Rock The Elvis Suite: The Lookout Inn
This funky little hidden gem is an affordable alternative off the beaten path at the edge of the Bywater. Not only is it close to neighbourhood hotspots like BJs Lounge and Bar Redux, its also the only place in New Orleans where you can rent an Elvis-themed suite. If youre not into the King, choose from additional room themes including Mardi Gras and Bollywood.
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Best Places To Stay In New Orleans
- Apartment Rental: The Picayune
First time to New Orleans? First-timers will appreciate the Central Business District.
The neighborhood knocks on the door of Bourbon Street and the French Quarter while providing easy access to each popular area around the city via the iconic streetcars. With that said, each part of town will appeal to a different style of traveler. Whether youre in town for a classic NOLA experience or wanting to explore the citys unique history.
Faubourg Treme Soulful Historic And Filled With Pride
Faubourg Treme, known affectionately as just Treme by locals, is a historic area on the north side of French Quarter.
Originally referred to as Back of Town, a major development project went underway to revitalize and refurbish this incredible area, calling upon its deep historical significance, jazz and brass band history and Creole roots.
As one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, Treme is perhaps best known for being the main residential area for free people of color in the 1950s and 60s.
Many consider this area to be both the birthplace of jazz and of the southern Civil Rights Movement.
Unique and vibrant, Faubourg Treme rose to national prominence after the release of Faubourg Tremé: The Untold Story of Black New Orleans, a 2008 documentary film, which uncovered Tremes importance to Black America, as well as American history as a whole.
The film also outlined how Treme fell into economic despair and faced urban decay and crime after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the area. Since, the area has sprung back to life and has some amazing things to see and do.
Several major artists and musicians have come out of Treme and an enduring artistic culture continues to thrive on Tremes streets.
Just a quick walk from French Quarter, Treme begins at Armstrong Park (named after famed jazz musician Louis Armstrong.
Today, residents and visitors still fill the square and youre likely to see live music, picnics and dancing any day of the week.
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Things To See And Do In Bourbon Street
- Listen to Cajun and Zydeco banks as you enjoy strong drinks and a great atmosphere at Tropical Isle.
- Eat well at Galatoires 33 Bar & Steak, which specializes in steak and seafood dishes.
- Walk through Musical Legends Park and see all the statues of New Orleans jazz heroes.
- Listen to smooth jazz and drink great cocktails at Fritzels European Jazz Club.
- Dance the night away at Chris Owens Club & Balcony.
- Bottoms up! Enjoy a round of shots at Ritas Tequila House.
- Party all night long at Oz, a 2-story gay dance club that plays the best music.
- Sample unique absinthe cocktails at the historic Old Absinthe House.
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Amazing Neighborhoods In New Orleans
New Orleans is one of the most distinctive cities in America! As the home of jazz music, creole culture and Mardi Gras, this rich and diverse coastal city attracts millions of visitors each year with its quirky culture, vibrant nightlife and fascinating history especially for those interested in the paranormal.
As quite a large city, with some unsafe areas, figuring out where to stay before you arrive is absolutely imperative. It can be difficult to navigate the streets, making this quite a daunting task.
Thats where we come in! We have built this guide to the seven best areas in New Orleans to help you plan your itinerary for your upcoming trip to NOLA.
So lets get started!
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This Is The Kind Of Bnb Where You Can Pretend You Are A Local While Vacationing In New Orleans With Its Lush Garden Bright Rooms And Laid
Another historic hotel, Le Pavillon is a four star accommodation that nevertheless offers better rates than those in the city centre! This lets you splash out on a luxury stay for less. There is a restaurant on-site, as well as a fully equipped fitness centre and an outdoor pool.
If you are traveling you should ALWAYS have emergency cash hidden on you! Security belts are great because they are affordable and can fit a ton of stuff in them . Check out our favorite travel belt!
Putting You Right In The Heart Of The French Quarter You Will Be In The Thick Of The Action When Staying At This Airy And Cozy Bnb With Its Wide
The only hostel located right in the French Quarter, IHSP takes you right to the heart of the action! They have excellent facilities including large communal spaces where you can mingle with other guests. They offer a complimentary breakfast every morning, as well as regular social events.
Need a place with more energy? Try one of New Orleans top party hostels!
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Hotel Provincial: Great Value For Money
If you are looking for old-world charm at a great price, look no further! The Hotel Provincial, situated in the French Quarter, is a fabulous hotel that affords you a comfortable stay without a hefty price tag.
This stunning architectural gem offers everything you need for a comfortable stay, including little modern touches like iPod docking stations, an ambient courtyard, and a sparkling pool.
