First-time visitors to New Orleans usually head right into the action in the French Quarter, along with the nearby Central Business District.
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Both spots put you in proximity to some of NOLA’s top attractions and venues. Just step outside your hotel or rental, and you’ll be smack in the action. (Or a short walk away.)
But if you’ve visited New Orleans before, you might want a little more relaxing location to hang your hat after a long night on Bourbon Street. You’re also probably expanding your explorations beyond the French Quarter, into places like Marigny, Bywater, Uptown, and—my personal favorite—the Lower Garden District.
Lower Garden District has plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars frequented by locals. The vibe is community-focused, slow, and full of historic buildings where live music is played. It’s also known for being safe, especially around hotspots like Magazine Street.
Do you see where I’m going with this? If you’re visiting New Orleans for the first time and want to skip out on all the tourist traps in the French Quarter, head to the Lower Garden District. If you’ve already visited NOLA and want to avoid all the hustle the second time around, the same goes for you.
Start with these Airbnbs in New Orleans in the Lower Garden District.
Top 3 Airbnbs in New Orleans in the Lower Garden District
- Historic features: Pink Room in Historic Lower Garden District or Bohemian Chic in Historic Lower Garden District
- Great for big groups: The Gisele
- Best location: Riverview Balcony Apt by Convention Center
Best Airbnbs in New Orleans: Lower Garden District
Riverview Balcony Apt by Convention Center
There are three main reasons that couples should consider booking this one-bedroom apartment. First, it’s a historic apartment that has been painstakingly restored over two years to blend old and new. Second, it’s got modern features like on-demand hot water and a Mitsubishi split AC unit. Third, you’ve got a picturesque courtyard to enjoy and a hard-to-beat location deep in the Lower Garden District.
Best Magazine Street Block
This two-bedroom historic cottage is just five minutes from Magazine Street. Despite its age, the interior has been fully refreshed with modern accents and appliances. One of the bedrooms has two twins, making this great for families. The master bedroom also has a small workspace, in case you need to bust out the laptop during your visit.
Cozy One Bedroom NOLA Apartment
Looking for a colorful, stylish bungalow? This one-bedroom has classic features like exposed brick and a grand bookcase, along with bright accents throughout the shotgun-style setup. Out front, the porch is furnished, letting you kick back like a local. It’s a simple, clean, and functional setup that’s great for longer trips—or even month-long stays.
Pink Room in Historic Lower Garden District
Step into a high-design, upscale historic stay that feels like a boutique hotel. This rental is another shotgun-style home that’s been reconstructed into a long studio. The setup works well with its maintained historic features and new additions, from the chandeliers to the wardrobe to the freestanding tub. The unit’s back porch is also a lovely spot to hang out for a while.
The Gisele
Looking for a spot that sleeps up to eight guests but won’t feel cramped? You don’t have too many options when it comes to Airbnbs in the Lower Garden District—but they’re out there. This true four-bedroom comes with spacious, comfortable rooms with king-sized beds and three bathrooms. The living space and kitchen are combined into an open space that’s great for groups. But the real coup is the pool. You’ll want to spend an afternoon or five enjoying the shared pool and turfed garden.
Bohemian Chic in Historic Lower Garden District
Kick back in the lush, beautifully maintained 1875-era one-bedroom home with high ceilings, a working fireplace, and original flooring. As with other Lower Garden District rentals, this space has been renovated to showcase its historical features while offering modern comforts—like a Smeg refrigerator, for example. The vintage furniture offers Old World charm without skimping on quality. Think: a perfect escape for discerning couples.
Porch Life and Local Nola Magic
Here’s another beautifully refurbished shotgun-style home that has a small bedroom in back and a comfortable, furnished porch out front. This is a simple, affordable, and popular unit that many guests have returned to thanks to its upscale, boutique feel. Its location is also hard to beat—you’re just one block from Magazine Street, in case you want to stay close to the action.
Garden District Gem
You can invite up to six guests in this roomy, chic, three-bedroom home. You’re only two blocks from Magazine Street, similar to the last rental. But the interior is also worth appreciating. Not only do you have a chef’s kitchen to whip up Creole and Cajun favorites, but you can also look for a book to read Beauty & the Beast-style thanks to the grand bookcase and its sliding ladder.
Stately Home w Modern Flair Centrally Located
This home is a few blocks north of Lower Garden District’s St. Charles Avenue cutoff, but it’s still a great pick thanks to its historic features and garden. The three-bedroom spans two floors of a historic build, which has lovely wood features and towering ceilings throughout. The courtyard is the hidden gem here. You’ll enjoy drinking a morning coffee or nightcap in the large, furnished space.
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