New Orleans is one of the most distinctive cities in the United States, famous for its jazz music, Creole cuisine, colourful architecture, and vibrant culture. Every neighbourhood has its own personality, so choosing where to stay can shape your entire experience.

Some areas put you right in the heart of the nightlife and historic sights, while others offer quieter streets filled with elegant mansions, boutique hotels, and local cafés.

If you’re planning a short break to the Big Easy, here are the best areas to stay in New Orleans and what makes each one special.

🎭French Quarter – Best for First-Time Visitors

The French Quarter is the historic heart of New Orleans and the area most travellers’ picture when they imagine the city. Known locally as the Vieux Carré, it’s famous for its wrought-iron balconies, historic courtyards, street musicians, and vibrant nightlife.

Staying here places you within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions, including Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, the Mississippi Riverfront, and the lively Bourbon Street.

The neighbourhood is also packed with classic restaurants, jazz clubs, and historic cafés. Because of its central location and iconic atmosphere, it’s often the best choice for first-time visitors.

Recommended hotels include:

• Hotel Monteleone – One of the most famous historic hotels in the Quarter, known for its Carousel Bar.

• Bourbon Orleans Hotel – A beautiful historic hotel just steps from Jackson Square.

• Hotel Mazarin – A stylish boutique hotel with a peaceful courtyard setting.

If you want to stay in the centre of the action but still sleep well, choose a hotel on one of the quieter streets rather than directly on Bourbon Street.

🌳Garden District – Best for Charm and Architecture

The Garden District is one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods in New Orleans. Its oak-lined streets and grand historic mansions create a completely different atmosphere from the busy French Quarter.

Walking through the district feels like stepping into a historic postcard. The area is known for its elegant 19th-century homes, historic cemeteries, and peaceful residential streets.

Magazine Street runs along the edge of the neighbourhood and offers miles of boutique shops, cafés, wine bars, and restaurants.

Although it’s quieter and more residential, the historic St Charles Avenue streetcar connects the Garden District directly to downtown and the French Quarter.

Recommended hotels include:

• The Pontchartrain Hotel – A historic and stylish hotel with rooftop views and classic New Orleans charm.

• Henry Howard Hotel – A boutique hotel inside a beautifully restored 1860s mansion.

• St Charles Coach House – A charming, smaller hotel with a relaxed local atmosphere.

The Garden District is ideal for travellers who want historic beauty and a quieter place to stay.

🎷 Faubourg Marigny – Best for Live Music

Just east of the French Quarter lies Faubourg Marigny, one of the city’s most vibrant and authentic neighbourhoods.

The area is famous for Frenchmen Street, widely considered one of the best places in the city to hear live jazz, brass bands, and blues performances.

The neighbourhood itself features colourful Creole cottages, art markets, music venues, and a lively creative scene.

It’s slightly less touristy than the French Quarter but still close enough to walk there in just a few minutes.

Recommended hotels include:

• Hotel Peter & Paul – A beautifully restored church and school turned boutique hotel.

• Lamothe House Hotel – A charming historic property popular with travellers.

• Royal Frenchmen Hotel & Bar – A boutique hotel located right on Frenchmen Street near the music venues.

This neighbourhood, Faubourg Marigny, is perfect for music lovers and travellers looking for a more authentic New Orleans experience.

🖼️ Warehouse District (Arts District) – Best for Boutique Hotels

The Warehouse District has transformed from an industrial area into one of New Orleans’ trendiest neighbourhoods.

Historic warehouses have been converted into stylish hotels, galleries, and restaurants. The district is also home to one of the city’s top attractions, The National WWII Museum, which draws visitors from around the world.

The area has a more modern feel than the French Quarter but remains within walking distance of many attractions.

Recommended hotels include:

• New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District – A stylish hotel housed in a converted 19th-century warehouse, conveniently located close to the National WWII Museum and the riverfront.

• Memoir Warehouse District – 808 Constance Street – A contemporary apartment-style property offering spacious accommodation and a residential feel in the heart of the Warehouse District.

• Hampton Inn & Suites Convention Center – A comfortable and convenient option set within a restored historic warehouse, ideally located for the Convention Center and Warehouse District

This neighbourhood is ideal for travellers who prefer stylish boutique accommodation and a slightly calmer atmosphere while still being close to the main sights.

