Where to Stay in New Orleans to Walk Everywhere

It’s no mystery that people love visiting New Orleans. The culture, the music, our must eat restaurants in New Orleans, and the people are huge drivers for visitors wanting a little piece of the New Orleans pie. We receive over 17 million visitors per year, and for our little but mighty city, that’s a big deal. While we do have people from neighboring states drive into the city to stay, many people are taking flights and wonder if they need a car. The answer to that question is no. There is no need, and I notate that in this blog post about how to get around New Orleans. We have many places to stay and neighborhoods that will not require your own vehicle, and I am going to share them with you here. It’s a very walkable city, and if you need a lift, we have several options.

In the more densely populated areas of New Orleans, walking around will not be a safety issue. My warning to all, no matter where you travel, is to be aware of your surroundings. Walk confidently and look people in the eye when you pass them, say hello, and let them know you are aware that you see them. While we get a lot of press about the dangers of our city, we also, as locals, live here every single day and manage to stay alive and safe. You can absolutely do the same when you visit.

I typically carry this personal alarm with me so I can make a lot of noise if I feel uncomfortable (I haven't had to activate it yet), but other than that, I generally feel safe myself. One tip I do give to everyone is to not be out in the French Quarter past midnight, and really more like 11 pm. Remember this especially if you travel to New Orleans solo. Should you do so, that is your choice. I wanted to say that, though.

Wear Your Walking Shoes!

In general, New Orleans is an extremely walkable city for both locals and visitors. Many people who live here do have a car because of convenience, but when they can, they enjoy walking. The neighborhoods are typically littered with restaurants and bars, local grocery stores, gift shops, and boutiques. Anywhere you stay in New Orleans, particularly Uptown, in the French Quarter, Bywater, and Marigny, you are going to be golden with no car necessary. When walking is not a convenient mode of transportation, you can take the streetcar, a bicycle, a bus, or the hop-on hop-off bus. Don't worry about having a car when you come here; you'll be better off without one.

Courtyard of the Celestine Hotel

Choosing the best neighborhood to stay in New Orleans really depends on what you want to do on your visit and be closest to during your stay. If you’re visiting without a car, I recommend staying in one of these five neighborhoods because they put you within walking distance of many of the city’s best restaurants, bars, music venues, and attractions.

The French Quarter is best for first-time visitors who want to be in the middle of everything, while the Central Business District (CBD)/Warehouse District gives you easy access to the French Quarter with a slightly quieter home base, and the Garden District is ideal if you want beautiful historic homes and easy streetcar access. That is similar to Uptown as well. For live music and a more local atmosphere, Marigny puts you close to Frenchmen Street and some of the best live jazz in the city.

All five areas make it possible to experience New Orleans without renting a car, but each offers a very different experience. Below, I’ll break down where to stay in each neighborhood and some of my favorite hotels.

French Quarter

The Celestine Hotel

Small but mighty, the 14 room beautifully renovated boutique Celestine Hotel is an oasis in the French Quarter. We would expect nothing less from Robért LeBlanc, who has multiple successful hospitality businesses in New Orleans, including other boutique hotels around the city. The Celestine has been recognized from several major publications and even the Michelin Guide, so you know you’re going to be staying in luxury. Prices are not out of control, and you can be cozy in the space located in the heart of the French Quarter and steps away from Royal Street and Bourbon Street, two of our most famous walking streets in the city.

Walking: about 2 minutes to Bourbon Street, 6 minutes to Jackson Square, and 15 minutes to Frenchmen Street. Typical price: about $150–$300+ per night.

Hotel Monteleone

One of the most iconic hotels in our city, Hotel Monteleone is one that would be worth staying at once if you are a regular visitor to New Orleans. You can pop downstairs to the Carousel Bar for a cocktail on the actual spinning platform, or avoid motion sickness and sit in a lounge chair. The hotel is situated near Canal Street, making it easy to hop on the Canal Street streetcar if you want to get around town. You’re walking distance from everything in the French Quarter, as well as the CBD and Warehouse District. It’s a beautiful space, and if you don’t stay, definitely pop in for a visit.

Walking: about 3 minutes to the Canal Street streetcar, 5 minutes to Bourbon Street, and 8–10 minutes to Jackson Square. Typical price: about $200–$450 per night.

Place d’Armes Hotel

Part of a collection of boutique hotels primarily in the French Quarter, Place d’Armes Hotel is a charming space that has history and comfort, with its brick facade and wrought iron balcony greeting you. I personally love where it’s located, as it’s on the fringe of the action and the “residential side” of the French Quarter. You’ll get the best of both worlds staying here. Hearing live music from the street would be typical, and walking over to Jackson Square to buy some art is a visitor favorite. Don’t forget your beignets at the iconic Cafe du Monde nearby, too. There is so much to do around this hotel, and the prices are reasonable for such a great location. You’re also near so many music venues on Frenchmen Street, just blocks away and within walking distance. It’s a perfect match for those who want to be in the heart of the action!

