6 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in New Orleans

Choosing where to stay in New Orleans can feel a bit overwhelming — and for good reason. After all, the city is so much more than Bourbon Street, beignets, and Mardi Gras. With more than 70 diverse neighborhoods, each with its own personality, New Orleans has a vibe for every type of traveler. 

So which is the best neighborhood for your stay? Which area puts you closest to the action? Which ones offer quieter, more residential streets? Which is safest to stay with your family? Our New Orleans vacation rentals are spread across some of the city’s most-loved neighborhoods, giving you the ultimate control over your vacation style. And as locals, we’re here to help you figure out which New Orleans neighborhoods should be on your list. Below, you’ll find a neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide to help you find the perfect home base for your next NOLA stay.

Mid-City

Mid-City is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in New Orleans and one of our favorites to recommend to guests — laid-back, residential, and centrally located. With easy streetcar access, family-friendly and outdoor activities, and plenty of local spots to eat, drink, and explore, it’s a great place to stay if you want a slower pace while still being close to everything.

Where is Mid-City?

Mid-City sits between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, right in the heart of New Orleans. The neighborhood is walkable, bike-friendly, and well-connected by the streetcar, making it easy to reach the French Quarter, Downtown, or City Park. 

Who should stay in Mid-City?

Active visitors: Mid-City is the perfect neighborhood for active visitors who want to walk or bike everywhere. With miles of shaded paths, bike trails, and boat rentals inside City Park, it’s perfect for travelers who want to enjoy the outdoors. 

Families: Boasting the largest outdoor space in New Orleans, City Park offers activities for the whole family to enjoy, including Carousel Gardens, Storyland, and City Putt mini-golf. Plus, the family-friendly activities, relaxed streets, and local eateries in this area make it comfortable for families.

Laid-back travelers: If you prefer a quiet, residential vibe with lots of mom-and-pop restaurants, neighborhood hangouts, and the opportunity to stroll from one street to the next, Mid-City delivers.

What are the top things to do in Mid-City?

While in Mid-City, be sure to explore 1,300-acre City Park, where you can enjoy a stroll along scenic walking and biking paths lined with towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss. Here you’ll also find the New Orleans Museum of Art, Besthoff Sculpture Garden, botanical garden, Carousel Gardens, Storyland, and mini-golf. 

Mid-City is also home to many of New Orleans’s famous above-ground cemeteries, or “Cities of the Dead.” A cemetery tour is a unique way to explore the city’s history, architecture, and local legends. (Ghost tours are fun too!)

Foodies will love Mid-City’s restaurant scene. Try Blue Oak BBQ, Katie’s for Creole-Italian, Toups’ Meatery for carnivore-friendly Cajun, Toast for brunch, and Angelo Brocato for their famous cannolis. There are also lots of spots to grab a drink, like Second Line Brewing, Bayou Beer Garden, and Wrong Iron. 

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Lower Garden District

Another one of the best neighborhoods in New Orleans is the Lower Garden District. With grand historic mansions, beautiful gardens and parks, boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, and cozy cafes lining the streets, it’s a favorite for a reason. It has a relaxed, picture-perfect feel that visitors love, while keeping you close to the city’s main attractions.

Where is the Lower Garden District?

Located Uptown, the Garden District is a small neighborhood worth exploring. You’ll venture by St. Charles Avenue’s grand mansions and along Magazine Street with its quaint shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. At its center sits Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, currently closed for renovations but still viewable from the outside. 

Who should stay in the Lower Garden District? 

Laid-back guests: Looking to stay in an area with lots of Southern charm and a relaxed feel? The Lower Garden District is a great little neighborhood set off the beaten path, but close enough to get around NOLA easily. 

Shoppers: Magazine Street is lined with locally owned shops, boutiques, antique stores, and art galleries waiting to be discovered. 

What are the top things to do in the Garden District?

While in the Garden District, peruse the shops along Magazine Street, enjoy a streetcar ride past the iconic homes along St. Charles Avenue, or visit nearby Audubon Park and Zoo. Don’t forget to take a photo in front of the Greetings from NOLA mural, one of our favorite hidden gems. 

For food and drink, stop at French Truck Coffee for a drink or grab a pastry from La Boulangerie. For a real treat, book a reservation in advance for James Beard award-winning Commander’s Palace, an upscale Creole restaurant regularly rated one of the best restaurants in New Orleans (you’ll love their legendary jazz brunch!). 

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Downtown/CBD

Known for its museums, art galleries, and major event venues, the Central Business District (CBD) – encompassing the Warehouse District and Downtown New Orleans – is another favorite neighborhood in New Orleans. The hub of the city, it’s home to the convention center, Superdome, and premier shopping and entertainment options, yet still walkable to the French Quarter with easy streetcar access to the rest of the city. 

Where is the CBD? 

Downtown New Orleans stretches from the Mississippi River up to I-10 and sits just across Canal Street from the French Quarter. The CBD also borders Mid-City and the Lower Garden District and is easily navigated by foot or streetcar, making it one of the most accessible neighborhoods in New Orleans. 

Who should stay in the CBD?

Business travelers: With the convention center and countless corporate venues nearby, the Central Business District is an ideal base for conferences and work trips.

