New Orleans/French Quarter

The French Quarter or "Vieux Carré" ("old square" in French) stretches along the Mississippi River from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue (13 blocks long) and back from the Mississippi to Rampart Street (6 blocks wide).
"The Quarter" is compact. One can spend an enjoyable vacation here without leaving it for several days. If the French Quarter is your headquarters, consider leaving your car behind and not bothering to rent one if your health permits a few blocks walk. Parking is difficult, expensive, or both. Occasional trips to other parts of town can be made by streetcar or cab. The neighborhood is pedestrian friendly. Take care walking at night, particularly on dark or deserted streets. If you've been drinking, a cab is advisable.
The "Upper Quarter" (between Canal Street and Jackson Square) is the area most patronized by visitors, but the "Lower Quarter" (between Jackson Square and Esplanade Avenue) also has shops and restaurants sprinkled amongst the residences.

Take the streetcar in if you're in Uptown or Mid City. Driving in on Interstate 10, take the Orleans Avenue or Vieux Carré exit. Once you're in the Quarter, it's best seen on foot. If you do drive within the Quarter, expect it to be slow, and watch for the pedestrians and bikes. The Quarter is very doable on a bike, but again be especially alert.
The Quarter is wider (from Canal to Esplanade) than it is deep (from the River to Rampart).
Bourbon and Royal Streets (see below) are the main avenues running through the width of the French Quarter; sections are often closed off to motor vehicles. Parallel Chartres Street is often a better option for pedestrians actually heading somewhere when Royal and Bourbon are jammed with visitors. The heart of the Quarter is Jackson Square, listed below.

• Bourbon StreetSome 8 blocks of Bourbon from Canal Street down are given over to catering to the hard drinking tourists. If getting drunk with other tourists is the goal of your vacation, this is the place for you. Even otherwise, this notorious strip of tourist traps is worth at least a quick look for its gaudy sleaziness. Bourbon has not only countless bars but also many fine restaurants featuring delicious local cuisine for people who want to experience the local foods.

• Royal StreetStrolling Royal Street by day is as essential a New Orleans experience as Bourbon Street by night. 1 block away in distance, a world in attitude. There are art galleries, upscale antique stores, landmark hotels and interesting specialty shops. Lots of temptations for those with money, but is also fun window shopping for those not spending a dime.

• Jackson SquareThe old town square, often live music is going on here, as well as street corner painters and tarot readers. Around the square are:

• Cabildo

  phone: +1 504 568-6968
  address: 701 Chartres St
  Colonial city hall, now a museum; Louisiana Purchase agreements transferring the city from France to the USA were signed here.

• Presbytere

  phone: +1 504 568-6968
  address: 751 Chartres St
  Colonial church offices, now another museum, including a New Orleans Mardi Gras display.

• St. Louis Cathedral

  phone: +1 504 525-9585
  address: 615 Pere Antoine Alley
  A symbol of New Orleans, this is the oldest Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States and has a giant statue of the Virgin Mary with her arms extended gracing the middle of the courtyard.

• Pontalba Buildings4-story brick apartment buildings have specialty shops, restaurants, and a tourist information office on the ground floors.

Moon WalkA brick walking path along the Mississippi River across Decatur Street from Jackson Square. The curious name comes from its dedication to former New Orleans mayor Moon Landrieu.

Chartres StreetParallels Bourbon and Royal Streets, one block closer to the river than Royal. While less famous with visitors, those who enjoy historic architecture will find the city's greatest concentration of preserved colonial era buildings along Chartres, along with early 19th century town-houses. Plus it passes through Jackson Square. A pleasant walk with local shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars scattered along the street.

Old French Market

phone: +1 504 522-2621

address: bound by Ursulines Ave, N Peters St, Barracks St, and French Market Pl

While souvenirs for visitors have taken over a good bit of the space at this more than 250-year-old market, there are still vendors selling fresh produce as in days of old. On weekends a much larger number of vendors set up here, with handicrafts and flea market type goods.

Lower Decatur StreetRight around the corner from the historic US Mint, and the French Market. A French Quarter neighborhood with shops, dining, and entertainment. Late at night the bars really hop with local color.

New Orleans Jazz Park Visitor's Center & Headquarters

phone: +1 504 589-4841

address: 916 N Peters St

Often has live music, lectures, and gives music history related walking tours. Many events are free; those that aren't are a bargain.

Jean Lafitte National Park and Preserve

address: 419 Decatur St

Headquarters for National Park that includes several historic sites in and near New Orleans. Has a small museum and visitor's center. Show up by 9AM to get a place on the informative free walking tour of the French Quarter.

Historic New Orleans Collection

phone: +1 504 523-4662

address: 533 Royal St

Museum with changing exhibits of local history. Also has a research center nearby on Chartres Street.

Old U.S. Mint

phone: +1 504 568-6968

address: 400 Esplanade Ave

Coins haven't been minted in New Orleans for decades, so the building is now a museum, with the minting process downstairs and the world's top exhibit on New Orleans jazz upstairs.

Old Ursuline Convent

phone: +1 504 529-3040

address: 1100 Chartres St

Completed in 1752, open for tours.

Pharmacy Museum

phone: +1 504 565-8027

address: 514 Chartres St

See and learn about medical practices of the mid 19th century. Calling ahead to verify hours is recommended.

Cigar Factory New Orleans & Museum

phone: +1 504 568-1003

address: 415 Decatur St

History and tradition of one of New Orleans' oldest traditions cigar rolling! Watch the masters at work daily in the only operating cigar factory since the 1950s.

Musee Conti Wax Museum

phone: +1 504 525-2605

address: 917 Conti St

Experience more than 300 years of history, legend and scandal with the 154 life-size figures displayed in historically accurate settings.

House museums

Some elegant old homes are now museums:

• 1850s House

  phone: +1 504 568-6968
  address: 523 St Ann St

• Beauregard-Keyes House

  phone: +1 504 523-7257
  address: 1113 Chartres St

• Hermann-Grima House

  phone: +1 504 525-5661
  address: 820 St Louis St
  1830s mansion.

• Gallier House

  phone: +1 504 525-5661
  address: 1132 Royal St
  Home of famous local 19th-century architect.

• Madame John's Legacy

  phone: +1 504 568-6968
  address: 632 Dumaine St
  18th-century Creole home.

• Williams Residence

  address: 718 Toulouse St

Stroll the streets, look at the architecture, shops, and people. Hear live music in the street, in restaurants, and music venues.

• Carriage ridesMule-drawn carriages have driven tourists around the Quarter since the gasoline rationing of the 1940s. Carriage drivers are licensed tour guides and give tourists a full blown tour consisting of a mix of history, architecture, restaurants & stories, though some drivers have been known to spin stories that are more colorful than factual. Available to tourists is a 30-minute tour of the French Quarter, hour tour of the St. Louis No.1 Cemetery/French Quarter combo, hour and one half or two hour Garden District tour, or any combination thereof. Carriage drivers also do bar-hopping tours, shopping by carriage, Marigny tours & ghost tours. There are several options from group rates 6-8 people to private tours for 1-4 people. Things have changed quite a bit in the carriage industry in the past 7 years! Drivers are more customer service oriented & courteous.

• Street entertainersPerforming for tips from tourists, varying greatly in talent. The still mime-ers are a sight to see, they stand still alone or with a partner and when you give them a tip they will move very slowly in tandem, like a robot. There are excellent musicians who enjoy keeping up their chops out of doors. There are also hacks with little talent other than scamming money. Beware of the Got-yo-shoes-ers; these are scammers who go up to tourists saying "I bet you I know whe' you got yo' shoes!". If they succeed in getting the tourist to take the bet, the answer is "You got yo' shoes on yo' feet!" They usually have a large and threatening-looking friend or someone who looks like they just smoked too much crack nearby to make sure bets are paid. You will almost always encounter one of these burnt out hustlers, when they do just politely reply: "They are on my feet" and they will know the jig is up.

