BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN NEW ORLEANS

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BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN NEW ORLEANS

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN NEW ORLEANS

LEARN MORE ABOUT BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN NEW ORLEANS AND DISCOVER MORE NEW ORLEANS AND THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT THERE

Pubs And Bars With Neon Lights In The French Quarter

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN NEW ORLEANS

A city that knows how to party is New Orleans. Bars and clubs there stay open until the wee hours of the morning, and the live music scene is thriving. With a drink in your hand, you may stroll down Bourbon Street while taking in the atmosphere of the city from the music coming from the bars. The city does, however, provide calmer regions where you may explore the museums and art galleries.

 

New Orleans has a mixture of people with African-American, Spanish, French, Cajun, and Creole coming together in a melting pot of cultures, and this shows in the architecture, cuisine, and music. The city is the birthplace of jazz which fuses with African and Caribbean sounds and American gospel.

When visiting a new city, one of the most difficult things to decide is where to stay; New Orleans is no exception. There are different neighbourhoods, some at the heart of the party scene and others in quieter areas. Here are five districts with different characteristics and attractions to help you choose where to stay in New Orleans

DOWNTOWN

Downtown New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
The downtown is where to stay in New Orleans to walk everywhere.

Downtown New Orleans has an eclectic mix of attractions on offer.

The neighbourhood reverberates with music coming from the clubs and bars and there are also music cruises on the Mississippi River.

New Orleans has the reputation of being the most haunted city in the U.S. and Downtown is the place to take ghost tours after dark if you dare.

The city is also the birthplace of voodoo and here you will find the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum and voodoo shops.

Everything in Downtown New Orleans is within walking distance and this area is usually crowded so it feels safe although you should beware of pickpockets.

There are many restaurants in the neighbourhood ranging from traditional Creole and Cajun cooking to fine dining.

PROS

  • There is live music in many of the bars and clubs.
  • There are excellent dining options.
  • There is plenty of affordable accommodation.

CONS

  • It is noisy and crowded.
  • It is difficult and expensive to park.

There are over 20,000 hotel rooms in Downtown New Orleans so it can be overwhelming choosing the best place to stay.

I am here to help!

WHERE TO STAY IN DOWNTOWN NEW ORLEANS

New Orleans Sazerac Cocktail
When choosing where to stay in New Orleans, no matter where you go, you’ll find a hotel bar that makes the Sazerac cocktail.
Luxury – The Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

The Roosevelt Hotel is in a prime location only a 15-minute walk to the French Quarter and Bourbon Street, as well as Jackson Square where you will find St. Louis Cathedral.

It is also close to the Mississippi River Cruises departure point which I can recommend having taken a jazz cruise myself.

There are two restaurants in the hotel offering first-class cuisine.

The Fountain Lounge serves traditional New Orleans cuisine, accompanied by live music, and in Dominica, you can try authentic Italian dishes.

There is a rooftop bar and indoors, the Sazerac Bar is the perfect spot to try a Sazerac cocktail.

The official drink of New Orleans is made from rye whiskey, anise liqueur, a sugar cube and bitters.

The guest rooms in the hotel are luxurious and have been decorated to the highest standard.

They have air conditioning and heating, a TV, a private bathroom with a bathrobe and small TV, a mini bar, a tea/coffee maker and room service.

There is also free Wi-Fi and an iPod docking station.

Stay fit and enjoy the hotel’s seasonal outdoor pool, gym, wellness centre and 24-hour front desk.

Mid-Range – AC Hotel By Marriott New Orleans French Quarter

If you enjoy jazz and nightlife, this hotel will suit you down to the ground.

It is only minutes away from Bourbon Street and if you like to shop, you are only 15 minutes walk from the outlet mall, Riverwalk Marketplace.

The hotel is well-equipped for the price.

There is a restaurant serving a continental breakfast, a bar, a fitness centre and meeting rooms.

