Where to Stay in New Orleans
United States
|Pop. 363K
|4 neighbourhoods covered
|Updated March 2026
Photo: Sven Scheuermeier / Unsplash
Quick Answer: Best Area to Stay
For most visitors, French Quarter is the best neighbourhood to stay in New Orleans. Historic heart of the city, brimming with iconic architecture, lively music, and abundant nightlife. Ideal for first-timers, nightlife, culture. Budget travellers can get by on USD 100/day.
Areas to Avoid in New Orleans
Safety rated "Moderate". See which areas need extra caution and where to stay instead.
Best Neighbourhoods at a Glance
| Neighbourhood | Vibe | Budget | Best For | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French Quarter | Historic heart of the city, brimming with iconic architecture, lively music, and abundant nightlife. | Luxury | first-timers, nightlife | Generally safe during the day with crowd... |
| Marigny | Bohemian neighborhood renowned for its vibrant live music scene, especially on Frenchmen Street. | Mid-range | nightlife, foodies | Generally safe due to the crowds around ... |
| Garden District | Elegant residential area famous for its stunning Victorian mansions and lush gardens. | Mid-range | culture, couples | Very safe during the day for walking tou... |
| Uptown (Irish Channel/Touro) | Lively, diverse neighborhood known for its excellent restaurants, bars, and proximity to Tulane and Loyola Universities. | Mid-range | foodies, nightlife | Generally safe, especially along Magazin... |
French Quarter
LuxuryHistoric heart of the city, brimming with iconic architecture, lively music, and abundant nightlife.
Generally safe during the day with crowds, but be highly aware of your surroundi...
Marigny
Mid-rangeBohemian neighborhood renowned for its vibrant live music scene, especially on Frenchmen Street.
Generally safe due to the crowds around Frenchmen Street, but exercise caution o...
Garden District
Mid-rangeElegant residential area famous for its stunning Victorian mansions and lush gardens.
Very safe during the day for walking tours; generally safe at night, but stick t...
Uptown (Irish Channel/Touro)
Mid-rangeLively, diverse neighborhood known for its excellent restaurants, bars, and proximity to Tulane and Loyola Universities.
Generally safe, especially along Magazine Street; exercise standard city precaut...
Top 3 Areas to Stay in New Orleans
Liveliest areas for nightlife, culture, and entertainment
French Quarter
Historic heart of the city, brimming with iconic architecture, lively music, and abundant nightlife.
Our top picks in French Quarter
Marigny
Bohemian neighborhood renowned for its vibrant live music scene, especially on Frenchmen Street.
Our top picks in Marigny
Uptown (Irish Channel/Touro)
Lively, diverse neighborhood known for its excellent restaurants, bars, and proximity to Tulane and Loyola Universities.
Our top picks in Uptown (Irish Channel/Touro)
Modern hotel adjacent to the National WWII Museum, offering good amenities.
Book NowHistoric boutique hotel with charming cottages and suites in the French Quarter.
Book NowElegant boutique hotel consistently rated for its service and location.
Book NowWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Things to Do in New Orleans
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
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New Orleans at a Glance
4 categories
Top Tips for New Orleans
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Take the St. Charles Streetcar line for a scenic and affordable tour of the Garden District and Uptown neighborhoods. Hop on and off to explore.
Getting Around
Purchase a Jazzy Pass for unlimited rides on streetcars and buses if you plan to use them frequently. Streetcars are slow but scenic; buses are faster for longer distances.
Watch Out For
Overly friendly strangers offering 'free' tours or advice that leads to expensive recommendations.
Solo Female Travel
Exercise caution, especially at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuables. The French Quarter can be overwhelming; stay on main streets after dark.
Hidden Gems in New Orleans
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Bacchanal Fine Wine & Spirits
This isn't just a wine shop; it's a backyard oasis where you can pick out a bottle of wine or spirits and enjoy it with live music in a lush, fairy-lit courtyard. Locals gather here for a relaxed evening that feels like a secret garden party.
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
Step back in time at this wonderfully preserved 19th-century pharmacy, complete with vintage medical instruments, bizarre potions, and even a vampire-hunter's kit. It offers a fascinating and slightly eerie glimpse into old New Orleans medicine.
St. Roch Cemetery
FREEVisit one of the city's oldest and most atmospheric cemeteries, known for its unique votive offerings, especially tiny baby shoes left at the shrine of St. Roch. It's a poignant and quiet place for reflection, offering a different perspective on local traditions.
