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Airbnb
- New Orleans is a lively year-round destination with world-class dining and historic architecture.
- The city can be pricey during peak times, such as Mardi Gras, but is often an affordable getaway.
- We found the best New Orleans Airbnbs from the French Quarter to the Lower Garden District.
New Orleans is always a popular year-round destination thanks to its relatively warm winter weather and budget-friendly prices during quiter summer months. Most people come for the dining and nightlife, as well as to explore the French Quarter and banks of the Mississippi River. The city is famous for its Mardi Gras festival and jazz clubs, world-class culinary scene, and lively party city, but there are quieter pockets to be found here too.
I have been writing about New Orleans since 2001, and I loved the city so much I made it my home in 2011. Over the past two decades, I've become an expert on just about every area of this vibrant city. I've put my knowledge to good use and combed through hundreds of Airbnb listings to scope out the best options for visitors to use as a home base.
If you happen to prefer a hotel stay, check out our list of the best hotels in New Orleans. But the city is ripe with fantastic Airbnb options for solo travelers, couples, and families.
Browse all of the best New Orleans Airbnbs below or jump to a specific section here:
Here are the best Airbnbs in New Orleans, sorted by price from low to high.
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The tiny house trend has taken off in recent years and here's your opportunity to see what all the fuss is about. This colorful uptown cottage is small but well laid out, so it doesn't feel cramped. While it can technically host up to four people, it's best for either couples and solo travelers.
Bright, cheery design choices are the order of the day, with yellows, greens, and oranges dominating the color scheme and giving the space a fun, retro feel. As well as a fully-equipped kitchen and breakfast bar, there's a deep bath for an indulgent soak and a front porch complete with a swing.
The location is a quiet residential neighborhood that's close to Audubon Park and Zoo. Magazine Street and St. Charles Avenue aren't far, and you can ride the nearby streetcar to downtown attractions.
See more great tiny homes for rent on Airbnb
Warehouse loftAirbnb
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New Orleans has no shortage of options when it comes to historic townhouses or Creole cottages, but it's rarer to find midcentury modern lofts. This Mid-City gem boasts striking interiors that blend craftsman-style details with trendy minimalism.
The extensive wooden paneling is almost rustic, but the ingenious carpentry using clean, geometric lines suggests a more contemporary approach. The mixed metal and slate color palette blends with the wood to create a futuristic cabin vibe. Retro armchairs and a vintage TV further add to its unique charms.
There isn't a full kitchen, but the loft does come with its own refrigerator and microwave, as well as Wi-Fi.
Bywater historic renovationAirbnb
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The Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods are chock full of beautiful, Victorian properties. This one has been nicely renovated and fully brought into the modern era. Its large front porch with wrought ironwork is a lovely place to sit back and watch the world go by with an evening cocktail.
The open concept living and dining rooms have a soft, bright color palette of creams and peaches, making the most of the incoming daylight. Original pocket doors mean that you can close off these spaces as you like. The stylish eat-in kitchen has a waterfall marble island and a custom bar cart, strong details making it a dream for budding chefs. The high-end bedding and spa-style bathroom really bring home the lavish nature of the renovation, and there are custom touches, such as the headboard, that were completed by the HGTV team.
Boutique uptown studioAirbnb
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New Orleans' Uptown neighborhood is one of the most elegant neighborhoods in the country. This modern and sun-dappled condo is located just off the famous St. Charles Avenue, where you'll find elaborate mansions and a streetcar line. You can also easily walk to Magazine Street, known for its numerous restaurants and colorful boutiques.
This property feels light and airy thanks to 14-foot ceilings, an open-plan concept, and its white and cream color aesthetic. Stone and metal accents complete the look, and fans of tidy minimalism will appreciate the decor. Up to four guests can stay here comfortably, and the hosts have included books and games for a homey feel.
Turn of the century carriage house with saltwater poolAirbnb
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Despite the climate, the density of the residential neighborhoods in New Orleans means that pools are a real luxury, let alone a stylish saltwater pool such as the one on offer here. This 100-year old carriage house is located in a quiet part of Uptown, not far from the huge green space of Audubon Park, and is shaded by magnolia trees and live oaks.
