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New Orleans is an exciting place to visit, not just for Mardi Gras, but any time of the year with its long list of fun attractions. This Louisiana destination is a favorite among groups of friends who love to party, but it’s also an enjoyable trip for families with kids and couples craving a romantic getaway. Where you stay in New Orleans will influence how family-friendly, budget-friendly, romantic, or wild your trip is, so it’s a good idea to learn about the city’s neighborhoods and iconic streets. Here are some tips for where to stay in New Orleans depending on what you’re looking for on vacation.
French Quarter
Why Stay Here: Center of all the action, walk to top attractions.
Top Hotels: Hotel Monteleone | Royal Sonesta New Orleans
The most popular part of New Orleans to stay in is the French Quarter because this is where so much of the action is in the city. This is where most people center their vacations around so that they can be in walking distance of all the great nightlife options. In the French Quarter, you can find familiar chain brands and also boutique shops. This is a great part of town to be in if you don’t want to rent a car and want to be on foot all of the time. However, this is a busy, noisy, and touristy area that isn’t the best option if you’re looking for a good night’s sleep. In addition to the famous party scene, there is also a lot of history and cultural attractions to learn about in the French Quarter.
Bourbon Street
Why Stay Here: Party all day and all night within easy stumbling distance of all the bars.
Top Hotels: Bourbon Orleans Hotel | Omni Royal Orleans
Bourbon Street is located within the French Quarter and is the epicenter of tourist activity in New Orleans. This is an ideal place to stay if you’re looking to party all day and all night long. It’s loud, boisterous, and a ton of fun to be in a hotel along Bourbon Street, but don’t expect to get much sleep while you’re here.
Frenchman Street
Why Stay Here: Center of the music scene to check out live performances.
Top Hotels: Hotel Le Marais | Maison Dupuy
Frenchman Street is the hub of the music scene in New Orleans, so plan to stay nearby if you want to catch a ton of live performances while you’re in town. Musicians take the stage every night along Frenchman Street, so it’s easy to fall in love with jazz, blues, and New Orleans culture when you stay in this part of town. Most of the music clubs are 21+, so this isn’t necessarily the best place to stay for families with kids.
Garden District
Why Stay Here: Quiet and upscale area with beautiful mansions and family-friendly attractions nearby.
Top Hotels: Hotel Indigo New Orleans Garden District | Henry Howard Hotel
If you’re looking for a quieter place to stay to experience a different side of New Orleans, then consider booking a hotel in the Garden District. This is a historic and beautiful part of town with huge mansions and lovely landscaping. Stay here to be away from the party scene and to immerse yourself in the architecture and elegance. In this area, you’ll be near the zoo and Audubon Park. Therefore, this is a nice place to stay for families with kids. Just be mindful that it can be quite expensive to stay in the Garden District.
Saint Charles Avenue
Why Stay Here: Shaded residential area with easy streetcar access.
Top Hotels: Royal St Charles Hotel | Hilton New Orleans St. Charles Avenue
Stay along Saint Charles Avenue to be in a quiet residential area lined with lovely trees for shade and lots of history to learn about. Here you’ll see old oak trees with Mardi Gras beads hanging from there from the Carnival route. There’s a streetcar that runs along Saint Charles Avenue to give you easy access to other parts of town. You can access the French Quarter, Garden District, and Uptown on the streetcar. Stay here to immerse yourself into the local life and drool over the impressive 19th and 20th-century mansions. It can be pricey to stay in this area, so keep that in mind if you’re traveling on a budget.
Faubourg Marigny
Why Stay Here: Unique hipster haven with B&Bs and a bohemian vibe.
Top Hotels: Melrose Mansion | Royal Street Courtyard
The most unique place to stay in New Orleans is Faubourg Marigny, which is a hip and trendy part of town that’s popular among young travelers. This hipster haven is packed with restaurants, bars, and live music, but it’s more off the beaten path than Bourbon Street. Artists and bohemian-types love it here. There are some nice bed and breakfast accommodations in Faubourg Marigny that are packed with interesting character. Just be aware that you’ll be a little further from the city’s top attractions when you stay here so it’s perhaps not the best option for families with kids.
Magazine Street
Why Stay Here: Eclectic shops to explore with your family.
Top Hotels: Omni Riverfront Hotel | Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery
Magazine Street is the place to be in New Orleans if you love to shop and browse unique stores. This street is lined with eclectic shops and eateries and stretches six miles from Canal Street to Audubon Park. Charming homes exist within the shopping clusters, and the whole area is very walkable. Stay here with your family to explore various aspects of the city and hop on the streetcar to access other parts of town.
Central Business District
Why Stay Here: Affordable hotels and great for business travelers.
Top Hotels: Cambria Hotel & Suites New Orleans Downtown Warehouse District | The Roosevelt New Orleans
You can also stay in the Central Business District when you’re in New Orleans if you’re looking for a hotel on a budget or traveling for business. Hotels tend to be cheaper here, but they don’t necessarily have the same unique character as the accommodations in more touristy parts of town. The convention center is in the Central Business District, which is why many business travelers choose to stay here. You’ll find it easy to get a hotel here and be in close proximity of everything going on in the French Quarter too.
Canal Street
Why Stay Here: Streetcar access and right along the Mardi Gras parade route.
Top Hotels: The Jung Hotel & Residences | Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Another recommended area to stay in New Orleans is along Canal Street, which offers easy streetcar access and is lined with palm trees. This is a parade route street that has newly restored theaters that are great for catching a show. There are lots of hotel options to choose from here, including the Marriott, Sheraton, and Ritz Carlton. This is a fun place to stay during Mardi Gras because it’s right on the parade route. There’s also a Christmas parade that goes along this festive street in December.