Elizabeth's Restaurant
A beloved Bywater institution famous for its eclectic decor and hearty, creative Southern comfort food, including their legendary praline bacon. It's a quirky, vibrant spot that truly captures the spirit of a neighborhood eatery.
Crescent Park
FREEThis expansive urban park along the Mississippi River offers stunning panoramic views of the New Orleans skyline and the bustling port, away from the crowds. It features meandering trails, native plantings, and a beautifully restored wharf, perfect for a peaceful stroll or bike ride.
Frenchmen Art Market
FREEWhile Frenchmen Street is known for music, this adjacent open-air market showcases local artists selling everything from paintings and jewelry to handmade crafts. It's a fantastic place to find unique souvenirs and support New Orleans artists.
Things to Do in New Orleans
Popular tours, activities, and experiences you can book in advance
🚶Walking Tour
Explore the city on foot with a local guide
🍽️Food Tour
Taste the best local dishes and street food
🚐Day Trip
Discover stunning destinations just outside the city
🏛️Museum & Culture
Skip-the-line access to top museums and galleries
🚌Hop-on Hop-off Bus
See all the highlights from an open-top bus
⛵Boat Tour
See the city skyline from the water
👨🍳Cooking Class
Learn to cook authentic local recipes
🌙Night Tour
Experience the city after dark with a guided tour
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Top-rated New Orleans tours and activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided walking tours, food experiences, and day trips. Reserve now, pay later; free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
We earn a small commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
What It Costs in New Orleans
Daily budget per person in USD
💡50% cheaper than New York
USD 100/day
USD 250/day
USD 600/day
Where to Stay in New Orleans
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Bourbon Street5 min
- Jackson Square10 min
- Frenchmen Street15 min
Pros
- +Unmatched historical atmosphere
- +Concentration of famous attractions and restaurants
- +Constant entertainment and music
Cons
- -Can be overwhelmingly crowded and noisy, especially on weekends
- -Higher prices for accommodation and food
Top stays in French Quarter
The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
$$$$Iconic luxury hotel with a famous Sazerac Bar and stunning decor.
Hotel Monteleone
$$$Historic hotel famous for its Carousel Bar and literary connections.
Soniat House
$$$$An exquisite collection of 18th-century Creole townhouses offering ultimate privacy and elegance.
Place d'Armes Hotel
$$$Charming hotel with a courtyard pool, located a short walk from Jackson Square.
Best for
Walk to
- Frenchmen Street5 min
- French Quarter (eastern edge)15 min
- Washington Square Park10 min
Pros
- +World-class live music venues
- +More local feel than the French Quarter
- +Great restaurants and bars
Cons
- -Can be loud on music nights
- -Fewer major tourist attractions within walking distance
Top stays in Marigny
The Eliza Jane
$$$Stylish boutique hotel built within historic newspaper buildings.
Hotel Peter and Paul
$$$Unique hotel housed in a former church, schoolhouse, and rectory, offering distinct room experiences.
Sonesta ES Suites New Orleans Convention Center
$$Offers suite-style accommodations with kitchens, good for longer stays.
Best for
Walk to
- Magazine Street (shopping/dining)10 min
- Lafayette Cemetery No. 115 min
- St. Charles Streetcar Line5 min
Pros
- +Beautiful architecture and tranquil atmosphere
- +Excellent for walking and photography
- +Access to boutique shopping and dining on Magazine Street
Cons
- -Limited nightlife
- -Fewer dining options compared to more central areas
- -Can feel quiet at night
Top stays in Garden District
Best for
Walk to
- Magazine Street (dining/bars)5 min
- St. Charles Streetcar Line10 min
- Audubon Park15 min
Pros
- +Abundant and diverse dining and bar options
- +More local and less touristy feel
- +Good value for money
Cons
- -Further from major French Quarter attractions (requires streetcar or taxi)
- -Can be noisy near university areas
Top stays in Uptown (Irish Channel/Touro)
The Higgins Hotel New Orleans, Curio Collection by Hilton
$$$Modern hotel adjacent to the National WWII Museum, offering good amenities.
Maison de Ville Hotel
$$$Historic boutique hotel with charming cottages and suites in the French Quarter.
French Quarter Inn
$$$Elegant boutique hotel consistently rated for its service and location.