The house itself enjoys a cohesive mix of traditional, period, and modern decor. Neutral cream tones reflect the incoming natural light, and there are curious period pieces, such as a vintage card catalogue cabinet by the open staircase. A wooden kitchen table, antique bar cart, and traditional four-poster bed maintain the aesthetic.
The pool is a great place to cool off, surrounded by greenery and a chimney-brick patio.
Lower Garden District Creole cottageAirbnb
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New Orleans is one of those cities where the accommodation can deliver a real sense of place, and staying in this authentic Creole Cottage does just that. It's the period details that make all the difference, including soaring ceilings, gas lamps, decorative brickwork, hardwood floors, and original fireplaces.
The furniture, though, is firmly contemporary, with sleek sofas, minimalist chandeliers, and abstract art adorning the walls. Four people can stay here comfortably, and the house is just a couple of minutes' walk to the St. Charles streetcar, so traveling downtown or further uptown is easy. The Lower Garden District itself is one of the city's most pleasant residential spots.
Chic home close to Frenchmen jazz clubsAirbnb
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If you're coming into town to sample the traditional jazz that made New Orleans famous, then this spot near Frenchmen street (where most of the older clubs are located) will hit all the right notes. The property is also traditional, being a shotgun design that retains its original sliding barn-style doors and polished, hardwood floors.
The white and light grey tones of the interior and the 12-foot ceilings deliver pleasing amounts of natural daylight into the living spaces. Vintage posters and furniture create a well-curated and high-quality bohemian look that really complements the neighborhood, and guests can sit out on the stoop with a cocktail as the sounds of the jazz bands begin to fill the air in the early evening. The bathrooms and bedroom are equally evocative of a bygone age, with traditional fixtures and fittings that offer charm and comfort in equal measure.
Quirky artist's house in UptownAirbnb
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Stepping into the explosion of color in this quirky uptown property, guests are suddenly living in an approximation of an impressionist painting. Liberal splashes of pinks, purples, and teals create a joyful ambience. Everything has been chosen with intention, from the original artworks that adorn almost every wall to the bright sofa cushions and bedding, which reflect the colors back in a coordinated kaleidoscope.
The kitchen and bathroom have an unswervingly modern, monochrome look that contrasts nicely with the rainbows of the bedroom and living spaces, both styles meeting with aplomb in the dining room, where a reclaimed wood dining table sits beneath a peach, modernist chandelier, and decorative teal picture frames. It's a true original that will suit guests in search of a little whimsy to a tee.
Elegant and colorful apartment in the historic Lower Garden DistrictAirbnb
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The Lower Garden District (LGD) really is a great compromise when it comes to location. It's just a hop and a skip from the Quarter but a world away in terms of tranquility and a lovely respite from the busier parts of town. This striking apartment, which dates back to 1875, is a wonderful retreat that still allows you to be in the thick of things within minutes.
The distinctive blue and gray living room walls elevate the interiors, and the canary yellow sofa is the ultimate statement feature. The decor expertly combines tasteful antique and vintage pieces such as wicker chairs and ornate chandeliers with modern furniture such as the transparent coffee table and dining set. The 12-foot ceilings allow for huge windows, framed by elegant drapes, and quirky additions such as a sousaphone above the bed pay homage to the city's musical heritage.
Upscale Bourbon Street condoAirbnb
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Larger properties in the French Quarter are often hard to come by, let alone a two-bedroom condo that can accommodate up to eight people, making it ideal for large families or pods of friends. This newly-renovated Victorian property dates back to the early 1800s and boasts high ceilings, marble bathrooms, and pinewood floors.
The location puts you right near all the action, and a large balcony directly overlooks Bourbon Street. The condo features a gourmet kitchen, spa-quality robes and bathroom amenities. . Antique mirrors and art mixed with modern leather sofas create a timeless New Orleans elegance.
Tropical, art-filled oasis close to the French QuarterAirbnb
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Despite the subtropical climate in New Orleans, space restrictions downtown mean that on-site swimming pools are hard to come by. That's one feature that makes this five-bedroom property such a find, another being the hosts' devotion to displaying some delightful pieces of local art.
