From the colorful French Quarter to the sleepy Garden District, the best areas to stay in New Orleans emphasize the city’s unique characteristics and charm.
Book your trip with Fora, and we’ll not only help you figure out where to stay in New Orleans, but score you awesome hotel perks and upgrades, too. Plus, you’ll have access to an endless supply of expert travel recommendations and tips — like how many days in New Orleans you need — in addition to personalized itinerary building and more. It’s like having a (very knowledgeable) friend on the inside.
In the meantime, read on for the best neighborhoods to stay in New Orleans, along with a few of our favorite New Orleans hotels in each.
1. The French Quarter & Bourbon Street: the best neighborhood in New Orleans for sightseeing
The French Quarter isn’t just one of the best areas to stay in New Orleans, it’s easily the most recognizable, too.
Black wrought-iron fences and balconies contrast with vibrantly-painted homes, shops and pubs. Local artists display their works along narrow streets that abruptly open up to wide avenues often filled with a meandering and eccentric (in the best way) cast of characters. The lively setting is serenaded by a steady stream of live jazz or blues as the aromas of authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine waft through the air.
In the Bourbon Street area, everything is turned up to 11. Lazy pubs and shops are traded for wild clubs, bars and world-renowned music venues like Preservation Hall. The infamous street has a risqué reputation, particularly during Carnival Season (arguably the best time of year to visit New Orleans).
Many Bourbon Street venues are 21+, but highlights like Preservation Hall are great for all ages. If you’re unsure if it’s a place to bring your kids, check in with a New Orleans trip planner for the full lowdown on Bourbon Street and the French Quarter at large.
Where to stay in New Orleans’ French Quarter: the W New Orleans or Hyatt Centric French Quarter
There are a few boutique hotels in New Orleans’ French Quarter that stand out. The W New Orleans and Hyatt Centric French Quarter offer high-end accommodations that feel right at home in such a unique setting.
2. The Central Business District: the best area to stay in New Orleans for first-timers & nightlife-lovers
Bourbon Street and the French Quarter may be the city’s most recognizable locales, but there’s an argument that the Central Business District is New Orleans’ best area to stay because of how much is offered here.
Many of the city’s best restaurants and attractions are here, like the Audubon Aquarium and Mother’s Restaurant, as well as gorgeous architecture, streetcars and palm trees. Plus, the district’s location makes traveling to the rest of New Orleans’ best neighborhoods uber convenient. In particular, virtually all the best New Orleans nightlife highlights are within walking distance from the Central Business District (except for Marigny, which might be a little far to walk to at night).
Where to stay in New Orleans’ Central Business District: The Roosevelt, Four Seasons New Orleans, The Windsor Court & more
Many of the top boutique hotels in New Orleans can be found in the Central Business District. The Roosevelt — also one of the best family hotels in New Orleans — is the most storied, once serving as the home of a famous Louisiana Governor. But The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons and The Windsor Court are all great options as well.
Any of these hotels would be an ideal home base for a New Orleans girls’ trip (check out our New Orleans girls’ getaway itinerary) or bachelor party. And remember: book with Fora and gain access to a bevy of VIP hotel perks — no extra cost.
3. The Warehouse District: the best neighborhood to stay in New Orleans for young adults & art enthusiasts
The Warehouse District is one of the most unique places to stay in New Orleans. It still has classic NOLA vibes, but this is easily the city’s most worldly district. The menu leans international, with plenty of exciting fusion options, and the rows of bass-heavy clubs and trendy bars attract a younger crowd.
You’ll also find a mix of upscale and casual boutiques as well as the National World War II Museum, which houses the largest collection of World War II artifacts in the world.
Get all the intel on the Warehouse District when you plan your trip with Fora.
Where to stay in NOLA’s Warehouse District: Ace Hotel New Orleans, Maison de la Luz or Virgin Hotels New Orleans
The Warehouse District is one of the best areas to stay in New Orleans for travelers who desire a more contemporary setting. Over the past decade or so, the district has stepped up its accommodation game with a slate of posh four- and five-star hotels.