• Walking toursPlentiful but often pricey. Most cost $10-20 per person, but there are a couple of good, free walking tours. Or you can simply walk and see all of the landmarks since most are labeled and you can go in and read about it yourself. Park rangers from the Jean Lafitte National Park (see above) offer a free walking tour of the French Quarter that is very informative. Space is very limited, and spots on the tour are only given out on the day of the tour at 9AM. You should try to show up at least half an hour early to reserve a spot. You'll learn the real history of New Orleans, which is often as colorful as the tall stories.

• Aquarium of the Americas

  address: 1 Canal St
  The only aquarium in New Orleans. In the French Quarter. Features an IMAX theatre. 10AM-5PM daily.

• Audubon Insectarium

  address: 423 Canal St
  In the historic Old Customs House Building. The Audubon Institute, which also runs the nearby Aquarium and the Zoo up in the Audubon District, opened the Insectarium in 2008. 10a-5p daily.

Live music

• Bourbon Street. Upper Bourbon has been given over to catering to hard-drinking out-of-towners, and this part of the street has a number of music venues (not named here) whose owners make their money off them, with loud mediocre bands hired cheaply. Nonetheless, despite what some say, it is still possible to find New Orleans jazz on Bourbon Street.

• Fritzels

  phone: +1 504 561-0432
  address: 733 Bourbon St
  Good house bands in the evenings, and is often a venue for out-of-town and international musicians versed in the New Orleans style.

• Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse

  address: 300 Bourbon St

• Maison Bourbon

  phone: +1 504 522-8818
  address: 641 Bourbon St
  Sometimes has decent bands (though as often doesn't), as many good local Dixieland players lacking a better gig for the moment often wind up here. As the doors are open to the street, you can listen a bit from outside, judge for yourself whether they have a band you'd enjoy, and walk on by or go on in as appropriate.

Margaritaville

address: 1104 Decatur St

Don't waste away, Jimmy Buffett fans! Some of the finest musicians in New Orleans that don't play stereotypical New Orleans music (Dixieland jazz or R&B covers) play there and they don't play Jimmy Buffett covers.

New Orleans Jazz Park

address: 916 N Peters St

Actually in "Dutch Alley", the French Market pedestrian alley on the river side of Decatur between Dumaine and St. Philip Streets. Often has free live music weekend afternoons and sometimes other times.

Preservation Hall

address: 726 St Peter St

Established in 1961 to preserve Traditional New Orleans jazz. Talk about atmosphere! Listen to real jazz and nothing else (no booze, no bathrooms). You'll have to stand in line, and most people will stand through the set (accomodations will be made for those who can't stand that long - call +1 504-522-2841, or email info@preservationhall.com in advance). 45-minute sets each night at 5PM, 6PM, 8PM, 9PM and 10PM. Join the line 30-60 minutes before the set starts.

Palm Court Cafe

address: 1204 Decatur St

Those who prefer their old style New Orleans jazz in a somewhat more upscale atmosphere where dinner and drinks are served should be sure to visit this place in the lower Quarter. Some of the same musicians who play Preservation Hall play here on other nights, along with other top local classic style jazz greats. The owner's husband runs the Jazzology record company, featuring the world's largest independent label catalogue of trad jazz, so you can pick up CDs by your favorites from Bunk Johnson to current Dixielanders while you're here.

• Art or high-end antiques on Royal Street.
• Tacky t-shirts and souvenirs on Bourbon Street.
• There are several good used book stores on Chartres, Royal, Pirates' Alley, and elsewhere in the Quarter.

• Santa's Quarters

  phone: +1 504 581-5820
  address: 1025 Decatur St
  If you're looking for Christmas decorations, this is the place. They have thousands of ornaments including New Orleans and Mardi Gras themed.

