Night owls will feel at home in The French Quarter and on Bourbon Street in particular, famed throughout the US for its exceptional bar and club scene. Foodies, meanwhile, will be spoilt for choice with a top range of restaurants serving New Orleans classics like gumbo and jambalaya.
The restful and refined Uptown, Garden District, and neighbourhoods surrounding City Park are ideal for families and those on an extended stay in the city. They are more aligned with the slow pace the Deep South is so renowned for, exude a warm community atmosphere, and offer their own selection of crave-worthy cafes and restaurants.
Those looking for fun daytime and evening entertainment will find it in the CBD where the city’s best museums and theatres can be found, as well as The Saints’ Superdome. The CBD’s Warehouse District also awaits to captivate audiences with its renowned art galleries and museums.
Hipsters may prefer to hang out in the Marigny and Bywater neighbourhoods located next to The French Quarter. Their colourful Creole streets have drawn a creative crowd who have brought independent shops, vegan cafes, and local-style casual restaurants along with them. Music lovers will be particularly drawn to Frenchmen Street by the lulling sounds of the sax.
The most affordable and authentic area to stay in is Mid-City, a more residential neighbourhood located just 5 km from The French Quarter. No need to head into the city for food and entertainment though, Mid-City has its own high street.
While most of the city sights are walkable, bicycles and Ubers are another popular way to get around.