and small neighborhood joints serve up fresh po’boys without a massive line.

Here are the best neighborhoods to stay in New Orleans, plus what makes each one worth considering.

In this travel guide:

French Quarter

Best area for: history, tourists, nightlife

We will kick off the list with the most obvious and famous part of New Orleans.

The French Quarter is the part of New Orleans that usually ends up in your camera roll. It’s also the city’s oldest neighborhood, founded in 1718. The streets are lined with colorful Creole townhouses, wrought-iron balconies, hidden courtyards, and old buildings that have seen several centuries come and go.

Start at Jackson Square. St. Louis Cathedral dominates the square, while artists, musicians, and street performers fill the surrounding space. The Cabildo and The Presbytère are right beside it and are worth a look if you want some local history. The Historic New Orleans Collection is another good stop, especially if you’re curious about how the city developed.

Then there’s Bourbon Street. It’s loud, colorful, and not exactly peaceful, but you should see it at least once. For something a little calmer, we’d head to Royal Street for its galleries, antique shops, and balconies.

Food is a big reason to stay here, too. We usually make time for beignets and chicory coffee at Cafe Du Monde across from Jackson Square. The cafe has been serving them since 1862, so skipping it would feel slightly illegal.

The French Quarter gets busy, but that’s part of its character. We’d stay here if we wanted to be right in the middle of New Orleans’ history, nightlife, food, and music.

Best place to stay in the French Quarter

Hotel Royal Sonesta. Address: 300 Bourbon Street, French Quarter (Vieux Carré), New Orleans, LA 70130, United States of America.

Uptown

Best area for: families, parks

When traveling with a family, going to the French Quarter is a great idea, but it may not be where you want to stay. Uptown is a great alternative that is a bit safer and has more family-friendly attractions.

Uptown gives you the ultimate taste of local life. You get magnificent historic architecture, lush greenery, and amazing food, all away from the heavy crowds of the French Quarter.

In the nineteenth century, the city annexed a series of former sugar plantations and independent towns along the river, gradually shaping the district into a sprawling historic neighborhood. Ancient live oak trees canopy grand Victorian mansions and colorful shotgun houses throughout the entire area.

The neighborhood centers around two major thoroughfares. You can ride the iconic St. Charles Avenue streetcar past Tulane and Loyola universities, or head over to Magazine Street to browse local boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops. For outdoor spots, we hit Audubon Park.

You can visit the world-class Audubon Zoo inside the park, or walk to the nearby grassy riverbank spot locals call The Fly to watch barges roll down the Mississippi. The neighborhood also hosts rich cultural stops like the New Orleans African American Museum’s nearby historical connections and small neighborhood galleries.

The food options Uptown never disappoint. For a legendary lunch, we grab a counter seat at Camellia Grill on Carrollton Avenue. The bow-tied cooks fry up incredible pecan waffles, cheesy omelets, and classic diner burgers right in front of you.

Best place to stay in Uptown

Alder Hotel Uptown. Address: 4545 Magnolia Street, New Orleans, LA 70115, United States of America.

Bywater

Best area for: hipster, food, trendy

One of the younger, trendier areas in all of New Orleans is Bywater. Although this started as a quaint, old neighborhood, the area of Bywater and Marigny has had a rebirth and is now the hipster part of town.

That mix of history, art, food, and slightly scruffy charm is what makes it such a fun place to stay. You’ll find colorful Creole cottages, old shotgun houses, funky bars, and plenty of street art around almost every corner.

The neighborhood grew in the early 1800s and was shaped by free people of color, Creoles, immigrants, and its location along the Mississippi River. It is now one of New Orleans’ most creative areas.

We’d start with coffee and breakfast at Who Dat Coffee Cafe. It is a casual neighborhood spot with a good breakfast menu. For something more unusual, head to StudioBE. Artist Brandan “Bmike” Odums turned a huge former warehouse into an impressive art space filled with murals and large-scale work. The Music Box Village is another fun stop. Its strange, handmade structures actually make music when you interact with them.