Budget

• Acme Oyster House

  phone: +1 504 522-5973
  address: 724 Iberville St
  No ambiance, but good, oysters and other southern delights. Be ready to wait in line. Great food, Great price. 1/2 dozen chargrilled oysters for $9.99 simply can't be beat, especially since Louisiana oysters are far superior in size to those from anyplace else. For an entertaining and social experience, sit at the bar, where you can talk to the oyster shuckers about the celebrities and pro athletes who they have recently seen in the restaurant.

• Angeli on Decatur

  phone: +1 504 566-0077
  address: 1141 Decatur St

• Bennachin

  phone: +1 504 522-1230
  address: 1212 Royal St
  African food. Good lunch specials. Many vegetarian and vegan options.

• Cafe Envie

  phone: +1 504 524-3689
  address: 1241 Decatur St
  Sandwiches, salads, omelets, quiches. Wireless internet access.

• Central Grocery

  phone: +1 504 523-1620
  address: 923 Decatur St
  Old Italian-American grocery sandwich shop, famous for their enormous muffuletta sandwiches originated by this family in 1910. One is enough to feed four hungry people! Order 1/2 to start for 2 people!

• Clover Grill

  phone: +1 504 598-1010
  address: 900 Bourbon St
  Good eggs, burgers, and such. Heavily (though not exclusively) gay clientele. They cook your burger under a hubcap!

• Coop's Place

  phone: +1 504 525-9053
  address: 1109 Decatur St
  You can get good Cajun food at a really good price here. Locals favorite. Best fried chicken in the city! Patrons must be 21 or older to enter due to the presence of video poker machines.

• Felipe's Taquería

  phone: +1 504 267-4406
  address: 301 N Peters St

• Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar

  phone: +1 504 522-4440
  address: 739 Iberville St
  The Acme's traditional competition and usually a shorter wait, too. A very good oyster bar with other traditional cajun fare.

• Jimani

  phone: +1 504 524-0493
  address: 141 Chartres St
  When you want a great roast beef sandwich at 2 in the morning.

• Johnny's Po-Boys

  phone: +1 504 524-8129
  address: 511 St Louis St
  Lunch counter with some eat-in tables; one of the largest po-boy menus around. Excellent breakfast biscuit sandwich!

• Mona Lisa's

  phone: +1 504 522-6746
  address: 1212 Royal St
  Italian and pizza.

• Port of Call

  phone: +1 504 523-0120
  address: 838 Esplanade Ave
  Awesome, huge burgers and loaded baked potatoes. Potent drinks, parrot-head juke box. Lil slice of paradise.

• Yo Mama's Bar and Grill

  phone: +1 504 522-1125
  address: 727 St Peter St
  Limited but high quality grill menu, including 14 types of burgers.

Breakfast & snacks

• Cafe du Monde

  phone: +1 504 525-4544
  address: 800 Decatur St
  Serves coffee and beignets, across Decatur from Jackson Square. A local landmark since the 19th century.

• CC's Community Coffee

  phone: +1 504 962-5603
  address: 505 Decatur St
  The upper French Quarter branch of a small local chain. Great iced coffee drinks for hot days.

• CC's Community Coffee

  phone: +1 504 581-6996
  address: 941 Royal St
  The lower French Quarter branch of a small local chain. Great iced coffee drinks for hot days.

• Croissant d'Or

  phone: +1 504 524-4663
  address: 617 Ursulines Ave
  French pastries and light breakfasts & lunch.

Mid-range

• Bayona

  phone: +1 504 525-4455
  address: 430 Dauphine St
  Incredible French/Euro/NOLA food by esteemed chef, Susan Spicer. Fabulous wine selections. Many locals' favorite. Must RSVP.

• French Market Restaurant and Bar

  phone: +1 504 525-7879
  address: 1001 Decatur St
  Serves boiled crawfish and other down-home delicacies. Happy hour M-F 3PM-5PM with raw oysters $.50 each. Has downstairs restaurant and balcony seating upstairs.

• El Gato Negro

  phone: +1 504 525-9752
  address: 81 French Market Pl
  A local favorite for Mexican. Breakfast available on the weekends.

