Travel & lodging.

Our venue.

Spanish Plaza at the Riverwalk
2 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Dedicated in 1976 to the city of New Orleans by the country of Spain, Spanish Plaza serves as a remembrance of their common historical past and their pledge of fraternity in the future. At its focal point is a fountain surrounded by the seals of the provinces of Spain.

Accommodations.

We have a block of rooms reserved at a discounted rate at a few different hotels nearby, so you can make the most of the camaraderie of Wanderfest by staying local.

Please note that short-term rentals like Airbnb are illegal for homeowners within the boundaries of the French Quarter, so exercise caution if you choose to book elsewhere.

Getting there.

Parking can be a challenge, so we highly recommend taking public transport or using a ridesharing service if possible.

Transport to/from Spanish Plaza.

Streetcars: Six vintage red streetcars operate along the popular Riverfront line, which passes by the Outlet Collection at the Riverwalk, where Spanish Plaza is located. Streetcars fare is $1.25 and must be paid with exact change when you board. One, three, and 31-day unlimited ride “Jazzy Passes” are also available for $3, $9 and $55 respectively.

Blue Bikes Bike Share: Blue e-bikes are installed all around the city, with locations ranging from Jackson Avenue in the Garden District all the way to St. Roch near the Bywater. You can check out a bike by creating an account to ride for $9/hour (prorated by the minute).

Transport to/from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

Airport Shuttle Service: Airport Shuttle service is available to and from Downtown and Uptown New Orleans hotels, the French Quarter, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and the Cruise Ship Terminals. Shuttles run every day of the year, with vans departing approximately every 30 minutes (except between 2 and 3:30am). You can purchase ticket(s) at airportshuttleneworleans.com or in person at the Airport Shuttle Ticket Desk for $24 one-way or $44 round trip for adults and children 6 and older.

City Bus: Hop the RTA’s 202 Airport Express, which travels from the airport terminals to Elk Place at Canal Street in Downtown New Orleans. The fare is $1.50 and the bus makes 9 daily trips to New Orleans.

Ridesharing: Located on level 1 outside of the baggage claim area, there is a designated spot for rideshare pick ups. Trips to and from the airport with start and end locations in Orleans Parish are a minimum of $33.

Preferred airline partner.

Breeze Airways is an American airline headquartered in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Breeze Airways provides nonstop service between underserved routes in 18 U.S. cities, primarily in southern and eastern states.

Driving directions.

Directions from New Orleans International Airport: Get on I-10 E in in Kenner from Loyola Drive. Continue on I-10 E to New Orleans. Take exit 11 from US-90 BUS West toward Tchoupitoulas St/S Peters Street. Continue on Calliope Street and turn left onto Convention Center Blvd. There is a paid parking lot entrance that is off Convention Center Blvd and the main Mall entrances are accessible from this lot.

Directions from Westbank: Take Westbank Expy and US-90 BUS East. Take exit 11A toward Tchoupitoulas Street. Stay straight onto Calliope Street then turn left onto Convention Center Blvd. There is a paid parking lot entrance that is off Convention Center Blvd and the main Mall entrances are accessible from this lot.

Parking.

Parking is available in the Center-adjacent “Whale” Surface Lot, operated by Riverside Parking (Hilton Hotel).

The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk offers a validation program provided by the lot operators. Guests who spend a minimum of $20.00 at the Center will receive the following $8.00 discounted rate:

0 – 1 hour: $3.00
1 – 2 hours: $5.00
2 – 4 hours: $7.00
4 – 6 hours: $11.00
6 – 12 hours: $20.00
12 – 24 hours: $39.00

In order to receive the parking validation, guests should bring their purchase receipt(s) totaling at least $20.00 to one of the Parking validation stations located in stores throughout the center marked with a “P” Parking symbol.*Receipt date must match date on parking ticket to receive discount. Note that purchases made from vendors at the festival do not qualify.

The Whale Lot is a cashless property. Credit cards only accepted.

For assistance at any time please contact Riverwalk Security at (504) 522-9088.

Getting dropped off?

The best ridesharing drop-off/pickup point is at the Hilton Riverside Hotel, right in front of the Plaza.

More transportation info.

• Navigating New Orleans Around Town: More details on how to get around the city by streetcar, bike, ferry, pedicabs, and more.

• Airport Transportation: Options on getting to and from Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY).