Where to Stay in New Orleans, Louisiana: 5 Best Areas & Hotels

Planning a trip to New Orleans and not sure where to stay? You’re in the right place.

New Orleans is an incredible place to visit, but choosing the right neighborhood can be tricky. Do you stay in the French Quarter for the classic New Orleans experience, or try to find somewhere quieter where you can escape the noise but still enjoy the party?

Well, that’s where we come in! We’ve put together this guide to the five best areas to stay in New Orleans, along with our top hotel picks for every budget. Whether you’re visiting for the food, the history, the nightlife, or a little bit of everything, we’ll help you find the perfect base.

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in New Orleans

New Orleans is packed with personality, from its colorful Creole architecture and historic neighborhoods to its famous food scene and incredible live music. All of this is to say that the best area to stay really depends on the kind of trip you’re planning!

For a first visit, the French Quarter is the obvious choice, but the Central Business District is a good alternative if you want a more modern hotel. Meanwhile, the Warehouse and Arts District is perfect for galleries and fantastic restaurants. We suggest the Garden District and Uptown for a quieter stay, or Faubourg Marigny if live music is your top priority.

The good news is that if you stay in any of these areas, you won’t need a rental car! All of these areas are walkable in their own right, and you can get between the French Quarter, the CBD, and the Warehouse District on foot. Then, streetcars connect these areas with the Garden District and Uptown, and riding on them is a classic New Orleans experience in its own right!

Beyond the streetcars, buses and rideshares are handy for less direct journeys and getting around after dark. Parking can be expensive and inconvenient, so having a car is often more trouble than it’s worth.

Just make sure to book well ahead for major events like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest. This is especially true if your hotel is along a popular parade route!  

• French Quarter – Best for first-time visitors – This is the buzzing heart of New Orleans, so staying here means you’ve got all of the most famous sights and nightlife spots right on your doorstep. Four Points by Sheraton is our top pick in this area, as it offers a comfortable and reasonably priced stay in a former opera house!

• Central Business District – Best for a central stay – The CBD is perfect if you want a modern hotel within walking distance of the French Quarter. We recommend Loews New Orleans Hotel, both for its excellent service and its on-site jazz bar.

• Warehouse and Arts District – Best for museums and dining – If you’re all about great restaurants and art galleries, this area is ideal. The Mercantile Hotel is an elegant hotel with five major museums less than a mile away. 

• Garden District and Uptown – Best for a quiet and historic stay – We love wandering the leafy streets and admiring the beautiful mansions in this quieter area, but the action is still just a short streetcar ride away. Hotel Tonnelle is a spacious hotel with vintage-inspired decor and modern facilities.

• Faubourg Marigny – Best for character and live music – If you’re coming to New Orleans for live music and old-school character, this is where you should stay! Melrose Mansion is a gorgeous hotel housed in a restored Victorian mansion, close to the music venues along the iconic Frenchmen Street.

Where to Stay in New Orleans

French Quarter 

BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VISITORS

Pros

• Right in the heart of New Orleans, with many of the city’s top sights within walking distance
• Fun and energetic atmosphere
• Packed with fantastic restaurants and jazz bars
• Lots of history

Cons

• Hotels tend to be more expensive than in other neighborhoods
• The area around Bourbon Street is noisy late into the night

If it’s your first time in New Orleans, this is where we’d recommend staying. The French Quarter is the historic heart of the city, and we found it so exciting to step outside of our hotel and immediately be surrounded by colorful Creole buildings and live jazz. The whole area is steeped in centuries of history, too, including lots of dark legends and spooky stories! 

Many of New Orleans’ biggest attractions are right on your doorstep, including Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the famous Bourbon Street. We also loved Royal Street, which runs parallel to Bourbon but offers a completely different vibe, with tons of art galleries and antique shops to explore.

One of the best things about staying in the French Quarter is that you can explore almost everything on foot. You’ll also be within easy walking distance of the Mississippi River, Canal Street, and the neighboring Faubourg Marigny, aka music central – more on that later.

