Nov 2025 trip

Question

Hi. Flying in Nov 3rd staying 2 nights (a Monday and Tuesday). Never been in this area. Is Frech Quarter place to be? Hoping no large festivals are going on. We are late 50's and won't be out past dark. We do like to walk to everything but need a rental car to leave town on the 5th. Hotels with parking in FQ? Or should we rent the day we need it to leave? Then do we need to go back out to airport to get car? I tried booking one on canal street and it wouldn't allow it. I'd like to spend less than $200 per night for hotel. So many choices it makes my head spin. Many have bad reviews at some level which I guess is just what it is. We could reverse trip and spend Thursday and Friday Nov 6-7 in New Orleans. Flying out Nov 8th. We would like to hear some blues; see some comedian; and eat some local foods. Thank you for all suggestions.

Answer

Visiting New Orleans in early November is a great choice, as it’s typically a quieter time, with fewer tourists compared to other months. The French Quarter (FQ) is definitely the heart of the city and a popular place for visitors, offering a lively atmosphere, historic charm, and plenty to see and do. Since you prefer to walk to everything and want to avoid being out too late, staying in the French Quarter is ideal for its walkability to attractions like Jackson Square, Bourbon Street, and local restaurants.

In terms of festivals, there aren’t any major ones in early November, so you can enjoy the city without dealing with large crowds. However, it's always a good idea to double-check closer to your trip just to be sure. The weather will likely be pleasant in November—cooler than the summer months but still mild enough for comfortable walking around the city.

Regarding parking and rental cars, the French Quarter can be tricky when it comes to parking. Many hotels in the area offer valet parking, but it can be expensive, so it's worth considering when booking your hotel. Since you're planning to rent a car just to leave town, you might want to rent the car only when you're ready to depart on the 5th. You can easily rent a car at a location near the French Quarter or on Canal Street. The airport is about a 25-30 minute drive from the French Quarter, so you wouldn't need to go all the way back to the airport to pick up your rental car—there are plenty of rental agencies throughout the city.

For a hotel under $200 per night, you do have several options, though prices can fluctuate based on demand. Below are some suggestions for hotels in the French Quarter with parking options:

Hotel Royal - A charming boutique hotel with valet parking options. It's within walking distance of major attractions and has good reviews overall.
Holiday Inn New Orleans Downtown Superdome - Located near the edge of the French Quarter, this hotel offers more affordable rates and parking options, with easy access to the Quarter and Canal Street.
French Market Inn - A lovely historic hotel in the French Quarter with good reviews, offering valet parking. It has a great location and decent amenities for the price.
The Cornstalk Hotel - A smaller boutique hotel with a unique look, right in the heart of the French Quarter. It has limited parking, but it’s a charming place to stay.

If you're open to reversing your trip and staying Thursday and Friday (Nov 6-7) instead of Mon/Tue, the city might be a bit livelier toward the end of the week, which can be great for finding live music (including blues) and local comedy shows. There are plenty of places to enjoy live performances in the French Quarter, such as:

Fritzel’s European Jazz Pub - A great spot for traditional jazz and blues music.
Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro - Known for fantastic live jazz and a great atmosphere.
The Spotted Cat Music Club - A laid-back spot to enjoy local blues, jazz, and other live performances.

As for local food, New Orleans has an amazing culinary scene, and you’ll find plenty of options in the French Quarter:

Beignets at Café du Monde - A must-try while in the city.
Po’boys at Johnny’s Po-Boys - For classic New Orleans sandwiches.
Gumbo at The Gumbo Shop - A popular spot for authentic gumbo.
Oysters at Acme Oyster House - A great place for fresh oysters and seafood.

To summarize, the French Quarter is the place to be for a central and walkable stay. You can rent a car for the day you need it, and there are several hotels that offer parking options, though it might come at an additional cost. I recommend checking hotel reviews before booking to ensure you're getting the best deal for your budget. Lastly, enjoy the music and food! New Orleans has a rich culture, and you’ll definitely have plenty to explore during your short stay.

Nov 2025 trip

More New Orleans Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions