Skip to main content
Vacation rentals · New Orleans

A New Orleans rental — and the French Quarter-vs-Garden District-vs-Marigny decision

New Orleans is defined by neighborhood. French Quarter vs Garden District vs Marigny/Bywater vs Uptown — each is a completely different trip.

New Orleans is one of the most walkable and neighborhood-driven cities in America. The French Quarter is the tourist-central historic core (also the most permit-restricted for STRs). The Garden District is upscale residential with historic mansions. Marigny and Bywater are the artsy hipster east-of-Quarter neighborhoods. Uptown is the streetcar-adjacent college and family neighborhoods.

Four practical bases: French Quarter (walkable historic, permit rules), Garden District (Magazine Street, streetcar, quieter), Marigny / Bywater (Frenchmen Street music, artsy), Uptown (streetcar-adjacent, family-friendly).

Cards below open Vrbo destination results in a new tab. Commissions accrue on completed stays; you pay the same either way.

Where to stay · rentalsAffiliate · We may earn

Vrbo rentals in New Orleans

Louisiana · category picks from Vrbo's own inventory

French Quarter (walkable historic)
Walkable to Bourbon Street, the Cathedral, Jackson Square. Balcony apartments and townhouses. Permit rules limit shorter stays.
See on Vrbo →
Garden District (Magazine Street)
Upscale residential with the streetcar to downtown. Magazine Street restaurants and shops, historic mansions. Bigger houses.
See on Vrbo →
Marigny & Bywater
East of the Quarter. Frenchmen Street live music, artsy hipster neighborhoods, real local scene. Cheaper than Quarter.
See on Vrbo →
Uptown (streetcar residential)
Along the St. Charles streetcar line. Universities, family neighborhoods, Audubon Park. Best for a longer family stay.
See on Vrbo →
Browse all New Orleans rentals →

Vrbo is a member of the Expedia Group family. destination.com earns a commission on completed bookings — it doesn't change what you pay.

Frequently asked

Which New Orleans neighborhood is best for first-time visitors?

French Quarter if you can find a legal permitted rental — the walk-to-Bourbon-Street experience is what most first-time visitors come for. Garden District if you want a bigger house on the streetcar. Marigny/Bywater for a more authentic-local experience. Uptown for a family week.

Are New Orleans short-term rentals really regulated?

Yes — New Orleans has some of the strictest STR rules in the country, especially in the French Quarter (which is almost entirely off-limits to non-owner-occupied STRs). Marigny, Bywater, Garden District, and Uptown have more supply. Legitimate Vrbo listings display a permit number. Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest weekends can trigger extra scrutiny.

When should New Orleans rentals be booked?

Mardi Gras (varies, usually February) fills 9+ months out. Jazz Fest (late April / early May) is the second-biggest peak. French Quarter Fest, Essence Fest, and Voodoo Fest are mini-peaks. Summer is hot and humid; December-February (non-Mardi-Gras) is genuine value.

Advertisement