Travel

13 Dreamy New Orleans Airbnbs to Book for a Southern Getaway

Come for the po’boys, stay for the old-world interiors

Pink walled living room with a brown curio cabinet and assorted artwork.
Courtesy of Airbnb

Perks: Historic building, clawfoot tub, complimentary coffee, nearby public transit, back porch

Modern, verdant, spacious, this restored 1910 studio “pairs historic character with a modern layout.” Brooklinen robes, percale sheets, a clawfoot tub, and complimentary coffee and tea are just the beginning. This loft is located in Bywater with nearby streetcar access, and the back porch overlooks a lush flower garden. Exposed brick is painted white alongside rice paper pendants and all-white sheets for a clean, modern feeling deepened by Turkish rugs and woven details. Flexible check-in ensures a stress-less experience. Kick back, relax, and enjoy the beignets. From $552 per night.

Perks: Indoor fireplace, proximity to public transit, large outdoor patio

Rarely, but sometimes, many design styles at once really work. This French Quarter shotgun house is one such example: a 1950’s formica table sports a Swedish runner and a set of rattan blinds behind it; a contemporary set of circle mirrors and a vintage oil painting hang above opposing 1970’s chairs with a red chevron print; a seriously patina-ed bathroom sink stands across from a Native-American inspired chest. You’d have to see it to believe it, but exposed beams are looking very at home with a gold candelabra and a wrought iron bed frame. That’s the magic of the French Quarter, when you really think about it: its madness just works. There’s a fireplace, too, and direct access to the streetcar line so you don’t have to mess around with cars to and fro. From $200 per night.

Perks: Front porch, back patio, walkable area

Nestled right in the heart of the Uptown neighborhood, this two-bedroom Magic Cottage will give you a taste of Victorian flair with its original architectural details and two living rooms (one for relaxing, and another for pre-dinner drinks). The back patio features its own fountain and the front patio houses two Adirondack chairs, best used when sipping a cold drink and taking in the sounds of the city. Don’t miss catching some live music at the nearby Maple Leaf Bar. From $195 per night.

Perks: Historic build, outdoor patio, full kitchen

These hosts promise city sounds—namely crows, parrots, frogs, and crickets as well as “train whistles and ships horns”—for an authentic New Orleans experience. Built in 1834 but recently renovated, the second-floor apartment maintains all its authentic charm. That charm looks like an impressive array of framed folk art, canopy beds, blue stained glass, exposed beams, a blue toaster, green accent doors. You can take your Cafe du Monde coffee under the shade of an orange tree on their verdant patio. From $305 per night.

Perks: Saltwater pool, chimney brick patio, on-street free parking, “wash, dry, fluff and fold” services for laundry, full kitchen, welcoming amenities

The main draw of this historic home is undoubtedly the picturesque saltwater pool where guests can take a refreshing dip after a long day of sight-seeing. You’ll also enjoy access to lounge chairs, an outdoor dining set up, and BBQ equipment should the weather call for dinner alfresco. When it’s time to take the party indoors, this one bedroom, one-and-a-half bathroom carriage house is flush with modern amenities, such as a full kitchen (complete with a coffee maker), air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and cable TV. Located just around the bend from St. Charles Ave. and Audubon Park, the property also features free, on-street parking should you prefer a walking tour for leisurely taking in the local sites. From $195 per night.

Perks: Walkable to Bourbon Street, full chef's kitchen, pet-friendly, shower amenities

Situated within walking distance of the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Superdome, and the Ernest Moral Convention Center, this pet-friendly condo can comfortably fit up to six guests (as well as any furry friends) if you’re touring the city with friends and family. Velvet curtains flank the floor-to-ceiling windows for some earthy contrast, while a long sectional sofa invites you to spend a relaxing night sprawled out in front of the TV. This two-bedroom home offers cushy memory foam mattresses for guests to catch up on a sleep, with plenty of counter space for cheffing it up at home if you plan to dine in on your stay. From $194 per night.

Perks: Walkable to French Quarter, pet-friendly by request, sleeps five

It’s all shades of blue and mauve at this two-bedroom short-term rental in the historic Faubourg Treme neighborhood. Inside you’ll find refurbished hardwood floors, a plethora of design-forward light fixtures, kitschy-cool hardware, and lots of patterned accent chairs. The private apartment is a former citrus compound located within walking distance of Marigny and the French Quarter, and also features separate entrances to each bedroom so you never have to railroad through another space just to brush your teeth. From $316 per night.

Perks: Walkable area, front porch, antiques and historic build

The ornate fireplace is just the icing on the cake for this historic studio apartment that comes flush with vintage accents and an overhead fan to help you beat the swampy humidity in NOLA. The small size is ideal for a couples’ getaway or solo trip. And with such a central location on St. Charles Avenue, all of its restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops will be right at your fingertips. From $149 per night.

Perks: Historic Victorian building, natural light, bathroom amenities provided

This Garden District apartment is a historic property located on the second floor of a Victorian building built in 1875. Bask in an abundance of natural light with the unit’s high ceilings and expansive windows. The apartment has original hardwood floors, which set the stage for thoughtful modern and vintage furniture; a fiddle leaf fig tree as well as other touches of real plant life on the interior and exterior add to the garden district location to make this stay a plant lover’s haven. From $149 per night.

Perks: Private garden, walkable area, close to public transit

With its bright blue exterior and orange front door, you definitely can’t miss this one on a street map. Located in Bywater, a quiet neighborhood filled with creative and corporate professionals alike, this Orleans dwelling has a modern Victorian aesthetic perfect for families and couples looking for a getaway. Owned by Norman, a superhost—how Airbnb designates its most experienced, highly rated hosts—this two-bedroom home is close to plenty of local cafés and restaurants. Start your mornings off with coffee on the front porch, walk along the Mississippi River through the nearby Crescent Park, and later make your way over to the French Quarter by foot. From $235 per night.

Perks: Roof deck, gym, proximity to Bourbon Street

There’s no better location for taking in the finest New Orleans attractions than this Bourbon Street one-bedroom loft located in the city’s Central Business District. Visitors are a block away from the iconic neighborhood’s 24/7 energy and, when a break is in order, head two more blocks to the parks and squares that dot the French Quarter. If you’re in town for Mardi Gras, avail yourself of all the great perks in between street excursions: There’s a washer and dryer, a full-size kitchen, and an on-site gym to enjoy after you’ve peeled yourself away from the festive bars, restaurants, and parade routes. From $139 per night.