For late-night snacks and drinks, you’ll find vending machines and a 24-hour front desk.

Rooms offer all you need for a pleasant stay, including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a private bathroom, cable TV, tea and coffee-making facilities and a safety deposit box.

Budget – Hi New Orleans Hostel

If you are looking for reasonably priced accommodation, consider the Hi New Orleans Hostel as it offers value for money.

You can book a stay in a 4-bed, 6-bed, or 8-bed dormitory but if you want to splash out, there are private rooms with an ensuite bathroom.

Whether you stay in a dormitory or private room, a continental breakfast is included.

The hostel has plenty to recommend it, including a bar, a shared kitchen, free Wi-Fi, a concierge service, luggage storage, a billiard table and a 24-hour front desk.

It’s close to restaurants, cafes and bars so you don’t need to cook if you don’t want to.

THE FRENCH QUARTER

Pubs And Bars With Neon Lights In The French Quarter
When deciding where to stay in the New Orleans French quarter, no matter what your budget is you can’t go wrong for its location.

The French Quarter is the place to stay if you want to enjoy bars, clubs and music on Bourbon Street, which is the focal point of New Orleans’ nightlife scene.

However, it does have more to offer, with museums, the Audubon Aquarium, and St. Louis Cathedral within walking distance of most hotels.

The French Quarter has the best restaurants in the city, ranging from Cajun and Creole to contemporary fusion cuisine.

In the French Quarter, the old merges with the new.

Visit the French Market where you will find modern boutiques and cocktail bars as well as antique shops and dining establishments serving 19th-century inspired food.

PROS

  • There is incredible music and vibrant nightlife.
  • There is great food to enjoy.
  • You don’t have to worry about transportation after a night out.
  • Most places are walkable.

CONS

  • It is noisy and crowded.
  • It is difficult and expensive to park a car.
  • It’s not child friendly.

WHERE TO STAY IN NEW ORLEANS’ FRENCH QUARTER

Pubs And Bars With Neon Lights In The French Quarter
The French Quarter is where to stay in New Orleans to be close to pubs and bars.
Luxury – Hyatt Centric French Quarter

If you want to take full advantage of the nightlife, restaurants and shopping in the French Quarter, the Hyatt Centric Hotel is within walking distance of the top spots.

It is also near Streetcar Line so you can easily explore the rest of the city.

The hotel has been renovated and oozes luxury.

The rooms are all large and have a private bathroom, a 55-inch TV, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a fridge and a coffee maker.

You can choose to have a room opening out onto the garden courtyard or one with a balcony overlooking Bourbon Street.

Just remember that Bourbon Street can be noisy until the early hours.

There are three restaurants.

Holmes, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, also has a bar.

Seafood is served at Red Fish Grill and there is the traditional American, Hard Rock Cafe.

By the outdoor pool, you will find a bar offering snacks and drinks, including signature cocktails.

The hotel also has a fitness centre.

Mid-Range – Best Western Plus French Quarter Courtyard Hotel

The Best Western Hotel is just a 10-minute walk from Bourbon Street, so you haven’t got far to go for a night out.

You are also far enough for it not to be noisy all night in your room.

A continental breakfast is included and the hotel also provides an outdoor pool, an outdoor terrace, a cocktail lounge, a gym, and a 24-hour front desk.

The rooms are large and cable TV and free Wi-Fi are provided.

You will have a private bathroom, a work desk, tea/coffee-making equipment, a fridge, and a safety deposit box.

If you book a premium room, you will have either a spa bath or a view of the courtyard.

Budget – Hotel Royal New Orleans

If you are a party animal, this reasonably priced hotel is for you and is just 600 metres (1968.5 feet) from Bourbon Street.

The hotel is particularly attractive as it is a fully restored 1827 Creole townhouse and is certainly worthy of a photo opportunity.

It doesn’t offer food, but you are welcome to have a free cup of coffee in the lobby in the morning.

