Visitor’s Guide to Downtown Lafayette
The official visitor’s guide on where to stay, how to get around, where to eat in Lafayette’s Downtown area
Visitor’s Guide: Welcome to Downtown Lafayette
If you are visiting our region for the first time, then you’re in luck. Lafayette is home to a warm and welcoming culture, nowhere more evident than in the Downtown area. Here you’ll find unique places to stay, exceptional dining and nightlife options, and some of the nicest people around. Our Downtown prides itself on welcoming visitors and we hope you will feel at home here. Scroll to see our visitor’s guide to Downtown Lafayette!
Where To Stay Downtown
Options for staying the night within Downtown are limited and booking early is essential – especially during our festival season. The selection of accommodations Downtown is unique. You can stay in a modern upscale loft, a historic home, or a boutique suite. Those looking for more traditional lodging options can find quality hotels near Downtown.
What To Do Downtown
Dining & Nightlife
The highest density of restaurants in Lafayette. Find great food of all varieties and price points.
Music & Entertainment
Music is central to the culture of South Louisiana, and Downtown has all the best music venues.
Events
There’s always something happening in the heart of Lafayette.
Arts & Culture
Downtown is a central district for art and culture in Acadiana.
Shopping
Take home a little slice of Cajun culture.
Family
Find fun for the whole family at these Downtown parks and establishments.
Visitor’s Guide to Getting Around
Lafayette’s Downtown is small but mighty. Contained within less than 2 square miles, the entire area is incredibly walkable and bikeable. Park nearby—all metered spaces are free after 5:00 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends—and walk to your destination within a few minutes. The Parc-Auto du Centreville Garage on Vermilion Street is centrally located, with low rates, rarely at capacity.
Downtown is home to the Rosa Parks Transportation Center, Lafayette’s central bus and train station, and only a little over 2 miles from the Lafayette Regional Airport, with direct flights to Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Denver, and Orlando.
Bike Racks
Downtown is easily accessed via bicycle. The low traffic speeds and pedestrian-friendly streets make for comfortable riding. In addition, the Lafayette City Government has dedicated 75 bicycle racks to be installed in the Downtown area and nearby neighborhoods. These bike racks will make it even easier to ride Downtown.