The only downside is that this is New Orleans’ most popular neighborhood, so hotels book up quickly, and they tend to cost more. If you’re staying close to Bourbon Street, expect plenty of late-night noise, too! But if you’re keen to join the party, we think this is the best place to stay in New Orleans.

The Royal Sonesta – $$$ 

If you want to stay right in the middle of the French Quarter’s famous nightlife, The Royal Sonesta is a fantastic upscale choice! It sits directly on Bourbon Street, so you’ll have the most famous sights and best bars right on your doorstep.

Despite its lively location, the hotel itself feels elegant and polished, with a pretty central courtyard and a heated outdoor pool. Best of all, The Royal Sonesta is home to the iconic Jazz Playhouse, which is widely considered to be the best jazz club in the city.

Plus, some rooms have those iconic wrought-iron balconies that directly overlook Bourbon Street, so you really will get the quintessential New Orleans experience by staying here. Rooms typically start from around $175 USD per night, although prices rise significantly during festivals.

Alternatively, the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel is another fantastic option in the heart of the French Quarter. Its heated rooftop pool and observation deck offer gorgeous views over the neighborhood and the Mississippi River, so it’s especially ideal for the warmer months,

We also recommend Hotel Monteleone if you’re looking for somewhere with lots of old-school New Orleans character. It’s home to the famous revolving Carousel Bar, which has been serving drinks since 1949 and hosts live jazz each evening.

Four Points by Sheraton – $$ 

If you want to stay in the heart of the French Quarter without splashing out on a luxury hotel, Four Points by Sheraton is our top pick. We stayed here ourselves and absolutely loved its central location!

It’s housed in a beautifully restored former opera house on Bourbon Street, and it put us within easy walking distance of Jackson Square and the Mississippi River, plus many of New Orleans’ best restaurants and jazz bars. Needless to say, we had the best time exploring the city!

The hotel strikes a great balance between comfort and value, with spacious rooms and a lovely outdoor pool. We love that you get all the benefits of a trusted hotel brand while staying somewhere with plenty of local character. Rooms typically start from around $150 USD per night outside of Mardi Gras and other major events.

If Four Points by Sheraton is fully booked, Bourbon Orleans Hotel is another excellent choice in the French Quarter at a similar price point. Set in a beautifully restored historic building, it enjoys a quieter location just off bustling Bourbon Street, along with a charming courtyard pool and regular live jazz performances.

We also think Best Western Plus offers great value for money in the French Quarter. It’s tucked away on a quieter street but still within easy walking distance of all the main sights, and the pretty courtyard and complimentary breakfast make it an excellent choice for more budget-conscious travelers.

Hotel Provincial – $ 

If you’re looking to save money without giving up a fantastic location, Hotel Provincial is a brilliant choice. Tucked away on a quiet street in the French Quarter, we love that it feels like a peaceful retreat while still being just a short walk from Jackson Square and Bourbon Street.

The hotel is made up of several restored historic buildings, so it has plenty of old New Orleans charm, complete with brick courtyards and traditional décor. It’s a simple stay compared to some of the area’s luxury hotels, but the comfortable rooms and outdoor pool make it excellent value for money.

Rooms typically start from around $120 USD per night, making this one of the best-value stays in the French Quarter.

If Hotel Provincial is fully booked, Hotel St. Marie is another excellent budget-friendly option just moments from Bourbon Street. Despite its central location, it has a lovely courtyard with a pool where you can escape the crowds after a busy day of sightseeing.

We also think Le Richelieu Hotel works well if you’d rather stay on the quieter edge of the French Quarter. It’s within easy walking distance of Frenchmen Street and Jackson Square, but it feels like a bit of a hidden gem! 