• Green Goddess

  phone: +1 504 301-3347
  address: 307 Exchange Pl
  Small restaurant tucked away on a side street serving creative dishes. Opened in 2009 and quickly became a favorite with local foodies. A few years later it's certainly been "discovered"; try to go there sometime other than the busiest days and not during the busiest dinner hours to avoid long waits for a table.

• Gumbo Shop

  phone: +1 504 525-1486
  address: 630 St Peter St
  An institution for gumbos and similar traditional Louisiana dishes.

• Italian Barrel

  phone: +1 504 569-0198
  address: 430 Barracks St
  Good Northern Italian cuisine in a city where Southern Italian is dominant. Small place; either make reservations or try to catch them off peak hours.

• Louisiana Pizza Kitchen

  phone: +1 504 522-9500
  address: 95 French Market Pl
  Upscale pizzeria in the French Market.

• Mr. B's Bistro

  phone: +1 504 523-2078
  address: 201 Royal St

• Remoulade

  phone: +1 504 523-0377
  address: 309 Bourbon St
  A casual spin-off of Arnaud's where you can try their famous Caesar salad dressing and the eponymous remoulade without wearing a jacket and tie. Same shrimp remoulade and gumbo as the main restaurant for a lower price.

• Stanley

  phone: +1 504 587-0093
  address: 547 St Ann St
  Good casual food. Some visitors may remember them on Decatur Street years ago; here at their new location on Jackson Square they added a soda fountain.

• Sylvain

  address: 625 Chartres
  Opened in 2010; quality food and drink in a beautiful old Spanish Colonial era building.

• Tujague's

  phone: +1 504 525-8676
  address: 823 Decatur St
  Pronounced "two jacks"; despite the weird spelling, it's been here since 1856 so they must be doing something right. The locals swear by it.

Splurge

• Antoine's

  phone: +1 504 581-4422
  address: 713 St Louis St
  Antoine's lays claim to being the oldest same family owned restaurant in the country. Opening in 1840, this French Creole restaurant is where Oysters Rockefeller was invented in the 1890s -- and the only restaurant where the original authentic Oysters Rockefeller can be eaten, as the recipe is a closely guarded secret. Your waiter is your guide here; treat them well and ask their recommendations. Before dining, ask your server for a tour of the historic restaurant. There are more than 15 dining rooms, all of which reek of tradition and are steeped in history. Make sure to take a peek down the vast and cavernous wine cellar, which can take the breath away from a true wine lover. Antoine's has opened a beautiful new bar. Step off of St. Louis and step into history.

• Arnaud's

  phone: +1 504 523-5433
  address: 813 Bienville St
  Another of the great old French Quarter classics.

• Brennan's

  phone: +1 504 525-9711
  address: 417 Royal St
  One of the famous local traditions; fine Creole cuisine, known for their gourmet breakfasts. Ask to sit in the courtyard, on the balcony, or in one of the upstairs rooms. Be sure to try the Bananas Foster, which was invented here. Great for upscale New Orleans breakfast.

• Court of Two Sisters

  phone: +1 504 522-7261
  address: 613 Royal St
  A place for daily brunch (with a live jazz combo) and post-night out hangover cures; beautiful courtyard.

• Galatoire's

  phone: +1 504 525-2021
  address: 209 Bourbon St
  Classic Creole on Bourbon Street. Despite being in the tourist strip of Bourbon Street, locals do eat here. For the true experience, wait in line for the downstairs dining room (reservations can be made for the upstairs room, but locals don't eat there), and refuse the menu when you're seated. Let your waiter know your tastes and let him feed you.

• K-Paul's

  phone: +1 504 524-7394
  address: 416 Chartres St
  Chef Paul Prudhomme's place; this is the restaurant that taught New Orleans and the world not to sneer at the Cajun food of rural Southwest Louisiana. Not a major dress code kind of place. Reservations far in advance are essential.