Walking: about 2 minutes to Jackson Square, 3 minutes to Bourbon Street, and 10 minutes to Frenchmen Street. Typical price: about $150–$250 per night.

Warehouse District

Warehouse District/CBD (Central Business District)

Renaissance Arts Hotel

What a great location and fantastic prices! Renaissance Arts Hotel is one of my favorite recommendations because of the walkability of it to so much, including both streetcar lines. They are part of the Marriott family, so you know you’re going to get quality. The space is clean and funky, and you will be welcomed into one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city: The Warehouse District. You’ll find so many delicious eateries around you, like Pluck Wine Bar, St. James Cheese Company, and Meril.

Walking: about 10 minutes to the National WWII Museum, 15–18 minutes to Jackson Square, and roughly 10 minutes to the nearest St. Charles streetcar stop. Typical price: about $125–$300 per night, although peak-event dates can go much higher.

This is a great place for people who need multiple rooms, too. The staff is always helpful, and you will get what you need. It’s about a 10 minute walk to the National WWII Museum, which I highly recommend. And pop in to Rosie’s on the Rooftop, which is the Higgins Hotel rooftop bar, and in my opinion one of the top rooftop bars in the city. The views are unparalleled. 

Eliza Jane Hotel

The Eliza Jane Hotel is the type of hotel I would pick when I travel to other cities. It’s got the right amount of quirk combined with other elements that I look for in a hotel. The parent company is Hyatt, so they are held accountable for standards, but it feels like a boutique hotel. Color is something that they are not afraid to use, and the rooms are appointed well. The hotel’s location is awesome, and you are right in the middle of the French Quarter and the Warehouse District. Walking or taking the streetcar are so easy, and you will not go hungry with the amount of restaurants and bars around. It’s a great pick.

Walking: about 5 minutes to Canal Street and the streetcar, 12–15 minutes to Jackson Square, and about 13 minutes to Bourbon Street. Typical price: about $170–$350 per night.

The Roosevelt Hotel

Luxury at its finest, the Roosevelt Hotel has seen several iterations of hotel brands as I grew up here. It’s the most iconic hotel for the Christmas lights, and the Sazerac Bar comes recommended by me in my blog about the best bars in New Orleans. You will be treated like the queen or king you are when you stay here, and you will get to stay at one of the most beautiful hotels in our city. The location is stellar, and if you’re going to a show at The Saenger, you are in a good spot. Just once, I would say this would be a fantastic place to stay and splurge, if budget is something you need to keep in mind.

Walking: about 3 minutes to Canal Street and its streetcar lines, 5 minutes to Bourbon Street, and roughly 12–15 minutes to Jackson Square. Typical price: about $200–$400 per night.

Pool at the Blackbird Hotel

Garden District/Lower Garden District

Henry Howard Hotel

This big, beautiful hotel with beautiful wrought iron balconies and huge columns called the Henry Howard Hotel (named for the famous architect) is in such a fantastic location. First, the boutique hotel is located in the Lower Garden District (a squeak outside of the Garden District) and close to delicious eateries like Stein’s Deli, Gris-Gris, and Joey K’s. All of these are in walking distance. The hotel itself is priced outrageously well, especially the weekday prices. If you can swing a during-the-week visit, I would recommend this hotel. You are not far from the St. Charles streetcar line, so if you want to get into the French Quarter area, it’s easy. It’s a fabulous spot, and I would stay in this type of hotel on my own travels.

Walking: about 5 minutes to the St. Charles Avenue streetcar and approximately 12 minutes to Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. Typical price: about $200–$425 per night.

The Blackbird Hotel

I’m a huge fan of boutique hotels, if you haven’t noticed by now. This gorgeous and unsuspecting space is moody and sexy, and the exterior and interior reflect that. You’ll get many delightful amenities, like the use of a pool (which in the summer is clutch), and a fabulous hotel bar. The Blackbird also hosts live jazz a couple of nights each month, giving guests the chance to enjoy one of New Orleans’ quintessential experiences without even leaving the hotel. You also have a concierge that can make great recommendations to restaurants and activities around the city. The prices at the Blackbird Hotel don’t seem to fluctuate too much weekday or weekend, so take your pick and come enjoy a lovely experience and a beautiful small hotel in the middle of the city.

Walking: roughly 8 minutes to the St. Charles streetcar and around 12–15 minutes to the National WWII Museum. Typical price: about $250–$500 per night, but seasonal variation is substantial.

Hotel St. Vincent

When the Hotel St. Vincent was getting renovated, I poked my head in it because I was so excited to see what was to come of it. Originally built as an infant asylum, its history is rich and the ones who renovated it honor the woman who built the place for this immense gift to children in need in New Orleans. This hotel is simply awesome. It’s a larger property (75 rooms) than what I would normally like myself, but totally worth a stay. They have a DJ night every Friday, a couple of on-site delicious restaurants, and a pool. It’s pretty much perfect and I definitely recommend it if you can swing it. A visit only is worth it as well.