Crescent Park is our pick when we need a break from the streets. The riverfront park runs along the Mississippi and has great skyline views, especially around sunset. There is also the colorful Rusty Rainbow bridge, which connects the neighborhood to the park.

For lunch, we would grab a table at Sneaky Pickle & Bar Brine. The food is creative without feeling too fancy. Later, we might stop by Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits for wine and live music.

Best place to stay in Bywater

Hotel Peter & Paul. Address: 2317 Burgundy Street, New Orleans, LA 70117, United States of America.

Mid-City

Best area for: life like a local, parks

Mid-City hits the sweet spot for any trip. You get historic streetcars, incredible food, and easy access to green space without dealing with heavy tourist crowds.

Situated right between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, this neighborhood historically sat on a low-lying backswamp. Drainage projects in the late nineteenth century transformed it into a thriving residential haven. It offers a much more authentic local vibe compared to the French Quarter.

The highlight here is City Park. You can explore the New Orleans Museum of Art or check out the Besthoff Sculpture Garden nestled under ancient live oaks. We like renting kayaks on Bayou St. John or catching the historic red streetcar down Canal Street. Hop off near the Fair Grounds Race Course if you are in town during Jazz Fest.

When hunger hits, we head straight to Parkway Bakery and Tavern. They have been slinging legendary po-boys since 1911. Order a slow-roasted roast beef po-boy drenched in heavy gravy with all the trimmings. Wash it down with a cold local draft beer on their outdoor patio.

Best place to stay in Mid-City

India House Hostel. Address: 124 South Lopez Street, New Orleans, LA 70119, United States of America.

Central Business District

Best area for: business, upscale, food

Right next to the French Quarter is the Central Business District. As the name implies, this is the area of New Orleans that has huge buildings and office spaces. That being said, if you find yourself in New Orleans on a business trip, this is the place to stay.

The area started taking shape in the early 1800s and quickly became the city’s American business and cultural center.

There’s plenty to see here. We can check out Lafayette Square and the impressive Gallier Hall, then hop on the St. Charles streetcar for a ride through the city. Canal Street is another major landmark. It has been one of New Orleans’ main commercial streets for generations.

The Warehouse District, on the CBD’s riverfront side, is especially worth a look. Old warehouses have been turned into galleries, restaurants and museums. The National WWII Museum and Ogden Museum of Southern Art are two big draws. There’s also the Caesars Superdome if there’s a Saints game or another big event happening.

Food is another reason we like staying here. The neighborhood has had a bit of a restaurant comeback in recent years, with everything from Creole cooking to Indian and Thai food. For breakfast, we’d head to Bread and Butter Café on Gravier Street. It’s casual, affordable and an easy place to fuel up before a day of exploring.

The CBD is a practical base, too. You can walk to the French Quarter, catch a streetcar, or explore the Warehouse District without needing a car.

Best place to stay in New Orleans CBD

Windsor Court Hotel. Address: 300 Gravier Street, Downtown New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States of America.

Where travel critics stay in New Orleans

Want to know where travel critics from publishers like The New York Times, Frommer’s, Fodor’s and Lonely Planet stay in New Orleans, Louisiana? Check out our overview of all recommended hotels, hostels and B&Bs in New Orleans.

Budget

Maison Perrier Bed & Breakfast.

“The impressive exterior of this former house of ill repute is frillier than inside, though there is still plenty to impress here. Antiques abound, and a smattering of country touches help create genuine, warm comfort. The beds are deep and piled with soft, girly linens; and room configurations are amenable to couples, families, and friends.” — Frommer’s.

Address: 4117 Perrier Street, New Orleans, LA 70115, United States of America.

Mid-range

Park View Historic Hotel.

“Beside Audubon Park, this ornate wooden masterpiece was built in 1884 to impress people attending the World Cotton Exchange Exposition. The rooms and guest lounge are heavy with antiques, and the verandah overlooking the park and St Charles Ave is lovely.” — Lonely Planet.

Address: 7004 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118, United States of America.

Luxury

Audubon Cottages.

“An unmarked gate and leaf-canopied pathway lead to seven ultra-private one- and two-bedroom cottages with a large courtyard (some private, some shared). Each is gracefully but not overly antiqued amid gorgeous brick walls and gleaming hardwood floors.” — Fodor’s.

Address: 415 Dauphine Street, French Quarter (Vieux Carré), New Orleans, LA 70112, United States of America.

FAQ: New Orleans hotel tips

Looking for the best budget, boutique, or luxury hotel in New Orleans? Or maybe you’re a backpacker looking for an excellent hostel? Want to know which New Orleans hotel serves a great breakfast? Here are the answers to all those and other questions about where to stay in New Orleans.

Best time to visit New Orleans

The months of February through May are generally considered the most popular time to visit the city, largely due to the world-famous Mardi Gras celebrations.

The city comes alive with colorful parades, festive parties, and live music during this period, making it an unforgettable experience for visitors. Additionally, the weather during these months is generally mild and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C).

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere and lower prices on accommodations, the summer months of June through August might be the best time to visit New Orleans.

Although the weather can be hot and humid during this time, it is also a great opportunity to explore the city’s countless museums and indoor attractions at a leisurely pace. Moreover, you can take advantage of various summer festivals, such as the New Orleans Oyster Festival and Essence Festival.

For those who enjoy attending cultural events and experiencing the local arts scene, the months of September through November offer a variety of unique festivals and events.

The New Orleans Film Festival, Voodoo Music + Arts Experience, and the Oak Street Po-Boy Festival are just a few examples of what you can expect during this time. The weather during these months is also quite pleasant, with temperatures cooling down from the summer heat.

Best things to do in New Orleans

There are plenty of things to do in New Orleans and surrounding areas, including day trips, attractions, museums, sightseeing tours and many other activities. Here’s our list of 3 things you should definitely do when you’re in and around New Orleans:

Swamp and Bayou Sightseeing Tour with Boat Ride from New Orleans

Discover the mystique of the swamps and bayous on a sightseeing boat tour from New Orleans. Travel deep into the secluded bayous across the Mississippi River to witness Cajun life and spot native wildlife. Price: $52. More info.

New Orleans: French Quarter, Cemetery, and Voodoo Tour

Enjoy 3 tours in 1 on this 2-hour walking tour. Explore the French Quarter and Armstrong Park in the district of Treme. Visit the City of the Dead, the oldest cemetery in New Orleans. Learn burial customs and see the Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau’s tomb. Price: $21. More info.

New Orleans: Day Jazz Cruise on the Steamboat Natchez

Board the Steamboat Natchez and be transported back in time! Journey along the graceful current and learn why New Orleans was founded on the beautiful crescent of the lower Mississippi River on this two-hour jazz cruise. Price: $45. More info.

More things to do in New Orleans

Deciding where to stay in New Orleans

Let’s recap what we just learned in this article. We’ve covered the best areas of New Orleans above. Now you can decide where to stay while visiting!

Top 5 neighborhoods to stay in New Orleans

• French Quarter
• Bywater
• Mid-City
• Central Business District
• Uptown

As you have seen in this travel guide, there are plenty of things to explore, and deciding where to stay in New Orleans is important. Whether you stay in the French Quarter, Bywater, Mid-City, Central Business District or Uptown, all those neighborhoods are in good locations.

The atmosphere of the area, whether you travel for leisure or business, whether you travel with your family or friends, and proximity to the attractions you prefer to visit should probably be the deciding factors. Whatever your preference is, you’ll have a great time in New Orleans.

New Orleans overview

More New Orleans tips

See our other guides about the best places to stay in New Orleans:

Hotels in New Orleans

Hostels in New Orleans

Boutique hotels in New Orleans

Luxury hotels in New Orleans

Cheap hotels in New Orleans