Choose your neighbourhood: The best places to stay in New Orleans
New Orleans is one of the most unique and charming cities in the United States. It is famous for its rich history, diverse culture, live music and delicious cuisine. New Orleans is a city that never sleeps and is always ready to surprise and delight its guests.
If you are planning to visit the city, you need to know where the best place to stay is. In this article, we will tell you about the best neighbourhoods in New Orleans to stay in depending on your travel goals and budget. Join us as we travel around New Orleans and learn how to make your trip unforgettable!
Audubon
A quiet and green neighbourhood in New Orleans that is named after the famous artist and naturalist John James Audubon. With beautiful homes and Audubon Park, this lush neighbourhood is perfect for nature, sports and history lovers.
Interesting places to visit
In Audubon, you can stroll through Audubon Park, which covers about 350 acres and features beautiful walkways of ancient oaks, a convenient jogging path, a lagoon, picnic areas, and playgrounds. The park features tennis courts, stables, soccer fields, Whitney Young Pool, Audubon Clubhouse Café and Audubon Golf Club.
For animal lovers, there is an opportunity to visit the Audubon Zoo, which was founded in 1914 and is one of the best zoos in the United States. It is home to a variety of animals such as elephants, gorillas, tigers, alligators and flamingos. You can also check out the amazing underwater world with its inhabitants at the Audubon Aquarium, which is located near the park.
For those interested in history, Audubon has a lot to tell. The area was once a sugar plantation that played an important role in the Civil War. John James Audubon, who created his famous Birds of America series, lived and worked here.
Where to stay
Audubon is a neighbourhood for those who want a break from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter, which is only six miles away. Here, it is possible to immerse yourself in a world of tranquility, beauty, and the wonderful atmosphere of New Orleans. It's a great place for families, couples, friends and singles who appreciate nature, sports and history. You'll be matched with one of Audubon's seven comfortable, historic cottages, which were built in the 18th and 19th centuries and have retained their unique charm.
- Hilton New Orleans Riverside. A 4-star hotel located on the banks of the Mississippi River, steps away from city life. The hotel offers spacious rooms, a seafood restaurant, a health club, and an indoor connection to the convention center via the adjacent outlet mall. Rating: 4.2 ⭐
- New Orleans Marriott. A 4-star hotel on Canal Street, located between the French Quarter and the Warehouse District. The hotel is within walking distance of Jackson Square, Audubon Aquarium, and Harrah's Casino. The hotel offers rooms and suites with views of the Mississippi River and downtown New Orleans, as well as a restaurant, a bar, and 55 Fahrenheit. Rating: 4.3 ⭐
- Le Pavillon Hotel. A 4-star hotel in historic downtown New Orleans, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel is furnished with exquisite antiques and artwork. The hotel offers rooms with flat-panel TVs, its own restaurant, Bijoux, and coffee shop. Rating: 4.1 ⭐
The Audubon neighbourhood in New Orleans is a picturesque and green area that is home to the famous Audubon Zoo, greenhouses, a golf club, and many parks and lakes. It is one of the best neighbourhoods to live and vacation in the city.
Uptown
A historic, diverse New Orleans neighbourhood with many stores, restaurants, and bars that sits on the east bank of the Mississippi River between the French Quarter and the Jefferson Parish border. It is the best place for lovers of architecture, music, shopping and nature.
What will impress
Uptown is home to grand mansions, colourful Creole cottages on bustling streets named after civil rights leaders. You can ride the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar, which connects Uptown to the French Quarter and other parts of the city, and visit one of the city's most beautiful parks, Audubon Park, which has a zoo, an aquarium, a botanical garden and a golf club.
In Uptown, there are many clubs and bars with live music such as Tipitinas, Gasa Gasa or Dos Jefes.
Where to eat
You can try authentic Louisiana cuisine at one of the many restaurants, such as Jacques-Imos..
Here are three other good restaurants in the Uptown neighbourhood of New Orleans:
- Atchafalaya. A modern restaurant with Louisiana and Creole cuisine, live music, and an extensive wine selection.
- Shaya. Israeli restaurant with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes cooked over a wood-fired oven.
- La Petite Grocery. A cosy restaurant in a historic building serving American and Louisiana dishes with a sophisticated accent.