The elegant Maison de la Luz pays homage to New Orleans’ classic boutique-style hotels, while the Ace and Virgin hotels offer more of a contemporary experience that leans into the district’s artful nature. All three are among the very best in terms of comfort, atmosphere and access to the rest of the city.
4. Uptown & the Garden District: the best areas to stay in New Orleans for Mardi Gras parades
Uptown New Orleans is largely made up of residential neighborhoods — most notably, the Garden District — and spurts of shops, pubs and cafés. Carnival Season brings the crowds with lively parades and festivals, some celebrating local or major holidays and many just because.
Otherwise, the Garden District and other Uptown neighborhoods are fairly sleepy. Most of the homes were originally built in the 18th and 19th centuries, and even newer homes still embody historic Southern styles.
Overall, the Garden District and Uptown are among New Orleans’ best areas to stay in for two reasons: if you want laid-back accommodations (as opposed to the ritzy Central Business District hotels), or if you want to stay near Mardi Gras / Carnival Season parades and festivals.
Where to stay in New Orleans’ Garden District: The Chloe or Hotel Saint Vincent
Wondering where to stay in New Orleans’ Garden District (or anywhere in Uptown, for that matter)? We recommend The Chloe or Hotel Saint Vincent. Both offer an intimate setting inspired by the city’s past, with vintage furnishings and decor and excellent service.
And, of course, when you connect with Fora to book your trip, you can expect VIP hotel perks and other benefits.
5. Marigny & Bywater: where to stay in New Orleans for live music & a local experience
Immediately to the east of the French Quarter, Marigny and Bywater are the best neighborhoods to stay in New Orleans if you want to explore New Orleans’ culture at its most authentic. Frenchman Street is where most of the goings-on occur, and it's filled with vibrant music halls, restaurants and pubs.
The Spotted Cat and Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro are just two of the area’s highlights. Or, if you’re not opposed to something more explicit, the AllWays Lounge & Cabaret offers one of the unique entertainment experiences the city is known for. The club is heavily involved with the LGBTQ+ community, and there’s something exciting here for everyone (21+).
It’s worth noting that New Orleans is one of the American South’s most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations, too.
Where to stay in Marigny: Hotel Peter and Paul
Converted from an old Catholic church, the Hotel Peter and Paul is one of the most romantic hotels in New Orleans. Stained-glass art, ornate archways and classic decor create an elegant atmosphere matched by few hotels elsewhere in the city.
Feeling inspired? Connect with Fora to plan and book your trip to New Orleans today.
6. Tremé / Lafitte: the best area to stay in New Orleans to explore the city’s Black and Creole history
Tremé / Lafitte celebrates New Orleans’ extensive Black and Creole history with a cluster of dedicated museums and landmarks, such as the tomb of Marie Lavaeu and Congo Square. Aside from being an underrated Black travel destination in New Orleans, Tremé / Lafitte is home to awesome jazz venues and some of the city’s best Creole cuisine.
Admittedly, Tremé / Lafitte is fairly light on accommodations, but it’s an up-and-coming area that feels ripe for future hotels in the vein of The Chloe or Hotel Peter and Paul. In any case, you can always connect with a Fora Advisor to figure out where to stay in New Orleans near Tremé / Lafitte.
Get VIP hotel perks at the best areas to stay in New Orleans when you book with a Fora Advisor
Whether you’re planning 3 weeks or 3 days in New Orleans, get everything you need to know when you connect with Fora. You’ll stay in New Orleans’ best neighborhoods and hotels while unlocking VIP status and benefits (at no extra cost) — and you’ll have access to the inside scoop on everything from the best restaurants to the hottest clubs.
Curious about other destinations? Fora can help you plan a trip to any number of destinations. From visiting Spain with kids to checking out the best places to stay in Park City, Utah planning a trip to the best places to stay in Costa Rica, we have your back when it comes to travel.