Where to Stay in New Orleans for a Steamboat Trip
French Quarter: closest to the wharf
Staying in the French Quarter means you can walk to the Steamboat Natchez in minutes and dive straight into the city's history, restaurants and music. Hotels range from grand historic properties to intimate Creole guesthouses tucked around courtyards. It is the liveliest area, so light sleepers may prefer a room away from Bourbon Street, but nothing beats the convenience for a river cruise.
Garden District and Uptown
The Garden District trades the buzz of the Quarter for oak lined avenues and antebellum mansions. The historic St Charles streetcar rolls right through it and into downtown, so getting to the wharf is easy and scenic. This area suits travellers who want a calmer, leafier base and do not mind a short ride into the action.
Warehouse District and Marigny
The Warehouse and Arts District is full of modern hotels, museums and galleries, and sits an easy walk or short ride from the river. Faubourg Marigny, just downriver from the Quarter, is the place for Frenchmen Street's live music and a more local, bohemian atmosphere. Both keep you within comfortable reach of the steamboat while offering a different side of the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which New Orleans area is best for a steamboat cruise?
The French Quarter is the most convenient, since the Toulouse Street Wharf is a short flat walk from most of its hotels.
Is the Garden District good for visitors?
Yes. It offers historic mansions and a calmer feel, with the St Charles streetcar providing an easy, scenic ride downtown.
Where should I stay for live music?
Faubourg Marigny, just downriver from the Quarter, is known for Frenchmen Street and a local, bohemian atmosphere.