Action-seekers: Downtown is also ideal for guests who want to be right in the middle of popular restaurants, theaters, nightlife, and tourist attractions, and just a few blocks from the French Quarter.

Event-goers: Coming for a concert, festival, or game? You won’t find a closer stay to Caesars Superdome, Smoothie King Center, or Champions Square.

What are the top things to do in the CBD?

The most obvious draw to Downtown New Orleans is its major event venues, like the Superdome. But if you’re not in town for a concert or sporting event, there’s still so much to do in the CBD. Browse the art galleries along Julia Street (aka Gallery Row), spend an afternoon exploring the National World War II Museum or Contemporary Arts Center, or try your luck at the newly renovated Caesars New Orleans Casino. With kids, be sure to check out the Insectarium and Aquarium. 

For dining, the CBD delivers some of the city’s best restaurants. Try Herbsaint, Cochon, or Emeril’s New Orleans before drinks at the Sazerac Bar.

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French Quarter & the Marigny

Ah, the French Quarter – the most iconic neighborhood in New Orleans. This lively neighborhood is brimming with bars, restaurants, nightclubs, historic sites, and tourist attractions, making it perfect for guests who want to stay in the center of the action. 

Just next door, you’ll find the artsy, classic New Orleans charm of the Marigny. This small neighborhood is full of Cajun bistros, jazz clubs, and the popular nighttime Frenchmen Art Market, making it a favorite for visitors who want to be close to the action but enjoy a slightly quieter, local vibe. If you want to be in the heart of NOLA, these two neighborhoods should top your list.

Where are the French Quarter and the Marigny? 

Also known as the Vieux Carré, the French Quarter stretches from the Mississippi River to North Rampart Street, between Canal and Esplanade. Beyond Bourbon Street, it’s also home to the French Market, St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and countless historic landmarks.

Once you cross over Esplanade, you’re in the Marigny. This walkable neighborhood is less crowded but just as vibrant, with Frenchmen Street offering some of the best live music venues in New Orleans.

Who should stay in the French Quarter and the Marigny?

Action-seekers:  The French Quarter puts you steps away from the city’s most famous attractions, bars, and restaurants, not to mention it’s NOLA’s Mardi Gras hub.  

Music lovers: The live music scene on Frenchmen Street is top-notch. On a beautiful evening in NOLA, you can pop in and out of jazz bars, following wherever the music takes you. 

Walkers: The French Quarter and the Marigny are extremely walkable, with restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and venues on every corner. If you’re hoping to explore the city on foot, these are the neighborhoods for that.

What are the top things to do in the French Quarter and the Marigny?

In the French Quarter, grab a café au lait and a beignet from Café du Monde and stroll through Jackson Square or wander along Royal Street, lined with art galleries, antique shops, and boutiques. Shop in the open-air French Market or stop into some of our favorite New Orleans museums. At night, Bourbon Street calls with classic New Orleans nightlife. 

You can’t stay in the Marigny without visiting Frenchmen Street. Known as New Orleans’ best spot for music, Frenchmen Street is lined with music venues featuring jazz, reggae, hip-hop, and every other genre you can think of. It’s a lively but low-key nightlife alternative to Bourbon Street.

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Bywater

Last but not least, the Bywater is one of our top neighborhoods to stay in New Orleans. This Bohemian neighborhood, with mom-and-pop cafes, live music, unique artwork, and laid-back nightlife, gives a distinctly local experience while also being just a stone’s throw from the French Quarter. 

Where is the Bywater?

Just next to the Marigny, the Bywater runs along the Mississippi River to the Industrial Canal and extends up to St. Claude Avenue. Its colorful streets and creative vibe make it easy to see why this neighborhood is a favorite for travelers seeking something off the beaten path.

Who should stay in the Bywater?

Local experience: Visitors who want to experience the city like a true local will enjoy staying in the Bywater. 

Art lovers: It’s the perfect spot for guests who value supporting local artists and businesses, and there are plenty of art galleries and museums to explore as well.

Walkers: The neighborhood is extremely walkable, with coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and venues on every corner. 

What are the top things to do in the Bywater?

Take a walk or bike ride through Crescent Park, a waterfront green space with beautiful views of the river and Downtown New Orleans. After relaxing by the river, the greenway trail will lead you right into the French Market. Back in the Bywater, you’ll find lots of locally-owned art galleries, like StudioBE. Music Box Village is also a must-visit for a one-of-a-kind interactive experience.

For food and drink, head to Bywater Bakery for breakfast, Bacchanal Wine for a drink and appetizers in the backyard, and finish off at The Franklin for elevated American food in a cozy corner joint.

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The Best Neighborhoods in New Orleans

No matter your travel style, there’s a New Orleans neighborhood for you. Whether you’re drawn to the lively streets of the French Quarter, the artsy charm of the Marigny and Bywater, the laid-back vibe of Mid-City, the historic elegance of the Lower Garden District, or the action-packed energy of Downtown, each area offers something special. And that’s just the beginning — NOLA is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. 

Not sure where to stay in New Orleans? Our locally-based Book NOLA team is here to help! We love guiding guests to find their ideal New Orleans neighborhood so you can make the most of your trip.