Central Business District 

BEST FOR A CENTRAL STAY

Pros

• More modern hotels 
• Generally more affordable than the French Quarter
• Central location within easy walking distance of the French Quarter and Canal Street

Cons

• Not as historic or charming as the French Quarter
• Less atmospheric in the evening 

If you want to stay somewhere central but don’t fancy being surrounded by the crowds, the Central Business District (or CBD, as it’s known locally) is the spot to go for. It’s right next to the French Quarter, so you can easily walk over to enjoy the sights and the nightlife before retreating to a quieter hotel at the end of the day. 

The CBD is home to many of New Orleans’ larger hotels, which means you’ll often find spacious rooms and excellent facilities at a better price than you’d pay in the French Quarter. It’s also a great base if you’re visiting for a concert or sporting event, thanks to its close proximity to Caesars Superdome and Smoothie King Center.

Despite its name, the CBD isn’t all office buildings. Canal Street marks the edge of the neighborhood, and there are plenty of restaurants and cocktail bars dotted throughout the area. You’ll also be within easy walking distance of the Warehouse District if you’re planning to visit the National WWII Museum or explore the city’s growing food scene.

The only thing to bear in mind is that parts of the CBD can feel a little quieter after office workers head home – but if you value a good night’s sleep, that can be a good thing! But if you’re here to party until the early hours, the French Quarter might suit you better.

NOPSI Hotel New Orleans – $$$

If you’re looking to treat yourself while staying somewhere a little quieter than the French Quarter, NOPSI Hotel is a fantastic choice. Housed inside the former headquarters of the New Orleans Public Service Inc. (NOPSI), this beautifully restored historic building has a timeless glamor about it, and it’s just a 10-minute walk from the French Quarter.

We’d stay here for the rooftop pool and bar alone! The sweeping views of the city from up here are just gorgeous, and it’s an ideal spot to relax between adventures. Meanwhile, the rooms are spacious and stylish, and many of them have luxurious standalone bathtubs. 

Rooms typically start from around $200 USD per night, although prices are often higher during festivals and major sporting events.

If NOPSI Hotel is fully booked, The Roosevelt Hotel is another stunning luxury option in the CBD. It’s one of New Orleans’ most iconic hotels, with glamorous interiors and the famous Sazerac Bar, which is worth visiting even if you’re not staying overnight.

We also think The Ritz-Carlton is worth a look if you’re searching for a luxurious stay, especially since the famous Davenport Lounge is right on site! This hotel is perched on the border between the CBD and the French Quarter, giving you the best of both worlds in terms of location, and in true Ritz-Carlton style it boasts beautiful rooms and an indulgent spa. 

Loews New Orleans Hotel – $$

If you’re looking for a comfortable hotel in a great location, you can’t go wrong with Loews New Orleans Hotel! It’s just a short walk from both the French Quarter and the Warehouse District, so it’s a great base if you want to explore several neighborhoods during your stay.

The rooms are spacious and modern, and we love the fact that the hotel has an indoor saltwater pool. It also has its own jazz bar, Bar Peters, where you can enjoy live music and cocktails without having to venture far from your room. Rooms typically start from around $170 USD per night.

If Loews New Orleans Hotel is fully booked, Sheraton New Orleans Hotel is another top choice with a fantastic location on Canal Street. Many of the rooms offer views over the Mississippi River, which is just four blocks away, and there’s a spacious hotel gym and rooftop pool to cool off in.

We also think InterContinental New Orleans by IHG is a fantastic hotel that offers great value for money. It’s on a quiet street in the CBD, but it’s just four blocks away from the French Quarter, with super friendly staff and a breakfast buffet that’s worth waking up for! 

Drury Plaza Hotel – $

Drury Plaza Hotel is a top-rated hotel that won’t eat into your sightseeing budget. It’s set inside the former Cumberland Phone Building, and it’s just a short walk from the French Quarter, but it offers much better value than many hotels in the heart of the city.

One of the things that really makes this hotel stand out is everything that’s included in your stay. Along with a complimentary hot breakfast, guests can enjoy the hotel’s popular evening Kickback®, which includes free snacks and drinks.

There’s also a rooftop pool and hot tub, a 24-hour gym, and private parking, so you’ll have everything you need for a convenient and comfortable stay. Rooms typically start from around $140 USD per night, which we think is amazing value given everything that’s included.

If Drury Plaza Hotel is fully booked, Holiday Inn New Orleans-Downtown is another great value option in the CBD. It offers bright, modern rooms at competitive prices, and it’s an easy walk to both the French Quarter and Caesars Superdome.

We also think DoubleTree by Hilton is a top choice if you’d like to stay close to the Mississippi River. Its location opposite Caesars Casino and within walking distance of the French Quarter makes it a great base, and you can’t go wrong with one of DoubleTree’s famous warm cookies on arrival!

Warehouse and Arts District 

BEST FOR MUSEUMS & DINING

Pros

• Amazing dining scene
• Lots of museums
• Quieter than the French Quarter but still close by
• More affordable than the French Quarter and the CBD 

Cons

• Less nightlife than the French Quarter or Faubourg Marigny
• Less historic charm 

If your idea of a great city break involves wandering around museums by day and discovering incredible restaurants by night, we think you’ll love the Warehouse and Arts District! Once an industrial neighborhood filled with old warehouses, it’s now one of New Orleans’ most vibrant areas. Its converted brick buildings house everything from award-winning restaurants to contemporary art galleries, so it’s perfect for the cultured travelers among us!

The National WWII Museum is the neighborhood’s biggest attraction, and it’s well worth allowing several hours to explore this one. You’ll also find galleries showcasing local artists and lots of swanky cocktail bars around. But perhaps what this area is best known for is its restaurants, including the iconic Emeril’s and our personal favorite, Compere Lapin, which serves up amazing Creole-Caribbean food.

Another thing we love about staying here is that you still feel close to the action without being surrounded by it. You can easily walk to the French Quarter and the CBD here, so you can head over to listen to live jazz whenever you feel like it and return to a quiet hotel here for a good night’s sleep. The area is a little sleepy once the museums close for the day, but for some travelers, that’s a good thing!

New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District – $$$

If you’re looking for an upscale stay in one of New Orleans’ coolest neighborhoods, New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District is a fantastic choice. It’s just a short walk from the National WWII Museum and some of the city’s best restaurants, while the French Quarter is only around 15 minutes away on foot.

The hotel has a modern feel, with spacious rooms and a stylish outdoor pool. We also love that you’re close enough to enjoy all the buzz of Downtown, but far enough away to return to a quieter neighborhood at the end of the day. Rooms typically start from around $220 USD per night.

If New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District is fully booked, Hotel Perle is another excellent upscale option in the neighborhood. This beautifully restored boutique hotel blends historic character with modern design, and its rooftop pool and central location make it a fantastic base for exploring both the Warehouse District and the French Quarter.

The Mercantile Hotel – $$

If you like the idea of having a little more space, The Mercantile Hotel is our top pick in the Warehouse and Arts District. It’s an all-suite boutique hotel, so every room comes with a separate living area, which is ideal if you’re staying for more than a night or two.

The hotel has a cool, understated feel, with exposed brick and music-inspired touches. It’s got plenty of character without trying too hard, and we also love the location. Staying here puts you within easy reach of the National WWII Museum, the Convention Center, and some of the best restaurants in the neighborhood. 

Rooms typically start from around $130 USD per night, although rates can vary a lot around festivals and major events.

If The Mercantile Hotel is fully booked, The Higgins Hotel is another fantastic choice, especially if the National WWII Museum is high on your list. It sits right on the museum’s campus and has stylish Art Deco-inspired rooms and a rooftop bar with sweeping views over the city.

We also think The Riverfront Hotel New Orleans is worth considering if you’re visiting for a conference or taking a cruise. It’s sleek and modern, and it’s located just one block from the Convention Center and Julia Street Cruise Terminal.