• NOLA

  phone: +1 504 522-6652
  address: 534 St Louis St
  Very good, run by chef Emeril Lagasse, not quite as pricey as his namesake restaurant in the Central Business District, and not as severe a dress code.

The French Quarter has a wide variety of bars for all sorts of tastes.
The legal drinking age is 21, sometimes though not always strictly enforced. If you are over 18 but under 21, you generally won't have much problem in New Orleans. Just play your cards right, act like an adult, drink responsibly and you'll have a good time. Don't argue with bartenders, liquor store owners or police officers unless you want to spend the night in OPP (Orleans Parish Prison) -- not pleasant. Rule of thumb for anyone wanting to party in Louisiana, regardless of age, don't drink and drive -- those staying in the Quarter will find bars within an easy walk, and others can take a cab.

• Aunt Tiki's

  address: 1207 Decatur
  Punk version of a tiki bar on Lower Decatur

• The Bombay Club

  phone: +1 504 586-0972
  address: 830 Conti St
  High-end cocktails with a dress code.

• Cafe Lafitte in Exile

  phone: +1 504 522-8397
  address: 901 Bourbon St
  Claims to be the USA's oldest gay bar ("in exile" since the original Lafitte's (see below) went straight back in the Eisenhower Administration). Everyone welcome.

• Carousel Bar

  address: 214 Royal
  Renowned for generations for the slowly rotating "Carousel" section; also has non-rotating seating.

• Crescent City Brewhouse

  phone: +1 504 522-0571
  address: 527 Decatur St
  Microbrewery, also serves food.

• The Dungeon

  address: 734 Toulouse St
  Two dark gothic bars (having split up some ten years ago) open at midnight. The "Original Dungeon" has a bit more cooler atmosphere, but fewer patrons, since it's a little harder to find--down an alley next to "Front of the Dungeon." The Front of the Dungeon's bathroom is a hoot, hidden behind a secret door in the bookcases, and with a toilet so bad as to be borderline unapproachable.

• Fritzels

  phone: +1 504 561-0432
  address: 733 Bourbon St
  Best known as a trad jazz venue, but also has a bar with good draft German beer even when there isn't live music.

• Johnny White's Pub and Grill and Hole in the Wall

  phone: +1 504 524-4909
  address: 718-720 Bourbon St
  Down home bar. This location has a restaurant upstairs in addition to the bar. Just around the corner on St Peter is Johnny White's Bar—which is a bar only.

• Kerry Irish Pub

  phone: +1 504 286-5862
  address: 331 Decatur St

• Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop

  phone: +1 504 593-9761
  address: 941 Bourbon St
  Piano bar towards the end of the touristy part of Bourbon Street, lit entirely by candlelight. Supposedly once the in-town headquarters of pirate & smuggler Jean Lafitte, many colorful stories are told about this location. They pour great Hurricanes.

• Le Roundup

  phone: +1 504 561-8340
  address: 819 St Louis St
  The ultimate dive bar, home to transsexuals, hookers, transsexual hookers, cowboys, and Quarter eccentrics.

• Molly's at the Market

  phone: +1 504 525-5169
  address: 1107 Decatur St
  A great Irish/Quarterpunk bar, long a favorite of bohemian locals.

• Molly's On Toulouse

  phone: +1 504 568-1915
  address: 732 Toulouse St
  A local Irish pub with a pool table & the best juke box in the French Quarter. Irish Car Bombs are $5.50! Great selection of Irish Whiskeys.

• Napoleon House

  phone: +1 504 524-9752
  address: 500 Chartres St
  The place to go if you like the thought of good drinks in a more than 200-year-old building whose owners are proud that the interior hasn't been repainted since World War I, with classical music playing over the sound system. Napoleon never made it here, as he died before the local plan to rescue him from exile and start his empire afresh in Louisiana could be carried out. Napoleon House also serves good sandwiches and a limited food menu, with service at a speed somewhere between leisurely and glacial-- don't stop here if you're in a hurry to be somewhere else.

• Oz

  phone: +1 504 593-9491
  address: 800 Bourbon St
  Loud hip gay disco.

