Things to do nearby: French Quarter, museums and riverfront

InterContinental New Orleans sits on St. Charles Avenue two to three blocks from the French Quarter, making it an easy base for exploring French Quarter streets, nearby museums, and the Mississippi riverfront. From the hotel you can walk, take the St. Charles streetcar, or use concierge-arranged tours to reach the National WWII Museum, Aquarium of the Americas, and riverfront attractions.
In this guide
Walkable French Quarter highlights
The hotel is about two to three blocks from the French Quarter, so many of the Quarter’s streets are a short walk or streetcar ride away. Expect historic architecture, galleries and the pedestrian-friendly sections of Decatur and Royal Streets.
If you want a quick loop from the hotel, head toward Canal Street and then into the Quarter for shops, cafes, and street musicians. For nightlife and concentrated bars, Bourbon Street sits further into the Quarter and can be reached on foot or by a short cab/ride-share trip.
- Decatur Street — cafes, shops and river-facing views
- Royal Street — antique shops and art galleries
- Canal Street — main arterial with streetcar access to the Quarter
| Spot | Typical approach from hotel |
|---|---|
| Royal Street / Decatur | Walk or streetcar via Canal Street |
| Bourbon Street | Short walk deeper into the French Quarter or quick cab |
| Canal Street | Walkable in minutes; main streetcar transfer point |
Museums: National WWII Museum, Aquarium and more
The National WWII Museum and the Aquarium of the Americas are both within easy reach from the hotel; concierge or front desk staff can point you toward walking routes, streetcar stops, or rideshare options. The hotel also lists the Audubon Insectarium among nearby attractions.
Museum hours and exhibit details change frequently; check each museum’s official website or ask the hotel concierge for current hours and ticketing advice before you go.
- National WWII Museum — major downtown museum; plan for multiple hours
- Aquarium of the Americas — family-friendly waterfront aquarium
- Audubon Insectarium — noted on the hotel’s nearby list
| Museum | Why go |
|---|---|
| National WWII Museum | Extensive WWII exhibits and artifacts |
| Aquarium of the Americas | Aquatic displays and waterfront location |
| Audubon Insectarium | Specialized insect and arthropod exhibits |
Mississippi Riverfront and Riverwalk
The Mississippi riverfront and Riverwalk shopping plaza are within walking distance; a common route is down Poydras Street toward the river. The riverfront is a good option for a stroll, watching river traffic, or taking riverboat cruises arranged nearby.
If you want more structured river activities (steamboat cruises, guided river tours), the concierge can help with tickets and departure points.
- Riverwalk Plaza — shops and river-facing promenade
- Riverboat/steamboat departures — check local operators for schedules
- Harrah’s Casino — located along the riverfront and walkable from the hotel
| Activity | How to arrange |
|---|---|
| Riverfront walk | Self-guided from hotel along Poydras to the river |
| Steamboat cruise | Concierge or ticket desks near the river |
| Riverwalk shops | Short walk from the hotel |
St. Charles Avenue and the historic streetcar
InterContinental New Orleans sits directly on the St. Charles streetcar line, a convenient and historic way to travel to other neighborhoods such as the Garden District. Ask the concierge about current fares or to help you find the nearest stop.
Streetcar and bus one-way fares are set by the regional transit authority; multi-day Jazzy Passes are also available if you plan multiple trips on public transit.
- Board the St. Charles streetcar right outside the hotel
- Use the streetcar for a scenic ride through Uptown and the Garden District
- Check Jazzy Pass options for multi-day transit use
| Transit option | Typical cost option |
|---|---|
| Single streetcar/bus ride | Local one-way fare available from RTA |
| Multi-day Jazzy Pass | 1-, 3- and 7-day passes for visitors |
| Rideshare / taxi | Useful for late-night or direct trips |

On-site dining, pool and hotel conveniences
InterContinental New Orleans features two main on-site restaurants: Trenasse (contemporary Cajun-Creole) and Pete’s (English-style pub) — both are listed on the hotel’s amenities pages and the front desk can confirm current hours and menus.
The hotel also has a rooftop outdoor pool with a sundeck, lounge chairs, changing rooms and poolside dining service. The fitness center is open 24 hours and sits adjacent to the rooftop pool area.
- Trenasse — contemporary Cajun-Creole; serves lunch and dinner
- Pete’s — pub-style breakfast and evening cocktail hours; no reservations required for breakfast or cocktail hour
- Rooftop pool — open daily with sundeck and poolside dining
| Hotel amenity | Notes |
|---|---|
| Trenasse | Open daily; Sunday earlier opening listed |
| Pete’s | Breakfast and evening cocktail hours; offers vegetarian/vegan options |
| Rooftop pool | Open daily; access hours available from hotel |

Choosing a room at InterContinental New Orleans
Room types at the hotel include Classic Room and Premium Room categories, plus suites and balcony options. The hotel’s room list includes specific room names such as Classic Room, 1 King Bed; Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds; Premium Room, Balcony; Suite, 1 Bedroom; and Suite, 1 Bedroom, Balcony.
If you need mobility features or accessibility, the hotel advertises accessible room types (for example Classic Room, Bathtub (Mobility) and Classic Room (Mobility)) and accessible public areas — request accessible rooms at booking if required.
- Classic Room, 1 King Bed
- Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds
- Premium Room, Balcony
- Suite, 1 Bedroom and Suite, 1 Bedroom, Balcony
- Classic Room, Bathtub (Mobility) and Classic Room (Mobility) for accessibility
| Room name | Note |
|---|---|
| Classic Room, 1 King Bed | Standard single-king option |
| Premium Room, Balcony | Balcony option available in premium category |
| Suite, 1 Bedroom, Balcony | Suite with balcony listed among room types |



