New Orleans Nirvana: Where to Stay

New Orleans is a lively city filled with culture, rich history and amazing music sounds, with various districts, each representing its own flair. Whether you want to experience the French Quarter’s vibrant kitchen or the Garden District’s southern relaxation, there is an area for every kind of tourist. Here’s a guide to the 15 best areas to stay in New Orleans.

1. French Quarter

Overview

French Quarter is culturally the most important neighbourhood in New Orleans. Full of amazing historic buildings, marvellous nightclubs, and the world-famous Bourbon Street, this area corresponds to the main spirit of the alive and noisy New Orleans.

Facilities

• Accommodation: Luxury hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, villas, or apartments.
• Dining: Many bistros, cafes and bars
• Attractions: Jackson Square, The Cathedral of St. Louis, The Preservation Hall

My Review

French Quarter is usually considered to be at the heart of New Orleans, and when you are inside, you feel it. This is always lively and active, making it ideal for those who love the feeling of a lively environment. But it does get a little crowded and noisy, or rather audible at certain points, particularly in holiday seasons.

2. Faubourg Marigny

Overview

Lying immediately to the east of the French Quarter, Faubourg Marigny is slightly more low-key and residential with a great artistic feel. Although it is within walking distance of all the events that occurred, it is located in a relatively calm area.

Facilities

• Accommodation: Lodgings: hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, vacation rentals
• Dining: Unique combination of cafes and local restaurants
• Attractions: Frenchmen Street for its live music venues

My Review

Faubourg Marigny can simultaneously be described as a calm and active neighborhood. The concept and location of the French Quarter make it very suitable for those seeking a more relaxed yet central experience.

3. Warehouse District

Overview

Formerly a functional warehouse district, it has become a post-industrial artsy zone replete with galleries, shops, and fine dining facilities. It is perfect for a chic and classy visit.

Facilities

• Accommodation: Hotels, vacation rentals
• Dining: Fine dining restaurants and classy coffee shops
• Attractions: National WWII Museum and the Contemporary Arts Center

My Review

Warehouse District is great because of its art and the mature atmosphere. It is not as lively and rowdy as the French Quarter, but it has many things to do and places to visit. Therefore, it is not ideal for people who are looking to explore the lavish nightlife.

4. Central Business District (CBD)

Overview

CBD is the central part of the city of New Orleans and contains many commercial and business properties. It can prove to be a perfect choice for both business and recreation.

Facilities

• Accommodation: Hotels, vacation rentals
• Dining: Different sources of restaurants and café
• Attractions: Stadium – Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Casino – Harrah’s Casino

My Review

The good thing about staying within the CBD is that all amenities, such as workplaces and recreational areas, are easily accessible. Although it does not possess the appeal of the other districts, it is strategic and provides the basic necessities for visitors, including the business traveler.

5. Garden District

Overview

The Garden District is famous for its beautiful pre-civil war mansions and beautifully laid garden. This old town area gives the town a rather peaceful and sophisticated feel.

Facilities

• Accommodation: Hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, or Holiday Rentals
• Dining: Fine dining restaurants and beautiful coffee shops
• Attractions: Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 – New Orleans (Magazine Street)

My Review

Beauty and calmness are embedded in the Garden District, making it an ideal place to visit for those who love tranquility. It has a wonderful structure, and the roads are very quiet. Therefore it is very pleasant to stay there even though it is a little outside the main tourist zone.

6. Treme

Overview

Treme is a great black area that in the past was famous for jazz music. I believe is a good place to find and practice New Orleans culture.

Facilities

• Accommodation: B&Bs, vacation rentals
• Dining: Local eateries and jazz clubs
• Attractions: Armstrong Park, New Orleans Black and Ethnic Art Museum

My Review

Treme has a very strong musical identity and historical background, so enthusiasts will be satisfied. It offers relatively cheap accommodation but not a very polished or clean environment like other neighborhoods.

7. Seventh Ward

Overview

The Seventh Ward, damaged by Hurricane Katrina, has been successfully reconstructed, offering new restaurants, shops, and art galleries. It is still considered a young area and has its own atmosphere.

Facilities

• Accommodation: Vacation rentals
• Dining: New local outlets and coffee houses
• Attractions: Esplanade Ridge Historic District

My Review

Seventh Ward is a great and strong neighborhood, and its people are patient and have great character. If you plan to find budget accommodation with some local flavor and do not mind that services might be basic, it’s a good option.

8. Bywater

Overview

Bywater is an alternative and bohemian area with graffiti and murals painted on the walls of buildings. It provides uniqueness and an opportunity to be non-conventional.

