If you’re planning on visiting New Orleans without a car you’re in for a treat.
You’ll avoid the hassle of finding and paying for a parking spot. Especially if you plan on visiting during one of their many festival and events.
Besides that, New Orleans is a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly city with great public transportation.
In this guide, I’ll not only show you the best places to stay on any budget. But also how easy and fun it is to get around without a car.
Let’s begin.
📖 Table of Contents
Where To Stay in New Orleans Without a Car
If you ask anyone familiar with the city, chances are there’s a specific area they’ll all mention.
The French Quarter (Downtown).
And there’s a good reason for that.
It’s the oldest neighborhood in the city. And as the name reveals it was founded by the French in 1718. Almost 200 years before cars were a thing in America.
This has contributed to being the most pedestrian-friendly area in the city. And a challenge to drive due to the narrow streets resulting in a one-way road system.
If you decide to stay here you’ll be within walking distance of most things to see and do. Along with public transportation and other options in case you need them.
Let’s take a look at the best places to stay in The French Quarter and surrounding areas on your preferred budget.
Quick overview of the best places to stay in New Orleans (French Quarter) without a car based on price and previous guests:
| ● 🎒 Budget: | HI Hostel (Rated: 9.7 of 10) 🤩 |
| ● 🏨 Mid-Range: | Quarter House Resort (Rated: 8.6 of 10) 🤩 |
| ● 🥂 High-End: | Hotel Monteleone (Rated: 9 of 10) 🤩 |
($) Best Hostels in New Orleans Without a Car
1. Hi Hostel
This new hostel opening in 2019 is the best-rated in the area. Only located across the street from the French Quarter.
They offer 6-8 bed mixed, female or male dorms with private curtains. And private rooms for 2-4 people.
Making it suitable for most types of travel.
They even won the “Best New Hostel in the World” award in 2020 by Hostelworld.
And judging by their many amenities it’s not a surprise.
Including:
- 24-hour reception
- Free breakfast
- Privacy curtains in dorms
- High-quality beds and mattresses
- In-locker charging
✅ Book now and secure the best price with Hostelworld
2. Madame Isabelle’s House
You’ll find this other popular hostel in a historical colorful house one block from the French Quarter.
They offer 5-7 bed mixed dorms and 2-3 person private rooms. And though it’s popular among young travelers, there are quiet hours between 20:30 to 8:00.
Also making it a place suitable for most types of travel.
If you’re looking for a place that feels like you’ve been welcomed into someone’s house, look no further.
They also have a great variety of amenities.
Including:
- Free breakfast
- Free social events
- New 8-inch mattresses
- Hidden courtyard garden
- Jacuzzi hot tub
✅ Book now and secure the best price with Hostelworld
3. City House Hostel
This popular hostel is located right inside the French Quarter one block from Bourbon Street.
They offer 4-12 bed mixed dorms and private rooms for up to 2 people.
Outside the rooms, you’ll find a lot of common areas with things to do. Such as practicing your table football skills among others.
If you prefer to stay inside the French Quarter right next to everything it has to offer, this place is for you.
Along with amenities that make it easy to meet other travelers.
Including:
- Free nightly social events
- Games room
- Shared kitchen
- Bar
- Digital Nomad area
✅ Book now and secure the best price with Hostelworld
($$) Best Hotels in New Orleans Without a Car
1. Quarter House Resort
This popular resort is located right inside the French Quarter.
It was designed and built in 1830-1840. And its deep historical roots are still visible throughout the exterior and interior offering an experience itself.
And outside the rooms and common areas, you’ll find a tropical private courtyard area with a pool.
If you look for an authentic place to stay with extras for a great price, this is the place for you.
They also offer other amenities and social events worth considering.
Including:
- Tropical private courtyard with pool
- Completely furnished kitchen in every suite
- Club Q Gym membership
- Mardi Gras celebration every Tuesday with local cuisine, wine, and live music (5-6 pm)
- Continental breakfast with live music in the courtyard every Sunday morning
- Walking tours of the French Quarter every Sunday with a local tour guide (starting at 10 am)
✅ Book now and secure the best price with Booking.com
📌 TIP: If you have a smaller dog under 20 lbs / 9 kg they're also welcome for a fee of covering the additional cleaning to ensure a high standard for all guests ($100).
2. Prince Conti Hotel
This historic locally-owned boutique hotel is located in the very center of the French Quarter.
With a stunning exterior and interior throughout living up to its royal name.
In the common areas, you’ll find their Bombay Club Bar & Restaurant which offers innovative cocktails. Along with Creole and French cuisine to make your stay even more authentic.
If you’re keen to have a royal-like experience in the very center of the French Quarter, this place is for you.
Let’s have a look at their amenities.
Including:
- 24-hour bell service
- Free stay for children under 12
- Inhouse bar and restaurant with quality food and drinks
- In-room coffee makers
- Comfy beds
✅ Book now and secure the best price with Booking.com
3. Best Western Courtyard Hotel
This popular hotel is owned by the well-known Best Western. Currently one of the largest hotel companies in America.
Here you’ll find modern amenities wrapped around a considerate design.
Outside they have a cozy garden with a large pool to enjoy and help you relax during your stay.
The rooms are equipped with large desks, free wifi, a refrigerator, and coffee. Making it a good choice if you intend to get some work done as well.
Let’s wrap up the amenities.
Including:
- Cozy private garden
- Large swimming pool
- Great in-room working facilities
- Onsite gym
- Cocktail lounge
✅ Book now and secure the best price with Booking.com
($$$) Best Luxury Hotels in New Orleans Without a Car
1. Hotel Monteleone
This historic family-owned hotel welcomed its first guests in 1886. Located in the center of the French Quarter one block from Bourbon Street.