Hampton Inn and Suites – $ 

Hampton Inn and Suites is our top budget pick in the Warehouse and Arts District. It’s a reliable hotel in a great location, just a short stroll from the National WWII Museum and the Convention Center. The French Quarter is still within easy walking distance, and we like how the lobby and bar feel a little like an old-school saloon. 

One of the things we like most about this hotel is that you get plenty included in the price. Along with a complimentary hot breakfast each morning, there’s also an outdoor pool and fitness center, so staying here allows you to explore the city without stretching your budget. Rooms typically start from around $100 USD per night.

If Hampton Inn & Suites is fully booked, Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Convention Center is another excellent value option nearby. It offers spacious rooms and a rooftop pool, and it’s an easy walk to both the Warehouse District’s restaurants and the French Quarter.

We also think Sonesta ES Suites is perfect if you’re staying in New Orleans for a little longer. The studio and one-bedroom suites come with fully equipped kitchens, and it’s got an outdoor pool and complimentary breakfast, which is excellent value given that rooms start at just $95 USD per night! 

Garden District & Uptown

BEST FOR A QUIET & HISTORIC STAY

Pros

• Beautiful streets with lots of trees and historic mansions
• Quiet atmosphere
• Easy access to Downtown via streetcar

Cons

• Further from the French Quarter than the other neighborhoods on this list
• The area is quite spread out, so it takes longer to get around 

If you’re hoping to experience a slower and more elegant side of New Orleans, we think you’ll love staying in the Garden District or Uptown. This area is known for its grand historic mansions and towering oak trees. In fact, we think that these beautiful residential streets are just as enjoyable to wander as any of the city’s major attractions!

Magazine Street is one of our favorite places to spend an afternoon, thanks to its independent boutiques and fantastic restaurants. We really enjoyed just taking our time here and checking out the local shops and cozy cafes. It definitely offers a more relaxed experience than the buzzing Downtown area.

Despite that, it’s still super easy to get Downtown via the historic St. Charles streetcar. Riding the streetcar at least once is a must in New Orleans – it’s actually the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world! Streetcars run every 10-15 minutes, and the journey to the French Quarter takes 30-45 minutes, depending on your exact starting point.

The only thing to keep in mind is that the Garden District and Uptown are more spread out than the neighborhoods closer to Downtown, so getting around takes a little longer. But if you’d rather swap late-night crowds for leafy streets and beautiful architecture, we think it’s worth the trade-off.

Garden District Hotel – $$$ 

If you’re looking to treat yourself in one of New Orleans’ prettiest neighborhoods, Garden District Hotel is a fantastic choice. It’s set inside a beautifully restored historic building and located within easy walking distance of Magazine Street, so what’s not to love?

The hotel blends classic New Orleans charm with modern comforts, offering elegant rooms and an outdoor pool that’s perfect for escaping the Louisiana heat. We love the striped parasols, as they add a bit of an art deco vibe! Then inside, the rooms are sleek, spacious, and full of natural light.

This is the ideal place to return to after a busy day of exploring New Orleans, or to recover after a big night out in the French Quarter! Rooms typically start from around $200 USD per night.

If Garden District Hotel is fully booked, Blackbird Hotel is an excellent boutique option in the neighborhood. Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian mansion, it offers stylish, individually designed rooms and a peaceful location just a short walk from both Magazine Street and the St. Charles streetcar.

Hotel Tonnelle – $$ 

We love Hotel Tonnelle because it offers a stylish stay without a luxury price tag! Its vintage-inspired décor reflects the character of the neighborhood really well, and the spacious rooms and modern facilities make it a comfortable base after a busy day of sightseeing.

It’s just a short walk from the St. Charles streetcar, making it easy to explore the French Quarter and Downtown while enjoying a much quieter place to stay. Magazine Street is also nearby, so you’ll have plenty of great cafés and boutique shops within easy walking distance. Rooms typically start from around $140 USD per night outside of major festivals and events.