• Parade

  phone: +1 504 529-2107
  address: 801 Bourbon St
  New Orleans' largest gay nightclub since 1974.

• Pat O'Brien's

  phone: +1 504 525-4823
  address: 718 St Peter St
  Famous for strong Hurricanes, Mint Juleps, TNTs, Purple People Eaters; popular tourist hangout for a reason. Has been trendy for generations. Has an impressive fire/water fountain and patio.

• Tropical Isle

  phone: +1 504 523-1927
  address: 600 Bourbon St
  Home of the Hand Grenade, "New Orleans's Most Powerful Drink", is a staple of Bourbon Street decadence. Definitely a must-try.

Places within the French Quarter or just outside of it on Canal Street are the most centrally located, and also cost more than rooms in other parts of town. Those wishing a fuller immersion in the city may wish to go ahead and pay extra for a location from which they can find many days of things to do with no need of a car or transit.

• Andrew Jackson Hotel

  phone: +1 504 561-5881
  address: 919 Royal St
  Enjoy and relax in one of the rooms and suites overlooking the tropical courtyard. Is also one of the oldest hotels in the French Quarter.

• The Astor Crowne Plaza

  phone: +1 504 962-0500
  address: 739 Canal St

• Bienville House

  phone: +1 504 529-2345
  address: 320 Decatur St
  Lovely courtyard, pool and balconies

• Bourbon Orleans

  phone: +1 504 523-2222
  address: 717 Orleans St
  Built in 1817 in the heart of the French Quarter.

• Chateau Dupre Hotel

  phone: +1 504 569-0600
  address: 131 Decatur St
  This 80-year-old inn offers a complimentary continental breakfast in its elegant lobby.

• Cornstalk Hotel

  phone: +1 504 523-1515
  address: 915 Royal St

• Dauphine Orleans Hotel

  phone: +1 504 586-1800
  address: 415 Dauphine St
  An unforgettable hotel in the heart of the French Quarter. Its historic townhouse walls and a palm-filled courtyard surround you with luxury in a bed-and-breakfast atmosphere.

• Historic French Market Inn

  phone: +1 504 561-5621
  address: 501 Decatur St
  Great location with reasonable rates, it's known for its courtyard atmosphere.

• Iberville Suites

  phone: +1 504 523-2400
  address: 910 Iberville St
  Caters to business, leisure, family, and is also gay/lesbian friendly. Spacious suites with huge bed, kitchen, large bathroom, living room with fold out, and 2 TVs. Valet parking, free bell-hop, lots of amenities, and free breakfast. They also feature fantastic massages at their spa.

• Inn on Bourbon

  phone: +1 504 524-7611
  address: 541 Bourbon St
  A beautiful historic hotel located on the site of the old French Opera House. Notable for its balconies overlooking Bourbon and Toulouse Streets and a beautiful courtyard with pool.

• Holiday Inn Chateau LeMoyne

  phone: +1 504 581-1303
  address: 301 Dauphine St
  An historic hotel occupying what were four 19th-century townhomes.

• Lafitte Guest House

  phone: +1 504 581-2678
  address: 1003 Bourbon St
  A boutique hotel in the residential area of Bourbon Street. Visitors will enjoy the sights and sounds of Bourbon Street as well as a retreat into their own personal French Quarter home.

• Hotel Monteleone

  address: 214 Royal St
  In an elegant early-20th century sky-scraper (the only one within the confines of the Quarter itself, just constructed just before large new constructions were prohibited here) has long been one of the top upscale Quarter hotels. The hotel includes a rooftop heated pool with views of the skyline and an award-winning restaurant, the Hunt Room Grill.

• Omni Royal Orleans

  phone: +1 504 529-5333
  address: 621 St Louis St
  The Omni Royal Orleans has been a recipient of the AAA four-diamond award for the past 27 years.

• Royal Barracks Guest House

  phone: +1 504 529-7269
  address: 717 Barracks St
  Every room features a queen-sized bed, private bath and fireplace, and private entrance to the courtyard.