You are near cafes and restaurants so you won’t miss the lack of a restaurant in the hotel.

The rooms have been tastefully decorated with hardwood floors, and some have exposed brick design features.

They all have a private bathroom, TV, heating and a fan. There is also free Wi-Fi and an iPod docking station.

Faubourg Marigny
Modern Bedroom With Bed In A Hotel
When choosing where to stay in New Orleans with family, you’ll have lots of hotels to choose from.

Faubourg Marigny is home to Frenchman Street which is almost as well-known as Bourbon Street.

Here you can sample Cajun food, enjoy the music in jazz clubs, and relish in the Bohemian atmosphere.

Musicians and brass bands play along the street adding to the nighttime vibe.

From Thursday to Monday, there is an evening market on Frenchman Street which sells local artefacts and handicrafts.

You are bound to find souvenirs and presents to take home.

Some of this neighbourhood is quieter and here you can admire the colourful architecture.

It borrows from French and Spanish colonial architecture, with elements of the Caribbean.

PROS

  • Frenchman Street has great bars and jazz clubs.
  • It isn’t far from the French Quarter and Bourbon Street.

CONS

  • There aren’t as many hotel options as in the French Quarter.
  • If you are staying near Frenchman Street, it can be noisy late into the night.
  • It is best not to walk alone at night in the quieter areas.

WHERE TO STAY IN FAUBOURG MARIGNY

Luxury – Bourbon Street Condos

These condos are within walking distance of Bourbon Street, being just 1 km (0.62 miles) away and they are also close to Frenchman Street, so you have entertainment at your fingertips wherever you turn.

The condos are luxurious, sophisticated and self-catering but you have a wealth of restaurants and cafes close by.

Each condo has a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer, a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine, a dining area, a seating area, free Wi-Fi, and air conditioning.

Mid-Range – Royal Frenchman Hotel & Bar

This hotel is in a prime position being close to Frenchman Street not far from Jackson Square and St Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter.

If you want to relax before or after going out for dinner, The Remedy Bar serves craft cocktails and has live music.

You don’t even have to stay indoors but you can step out into the courtyard to enjoy your drink in the open air.

The rooms all have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom.

There is also a tea/coffee maker, a TV, and a safety deposit box in each of the rooms.

Some rooms have views of the city, others have a balcony.

There is continental breakfast available at an extra charge.

The hotel offers private parking, a business centre, and a tour desk with bike rentals,

Budget – Sonder At Par L’Eau

Sonder offers apartments close to the French Quarter and Bourbon Street although they are still within the Faubourg Marigny neighbourhood.

The apartments offer all you need for a comfortable stay, including free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, kitchen with a dining area, a private bathroom stocked with complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer, and a TV.

Because the apartments are self-catering, there isn’t a restaurant but if you don’t feel like cooking, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes close by.

If you want a relaxing day, lounge around the outdoor swimming pool and have a swim before heading out to Frenchman Street or Bourbon Street.

UPTOWN

Christmas Hotel Room With Open Windows Facing Street
When deciding where to stay in New Orleans, you might want to try apartment-style accommodation.

If you are looking for a quieter holiday, Uptown New Orleans is the area to go for.

It is a peaceful and well-off neighbourhood with some beautiful 19th-century architecture.

There are, however, still things to do here.

If you love to shop, Magazine Street offers vintage shops and novelty stores, as well as restaurants, bars, and bakeries.

It stretches to Downtown New Orleans and is, in fact, 9.65 km (6 miles) long.

It will take you a good couple of days to explore this exciting street.

If you have children, this is the place to be.

The French Quarter isn’t kid-friendly but Uptown has the Audubon Zoo which is one of the top zoos in the country.

There is even a mini water park in the zoo which is great for the warmer months.

You will also find that most of the restaurants in this area are child friendly.

However, if you do want a day in the French Quarter, it is only 6.4 km (4 miles) away.