You definitely won't go hungry in Uptown.
Where to stay
Uptown is the neighbourhood for those who want to experience the true spirit of New Orleans, its history, culture, and lifestyle. It is the best place for families, couples, friends and singles looking for a unique and unforgettable experience.
- Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans Downtown (French Quarter Area). A 4-star hotel located in a historic building, 10 minutes from the French Quarter. The hotel offers free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free parking. Rating: 4.2 ⭐
- Alder Hotel Uptown New Orleans. A 4-star hotel located within walking distance of Ochsner Baptist Medical Centre. The hotel offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, a mini-market, laundry facilities and a business centre. Rating: 4.5 ⭐
- Drury Plaza Hotel New Orleans. A 3-star hotel located 1 mile from the French Quarter and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The hotel offers rooms with flat-panel TVs, a pool, a whirlpool and free hot food and drinks every night. Rating: 4.7 ⭐
The Uptown neighbourhood in New Orleans is a historic and picturesque area that features diverse architecture, zoos, gardens, museums, and restaurants. It is one of the most prestigious and expensive neighbourhoods in the city, where many celebrities and politicians live. The Uptown neighbourhood is also famous for its musical and cultural tradition, particularly jazz.
Lakeview
A safe and quiet New Orleans neighbourhood overlooking Lake Pontchartrain and Golf Club, which is located on the northwest side of the city and surrounded by water on three sides. This is an ideal location for seafood, sailing, and nature lovers.
Interesting places to visit
Lakeview offers an amazing view of Lake Pontchartrain, which is the largest salt lake in the United States. You can boat, kayak, or sail here and visit two yacht clubs, the New Orleans Yacht Club and the Southern Yacht Club.
At Lakeview, you will immerse yourself in the history and culture of New Orleans. Here you can visit the New Canal Lighthouse, which was built in 1839 and is one of the oldest lighthouses in the United States. Learn the story of the canal's impact on the city's development and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which severely damaged the area in 2005. You can visit City Park, which covers 1,300 acres and is one of the most beautiful and diverse parks in the country. In the park, it is possible to stroll through the Westhoff Sculpture Garden, visit the New Orleans Museum of Art, play miniature golf or carousel, or visit the Louisiana Children's Museum.
Where to eat
The Lakeview neighbourhood in New Orleans has several good places to eat lunch. Here are some of them:
- Cava. A stylish restaurant with modern American and international cuisine, wine list and cocktails.
- Mondo. A cosy restaurant with world cuisine reflecting the diversity of New Orleans, as well as jazz performances.
- Lakeview Harbor. A popular restaurant with burgers, steaks, salads and seafood, as well as views of Lake Pontchartrain.
Lakeview also offers dining at one of the many seafood restaurants such as The Blue Crab or Felix's.
Where to stay
- Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter. A 3-star hotel located 10 minutes from the French Quarter. It offers free Wi-Fi, a pool, and a fitness centre. Rating: 4.1 ⭐
- Maison Dupuy Hotel is a 4-star hotel located in historic downtown New Orleans, two blocks from Bourbon Street. The hotel is furnished with exquisite antiques and artwork. Rating: 4.2 ⭐
Lakeview is a neighbourhood for those who want to immerse themselves in a world of tranquility and beauty or just take a break from the hustle and bustle of downtown New Orleans, which is only 15 minutes away. This is the best place for families, couples, friends and singles who appreciate the sea, nature and history.
Marigny/Bywater
These are neighbourhoods in New Orleans with music, art, and cafes on Frenchmen Street that are famous for their live art scene and diverse cuisine. It's a cultural destination for those who want to experience the creative and alternative spirit of the city.
Interesting places to visit
In Marigny/Bywater, it is possible to visit various galleries, studios and markets of local artists such as The Art Garage, Studio Be or Piety Street Market. You can listen to live music in one of the many clubs and bars such as Tipitina's, Gasa Gasa or Dos Jefes. For wine lovers, there is the possibility to visit Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits, where you can choose a bottle from a huge selection and drink it in the garden with live music and snacks.