It offers a next-level experience. From the stunning exterior and interior to several luxury amenities.
It’s named after the hotel’s Italian founder Antonio Monteleone. And five generations have since dedicated themselves to making the place what it is today.
If you’re looking for the most luxurious experience the French Quarter has to offer, this place is for you.
Let’s have a look at their many amenities.
Including:
- Onsite spa with massage and other treatments
- An impressive carousel bar with live entertainment
- The Criollo restaurant with seasonal dishes
- Well-equipped gym
- Common business area
✅ Book now and secure the best price with Booking.com
2. Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter
This newly renovated luxury hotel offers a perfect location in the very center of the French Quarter. Owned by Marriot which is the second-largest hotel company in America.
The building used to be the old French Opera House and stays true to the unique architecture. But still offers highly modern interiors and exteriors throughout.
Outside you’ll find a tropical courtyard with a pool. And from the suite’s balconies, you have a first-row view of the famous Bourbon Street.
If you’re looking for luxury wrapped in an authentic historic atmosphere. Along with the very best location on the famous Bourbon Street, this place is for you.
Let’s have a look at their many amenities.
Including:
- Tropical courtyard
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Bar
- Fitness center
- In-room working desks and chairs
✅ Book now and secure the best price with Booking.com
3. Hotel Provincial
This historical family-owned luxury hotel located in the French Quarter has welcomed guests since 1961.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places it offers restored historic architecture and structures. But without compromising on modern amenities.
Outside you’ll find a cozy and intimate courtyard with a pool and fountain creating a soothing white noise.
If you’re looking for a private and relaxed atmosphere in historical settings, but yet close to all the center has to offer, this place is for you.
Let’s go through their amenities.
Including:
- A cozy courtyard
- Outdoor swimming pool
- The French Toast restaurant (8 am-3 pm)
- The Ice House bar with daily happy hour (3-6 pm)
- New meeting and banquet rooms
✅ Book now and secure the best price with Booking.com
Best No-Car-Friendly Accommodation in New Orleans (Map)
- Hi New Orleans Hostel
- Madame Isabelle’s House
- City House Hostel
- Quarter House Resort
- Prince Conti Hotel
- Best Western Courtyard Hotel
- Hotel Monteleone
- Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter
- Hotel Provincial
Best Ways To Get Around New Orleans Without a Car
There’s always the option of grabbing a taxi or using ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft (or Krewecar if you’re traveling with small children needing a safety seat).
But you have plenty of other options to get around without a car in New Orleans.
Rent a Bike
There’s a saying that you can’t be sad when riding a bicycle.
There’s some truth to this. A part of the explanation is the exercise you’ll get between destinations refreshing your body and mind.
The most popular bike-sharing app in New Orleans is Blue Bikes Nola.
But if you prefer renting from a physical store the most popular is Free Wheelin’ Bike Tours.
Here you can also rent electric scooters with seats if that’s more your thing.
But this is not your only option when it comes to physical stores. There are several high-rated rentals nearby to choose from (Google Maps).
Grab a Scooter
Another fun way to get from A to B is by renting an electric scooter.
The most popular scooter-sharing app in New Orleans is Go X
Though if you also prefer renting from a physical place the most popular place is Free Wheelin’ Bike Tours as mentioned before.
But as with the bikes, there are several high-rated rentals nearby to choose from (Google Maps).
Public Transport
Pedicabs
Also known as bike taxis. Which looks like a combination of a yellow taxi and a bicycle.
Not only are they fun, but also an easy and sustainable way of getting around.
I suggest adding this to your itinerary during your visit.
They take credit cards too, so you don’t need to fiddle with finding an ATM first.
You’ll find them in different areas around the city, including the French Quarter.
But if you want to order one you can always give them a call at 504-891-3441.
Streetcars (Trams)
These iconic vehicles have roamed the streets of New Orleans for over 150 years.
If you choose to stay in the French Quarter you’ll be close to all the main lines.
And they can be hard to miss when strolling around Downtown.
Despite being a cheap way to get around, it’s also an experience in itself. So consider adding it to your itinerary.
I highly suggest downloading the official Le Pass app from the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority too.
Within the app, you can plan your trip, set up mobile payment, and live track any of the public streetcars, ferries, and buses.
Ferries
You don’t have to limit yourself to traveling by land if your inner sailor should call on you.
The ferry is departing close to the south corner of the French District at the Canal Street ferry terminal (Google Maps).
And will take you to the Algiers ferry terminal right on the other side of the Mississippi river. The trip takes around 30 min in total including boarding time.
There’s a ferry conveniently departing every 30 min from both terminals.
The first departure from the Canal Street terminal is 6:15 am on weekdays, and 10:15 am on Saturdays and Sundays.
If you’re taking the ferry from the French Quarter side, remember to catch the last ride back from the Algiers ferry terminal.
The last departure from here is 8:30 pm on Monday to Thursday and Sunday. And 10:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
And if you intend on bringing a bike or scooter it’s included in the price.
Busses
Besides the public busses, you can also opt-in for one of the famous Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing buses.
These will take you around the most popular neighborhoods and attractions accompanied by a tour guide.
They operate every day between 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and pass by the stops around town every 30 min.
It drives a loop with a duration of 1,5 hours in total, but as the name suggests, you’re free to hop on and off at any given time.
If you decide to stay in the French Quarter, you have another advantage of being close to 7 of the surrounding stops.
You can see more about the tour and buy tickets on their website.
📌 TIP: If you plan on using any public transportation consider saving money by getting an official Jazzy Pass. It gives you unlimited access to both streetcars, buses, and ferries. They come in different prices and sizes depending on how many days you want (1-31 days). But if you prefer a more flexible option, they also offer a pack of 10 one-way trips.
Leave a reply