If Hotel Tonnelle is fully booked, The Pontchartrain Hotel is another fantastic option with plenty of New Orleans character. Dating back to the 1920s, it’s home to the popular Hot Tin rooftop bar, where you can enjoy incredible views over the city alongside creative cocktails.

Meanwhile, Creole Gardens Guesthouse and Inn is a small and intimate place to stay between the Garden District and the Warehouse District. The inn is set inside a collection of charming historic homes and offers a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of historic character.

St Charles Coach House – $ 

If you want to stay in the Garden District without spending a fortune, St Charles Coach House is a fantastic choice. It sits right on the St. Charles streetcar line, so you can hop aboard and reach Downtown or the French Quarter without needing a car.

The hotel has a relaxed boutique feel, with comfortable rooms and a quieter setting than you’ll find in central New Orleans. We also love that Magazine Street and the beautiful residential streets of the Garden District are within easy reach. Rooms typically start from around $110 USD per night.

If St. Charles Coach House is fully booked, The Quisby is another excellent option for budget-conscious travelers. It offers both private rooms and shared dorms in a lively location on St. Charles Avenue, with bars, restaurants, and the streetcar all close by – what more could you need?

Faubourg Marigny

BEST FOR CHARACTER & LIVE MUSIC

Pros

• Home to Frenchmen Street
• Full of colorful Creole cottages and independent bars
• Lots of local character
• 15-minute walk from the French Quarter

Cons

• Fewer large hotels
• Not quite as central as the French Quarter 

If you’re visiting New Orleans for the music, we think Faubourg Marigny is hard to beat! Sitting just beyond the French Quarter, this colorful neighborhood has a more local feel, with charming Creole cottages and some of the best live music venues in the city.

Frenchmen Street is the area’s biggest draw, and for good reason. Lined with jazz clubs and cocktail bars, it’s the perfect place to spend an evening soaking up New Orleans’ famous music scene. There are lots of street performers here and a great atmosphere, although it feels a bit more laid-back than Bourbon Street.

Another thing we love about staying in Faubourg Marigny is that you can easily walk into the French Quarter whenever you want to explore the city’s biggest sights. Then, once you’ve had your fill of the crowds, it’s nice to return to a neighborhood that feels a little more authentic.

Accommodation here tends to consist of boutique hotels and historic inns rather than large chain hotels. But since we’re the type of travelers who appreciate charming B&Bs, this only adds to the area’s appeal in our book! If you’re looking for somewhere with plenty of character and a fantastic live music scene, we think Faubourg Marigny is an excellent place to stay.

Hotel Peter and Paul – $$$

If you’re looking for a boutique hotel that’s every bit as memorable as New Orleans itself, Hotel Peter and Paul is our top luxury pick in Faubourg Marigny. It’s set across a restored complex of 19th-century buildings, which include a church, a schoolhouse, and a convent.

We think it’s safe to say that it’s unlike anywhere else in the city, with lots of character and plenty of modern comforts despite its historic architecture. 

The hotel is just a short walk from the live music venues along Frenchmen Street. It feels peaceful and tucked away, but it’s still close enough to wander into both the French Quarter and the heart of Marigny’s buzzing music scene. Rooms typically start from around $200 USD per night.

If Hotel Peter and Paul is fully booked, The Lanaux Mansion is another fantastic boutique option nearby. Housed in a beautifully preserved Victorian mansion, it offers elegant rooms and a peaceful location just a few minutes’ walk from Frenchmen Street.

Melrose Mansion – $$ 

Melrose Mansion is a spacious hotel set inside a restored Victorian mansion on Esplanade Avenue, which puts you close to both Frenchmen Street and the French Quarter. This means that if you stay here, you’ll have some of the city’s best live music and biggest sights within walking distance!

The hotel feels elegant without being overly formal, with antique furnishings and large windows. We think the verandas are a charming and very Southern detail, and the outdoor pool is a lovely bonus for when you need a break from the Louisiana heat! Rooms typically start from around $180 USD per night.