Apart from all the previously mentioned French Quarter attractions, the hotel is only 300 m from the spectacular St Louis Cathedral, including several other hidden gems you will only find wandering through the picturesque neighborhood.
Continue Reading To Find Out More About
As there is so much to the city beyond just the tourism-focused French Quarter, were here to present you with a comprehensive breakdown of the coolest neighbourhoods alongside our picks for some of the best hotels in each area. And in a one-of-kind city as offbeat as New Orleans, you can bet the accommodations are just as eccentric with options ranging from historic mansions and renovated church buildings to a former firehouse and chandelier factory.
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Top Things To Do In The French Quarter:
- Soak up the atmosphere over a coffee in historic Jackson Square
- Shop for souvenirs along the six blocks of the French Market
- Go on a ghost tour New Orleans is the most haunted city in the United States after all!
- Visit the statues of Benito Juarez and Joan of Arc, Maid of Orleans
- Tour Gallier House for a glimpse into the affluent family life of this 1857 residence
- Go people-watching in one of the cajun themed coffee shops
- Enjoy river views from Woldenberg Park
- Explore quirky museums including the Historic Voodoo Museum, Museum of Death, New Orleans Jazz Museum and Historic New Orleans Collection
- Go on a steamboat cruise along the Mississippi River
- Visit Lalaurie Mansion a beautiful 1800s house hiding a dark history
- See the oldest cathedral in the United States St. Louis Cathedral
- Walk the 182m length of Pirates Alley where youll find boutiques, bookshops and cafes
Love to tan? Check out the 15 best beaches in New Orleans!
Stay In A Renovated Church: Hotel Peter & Paul
This show-stopping former church, schoolhouse, rectory, and convent property has risen through the ranks to establish itself as one of the best new hotels in America since opening last fall. Select from a range of impressive rooms with heavy nods to the past across the newly renovated buildings of the stunning complex in what was once the Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church.
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Uptown Two Universities And Quaint Stylings
Residential, leafy and historic, the Uptown area of New Orleans is home to several state-famous landmarks and beautiful architecture.
The streets here have colorful and unique names recognized after cultural leaders and places, including Oretha Castle Haley, The Garden District, Irish Channel, the Black Pearl and Carrollton.
The mansions along St. Charles Avenue, the areas most famous street, are majestic and grand, hidden under ancient oak trees.
Tulane University and Loyola University are both located here and their stately spires rise above raised Creole Cottages.
In short, Uptown is beautiful, lively and steeped in rich tradition, passed on through many generations. And, theres a ton to see and do for the whole family.
But, if you just feel like laying back and relaxing in shady park, Uptown is the perfect place to do so.
Start a stay here by walking along the famedSt. Charles Avenue. This street forms the northern border of the neighborhood and is a testament to urban splendor.
All along the street youll see mansions, historic homes and businesses styled with a variety of classic Victorian features.
If you dont feel like walking, hop on one of the famous St. Charles streetcars that travel along Uptown and the Garden District. Youll see New Orleans famous shady oaks and lots of greenery whizzing by.
Directly across the street from Audubon Riverview Park are the campuses of Tulane and Loyala, both open for the public to check out and walk around.
Where To Stay In New Orleans
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in New Orleans including vacation rentals as well as hotels for all budgets and there are even some hostels in New Orleans. This is particularly useful if youre backpacking around the USA and need to save some dollars!
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New Orleans Neighborhood Guide
New Orleans
New Orleans is a Louisiana city on the Mississippi River, near the Gulf of Mexico. The city spans 13 districts which are subdivided into 72 distinctive neighborhoods.
Nicknamed the Big Easy, the city is known for its vibrant live-music scene, and Cajun-Creole cuisine reflecting its historic ties to French, African and American cultures. New Orleans is also known for its raucous costumed parades and street parties of Mardi Gras.
The city was affected badly by the 2005 Hurricane Katrina, but the town has bounced back with bells on!
The French Quarter is the historic centre of New Orleans and its famous, colourful buildings are abundant with tourist attractions. We recommend this neighborhood to first-time visitors in New Orleans.
Within this neighborhood, runs the positively Bacchanalian Bourbon Street. We consider this to be a district in its own right with its boisterous nightlife and never-ending supply liquor. Stay here if youre looking to party!
The best budget accommodation can be scored in the Central Business District, which boasts a lively nightlife and you can take your pick from lots of restaurants.
The coolest neighbourhood Faubourg Marigny, where bohemian spirit meets hipster cool. Families will love the peace and safety of the affluent Lower Garden District.
Interested in New Orleans? Read up on the history of New Orleans!
New Orleans Dangerous City
However, this problem of violence and urban insecurity is not limited to certain New York neighborhoods, Las Vegas or Los Angeles.