An extended family or group of friends (up to ten people) could live very comfortably here for those considering long-term stays. The pool area has a large deck with a chef's grill and dining table, as well as loungers and a 75-inch outdoor TV. The pool is temperature-controlled for year-round bliss.
Tall ceilings and striking design choices await inside, with an explosion of color thanks to large modern art pieces. Dark navy blue furniture accents the joyful murals. You can drive downtown in a couple of minutes, but it's a very self-contained property for those who prefer to keep to themselves.
Be aware there is a two- or three-night minimum for many dates.
Historic Greek Revival mansionAirbnb
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One of the more flamboyant architectural looks in evidence in New Orleans is the Greek Revival style, and this four-bedroom mansion is a superb example. Dating back to the 1850s, this house's interiors are stunning. Elaborate period chandeliers and fireplaces await, as do grand interior columns and classical artworks.
The furniture is a mix of actual antiques and high-end reproductions, and guests will love the elegant decadence of each room. Group meals will be a delight in the spectacular dining room and for after-dinner cocktails, the house has its own private courtyard, framed by tropical foliage and a bubbling fountain.
The house comes with all the usual modern conveniences, including Wi-Fi, and is located in a quieter, residential part of the French Quarter. All of the downtown attractions and dining are just out the door, and the sense of seclusion in the heart of the city is a real bonus.
FAQsWhere is New Orleans?
New Orleans is located on the Mississippi River between the Gulf Coast and Lake Pontchartrain in southern Louisiana. It's an hour or so by car from the state capital, Baton Rouge, with Mobile, Alabama around a two-hour drive to the east, and Houston, Texas around a five-hour drive to the west. It is served by its own international airport and the I-10 Interstate.
Where should I stay in New Orleans?
Most private rentals are located downtown, in and around the historic French Quarter and neighboring Treme, Marigny/Bywater, and Central Business District (CBD). The city's downtown is compact and easy to navigate on foot.
Just beyond this is the Garden District, a more residential neighborhood but with lots of smaller boutique stores, cafes, and restaurants. This becomes Uptown the further you explore, giving way to huge mansions and eventually, universities and Audubon Park. Houses along St. Charles Avenue have the evocative streetcar passing by them and are a quieter option than downtown.
The French Quarter is much more lively, especially on Bourbon Street, whereas the CBD, Treme, and Marigny/Bywater neighborhoods offer a neat compromise between location and tranquility. Mid City is mainly residential, but enjoys proximity to the lovely Bayou St. John waterway.
How much does it cost to stay in an Airbnb in New Orleans?
The cost of a rental in New Orleans will vary according to its location, amenities, time of year, and the day of the week you plan to visit. Rental rates in New Orleans are also very sensitive to large festivals (such as Mardi Gras) and conventions.
There are budget and mid-range options that start at around $80 per night, but the more luxurious properties will start closer to $300 per night and upwards. For a multi-day or weekend stay, budget for at least $500 off-peak, or upwards of $1,000 for a peak time stay in a large, high-end property.
When is the best time to visit New Orleans?
For better deals, as well as increased availability, visit during the quieter summer and winter months, when there are fewer crowds and less competition for rooms. Summer will see hot, sticky, humid weather, but that deterrent makes it far more affordable. If you're set on a peak-season trip to New Orleans, plan to increase your budget or consider only visiting midweek for more affordable rates.
What is there to do in New Orleans?
Just walking around the French Quarter, with its famed wrought-iron balconies and historic architecture, is quite the experience. Bourbon Street is a rowdy, neon-lit thoroughfare that runs through the neighborhood, but there are hundreds of restaurants and bars and the antique stores of Royal Street.
The Mississippi River frames the city, and the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and Harrah's Casino are also top attractions. The National World War II Museum is a world-class facility, and the city's parks, City and Audubon, are well worth exploring, the former being the location for the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA). Walking along Magazine Street with its boutiques and cafes is a great weekend activity, and riding the streetcar along St Charles Avenue delivers some lovely sights.
The city's traditional jazz clubs are mainly located along Frenchmen Street in the Marigny.
Is it safe to visit New Orleans during COVID?
The CDC currently says that fully vaccinated people can safely travel in the US. Of course, there are still risks and we recommend following CDC and WHO guidelines.
More of the best Airbnbs in the SouthAirbnb
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