Walking: approximately 10 minutes to the St. Charles streetcar and around 15–20 minutes to the National WWII Museum. Typical price: about $300–$650 per night.

Uptown New Orleans

Uptown

The Chloe Hotel

The Chloe Hotel made its splash on the hotel scene years ago, and it hasn’t lost its luster with locals and visitors alike. Locals love to go use the pool during the oppressive hot summer days, as well as have lunch or drinks at the restaurant and bar. The hotel is beautifully decorated, as the owners of the Celestine did this hotel as well and spared no expense on taste. Truly a stunning space with everything you’d want in a hotel, I definitely recommend this boutique uptown hotel. Blink and you might miss it, it’s tucked back on St. Charles Avenue and walkable to much, including the green streetcar line which is on the median in front of the hotel. You’ll be very pleased with this choice.

Walking: the St. Charles streetcar runs essentially right outside the hotel, so you’re only about a minute from a stop. Typical price: about $400–$700+ per night.

Park View Guest House

Immediately next to Audubon Park is the Park View Guest House/Historic Hotel. To me, it feels almost like a bed and breakfast, but alas, it is not. It has a full service bar and if you’re a guest you get a free cocktail on the house. Perks! It’s also directly on the streetcar line, so you can get to the downtown area if you so wish. The area where the hotel is situated is amongst the locals and nestled right into the neighborhood. For most people staying in New Orleans, this will be a bit further out than they would like, but I recommend it because it’s charming and quaint, and perhaps you want to be far away from the typical tourist things. If so, this is a great pick.

Walking: about 3 minutes to Audubon Park and roughly 1–3 minutes to the St. Charles streetcar. Typical price: I’d use $200–$350 per night as a planning range, with the usual warning that major-event weekends can be substantially higher.

Columns Hotel

Going back towards the heart of uptown New Orleans, the Columns Hotel is easily one of my favorite places as a local to sit on the porch and have happy hour. I’ve brought so many people to this place over the years, and will continue to do so. It’s a staple in New Orleans for locals, and visitors who stay there are pleased with the location and the walkability of this hotel. You’re near The Delachaise, a wonderful and cozy wine bar, and almost directly across from Superior Grill if you’re craving chips and salsa and a killer margarita. Perhaps a po-boy from Superior Seafood suits you. My recommendation is to get the fries and a glass of wine and sit on that porch, letting the time go by. It’s dreamy.

Walking: about 1 minute to the St. Charles streetcar - it runs directly in front of the hotel. Typical price: about $200–$350 per night.

Marigny

Hotel Peter and Paul

There aren’t many hotels I would personally recommend in Marigny and almost no hotels (if any) in Bywater, but Hotel Peter and Paul is worth a mention so I will mention it. Built as a church, complete with a rectory, convent, and school house, it is now one of the coolest hotels in the city. There’s a big event space in what used to be the church, and The Elysian Bar is a fantastic place to grab a cocktail. For locals and visitors, it’s a great place to spend some time. You’re within walking distance to everything in the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods, and not far from the French Quarter. For those wanting to stay in this particular part of town among the creole cottages of the neighborhood, it’s a great place to choose.

Walking: about 6 minutes to Frenchmen Street and roughly 15–17 minutes to Jackson Square. Typical price: about $200–$500 per night.

R&B Bed and Breakfast

R&B Bed and Breakfast is a charming B&B right on Frenchmen Street in the Marigny, making it an especially good choice for travelers coming to New Orleans for live music. The Spotted Cat is just steps away, and R&B guests receive free admission and skip-the-line access to the club. You’re also within easy walking distance of the French Quarter, French Market, restaurants, bars, and other Frenchmen Street music venues.

Walking: you’re right on Frenchmen Street, just steps from the music clubs, and roughly 10–12 minutes from Jackson Square. Typical price: about $100–$200 per night for standard rooms.

Of this list, I would not be able to choose easily if I were you. The area where you want to stay will play a big part in it, and that will help you narrow down your choices. Most of these hotels are going to be in the mid-range to higher pricing, so you’ll be able to know what you’re getting into there. If you splurge, you can follow my blog on free things to do in New Orleans to save you some money on that end of it, too. All of these places will treat you well and give you the experience you deserve when visiting New Orleans, our beautiful and soulful city. And if you're deciding which area to stay in New Orleans with family, read this post. I also shared the best time to visit New Orleans to help with your planning. You’re going to love it here and never want to leave. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

If you have any questions about any of these hotels, feel free to ask me!

**Please note that the prices of the hotels greatly fluctuate during heavy tourist seasons like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest.*

If you liked this article, you may also like best area to stay in New Orleans with family or the best bars in New Orleans (according to me).

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