🏙️ Central Business District – Best for Convenience

The Central Business District (CBD) borders the French Quarter and offers a wide range of hotels at various price points.

This area is very convenient for travellers because it’s well connected by streetcars and within walking distance of many major sights.

You’ll also find shopping centres, restaurants, and entertainment venues nearby, including the Caesars Superdome.

Recommended hotels include:

• Loews New Orleans Hotel – An upscale hotel offering spacious rooms and a convenient location close to the French Quarter, riverfront, and many of the city’s main attractions.

• NOPSI Hotel New Orleans – A characterful luxury hotel housed in the former headquarters of the city’s public utility company, with stylish interiors and a rooftop pool.

• InterContinental New Orleans – A sophisticated hotel on St. Charles Avenue with easy access to the historic streetcar and within walking distance of the French Quarter.

The CBD is a great option for travellers who want a central location with plenty of hotel choices.

🧳Which New Orleans Area is Right for You?

Each neighbourhood offers something slightly different:

• French Quarter – Best for iconic New Orleans atmosphere
• Garden District – Best for historic elegance and quiet streets
• Faubourg Marigny – Best for music and local culture
• Warehouse District – Best for boutique hotels and museums
• Central Business District – Best for convenience and hotel choice

No matter where you stay, New Orleans’ legendary music, food, and vibrant culture are never far away.

❓FAQs – Where to Stay in New Orleans

✈️ Can you fly direct to New Orleans from the UK?

Yes. British Airways operates direct flights from London Heathrow (LHR) to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), making New Orleans surprisingly easy to reach from the UK.

London Heathrow is currently the only UK airport offering a direct service to New Orleans, with a flight time of around 10 hours.

Travellers departing from other UK airports can connect via London or choose one of several one-stop options via major US hubs.

Flight schedules and frequencies can vary throughout the year, so we can help find the best routing to suit your travel dates as part of your tailor-made New Orleans holiday.

What is the best area to stay in New Orleans for first-time visitors?

For most first-time visitors, the French Quarter is a great choice. You’ll be within walking distance of many of New Orleans’ most famous sights, restaurants and music venues, and you’ll be right at the heart of the city’s unique atmosphere.

If you prefer somewhere a little quieter while still being close to the main attractions, the Central Business District is an excellent alternative.

Is it better to stay in the French Quarter or the Garden District?

It depends on the type of New Orleans experience you’re looking for. The French Quarter is best if you want historic sights, restaurants, nightlife and live music right on your doorstep.

The Garden District offers a more relaxed experience, with beautiful historic homes, oak-lined streets and a more residential feel. The St. Charles Avenue streetcar makes it easy to travel between the Garden District and downtown.

Is the French Quarter noisy at night?

Some parts certainly can be, particularly around Bourbon Street and other popular nightlife areas. However, the French Quarter covers a much larger area, and there are plenty of hotels on quieter streets.

If a good night’s sleep is important to you, choosing the location of your hotel within the French Quarter can make a big difference.

How many days do you need in New Orleans?

Around three to four nights is a good amount of time for a first visit. This gives you time to explore the French Quarter and Garden District, enjoy the city’s famous food and live music, and visit some of its major attractions without having to rush.

If you’d also like to take a plantation, swamp or bayou excursion outside the city, consider adding an extra day.

Do you need a car in New Orleans?

For a typical New Orleans city break, you generally won’t need a car. Many of the main visitor areas are walkable, and the city’s historic streetcars can take you between popular neighbourhoods.

Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available. Avoiding a hire car can save you the additional expense and inconvenience of parking, particularly if you’re staying in or close to the French Quarter.

New Orleans is a city like no other. From historic streets and jazz clubs to incredible food and colourful neighbourhoods, it’s a destination that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.

Choosing the right neighbourhood simply helps you experience the city in the way that suits you best.

📩 Ready to start planning your New Orleans city break?
Contact Awesome Travel Holidays today and let us create a tailor-made experience just for you.

📞 0208 004 9400
📧 enquiries@awesometravelholidays.com
🌐 www.awesometravelholidays.co.uk

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