First established in the mid-19th century, the Garden District is one of the most scenic and affluent neighborhoods in New Orleans. Here you’ll find quiet streets lined with ancient oak trees and perfectly preserved historic mansions. Less than two miles from the French Quarter, the genteel and refined Garden District feels a world apart from the debauchery of Bourbon Street.
When we travel to New Orleans, we typically choose to stay in the Garden District. We prefer the local bars and restaurants found along Magazine Street to the overpriced tourist hangouts in the French Quarter. And, in the Garden District, you’re always just a short stroll away from St. Charles Avenue where the streetcar will whisk you straight to the French Quarter if you’re looking to do some sightseeing in New Orleans.
Most of the larger hotels in New Orleans are located in the French Quarter or Central Business District. If you choose to stay in the Garden District, you’ll almost certainly want to stay in an Airbnb or vacation rental. Based on living in New Orleans for four years and returning for dozens of trips since then, we have selected 20 of our favorite Garden District Airbnbs for the perfect stay.
Here you’ll find the ideal vacation rental for every occasion. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a weekend with friends, a family trip, or an epic bachelor or bachelorette party, you can save yourself the research and focus on letting the good times roll in the Big Easy!
Note: If you’re still deciding what part of the city to stay in, make sure you check out our other posts:
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Why Stay in an Airbnb in New Orleans
There are lots of advantages to staying in an Airbnb in New Orleans. The most obvious reason is that you’ll get more for your money. In general, Airbnbs are cheaper than staying in a hotel. Plus, they are more spacious with more amenities like a full kitchen and laundry units. This is especially true if you’re traveling to NOLA as a large group. The more people you can split the cost with the more you can splash out for some seriously fancy digs during your trip to Crescent City.
The second reason to stay in an Airbnb is that you’ll be able to stay in a local neighborhood. There is much more to New Orleans than Bourbon Street, and staying outside of the French Quarter will give you a more authentic New Orleans experience.
The Garden District, Irish Channel, Warehouse District, Marigny, and the Bywater are all fantastic New Orleans neighborhoods full of unique bars and local restaurants – much better and less expensive than those in the French Quarter.
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Why Stay in the Garden District
After living in New Orleans for four years and returning for dozens of trips, I can say that the Garden District is one of my favorite places to stay in the city. Full of beautiful old mansions and tree-lined streets, it’s certainly New Orleans’ most walkable neighborhood. With great bars, restaurants, and boutique shopping, there’s no shortage of things to do in the Garden District. And it’s easy to hop on the streetcar running along St. Charles Avenue for a short ride down to the French Quarter.
Top 10 things to do in the Garden District:
- Learn about the historic mansions of the Garden District on a guided walking tour.
- Enjoy a boozy $0.25 martini lunch at Commander’s Palace.
- Go shopping on Magazine Street (check out the artist collectives at Zele NOLA and Garden District Marketplace).
- Explore Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 – one of the oldest cemeteries in New Orleans.
- Try a Po-boy from Parasol’s, a local dive bar famous for its sandwiches.
- Have brunch and a Bloody Mary at Atchafalaya.
- Indulge in a decadent donut at District Donuts.Sliders.Brew.
- Play bar games at The Tchoup Yard.
- Sample the craft beer at Urban South Brewery.
- Party until 4 am at The Saint Bar & Lounge.
The Best Airbnbs in New Orleans – Garden District
Best Garden District Airbnbs for Couples and Solo Travelers
1. Historic Cottage just off of Magazine Street
This cute little apartment is located just at the edge of the Garden District and the Irish Channel. Comfortable and stylishly decorated, this cozy spot has lots of natural light plus a screened-in porch – perfect for enjoying an afternoon cocktail.
This Garden District Airbnb has a full-size kitchen, but it’s unlikely you’ll be using it because you’re just a block away from Magazine street where you’ll find dozens of great bars and restaurants. For a decadent brunch head to the Ruby Slipper, but make sure you arrive early to beat the rush. And just down Magazine Street is Joey K’s, one of our favorite spots for classic New Orleans fare like fried oyster po-boys and red beans and rice with smoked sausage.
If you’re in the mood for shopping head to Zele NOLA – a collective where a dozen or so local artisans sell their artwork.
2. Year-Round Mardi Gras in the Irish Channel
Another great find in the Irish Channel, this vacation rental is full of New Orleans charm, including a custom headboard made from thousands of Mardi Gras beads! You’ll love all of the unique features of this apartment – exposed brick around the fireplaces, local artwork, and a front porch that’s ideal for people-watching while sipping an adult beverage. Plus, the 13-foot high ceilings make this apartment feel even more spacious!
Staying at this Garden District Airbnb, you’ll be right at the corner of Magazine Street and Louisiana Avenue which means you’re a short walk from the Bulldog – an ever-popular New Orleans sports bar offering 50 beers on tap. Atchafalaya, just steps away from this Airbnb, is one of our favorite brunch spots in the city. And for dinner make sure you try Basin Seafood and Spirits for some of the best Louisiana-style seafood in New Orleans!
3. Cozy “Little Orange” Apartment
This cozy little Airbnb (lovingly nicknamed “Little Orange”) is one half of a classic New Orleans shotgun house built in the 1860s. You’ll love the historic features of this apartment. It includes tall shuttered windows (painted bright orange), 13-foot ceilings, and pocket doors between the living room and kitchen. You’ll also have a front porch that is perfect for sipping your morning coffee while looking out on Annunciation Square Park.
Located in the Lower Garden District, this Airbnb is just steps away from Urban South, one of New Orleans’ up-and-coming breweries. Lilly’s Cafe, also a short walk away, is considered by many to be the best Vietnamese Restaurant in the city. And for a true Southern breakfast, head to Surrey’s Cafe & Juice Bar for their epic shrimp and grits.
4. Colorful Creole Cottage
With its turquoise siding and lime green doors, you can’t miss this colorful Garden District Airbnb! Another classic New Orleans shotgun-style apartment, you’ll love the newly renovated kitchen, beautifully tiled bathroom, and luxurious king-size bed. This apartment blends history (100-year-old exposed-brick fireplaces) with state-of-the-art technology (a Nest thermostat, 2 smart TVs with Netflix, and a front door keypad lock with your own personal entry code).
This quaint little Creole cottage is a bit farther from the action of Magazine street. However, you’re just four blocks away from the Tchoup Yard – a sprawling outdoor beer garden with rotating food trucks and loads of bar games to keep you entertained!
5. Quaint Shotgun Apartment in the Lower Garden District
Another historic shotgun apartment in the Lower Garden District, this Airbnb features local artwork on the walls, a cozy kitchen with colorful cabinets, and a plush queen-sized bed. It even has a memory foam pull-out sofa if you’re traveling to New Orleans with a friend rather than as a couple. The Adirondack chairs on the front porch are perfect for relaxing with a glass of wine, and you’re just minutes away from dozens of boutique shops lining Magazine Street.
Parasols, a long-standing New Orleans dive bar serving up some of the best po-boys in the city, is a short walk down Constance Street. And two blocks north, at the intersection of Magazine and Jackson, District Donuts Slider Brew offers exactly what the name implies – decadent donuts, savory sliders, and coffee. It’s a New Orleans favorite!
6. Chic Lower Garden District Studio Apartment
This second-story studio apartment, originally built in 1895, has been recently updated with a full-size kitchen and renovated bathroom. It’s a bit smaller than the other vacation rentals we recommend and the bed is just a double, but it is also a bit cheaper. Plus you won’t be making a sacrifice as this Airbnb is beautifully decorated and full of natural light. It’s the perfect Garden District Airbnb for a budget-conscience couple or solo traveler.
This little apartment is also ideally located just off of Magazine Street where you’ll find plenty of bars, restaurants, and boutique shopping. And you can easily walk the four blocks north to St. Charles Avenue where you can catch the streetcar down to the French Quarter or uptown to Audubon Park.
Best Garden District Airbnbs for Small Groups and Families
7. Posh Second Story Apartment with Balcony on Magazine Street
If you’re traveling to New Orleans with another couple or a small group of friends then it’s hard to beat this hip Garden District Airbnb. You’ll love the detail that has gone into furnishing this apartment, including a vintage chesterfield couch, eclectic armchairs, exposed brick, and a bar cart complete with copper mugs – Moscow Mules, anyone?
You’ll want for nothing in this swanky apartment. Plus, you’ll have a full kitchen with an espresso machine, a washer and dryer, two queen-size beds with memory foam mattresses, and a second-floor terrace looking out over busy Magazine Street below. It’s perfect for enjoying the fancy cocktails you just prepared (remember that bar cart?).
Located right in the heart of Magazine Street, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining, drinking, and shopping. For a fancy dinner or just delicious happy hour cocktails head to Gris-Gris, a Southern bistro by renowned New Orleans chef Eric Cook. Gris-Gris has received numerous accolades including “Readers Choice: Best Restaurant of the Year” by Eater New Orleans. Make sure you try the Gumbo – it’s also award-winning!
8. Mad Men-Inspired Mid-Century NOLA Pad
This gem on the edge of the Lower Garden District and the Warehouse District is perfect if you plan on spending a lot of time in the French Quarter. You’ll be just 3 blocks from St. Charles Avenue where you can catch the streetcar straight to the heart of the action.
Decorated in a mid-century modern style, you’ll feel like you have stepped onto a set of Mad Men. Highlights of this Airbnb include tons of natural light in the living room, a large master bedroom, a well-equipped kitchen, and a balcony overlooking Magazine Street. Plus, it is ideally located near the World War II Museum and Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World – two top things to do in New Orleans!
For breakfast, you can’t beat the shrimp and grits at Surrey’s Cafe & Juice Bar and for dinner head to Cochon where you can dine on savory Cajun dishes created by James Beard award-winner Donald Link.
9. The House of Krewe
Another one of our favorite Airbnbs in the Garden District, the “House of Krewe” is perfect for two couples visiting New Orleans because it has two separate entrances. The master bedroom and ensuite bathroom are located upstairs on the second floor, and the second bedroom along with the second bathroom, kitchen, and living room is on the ground floor. You’ll get the cost savings and convenience of an Airbnb, but everyone will still have their own private space.
The House of Krewe is also perfectly located between Magazine Street and St. Charles Avenue. Just a short 2-block walk north and you’ll be boarding the streetcar heading to the French Quarter. Or head south to Magazine Street and grab a margarita at Rum House before browsing the shops.
You’re also just a few blocks away from Commanders Palace, a New Orleans institution for fine dining. Their $.25 martini lunch will definitely be the highlight of your trip to New Orleans. And if you’re a history buff make sure you visit the nearby Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. Established in 1833, it’s one of the oldest cemeteries in New Orleans.
10. Great Value 3-Bedroom in the Irish Channel
Traveling to New Orleans with a slightly larger group of friends and want to maximize your spending power? This 3 bedroom/1.5 bathroom Airbnb in between the Garden District and the Irish Channel might be just what you’re looking for. This spacious house has been lovingly updated and you’ll appreciate all the unique touches in each room.
It’s a shotgun house which means you’ll have to walk through one of the bedrooms to get to the other bedroom and bathroom. That is a small inconvenience; however, considering that this 3-bedroom Airbnb is almost the same price as most 2-bedroom vacation rentals in the Garden District!
You’re just a 3-minute walk from District Donuts Sliders Brew for your morning coffee and a gourmet donut. And for lunch make sure you try a roast beef po-boy at Parasol’s – just three blocks down Constance Street, it’s a New Orleans institution!
11. Charming 2-Bedroom Apartment off St. Charles Ave.
If your trip to the Big Easy includes kids then you can’t beat this beautiful St. Charles Apartment! Located right on the streetcar line, you’re just a short ride away from the French Quarter and walking distance to all the attractions of the Garden District.
The master bedroom has a comfy king-size bed for the adults, and the second bedroom has 2 single beds for the kids. The kitchen is on the small side, but it’s been updated with modern appliances and the coffee bar is well-stocked.
If you’re visiting New Orleans over the weekend, you can’t beat Lulu Distillery for brunch with their all-you-can-drink craft vodka bar including homemade Bloody Mary mix and orange juice! Or for something a little more kid-friendly head to nearby Pralines by Jean for some of the best pralines and cupcakes in New Orleans.
12. Pet-Friendly 2-Bedroom Apartment in the Irish Channel
Just 3 blocks south of Magazine Street, this 2-bedroom Irish Channel apartment is perfect for a small family. You’ll have a queen-sized bed in one bedroom and two single beds in the other. A full kitchen plus a washer and dryer means you’ll have all of the amenities at home in this Garden District Airbnb. And they even allow pets!
Take a walk along Magazine Street and check out the boutique shops and artists’ collectives. And head to the Ruby Slipper for their banana fosters French toast or Joey K’s for fried oyster po-boys. Both of these family-friendly restaurants are just steps away from your Airbnb!
13. Comfy Family Apartment with Off-Street Parking
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better value than this 2-bedroom/2-bathroom Airbnb located just south of the Garden District. The bedroom on the main floor has two single beds – perfect for kids. And downstairs you’ll find a second bedroom with its own bathroom and a queen-sized bed. Plus, the couch in the living room turns into a bed if you need even more sleeping options.
This Airbnb also has off-street parking for 2 cars – one in the garage and one in the driveway – which is a real rarity in this part of New Orleans. And just wait until you see the spacious courtyard in the back, it’s perfect for hanging out after a long day of exploring the Crescent City with your family!
Just down Jackson Avenue, you’ll find Turkey and the Wolf, a quirky lunch spot serving unique sandwiches and cocktails. Try the fried bologna on white bread or the collard green melt. For dessert take the kids to the aforementioned District Donuts Sliders Brew and treat them to an epic gourmet donut.
14. Lagniappe Lounge
Lagniappe is a Creole word that means “a little something extra”, and that’s exactly what you’ll get at this darling little 3-bedroom Airbnb in the Lower Garden District. From the colorful furnishings and fully-equipped kitchen to the Smart TV with Netflix ready to watch, you’ll have everything you need for the perfect family trip to the Big Easy.
With 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, your family will have plenty of room to spread out while you’re at home. And when you head out you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained. You’ll be just a 10-minute walk to all the restaurants and shops on Magazine Street and just a few blocks down Tchoupitoulas Street is NOLA brewing where you’ll find smoked BBQ and 20 local beers on tap!
Best Garden District Airbnbs for Large Groups and Events
15. Luxury Designer Home on St. Charles Avenue
Family reunions, birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties – there is always a good reason to host an event in New Orleans! And this luxurious Garden District home is one of the best Airbnbs to host it in. Built in 1853, this 3-story Greek Revival house boasts 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and 2 full kitchens so your group will have plenty of room to spread out during your stay in the Big Easy.
This vacation rental actually doubles as a showroom for New Orleans designer Jon Vaccari and no expense has been spared on its renovation and furnishings. Chandeliers, gold-framed mirrors, leather couches, and marble-tiled bathrooms are just a few of the highlights of this lavish party pad. Plus it sits right on St. Charles Avenue so you can watch the streetcar roll by while sipping cocktails on your front porch.
If budget is no issue for your group and you want to stay at one of the best Airbnbs in the Garden District, then this is absolutely the spot for you!
16. 1860s Garden District Mansion with Swimming Pool
This enormous Garden District mansion is perfect for your next big event in the Big Easy. You’ll have five uniquely decorated bedrooms (the “Matador Room” is our favorite) plus a spacious kitchen, a dining room with seating for 10, and a “Wild Game Room” complete with taxidermied animals and a 65″ TV. The real draw of this Airbnb, however, is the heated swimming pool in the back courtyard – it’s sure to be the centerpiece of your stay here.
In addition to the swimming pool, the back patio offers a fire pit, loads of outdoor seating, and a separate pool house with two pull-out couches – perfect if you want to give kids their own area to hang out in.
