Renting a car in downtown NOLA

Question

Hello! Will be my 6th trip to NOLA in a few weeks it will be a group of 6 of us I am pondering renting a car. Pretty reasonable for 3 nights like $250 considering the prices of uber and or Lyft I think it would be cheaper but not sure how parking is close to bourbon street. We also plan on parking around magazine street and the garden district. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated TIA

Answer

Renting a car in downtown New Orleans for a short trip of three nights can be a bit of a mixed bag. While the upfront cost may seem reasonable, especially for a group of six splitting $250 for three days, the real consideration is parking and traffic in areas like Bourbon Street, Magazine Street, and the Garden District.

Parking near Bourbon Street:

Street parking is very limited and often metered with time restrictions; finding a space can be challenging, especially on weekend nights.
Public parking garages exist, but rates can be high, often $20–$40 per night. Some hotels also offer valet parking for a similar price.
Security can be a concern; some garages are monitored, but leaving a car unattended in the French Quarter always carries a slight risk.

Parking near Magazine Street and the Garden District:

These areas are more residential, so street parking rules are stricter (resident permits, meters, or time limits).
Paid lots are available but can fill quickly during weekends or special events.
Walking or biking from central parking spots is often easier than trying to park right next to a destination.

Other considerations:

Traffic in downtown NOLA can be congested, especially around popular tourist areas and during events.
Rideshare services like Uber or Lyft are widely available and can often be cheaper and less stressful than managing your own parking.
Having a car might make sense if you plan to explore outside the downtown core, such as City Park, Audubon Zoo, or nearby neighborhoods where public transit is limited.

In summary, for three nights in downtown NOLA focusing on Bourbon Street and Magazine Street, a car may be more hassle than it's worth due to parking constraints and traffic. However, if your itinerary includes multiple areas further from the French Quarter, renting a car could offer flexibility and convenience.

Renting a car in downtown NOLA

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