Where to eat
Marigny/Bywater offers a variety of dining options, from cheap and tasty to trendy and sophisticated, to suit all tastes:
- Creole and Southern cuisine at Elizabeth's;
- pizza and pasta at Paladar 511;
- Indian and Asian cuisine at Silk Road;
- seafood at Marigny Brasserie.
Where to stay
Marigny/Bywater are located in historic downtown New Orleans near the French Quarter, and are filled with colourful Creole cottages and unique attractions. Here you can visit the St. Claude Arts District, Crescent Park on the waterfront, Marigny Opera House and stay in wonderful and comfortable hotels.
- Hotel Peter and Paul. A 4-star hotel located in a former Catholic church and school built in the 1860s. The hotel combines historic charm with modern comfort, offering rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-panel TVs, and designer furnishings. The hotel also has its own restaurant, a bar, a cafe and a garden. Rating: 4.7 ⭐
- Royal Frenchmen Hotel and Bar. A 3-star hotel located on the banks of the Mississippi River, steps from the live music on Frenchmen Street. It offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and coffeemakers. Some rooms have a balcony with city views. The hotel also has a garden, free parking and a bar with live music. Rating: 4.6 ⭐
- Lamothe House. A 3-star hotel housed in a historic building dating back to 1839. It offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-panel TVs, and refrigerators. Some rooms have a jacuzzi or a fireplace. The hotel also has a pool, a fish pond and free breakfast. Rating: 4.5 ⭐
Marigny/Bywater are neighbourhoods for those who want to see all sides of New Orleans, its culture, art and lifestyle. It's a great place for families, couples, friends and singles looking for a cultural, unique and unforgettable experience.
CBD/Downtown
New Orleans' central business district with museums, galleries and hotels, also called Downtown. It is a cultural destination for those wishing to visit the city's most famous landmarks, museums, theatres and sports arenas.
Interesting places to visit
In the CBD/Downtown, you can visit the Superdome where the Saints play, the Convention Centre where various exhibitions and conferences are held, and the World War II Museum where you will learn about the history and heroes of this conflict. There's plenty of opportunity to enjoy the cultural life of the city by visiting the Opera House, the Symphony Orchestra, and the New Orleans Ballet.
Where to eat
The CBD/Downtown offers a variety of cuisine, from traditional Creole to modern American, at one of the many restaurants such as Restaurant August, which offers gourmet dishes from Chef John Besh, Cochon Butcher, which prepares delicious pork and sausages in different variations, or Two Chicks kafe, where you can have a breakfast of scrambled eggs or omelettes with shrimp or buckwheat.
Where to stay
There are enough comfortable hotels in the area that your vacation in New Orleans will be remembered only by positive moments.
- Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans French Quarter/CBD. A 3-star hotel located in the heart of the business district and steps from the French Quarter. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a pool, and a fitness centre. Rating: 4.3 ⭐
- La Quinta Inn & Suites New Orleans Downtown. A 3-star hotel on Kamp Street, located between the French Quarter and the Warehouse District. The hotel offers free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and rooms with refrigerators and microwaves. Rating: 4.1 ⭐
- Hyatt House New Orleans/Downtown. A 3-star hotel located 400 meters from Mercedes-Benz Superdome. It offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-panel TVs, and free breakfast. Rating: 4.5 ⭐
The CBD/Downtown is a neighbourhood for those who want to see all that New Orleans has to offer, its history, culture and entertainment. It is the best place for families, couples, friends and singles looking for a convenient and central place to stay.
French Quarter
The most famous and popular neighbourhood in New Orleans, also called Vieux Carré, which means "Old Quarter" with colonial French style architecture, jazz clubs and a market. It's a top spot for those who want to feel the spirit of the city's history, culture and entertainment.
Interesting places to visit
In the French Quarter, you can visit St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest Catholic cathedral in the United States, the Frenchman's Market where you can buy souvenirs, food and crafts, or the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park where you can learn about the birth and development of jazz. There is the opportunity to listen to live music at one of the many clubs and bars on Frenchmen Street, such as Tipitinas, Gus Gus or Dos Jefes.
Where to eat
In French Quarter, it is possible to taste authentic Creole and Southern cuisine in one of the many restaurants.
- Oceana. A restaurant with American, Cajun and Creole cuisine, specializing in seafood.