And as if all that wasn’t enough to make you want to book this Airbnb right away, it also has gated parking for six cars so no one will have to worry about finding street parking in the Garden District (which can be a real pain).
17. Victorian Villa with Private Pool in the Lower Garden District
This epic Airbnb is another excellent choice for hosting a large group in New Orleans. Set in a posh 5,000 square-foot Victorian-era mansion, this 5-bedroom/3.5 bathroom rental has more than enough space for a group of 10.
You’ll love the antique furnishings, the clawfoot tub in the master bathroom, and the pool table in the game room. The bright spacious living room is perfect for hanging out with friends and family. And, of course, you can’t beat the back patio with a swimming pool and grill surrounded by high shrubs for complete privacy.
Just one block off of Magazine Street in the Lower Garden District, you’ll be mere steps away from a plethora of shops, bars, and dining options. Mojo Coffee, a colorful bohemian coffee house, is a perfect way to start your morning. Dinner and craft cocktails at Gris-Gris are also a must. And if you’re a night owl then make sure you stop by The Saint Bar & Lounge around 2 am when the party is just getting started!
18. Magnificent Manor with Home Theater and Courtyard
Another posh party pad in the Lower Garden District, this impressive Airbnb has everything you need for an epic weekend in New Orleans! With 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, it’s ideally suited for a party of 8, but you could potentially fit 10 people in this vacation rental – especially if you’re traveling with children.
An 1860s Greek Revival home with both a front porch and a second-floor balcony, this Airbnb has been lovingly renovated to provide lots of modern amenities in a historic setting. High ceilings, a bright, modern kitchen, and off-street parking set this Airbnb apart from the crowd.
There are plenty of entertainment options nearby with Magazine Street just steps away. As previously mentioned, we love Gris-Gris for cocktails, Mojo for morning coffee, and Surrey’s for brunch. Or if you choose to stay in, you can watch a movie in the home movie theater or relax in the back courtyard.
19. “Casabianca” – Swanky Pad with Balcony on Magazine Street
Perfect for a bachelor or bachelorette party in New Orleans, this chic Airbnb is ideal for smaller groups (up to 8 people) who still want a luxurious stay in the Garden District. With 12-foot ceilings, a large living room full of natural light, and floor-to-ceiling windows, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this swanky pad! You’ll immediately want to mix yourself a cocktail at the antique bar and kick back on the second-story balcony overlooking bustling Magazine Street.
Of course, with its location right on Magazine Street, you’ll be in the heart of all the action. Go vintage shopping at the Trashy Diva Clothing Boutique, sip fancy cocktails at Gris-Gris, or dine on the best Vietnamese food in the city at Lily’s Cafe – the Garden District is your oyster at this fabulous Airbnb!
20. Fabulous Find 2 Blocks from St. Charles with Heated Pool and Hot Tub
This hidden gem doesn’t look like much from the outside, but step through the front door and you’ll find a beautifully renovated Airbnb – perfect for parties or family get-togethers. An open floor plan on the ground floor means plenty of room to entertain, and 3 bedrooms upstairs provide plenty of sleeping space for your entire group. You’ll love all of the unique touches of this vacation rental – a wet bar in the dining room, an antique writing desk, artwork from local artists, and a clawfoot bathtub.
Stepping onto the back patio you’ll find not only a heated swimming pool but also a hot tub. It’s the perfect Garden District Airbnb regardless of what time of year you’re visiting New Orleans. And when you’re ready to head out, you’re just a two-block walk from St. Charles Avenue where the streetcar will carry you down to the French Quarter.
One of the best spots in the neighborhood is Hot Tin, a hip cocktail bar on the rooftop of the Ponchetrain Hotel. Or walk to Commander’s Palace for their famous $0.25 martini lunch.
At this house or any of these Garden District Airbnbs, you’re bound to have an unforgettable trip to New Orleans!
That’s it – the 20 best Airbnbs in the Garden District! Do you have a favorite vacation rental in New Orleans? Let us know all about it below.
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