Facilities

• Accommodation: Vacation rentals
• Dining: Local pubs and other unique restaurants
• Attractions: Crescent Park, art studios in the locality

My Review

I have never encountered such an artistic and unusual city as Bywater. It is not located in the dining area but will suit creative people. Some may find the absence of certain facilities and the location’s relative inaccessibility for leisure destinations a drawback.

9. Lower Ninth Ward

Overview

The Lower Ninth Ward, significantly damaged by Hurricane Katrina, has been rebuilding and revitalizing. Finally, it provides information regarding the attempts to restore the city after the disaster.

Facilities

• Accommodation: Vacation rentals
• Dining: A few local spots
• Attractions: House of Dance & Feathers: Bayou Bienvenue Wetland Triangle

My Review

Spending the night in New Orleans is highly recommended, especially in the Lower Ninth Ward, as this demonstrates the city’s resilience. It is definitely not luxurious and not close to major sites. Still, it is truly fulfilling for anybody interested in the city’s history and its reconstruction efforts.

10. Uptown/Carrollton

Overview

Uptown and Carrollton house beautiful old Victorian architecture and trees lining the curbs. Desiring to provide a laid-back ambiance fitting for families, this zone is conveniently located adjacent to the St. Charles streetcar line.

Facilities

• Accommodation: Hotels, B&Bs, vacation rentals
• Dining: Tasty food places like restaurants and cafes
• Attractions: Audubon Park and Tulane University are nearby.

My Review

Uptown and Carrollton are some of my favorite neighborhoods because they offer a calm environment and gorgeous houses. The availability of streetcars helps the tourists to explore the city easily, but the location of this place is a little out of the core business area of the city.

11. Mid-City

Overview

Mid-City encompasses a mixture of business and residential places and accommodates different people. It is popular with restaurants and shops and especially busy during a carnival season like Mardi Gras.

Facilities

• Accommodation: B&Bs, vacation rentals
• Dining: Various food places include restaurants and cafes.
• Attractions: City Park and Bayou St. John

My Review

Mid-City’s central location and vibrant atmosphere make it a great place to stay. This is especially the case during the Mardi Gras, but it is also relatively loud sometimes. The variability of eating and drinking facilities is an advantage.

12. Irish Channel

Overview

The Irish Channel district is home to several Irish bars as well as some of the city’s classic shotgun homes. Hence, it provides a completely local touch with that touch of history.

Facilities

• Accommodation: B&Bs, vacation rentals
• Dining: Public houses in Ireland and other local food joints
• Attractions: Local pubs and buildings

My Review

When you stay in the Irish Channel, you can get an idea of what people living in this area do, as there are numerous friendly pubs and beautiful houses. While it has the advantage of being out of the main tourist areas which may be a drawback for the others.

13. Faubourg St. John

Overview

The area known as Faubourg St. John is more residential, and it boasts bright shotgun houses. It has a laid back ambiance and there are a couple restaurants and small shops that are local.

Facilities

• Accommodation: Vacation rentals
• Dining: Cafes and restaurants in the area
• Attractions: Bayou St. John, local markets

My Review

Faubourg St. John is off the beaten track and the perfect location for a quiet and lovely stay. It is not as commercial as other sites, but that is why it is so calm and residents-oriented place to stay.

14. Lakeview

Overview

Lakeview which is located along the shores of the Lake Pontchartrain equally attracts families since it is a suburban area close to the city. The school provides a lot of space for greenery and recreation.

Facilities

• Accommodation: Hotels, vacation rentals
• Dining: Kid-friendly eating establishments
• Attractions: Lakefront views, local parks

My Review

Lakeview is characterized with a suburban setting and recreational facilities that effectively cater for families. It is located somewhat off the tourists’ track, which could be an inconvenience, but the quiet environment pays the price off.

15. Gretna

Overview

Located just across the Mississippi River from New Orleans, Gretna is an affordable area with numerous motels and chain franchises. It provides direct connection to New Orleans via the ferry or bridge.

Facilities

• Accommodation: Hotels, chain restaurants
• Dining: Different chains and establishments, restaurants
• Attractions: prolonged exposure to New Orleans

My Review

Gretna is the cheapest but still very convenient as it is located in the vicinity of New Orleans. Applying the ferry ride to the travel makes it more enjoyable with interesting scenic views. Perhaps a slight disadvantage in comparison to other New Orleans neighborhoods is a relatively low level of historic preservation.

Read Also: 15 Best Areas to Stay in Toronto

Final Words

New Orleans is a gentle city with considerable historical and cultural significance and difference in each district. Whether you are interested in the lively atmosphere of the French Quarter, the artistically featured Faubourg Marigny or the calm beauty of the Garden District, the area where you will be staying will remember. Everything from the historic and the business districts to the laid back and family friendly districts, each of these 15 has its own special charm. Select from what is important to you in your trip and without doubt you will have a wonderful tour.