Indeed, New Orleans or NOLA is also one of the most dangerous cities in the USA. But violence there has been declining sharply in recent years. See the article on nola.com.
However, this city would still remain among the most criminal in North America . In 2021, with a crime index of 65.45, New Orleans is positioned as the 7th most criminal city of the 100 largest cities in North America.
See the map of the Numbeo.com site below:
Screen copy of the map on the Numbeo.com website
Be careful, however, that these figures are based solely on the feelings of Internet users. If we compare to world level, New Orleans would be more dangerous than Bogota, Medellin, Naples ou Cancun.
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Faubourg Marigny & Treme
Bringing bohemian flair, jazz clubs, and Cajun bistros to the city, these two overlapping districts are some of the best places to stay in New Orleans. Although just blocks east of the French Quarter, its not a far stretch to call Faubourg Marigny and Treme off the beaten path.
Faubourg Marigny has an eclectic edge which is home to local artists and expansive warehouse studios. While most take the streetcar westward toward the Warehouse and Garden Districts, all it takes is a short trip in the opposite direction to find yourself among nothing but locals and the odd curious traveler. Here, the historic buildings and balconies are lathered with bright colors that create a kaleidoscopic neighborhood with surprises around every corner.
Although Frenchmen Street could easily be seen as an extension of Bourbon Street, its within Faubourg Marigny. In fact, its charm and vibe encapsulate the neighborhood best. Here, locals rule the nightlife scene. Essentially abandoned in the mid-20th century, creatives moved in and transformed the neighborhood into a hub of free expression, whether that be with a paintbrush or a brass instrument. There is an appreciation for the effervescent tunes that float through the night sky from the jazz clubs. The revelry is communal and the drunken stupor of Bourbon Street is not nearly as prevalent.
In both areas, visitors will find a range of budget to mid-range hotels. Many of which help showcase the compelling local culture.
A Little Help Planning Our Nola Experiences
It can be overwhelming when arriving in a new city and with so many things to do in New Orleans its difficult deciding where to start. But the Concierge staff at the InterContinental New Orleans helped us plan our complete New Orleans itinerary. This was the most we ever put a concierge to work before and now that we see what they can do well be using them a lot more in our future travels indeed. So with our map of New Orleans in hand and a solid plan, we set out to explore the city.
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Read More Articles On How To Plan Your Trip To New Orleans
Travel Planning Resources
Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.
Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner
Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor
Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO.
Travel Insurance: Don’t leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:
- World Nomads – Digital Nomads or Frequent Travelers.
- Allianz – Occasional Travelers.
- Medjet – Global air medical transport and travel security.
Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.
Sightseeing Without Using The Go New Orleans Pass
Visiting New Orleans for the first time can be stressful. New Orleans is a big city and theres lots of fun things to do and see. It can be challenging to plan an itinerary and determine which attractions to spend your money on.
Getting the most bang for your buck is my #1 factor when planning a vacation and the GO New Orleans Pass was rated the #1 New Orleans tourism pass by TripAdvisor.
Theyre also recommended by Expedia and the GO New Orleans Pass currently has a TrustScore of 4.4/5 on Trust Pilot. Many people have already used the GO New Orleans Pass for their NOLA trip and posted happy reviews.
With the GO New Orleans Pass, you can save time, money, and enjoy stress-free sightseeing. But dont just take my word for it. Check out these Get Your Guide reviews.
PRO TIP:
Buy the pass online to save extra money off the retail price. To buy the New Orleans Pass, to go to the official website.
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Where To Stay For Culture
Music is king in New Orleans. Hotels in the Bourbon Street neighborhood are in the heart of the action of New Orleans nightlife, where live jazz, blues, rock and folk music boom out of bars that stay open until early morning. The French District and Warehouse District are great places to stay to visit some of their more than 30 museums, with spots dedicated to World War II, Mardi Gras history and voodoo. If sport is your interest, book a hotel in the Central Business District to be close to the venues for Saints football and Pelicans basketball.
Recommended hotels in Bourbon Street
Cemeteries Of New Orleans
Early settlers had a difficult time keeping corpses down due to New Orleans high water table. They stuffed coffins with stones and filled them with water to try to keep the dearly departed dead and buried. But as the saying goes, You just cant keep a good person down!
The cemeteries of New Orleans really do remind us of the famous Paris cemeteries like Pere Lachaise, and it is no wonder, NOLA was settled by the French. As a matter a fact, New Orleans has a French Canadian connection. The French Quarter was founded by Montreal native Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville who was originally from Dieppe, France. The French culture is still very strong to this day. Today, New Orleans buries their residents above ground in cemeteries that are truly works of art.
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