- Court of Two Sisters. A restaurant featuring Creole cuisine and classic New Orleans food and drink, known for its brunch.
- Loretta's Authentic Pralines. A pastry shop with American pastries featuring New Orleans' traditional sweets, pralines.
The French Quarter neighbourhood in New Orleans has plenty of places to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the atmosphere of the city.
Where to stay
The French Quarter is the most famous and most visited neighbourhood in New Orleans. It is where many attractions, museums, bars, restaurants and stores are centered. Here you can feel the spirit of the city's history, culture and music. The French Quarter also offers a wide range of hotels for different tastes and budgets. From historic boutique hotels to modern chain hotels, from luxurious to economical, quiet to noisy, it has everything you need for a comfortable stay.
- Hyatt Centric French Quarter. A luxury hotel in the heart of the vibrant French Quarter, with spacious rooms, a pool, a fitness centre and restaurants. Rating: 4.4 ⭐
- Hotel Indigo New Orleans - French Quarter. A cosy hotel in a historic building, with elegant rooms, a business centre, and a bar. Rating: 4.0 ⭐
- AC Hotel by Marriott New Orleans French Quarter. A 3-star hotel located in a historic building, steps away from live music on Frenchmen Street. It offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom, and a coffee machine. Some rooms have a balcony with city views.
The French Quarter is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy all that New Orleans has to offer. Here you can immerse yourself in the city's atmosphere, visit its attractions, listen to live music, sample local cuisine and have fun. Hotels in the area are distinguished by their style, convenience and service. If you choose a hotel in the French Quarter, you will not regret your choice.
Irish Channel
A historic, picturesque and friendly New Orleans neighbourhood with Creole cottages and pubs that was settled mostly by Irish immigrants in the early 19th century. It's a beautiful place for those who love architecture, pubs and parades.
Interesting places to visit
In the Irish Channel, you can visit the Old Jail and Courthouse on Rousseau Street, where you can learn about crime and justice in the past. Here you can admire the colourful and eccentric paintings of local artist Anton Haardt.
The Irish Channel offers to take part in one of the city's most famous celebrations, St. Patrick's Day. Every year in March, you can watch the parade that marches down Store Street and enjoy Irish music, dancing and food.
Where to eat
Irish Channel is a neighbourhood in New Orleans that was settled mostly by Irish immigrants in the early 19th century. It still has a working-class atmosphere and is home to many pubs, breweries, and restaurants.
- Parasol's. A popular pub with an Irish flavour serving beef, shrimp and other toppings sandwiches.
- Tracey's. Another pub with Irish roots where you can enjoy burgers, wings, salads and beer.
- Turkey and the Wolf. An unusual restaurant with creative sandwiches, salads and appetizers, as well as cocktails and desserts.
The Irish Channel is the place to experience the spirit of New Orleans history and culture. Here you can sample local cuisine, listen to live music, visit antique stores and galleries, and of course have a delicious lunch.
Where to stay
Irish Channel offers the best comfortable hotels with amazing river views.
- Garden District B&B. A 2-star hotel located in a historic building, 0.76 miles from Irish Channel. It offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a private bathroom. The hotel also has a garden, a terrace, and free breakfast. Rating: 4.9 ⭐
- Travelers New Orleans.It is located 0.9 miles from Irish Channel, offering rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-panel TVs, and refrigerators. The hotel also has a terrace, free parking and a shared kitchen. Rating: 5.0 ⭐
- St Charles Coach House, Ascend Hotel Collection. A 3-star hotel located 0.8 miles from Irish Channel. The hotel offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, flat-panel TVs, and coffeemakers. The hotel also has a restaurant, a bar and a fitness centre. Rating: 4.5 ⭐
Irish Channel is a neighbourhood for those who want to experience New Orleans' Irish heritage, culture, lifestyle and entertainment. It is a unique destination for families, couples, friends and singles looking for an unforgettable experience.
New Orleans is a city that impresses with its diversity, culture, music and cuisine. Here you can see historical and architectural monuments, visit museums and galleries, listen to live music and taste local dishes. Here you can feel the spirit and atmosphere of New Orleans, which will leave no one indifferent and provide unforgettable impressions. Have a good trip!