• The Royal Sonesta Hotel

  phone: +1 504 586-0300
  address: 300 Bourbon St

• The Saint Louis Hotel

  phone: +1 504 581-7300
  address: 730 Bienville St
  Luxurious furnishings, with a beautiful courtyard.

• Hotel St. Pierre

  phone: +1 504 524-4401
  address: 911 Burgundy St
  Embodies the architecture and ambiance of the 18th-century French Quarter.

• Ursuline Guest House

  phone: +1 504 525-8509
  address: 708 Ursuline Ave
  13 guest rooms, each with private bath, ceiling fan, air conditioning/heating, cable television and wireless Internet access.

• Maison Dupuy

  phone: +1 504 586-8000
  address: 1001 Toulouse St
  This hotel has a beautiful courtyard with a real New Orleans atmosphere; renovated historic homes surround what is now the courtyard with a fountain and pool.

• Hotel Royal

  phone: +1 504 524-3900
  address: 1006 Royal St
  On the finest shopping street in the French Quarter, this hotel has a European feeling complemented by authentic laced iron balconies, high ceilings with fans, and enclosed courtyards with fountains.

• French Quarter Landmark Hotel

  phone: +1 504 524-3333
  address: 920 N Rampart St
  Within walking distance of the hotel, explore the historic, artistic and eclectic charms around you.

• Hotel Le Marais

  phone: +1 504 525-2300
  address: 717 Conti St
  A heated saltwater courtyard pool and breakfast area.

• Place D'Armes

  address: 625 St Anne St.
  Beautiful historic hotel in the quarter. They have interior rooms (no windows) that are a great bargain to stay in an incredible space.

• Hotel Maison de Ville

  phone: +1 504-324-4888
  address: 727 Rue Toulouse
  One of the most historic hotels in the Quarter, everyone from Tennessee Williams to Audobon has spent time there.

• Royal St. Charles Hotel

  phone: +1 504-587-3700
  address: 135 St. Charles Ave
  A boutique hotel.

• W New Orleans French Quarter

  phone: +1 504 581-1200
  address: 316 Chartres Street, 70130
  Boutique hotel.

Hostels

• City House Hostel

  phone: +1 504 571-9854
  address: 129 Burgundy St
  Free wireless internet, 24 hour reception. 14 night maximum stay.

• IHSP French Quarter House

  phone: +1 504 493-0310
  address: 914 N Rampart St
  Free wireless internet, free breakfast, 24 hour reception. Dorm rooms only open to students and foreign travelers, and there is a 7 night maximum stay.

Bed and Breakfasts

• Biscuit Palace

  phone: +1 504 525-9949
  address: 730 Dumaine St
  Gay-friendly bed and breakfast in the center of the Quarter.

• French Quarter Guest HousesIncludes the Inn on St. Peter, the Inn on St. Ann, the Inn on Urselines. Meticulously restored suites and rooms in different locations in the gay part of the Quarter. Gay-friendly accommodations and crowd.

• Hotel Masion de Ville

  phone: +1 504 324-4888
  address: 727 Toulouse St
  One of the most historic hotels in the Quarter, everyone from Tennessee Williams to Audobon has spent time there.

• Cafes including CC's and Envie (listed above at eat) have free wi-fi for customers

Walk across Canal Street and you're in the Central Business District. Take the red Canal Streetcar line to the attractions of Mid-City, or the green St. Charles Streetcar line to Uptown and Carrollton. The ferry at the foot of Canal Street (free for pedestrians, $1 for cars) will take you across the Mississippi to the Algiers neighborhood, and give you a scenic budget mini-cruise of the River in the process.
Just "below" (down river) from the French Quarter is the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, across Esplanade Avenue, with hip music joints and restaurants. A little further downriver and you are in the Bywater, a funky neighborhood with genuine corner bars, great restaurants and a friendly atmosphere.
Inland or "back" (away from the Mississippi River) from the Quarter is the Tremé neighborhood.