StayAreasFrench Quarter or CBD: where should you stay in New Orleans?
- CBD is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $135 a night, against $190 in French Quarter.
- French Quarter is closer to 6 of the 10 big sights we timed; CBD wins on 3.
- French Quarter has more nightlife.
- CBD has quieter nights.
- CBD has better transport links.
Pick French Quarter if
- First-time visitors
- Nightlife lovers
- Couples on a city break
Pick CBD if
- First-time visitors on a budget
- Business travellers
- Sports fans and concert-goers
French Quarter vs CBD, side by side
The better one in each row is in green| What | French Quarter | CBD |
|---|---|---|
| What a night costs · typical double outside peak events, Oct 2026 | ||
| Budget double | $140 | $105 (better) |
| Mid-range double | $190 | $135 (better) |
| Luxury double | $430 | $440 |
| Door to door · public transport or on foot, weekday morning | ||
| To Jackson Square | 5 min (better) | 12 min |
| Bourbon Street | 2 min walk (better) | 17 min walk |
| Preservation Hall | 2 min walk (better) | 17 min walk |
| Jackson Square | 4 min walk (better) | 21 min walk |
| St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 | 12 min walk (better) | 18 min walk |
| French Market | 14 min walk (better) | 31 min walk |
| Frenchmen Street | 15 min walk (better) | 32 min walk |
| Arriving · weekday afternoon | ||
| From Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) | 45 min | 40 min (better) |
| What it's like · our ratings | ||
| Sights on foot | Excellent (better) | Very good |
| Nightlife | Excellent (better) | Good |
| Quiet at night | Poor | Good (better) |
| Food | Excellent (better) | Very good |
| Families | Good | Good |
| Transport | Good | Excellent (better) |
Hotels in French Quarter and CBD
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French Quarter or CBD: questions
Is French Quarter or CBD better to stay in?
CBD is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $135 a night, against $190 in French Quarter. French Quarter is closer to 6 of the 10 big sights we timed; CBD wins on 3. French Quarter has more nightlife. CBD has quieter nights. CBD has better transport links. French Quarter suits first-time visitors and nightlife lovers; CBD suits first-time visitors on a budget and business travellers.
Which is cheaper, French Quarter or CBD?
Typical doubles in French Quarter: $140 budget, $190 mid-range, $430 luxury. In CBD: $105, $135 and $440. Rates outside peak events, updated Oct 2026.
Which is closer to the sights, French Quarter or CBD?
Door to door: Bourbon Street is 2 min walk from French Quarter and 17 min walk from CBD; Preservation Hall is 2 min walk from French Quarter and 17 min walk from CBD; Jackson Square is 4 min walk from French Quarter and 21 min walk from CBD; St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is 12 min walk from French Quarter and 18 min walk from CBD.
How far is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) from French Quarter and CBD?
45 min to French Quarter and 40 min to CBD, door to door by public transport.