Destination guide

Jumping Jazz Flash—New Orleans is a gas, gas, gas

Like a party? Then you've come to the right place. The home of Mardi Gras and the birthplace of jazz, NoLa has some of the best nightlife in the US. Perched on the banks of the Mississippi River, New Orleans is the largest city in Louisiana, and boy is it fun. Explore the historic French Quarter, visit the National World War II Museum, or take a swamp tour of the Louisiana bayous. Book a New Orleans vacation rental in the CBD or the French Quarter and have Bourbon Street, the heart of the city's party scene, right on your doorstep.

Things to do

New Orleans—taking it easy in the Big Easy

New Orleans, or the Big Easy, is also a history buff's dream. It's hard not to be moved by the National WWII Museum in the Central Business District, which tells the story of America's experience in the war. Highlights include a vast display of WWII aircraft, and a 4D movie theater showing the Tom Hanks movie, Beyond All Boundaries. Swing by St. Louis Cathedral, the city's fairytale castle-style church overlooking Jackson Square. While families will love the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, where you can meet sharks, stingrays, and even African penguins.

Activities

The birthplace of jazz—NoLa knows how to party

The highlight of the New Orleans calendar is, of course, Mardi Gras. Fat Tuesday is held for 2 weeks in February when the city is alight in a blaze of color, music, and good cheer. But it's not the only draw to the city. Explore the historic French Quarter, take a paddle steamer cruise on the Mississippi, or head to Uptown and the funky shops, antique stores, and art galleries of Magazine Street. While night owls should book a New Orleans vacation rental within easy reach of Bourbon Street, the epicenter of the city's jazz clubs and nightlife.

Weather

Mardi Gras is party Gras in the city

New Orleans is one of the most visited cities in the US. The busiest time to visit is spring, from February to May, when it's dry and a pleasant 65-70 degrees. Of course, it's Mardi Gras season, when New Orleans vacation rentals get booked up far in advance. Summer is the low season, as the steamy tropical temperatures rocket to 90s and humidity is high. Come fall, the temperatures ease up a little to around 75 degrees, although this comes with threat of hurricanes. Winter is cooler still, with highs around 60 degrees, so pack a jacket.

Natural features

Son of a gun, have big fun on the bayou

Perched on the banks of the Mississippi River, New Orleans is a sprawling city near Louisiana's stretch of the Gulf of Mexico. A 30-minute drive northeast of the city is the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge. At 23,000 acres, it's the largest urban wildlife refuge in the US. A popular birdwatching spot, the refuge is home to the endangered brown pelican, bunting, and bald eagle. The bayous are an iconic sight of Louisiana, and its wetlands are filled with largemouth bass and catfish. Take a swamp boat tour and spot a wealth of wildlife, including alligators and marsh rabbits.

How to get there

Traveling to and around New Orleans

Fly into New Orleans, LA (MSY-Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl.), the closest airport, located 11.5 mi (18.5 km) from the city center.

If you prefer train travel, the main station serving the city is New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal.

Where to stay around New Orleans?

Our 2019 property listings offer a large selection of 2,870 vacation rentals near New Orleans. From 1,128 Houses to 1,369 Condos/Apartments, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best places to stay near New Orleans for a holiday or a weekend are on HomeAway.

What is the best area to stay when traveling to New Orleans?

Whether you're traveling with family or friends, here are the areas with the largest selection of vacation rentals for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in New Orleans:

  • French Quarter: 1,150 vacation rentals
  • Downtown CBD: 1,253 vacation rentals
  • Bourbon Street: 1,057 vacation rentals
  • Garden District: 357 vacation rentals
  • Marigny: 528 vacation rentals

For other neighborhoods, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.

What are the popular points of interest near where I can stay when traveling to New Orleans?

HomeAway offers a large selection of vacation rentals near lovely places in New Orleans. From HomeAway travelers, the most popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:

  • Harrah's New Orleans Casino: 2,796 vacation rentals
  • Ernest N. Morial Convention Center: 2,797 vacation rentals
  • Mercedes-Benz Superdome: 2,611 vacation rentals
  • New Orleans Botanical Garden: 2,659 vacation rentals
  • Tulane University: 2,423 vacation rentals

But there are many other points of interest around New Orleans listed on HomeAway where you can find your place to stay. Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available near the point of interest of your choice.

Can I rent Houses in New Orleans?

Yes, of course. HomeAway has 1,128 Houses in New Orleans. Our other popular types of vacation rentals in New Orleans include:

  • Condos/Apartments: 1,369 rentals available
  • Cottages: 66 rentals available
  • Villas: 24 rentals available

But you can also enjoy a great stay in one of our other vacation rentals including Bungalows and more.

Can I find a vacation rental with pool in New Orleans?

Yes, you can select your preferred vacation rental with pool among our 561 vacation rentals with pool available in New Orleans. Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.

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