Things to do near Hotel Monteleone: walking itineraries
Hotel Monteleone sits at 214 Royal Street in the French Quarter, one block from Bourbon Street and within easy walking distance of Jackson Square, the Mississippi Riverfront and the French Market. This guide gives short walking itineraries and on-site stops you can do before returning to your Superior Room, Tower or exploring the rooftop pool and bars.
In this guide
Quick loop: Royal Street to Bourbon Street to Jackson Square
Start at Hotel Monteleone’s main entrance on Royal Street and walk one block to Bourbon Street to see its nightlife strip and street entertainment. Turn back toward the river and head down Royal to reach Jackson Square in about 8–10 minutes on foot.
Jackson Square is a compact area for street artists, historic buildings and views of the Mississippi River; it’s an easy first outing if you want a short, flat walk without crossing busy streets.
- Hotel Monteleone → Bourbon Street: 1 block (very short walk)
- Bourbon Street → Jackson Square: about 8–10 minutes total from the hotel
- Stops to consider: street musicians, small galleries and souvenir shops on Royal Street
| Start | Highlight | Approx. Walk Time |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel Monteleone | Royal & Bourbon Street | 1–5 minutes |
| Royal Street | Antique shops and art galleries | 5–10 minutes |
| Jackson Square | River views & street performers | 8–10 minutes |
Riverfront and French Market stroll
From Jackson Square head down to the Mississippi Riverfront and the Riverwalk area for wide views of the river and ships. The French Market is a short walk from there and offers local stalls, food vendors and small shops.
This route keeps mostly level sidewalks and is a good option for families or older travelers who want to minimize stairs and hills.
- Hotel Monteleone → Riverfront: about a 5–10 minute walk
- French Market: steps from the Riverwalk with market stalls and casual food options
- Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is within walking distance from the riverfront area
| Stop | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Mississippi Riverfront | River views and walking paths |
| Riverwalk/French Market | Vendors, local food and souvenirs |
| Audubon Aquarium (nearby) | Family-friendly indoor exhibit |
Short museum and culture walk — Historic New Orleans Collection & more
The Historic New Orleans Collection is about a 5-minute walk from the hotel and offers exhibits on the city’s history and architecture. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art and the National WWII Museum are short trips away — the WWII Museum is approximately a mile from the hotel and can be reached on foot or by public transit.
If you prefer a guided option, Friends of the Cabildo walking tours of New Orleans history and architecture depart nearby and are useful for context on the French Quarter.
- Historic New Orleans Collection: roughly 5 minutes’ walk
- Ogden Museum / National WWII Museum: short walk or quick transit ride (WWII Museum about 0.9–1 mile)
- Ask concierge at Hotel Monteleone for tour start points and ticket help
| Institution | Approx. distance from hotel |
|---|---|
| Historic New Orleans Collection | About 5 minutes on foot |
| National WWII Museum | Around 0.9–1 mile (walk or short bus ride) |
| Ogden Museum of Southern Art | Short distance; check hours before visiting |
Dining and drinks within a 5-minute walk
Hotel Monteleone has on-site dining options you can use between walks: Criollo Restaurant for breakfast, lunch and select dinner services, the Carousel Bar & Lounge for cocktails, and the rooftop Acqua Bella Poolside Bar for daytime drinks and light fare.
Reservations are suggested for Criollo Restaurant and Le Petit Chef immersive seatings; the Carousel Bar has limited seating since it’s a 25-seat revolving bar.
- Criollo Restaurant: breakfast, lunch, Jazz Brunch on weekends, dinner Thu–Mon (reservations suggested)
- Carousel Bar & Lounge: rotating 25-seat bar with live entertainment Wed–Sun
- Acqua Bella Poolside Bar: rooftop cocktails and light fare during pool hours
| Venue | Typical hours |
|---|---|
| Criollo Restaurant | Breakfast & lunch daily; dinner Thu–Mon |
| Carousel Bar & Lounge | 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Acqua Bella Poolside Bar | Around 11:00 AM – 6:00/7:00 PM (seasonal) |
Rooftop time: pool, Acqua Bella and fitness
Reserve part of an afternoon to return to Hotel Monteleone’s heated rooftop pool and Acqua Bella Poolside Bar. The pool is reserved for hotel guests and is open daily; Acqua Bella serves cocktails and light seafood or snacks during its posted hours.
The rooftop fitness center is open 24 hours and sits adjacent to the pool if you want a short workout with river views before a walk around the Quarter.
- Rooftop pool: open daily (guest-only access); check front desk for current hours
- Acqua Bella Poolside Bar: daytime cocktails and light fare during posted bar hours
- Rooftop fitness center: 24-hour access with cardio and strength equipment
| Rooftop Facility | Notes |
|---|---|
| Heated pool | Reserved for hotel guests; daily hours posted by hotel |
| Acqua Bella Poolside Bar | Seasonal hours; food and cocktails available |
| Fitness center | Open 24 hours; adjacent to pool |
Short transit tips and day trips from the hotel
Hotel Monteleone is near RTA streetcar and bus stops; the St. Charles, Canal and Riverfront lines are all within walking distance. Taxis and rideshares are commonly available outside the hotel for trips farther afield.
Popular day trips the concierge can help arrange include swamp tours and plantation visits; travel times to points outside the city vary and the concierge can book guided transportation for you.
- Nearest airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) — driver times vary; ask the concierge about shuttles or rideshares
- Streetcars & local buses: within walking distance; check RTA schedules for current routes
- Concierge can assist with swamp tours, plantation day trips and museum tickets
| Trip | Typical travel note |
|---|---|
| Swamp tours | Departures commonly arranged through concierge; about 25 minutes drive to nearby launch points |
| Oak Alley Plantation | Day trip distance — ask concierge for transport options |
| National WWII Museum | About 0.9–1 mile from the hotel; walkable or short bus ride |
