Neighborhoods
The Bywater: Best Neighborhood for Group Trips
Why the Bywater is the best neighborhood for group trips to New Orleans. Walkable, artsy, local—with the best restaurants and bars.
Ask a local where to stay in New Orleans, and most will tell you: skip the French Quarter. Too loud. Too touristy.
Instead, they’ll point you to the Bywater—a neighborhood that feels like the real New Orleans. Artsy, walkable, genuinely interesting.
For groups, the Bywater has another advantage: it’s one of the few neighborhoods with accommodations for 11-30 people.
What Makes the Bywater Different
The Bywater sits just downriver from the French Quarter and Marigny. It’s close to everything but feels like a completely different city.
The vibe: Creative, local, unpretentious. Street art on every block.
The scene: Wine gardens, dive bars, neighborhood restaurants.
The pace: Relaxed. Nobody’s trying to sell you anything.
The noise: Quiet enough to sleep. Unlike the French Quarter.
Why Groups Love the Bywater
1. Actually Walkable
You can walk to restaurants, bars, and coffee from anywhere. No designated driver needed.
2. Spacious Properties
Larger lots than the French Quarter means rentals with backyards, pools, and outdoor space.
3. Local Feel Without Sacrificing Access
10 minutes to the French Quarter, 5 minutes to Frenchmen Street.
4. Better Value
Often costs less than comparable properties elsewhere.
Where to Stay
For Groups of 11-30: Castleday Retreats
Castleday Retreats operates three private villas in the heart of the Bywater:
- The Herald – Largest common areas
- The Cocodrie – Best pool and outdoor space
- The Florentine – Most elegant interiors
All feature private pools, full kitchens, and classic New Orleans architecture.
Check Castleday availability →
Where to Eat
Dinner
Bacchanal Wine – The crown jewel. Wine shop in front, courtyard with live jazz in back. This is the New Orleans experience you came for.
N7 – French-Japanese small plates in a converted gas station.
The Joint – Serious BBQ. Get there early—they sell out.
Pizza Delicious – New York-style pizza that New Yorkers respect.
Bywater American Bistro – Nina Compton’s neighborhood spot. One of the best meals in the city.
Breakfast/Brunch
The Orange Couch – Cozy coffee shop. Great pastries.
Satsuma Cafe – Fresh juices, solid breakfast.
Elizabeth’s – Famous for praline bacon.
Where to Drink
Bacchanal Wine – Go at sunset.
BJ’s Lounge – True dive. Cash only. Pool table.
The Saturn Bar – Bizarre and wonderful. Covered in outsider art.
Parleaux Beer Lab – Local craft brewery.
Things to Do
Walk the Crescent Park
1.4-mile riverfront park with stunning views. Free, beautiful, perfect morning activity.
Browse Euclid Records
One of the best record stores in the South.
Street Art Tour
Just walk around. You’ll find incredible murals on random warehouses.
The Music Box Village
Outdoor art installation / musical instrument experience.
Getting Around
Walking: Everything is walkable within the neighborhood.
To French Quarter: 10 minutes by Uber, 25 by bike
To Frenchmen Street: 5 minutes by Uber, 10 by bike
The Bywater vs. Other Neighborhoods
| Factor | Bywater | French Quarter | Garden District |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walkability | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Noise level | Quiet | Very loud | Quiet |
| Local feel | Very local | Touristy | Residential |
| Large group rentals | Yes | Limited | Limited |
Our take: For group trips, the Bywater is the best balance.
Tips for Staying in the Bywater
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Don’t skip Bacchanal. Go at least once.
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Walk the Crescent Park at sunset. Best free activity.
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Bikes are your friend. Flat terrain, light traffic.
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Cash is still king. Several spots are cash only.
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Respect the neighborhood. It’s residential. Keep noise reasonable.