PROS

  • Audubon Park is safe.
  • There is easy access to parks and the zoo.
  • There is excellent shopping along Magazine Street.
  • There are plenty of good restaurants, including family-friendly ones.

CONS

  • There is less nightlife here than Downtown or in the French Quarter.
  • It is an expensive neighbourhood.

WHERE TO STAY IN UPTOWN NEW ORLEANS

Luxury – Glam New Orleans Vacation With Deck

If you want to stay in a quiet apartment without the hustle and bustle of a hotel, this apartment will suit you down to the ground.

It has three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with free Wi-Fi, cable TV, a washing machine, a kitchen with an oven and dishwasher, heating, air conditioning, and parking.

If you want to go to the French Quarter, it is 6.4 km (4 miles) away and the Audubon Zoo is 4.8 km (3 miles) away.

Mid-Range – Renovated Historic 4BR House Near Magazine Street

If you want to take advantage of Magazine Street and its endless row of shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes, this house will suit you down to the ground.

You are just a few minutes walk away so you don’t even have to cook breakfast in the apartment.

However, if you want to relax in the apartment in the morning, there is a fully equipped kitchen.

The house has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and a TV with satellite channels.

There’s a lovely patio with a garden view.

There is an area in the garden where you can barbecue.

Budget – Freret Apartments

The Freret Apartments are just 700 metres (2297 feet) from Uptown New Orleans and Magazine Street and 4.8 km (3 miles) from the French Quarter.

You can take a streetcar or bus to the French Quarter.

All the apartments have a private bathroom with a hairdryer and there is free Wi-Fi and air conditioning.

They have a kitchen equipped with a microwave, fridge, toaster, and coffee maker so you can easily prepare breakfast before going out for the day.

ARTS AND WAREHOUSE DISTRICT

Modern Hotel Room
Wondering where to stay in New Orleans? Check out our top suggestions.

This area is the trendy part of the city.

There are many warehouses here that have now been converted into cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.

For those interested in museums this is the ideal place to stay as the renowned WWII Museum is in the area, as is the Ogden Museum of Southern Art which showcases the artwork of the American South.

At Mardi Gras World, you can learn about the history of the famous Mardi Gras parade held just before Lent begins.

PROS

  • There are art galleries and modern museums in the neighbourhood.
  • There are innovative restaurants.
  • The hotels and guest apartments are cheaper than in the French Quarter.

CONS

  • The walk from the French Quarter is questionable at night.

WHERE TO STAY IN ARTS AND WAREHOUSE DISTRICT

Hotel Of New Orleans
Wondering where to stay in New Orleans, Louisiana?Don’t worry, there’s a range of hotels, B&Bs and apartments to suit your budget.
Luxury – Luxury Arts District Apartments

These apartments are walkable to the French Quarter although I suggest you get a taxi back late at night.

In addition, they are practically next door to the World War II museum.

The apartments are beautiful and decorated with style.

They offer air conditioning, heating, a private bathroom, a fully-equipped kitchen, TV and free Wi-Fi.

Mid-Range – Stylish Warehouse Apartments

It is just a 1.6 km (1 mile) walk to the French Quarter and once again, while you should be fine during the day, get a cab back late at night.

If you just want to eat out and not get involved in the party scene, you might as well stay in the area as there are plenty of good restaurants and bars close by.

The apartments have all been built in warehouses and they are huge and of great value.

You can choose from a two or three-bedroom apartment with a bathroom, two toilets, kitchen, dining area, free Wi-Fi and a TV.

All the apartments have both air conditioning and heating,

Budget – Sonder At Constance Lofts

These lofts are in converted warehouses and are huge.

They are a home-away-from-home offering value for money as it has a private bathroom, kitchen, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

To get you settled in, the hosts provide you with tea and coffee and soap.

It is just a 15-minute walk to the supermarket when you need to stock up on the essentials.

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