If Melrose Mansion is fully booked, no worries, because we’ve got another charming mansion right nearby! The Mansion on Royal is a historic guesthouse with a prime location on Royal Street, which puts you within easy reach of both Frenchmen Street and the French Quarter.

Jean Lafitte House – $

We love Jean Lafitte House because it offers an affordable stay with plenty of New Orleans character. It’s set inside a beautifully restored 19th-century townhouse, with a colorful facade and those classic wrought-iron balconies.

The spacious suites feature kitchenettes, which is handy if you’re staying for a few days or want to save a little money by preparing a meal or two while you’re here. We also love the peaceful courtyard and outdoor pool.

Plus, the location puts you just a short walk from Frenchmen Street and the French Quarter, so you’ll be perfectly placed to enjoy live music and the city’s biggest attractions. Rooms typically start from around $140 USD per night, making this one of the best-value stays in Faubourg Marigny.

If Jean Lafitte House is fully booked, The Blue60 Marigny Inn is another excellent option full of local character. This colorful boutique inn offers individually decorated rooms and a lush tropical courtyard with a hot tub.

Or for something a little more polished, Lamothe House Hotel offers a fairly low-key but elegant stay in a Victorian home, with spacious rooms and two outdoor pools. It’s nice and quiet, but it’s still just a few minutes’ walk from the live music venues on Frenchmen Street.

Top Activities in New Orleans

Now that you’ve found the perfect place to stay, it’s time to experience the best of New Orleans! We loved that our days here could involve everything from eating gumbo in the French Quarter to spotting alligators in the swamps. Mixing food, history, and a little spooky fun gave us a great taste of what makes this city so unique.

Here are some of our favorite things to do in New Orleans:

• Explore haunted New Orleans – New Orleans was practically made for spooky stories, and exploring the French Quarter on this ghost tour was so much fun! Our guide brought stories of Voodoo, vampires, Marie Laveau, and the infamous LaLaurie Mansion to life, making this one of our favorite nights in the city.

• Eat your way through the French Quarter – Come hungry for this small-group food tour! We sampled New Orleans classics like gumbo, jambalaya, po-boys, and andouille sausage before finishing with pralines and beignets. Our guide also explained the cultures behind each dish, so we got a history lesson along with a seriously good lunch.

• Cruise through Honey Island Swamp – Get beyond the city and experience another side of Louisiana on this swamp cruise. We cruised beneath moss-covered cypress trees while spotting alligators, wild boar, herons, and even snakes. Hearing local legends and learning about Cajun life along the way made the experience even better.

• Visit Oak Alley Plantation – Dive deeper into Louisiana’s complex history on this half-day trip from New Orleans. We toured Oak Alley’s famous mansion and grounds while learning about the plantation’s history and the enslaved people whose labor sustained it. It was a fascinating and sobering look at an important part of Louisiana’s past.

• Cook Louisiana classics – This hands-on cooking class was our FAVORITE experience in New Orleans! We made everything from gumbo and BBQ shrimp and grits to bananas foster before sitting down to enjoy our feast with wine and local beer. We’ve taken cooking classes around the world, and this one truly stood out.

Related Read: Need help planning your days? Check out our 3-day New Orleans itinerary for all of our favorite stops!

Thanks for reading!

After days spent eating your way through the French Quarter, listening to live jazz on Frenchmen Street, hunting for ghosts, and cruising through Louisiana’s swamps, having the right neighborhood to come home to makes all the difference. Whether you want the nonstop energy of the French Quarter, the leafy streets of the Garden District, or the live music scene in Faubourg Marigny, there’s a New Orleans neighborhood for every kind of trip.

The adventure doesn’t have to stop in New Orleans! Browse our other USA blogs here for more destination guides, favorite tours, and travel tips. Here are a few others we think you’ll enjoy:

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