Free parking near French quarter

Question

I am still trying to decide whether or not to rent a car if I don't get french quarter lodging. Where can I park to do some sight seeing. Is the Aquarium near French Quarter?

Answer

Deciding whether to rent a car in New Orleans can be tricky, especially if you're not staying in the French Quarter. The good news is that public transportation in the city is fairly accessible, and many of the key attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, if you decide to rent a car, you'll need to consider parking options, especially near the French Quarter. Here’s what you need to know:

Free parking near the French Quarter: Free parking in the immediate vicinity of the French Quarter is rare, especially during busy times. However, there are some options a little further away where you might find free or cheaper parking, such as:

On-Street Parking (in surrounding neighborhoods): Some of the streets near the French Quarter, such as in the Marigny or Treme neighborhoods, might offer free street parking, but they can be a bit further from the heart of the French Quarter. Be sure to read the parking signs carefully to avoid tickets, as some areas may have time limits or residential-only restrictions.
City Park: Located a bit further out, City Park offers free parking and is a nice area to visit as well. You would need to take public transportation or a short drive to reach the French Quarter from there, but it's a quieter place to park.

Parking near the Aquarium and French Quarter: The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is located just a short walk from the French Quarter, at the end of Canal Street. While there is no free parking around the Aquarium, there are a few parking garages in the area. Some options include:

Audubon Aquarium Garage: This garage is located directly next to the Aquarium and offers convenient parking. It's not free, but it's a convenient option if you're planning to visit the Aquarium.
Canal Place Parking Garage: Located at 333 Canal Street, this garage is a little further from the French Quarter but still within walking distance to both the Aquarium and the French Quarter. It can be more affordable than parking directly in the Quarter.
Street Parking: Metered parking can sometimes be found along the streets near the Aquarium, but be aware that these spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist times.

Should you rent a car? If you plan to stay outside the French Quarter and want to do a lot of sightseeing, a car might be useful for visiting areas like the Garden District or other neighborhoods outside the immediate French Quarter. However, if your main focus is exploring the Quarter itself and nearby attractions like the Aquarium, it may be easier and cheaper to rely on public transit, rideshares (like Uber or Lyft), or even walking.

New Orleans offers an excellent streetcar system, and the French Quarter is very walkable, so you can often skip the hassle of parking by using other transportation methods. If you’re just visiting the French Quarter and nearby sights, renting a car might not be necessary unless you plan to explore the outskirts or take day trips outside the city.

Ultimately, if you're staying outside the French Quarter and don’t mind a short walk or public transit ride, parking at a garage near Canal Street (such as the Audubon Aquarium Garage) or using street parking in nearby neighborhoods might work well. For sightseeing, the Aquarium is certainly near the French Quarter, and other attractions like Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and Bourbon Street are within walking distance once you’re in the area.

Free parking near French quarter

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