The Quisby
$Stylish hostel offering both dorms and private rooms, with a lively social atmosphere.
Areas to be cautious
- Lower Ninth Ward (east of St. Claude Ave): While experiencing a resurgence, this area is still largely residential with limited tourist infrastructure and can feel isolated. It's also far from most major attractions and can have higher crime rates in certain pockets.
- Central City (west of St. Charles Ave): This area has pockets of poverty and can have higher crime rates, particularly at night. While there are some emerging businesses, it's not generally recommended for casual tourist exploration.
Insider tip: Take the St. Charles Streetcar line for a scenic and affordable tour of the Garden District and Uptown neighborhoods. Hop on and off to explore.
Where to Stay in New Orleans
Compare hotel deals across the best neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Stay in French Quarter
Historic heart of the city, brimming with iconic architecture, lively music, and abundant nightlife.
Stay in Marigny
Bohemian neighborhood renowned for its vibrant live music scene, especially on Frenchmen Street.
Stay in Garden District
Elegant residential area famous for its stunning Victorian mansions and lush gardens.
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Places to Stay in New Orleans
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List Your PropertySafety in New Orleans
ModerateSolo Female Travel
Exercise caution, especially at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuables. The French Quarter can be overwhelming; stay on main streets after dark.
At Night
The French Quarter and Frenchmen Street are generally busy and safer due to crowds, but petty crime is common. Avoid walking alone on quieter streets, especially those away from the main tourist hubs. Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help.
Emergency
911
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overly friendly strangers offering 'free' tours or advice that leads to expensive recommendations.
- 2Pickpocketing in crowded areas like Bourbon Street and streetcar stops.
- 3Bogus charity collectors, especially around tourist hotspots.
Compare hotel deals in New Orleans
See today's prices across hundreds of hotels. Free cancellation on most bookings, so you can lock in a great rate risk-free.
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Travel Insurance for New Orleans
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Stay Connected in United States
Skip expensive roaming. Get an eSIM for United States and have data the moment you land.
Get an eSIMGetting Around New Orleans
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Taxi: approx. $36 flat rate for 1-2 people to the French Quarter/CBD. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): approx. $35-45. Airport Shuttle: approx. $24 per person.
🎫
Day Pass
$3 (Jazzy Pass for 24 hours)
Single: $1.25 (cash exact change or Jazzy Pass)
🚶
Walkability
Very WalkableUber, Lyft
📶
WiFi
Good40-80 Mbps download
Public Transport
Streetcars (historic and modern lines covering key tourist areas like St. Charles, Canal, and Riverfront) and buses (RTA).
Ride-share
Uber and Lyft are widely available.
Transport Tip
Purchase a Jazzy Pass for unlimited rides on streetcars and buses if you plan to use them frequently. Streetcars are slow but scenic; buses are faster for longer distances.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Many cafes, bars, hotel lobbies, and some public parks offer free Wi-Fi.
Coworking
New Orleans Entrepreneurial Network (NOEN): ~$20/day pass. Landing: ~$25/day pass. Various smaller co-working spaces also exist.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Mar, Oct, Nov
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Hotels & Accommodation in New Orleans
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Who Is New Orleans Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
First-Time Visitors
Offers the quintessential New Orleans experience with iconic landmarks, music, and dining all in one place.
Live Music Enthusiasts
Home to Frenchmen Street, the epicenter of authentic New Orleans live music with numerous clubs and bars.
Culture & Architecture Buffs
Provides a serene escape with stunning historic mansions and beautiful gardens, easily accessible via the St. Charles streetcar.
Foodies on a Moderate Budget
Boasts a high concentration of diverse and excellent restaurants and bars along Magazine Street with better value than the French Quarter.
Solo Travelers Seeking Atmosphere
Offers a vibrant yet manageable atmosphere with easy access to music venues and a more laid-back feel than the French Quarter.
About New Orleans
New Orleans (commonly known as NOLA or The Big Easy among other nicknames) is a consolidated city-parish located along the Mississippi River in the U.S. state of Louisiana. With a population of 383,997 at the 2020 census, New Orleans is the most populous city in Louisiana, the second-most populous in the Deep South after Atlanta, and the twelfth-most populous in the Southeastern United States; the New Orleans metropolitan area, with about 1 million residents, is the 59th-most populous metropolitan area in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Orleans
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New Orleans Guides by Traveller Type
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