To experience a place that is so culturally rich within its location is to be in New Orleans. The lively city sits on the edge of Louisiana's boot and attracts visitors from all over with its vibrant energy, amazing foods, exuberant events, and rich history. People come to get rowdy on Bourbon Street, experience Mardi Gras, explore the bayou, and add to their adventures by staying in some of the best Airbnbs in New Orleans. So where should you stay if the inviting city has enticed you long enough?
Below is a list of some favorite New Orleans vacation rentals for you to choose from during your stay. We picked places that would be ideal to check-in to so that you can get your fill of all the city has to offer. With live music, distinctive foods, and historical museums around every corner, you'll want to take advantage of the best New Orleans Airbnbs nearby.
You can also expect to dive into the city first-hand with these Airbnbs by getting to know the friendly owners who have opened up their homes. In 2019, the city of New Orleans ruled to not allow short-term rentals that weren't already preoccupied by owners, which means that you'll most likely stay in a room, loft, guesthouse, or an entire home that the owner normally resides in. So reach out to your Airbnb's owner for local input on what else to do in the city!
Airbnb New Orleans: 13 Classy & Historically Chic Vacation Rentals
1. Heart of the City with Bikes
Made for two guests, this Airbnb rental features your own private room, with a separate entrance for your own private bathroom. You'll also have access to the gorgeous backyard patio to hang out in after a night out on the town. Ask the superhost if you can use the bikes they offer with the rental, so that you can explore all that you'll find within walking distance. If you need a different mode of transportation, a streetcar station is only two blocks away.
2. Loft Retreat Half-Block Away from the French Quarter
Another small NOLA rental, this Airbnb features a private bedroom on this loft's second floor. You'll also have your own private entrance, which goes through the abundant lush garden on the side of the house, along with your own private bathroom. The superhost does ask that you and your travel partner have your vaccination cards ready, as he does check-in to make sure his guests are not only doing okay, but are also vaccinated against COVID-19.
3. Private Guest House with Beautiful Gardens
If you're looking for something even more private than just a room, then this guesthouse is for you. The historic home is walking distance from the restaurants, bars, and galleries near Marigny and French Quarter. You and one other guest will not only have your own area to stay in, but the superhost, a NOLA native, encourages that you ask for recommendations in exploring the city.
4. Bywater Beauty- Historic Renovation
This Victorian getaway was recognized for its historic charm on HGTV. While you embrace the fresh and rustic feel of the place, the superhost suggests using the front porch for "Absorbing the sights, sounds and people from all over the world is best done..."
5. Private Cottage in French Quarter
Step into Sophie's Enchanted Cottage located on the grounds of the Lanaux Mansion, an iconic piece of NOLA history. You'll be right next to French Quarter, where you can submerge yourself in the jazz dens of Frenchmen Street, or just observe the liveliness from afar by reveling in the coziness and old charm of the rental. If you choose to stay in, you'll have free Wi-Fi and air conditioning to make your stay more comfortable.
6. Jazzed on Jackson
RELATED: 10 Places to Explore in Historic Baton Rouge, Louisiana
If you're traveling with a bigger group, then this is the ideal home for you. With three beds and two bathrooms, you'll have enough room for everyone while also still having your own private, intimate space if you need it. It comes with a full chef's kitchen and a washer and dryer, and you'll also be just 10-minute walk from Magazine Street!
7. Greatmen Cottage
This Creole cottage was built back in 1838 and is also perfect for larger parties up to six guests. Just five minutes away from French Quarter, this spacious home is located in the Bywater neighborhood, which is a National Historic District. As one of the most colorful neighborhoods in the city, you'll get to experience the rich historical culture of the city just by staying here.
8. Penthouse High Rise Condo
If you want a place a little more luxurious, then check out this penthouse located in downtown New Orleans. Featuring panoramic views of the city, you'll get to overlook all the busyness below from this space. You'll also be across the street from the Orpheum Theater and a block from French Quarter and Saenger Theatre.
9. Converted Church into Studio
As its name implies, this Airbnb was converted from a renovated 19th century church! Made for those planning a longer stay, you'll be required to book at least a three-night minimum on weekends and a two-night minimum on weekdays. Explore all the beautiful antiques this rental has to offer with one other guest for a unique stay you can only find in NOLA.
10. Chic Bohemian Guest Suite
As if the city of New Orleans wasn't enough to bring you back to life, stay in this refreshing vacation rental that's about 100 years old! The newly renovated home now features pops of color that shine brightly from all the light that's let in by the massive windows, contrasting the old, rustic charm that already initially characterized the space. Your superhost says, "The funky and elegant decor shows New Orleans' character through and through."
11. Parks-Bowman Mansion: The Library
If you're quite the book-lover, then this is the Airbnb for you. The biggest bedroom in this place features a plethora of books decorating the dark, wooden shelves for a classy and timeless theme. Although you'll have just a private room, you'll also have access to shared spaces that feature a cypress staircase, a music room, and a "ladies parlor." Be on the lookout for the other two rooms this mansion has to offer: the Red Room and the Haunted Room.
12. Tiny House in the Big Easy
This adorable tiny house is actually pretty open within, so you won't feel cramped in a city where it can get pretty crowded everywhere. You'll be near Uptown New Orleans, the Mississippi River, and the well-known Audubon Park, as well as have access to the Irish Channel, Garden District, French Quarter, and all of Crescent City.
13. Elegant Flat in Historic Lower Garden District
This elegant home is made for up to four guests, where you can all indulge in the extravagance of the place by hanging out in the living room underneath a gorgeous, sparkling chandelier. The hardwood floors and tall ceilings add to the classy feel of the place, with pockets of original artwork, eclectic decor, and modern furnishings to set it apart from other Airbnbs.
Have you stayed in a classy and historically chic Airbnb in New Orleans? Share your experience with us on our Wide Open Roads Facebook!
