solo road trip to new orleans

• Complimentary Planning Assistance
• Destination Wedding Guide Digital Copy
• Elopement Packages
• Marriage License & Legal Essentials
• Welcome Bag Ideas
• Second Lines
• The History of Wedding Umbrellas and More in New Orleans
• Wedding Cake Pulls
• Destination Wedding Guide Printed Copy
• Wedding Inspiration
• Wedding and Event Planners
• Photographers & Videographers
• Transportation
• Beauty, Hair & Makeup
• Spas, Health & Wellness
• Cakes & Bakeries
• Entertainment
• Engagement Photos in New Orleans
• Bridal Shower & Brunch
• Joint Bachelor/ Bachelorette Parties
• Bachelor Parties
• The Ultimate New Orleans Bachelorette Party Guide
• Honeymooning
• LGBTQ Bachelor / Bachelorette Party Itinerary
• Walkable Downtown
• Corporate Group Incentive
• LGBTQ New Orleans
• Convention Center
• Caesars Superdome
• Smoothie King Center
• Special Events Venues
• Hotels with Meeting Space
• Venue Search
• Custom Maps
• Services Directory
• Convention Services Request
• Exhibitor Services Request
• Custom Post Cards & Save the Date
• New Orleans Print Materials Request
• Visitor Guide Request
• Corporate Social Responsibility & Donations
• Emergency Planning
• Meeting Planner Guide
• Transportation Directory
• Transportation & Getting Around
• Promotional Videos & Images
• Stats and facts
• Free Things To Do
• Talk like a New Orleanian
• Local Outreach
• Social Media Resources
• Marketing e-Templates & Ads
• Convention Calendar
• Testimonials
• Submit Your Request for Proposal (RFP)
• Availability Grid
• Coupons Deals
• Group Transportation
• Assistance Request
• Bulk Brochure Request
• Photos & Videos
• Microsite Request
• Itineraries
• Performance Venues
• Motorcoach/Group Transportation
• Educational Opportunities
• Student Itineraries
• voluntourism
• Class Reunions
• Venue & Services
• Hotel Assistance
• Promote Your Reunion
• Family Reunions
• Military Reunions
• Regulations and Maps
• Motorcoach Parking
• Tax Free Shopping
• International Travel Tips
• Consulates in New Orleans
• Maps & Transportation
• Advisor VIP Pass
• Brochure Request
• Photos/Videos
• Cruise Coupons
• Pre-Post Packages
• General Coupons
• Voluntourism
• Group Travel Planner Guide
• Travel Advisor Certification
• International Groups
• Group Travel
• Cruise Lines
• Meet the Team
• Did You Know | New Orleans Facts
• Member Benefits
• Maximize Your Membership
• Application NOT USED
• Membership Policies
• Member Directory
• Member Events
• Member Anniversaries
• New Members
• Member Login
• Media Assistance Request
• What's New in New Orleans
• New Orleans Awards & Accolades
• Image Library
• B-roll Assets
• New Orleans & Company Press Releases
• Hospitality Industry Press Releases
• Image / Video Request
• Communications & PR Contacts

• New Orleans Festivals And Events
• French Quarter
• A Guide to New Orleans Nightlife
• Attractions
• Cultural Arts
• Mystical/Haunted New Orleans
• Family-Friendly Guide to New Orleans
• Multicultural
• Recreation & Outdoors
• Architecture
• Find Restaurants
• Where to Eat
• Traditional Foods
• Top Chefs In New Orleans
• Restaurant Deals
• Love To Eat Video Series
• Find a Place to Drink
• Where to Drink
• Classic New Orleans Cocktails
• Book a New Orleans Hotel
• Hotel Directory
• Bed And Breakfasts: Hotels - New Orleans & Company
• Saint Charles Avenue Hotels
• Luxury Hotels
• Garden District Hotels
• French Quarter Hotels and Lodging
• Downtown/Central Business District Hotels and Lodging
• Bourbon Street Hotels
• Green Hotels
• Bourbon Street Balcony Hotels - New Orleans & Company
• Haunted Hotels in New Orleans
• Pet-Friendly Hotels
• Historic Hotels
• Upcoming Events
• Ultimate New Orleans Event Calendar
• New Orleans LIVE Music Calendar
• Submit an Event
• Major Events and Festivals in New Orleans
• New Orleans Neighborhood Guide
• Streets to Visit
• Request a Guide
• Deals & Coupons
• Essential New Orleans Three-Day Itinerary
• Bleisure Itinerary
• Monthly Newsletter
• Insider's Blog
• Virtual Tour
• Accessibility
• New Orleans Artist Database
• LOVENOLA.TV 24/7 Broadcast

Solo Travel Guide to New Orleans

Our tops picks for when you’re traveling alone to new orleans.

Last Updated: Tuesday, January 2, 2024 1:34 PM by Colton Clifford

Sometimes, when we venture into new cities, we crave the exhilarating sensation of discovering a place to call our own for a few days. We long for the freedom to explore and immerse ourselves in a whole new world—solo! So, leave behind the mundane chores and perhaps even your significant other (but don't forget to remind them about the trash needing to be taken out with a friendly post-it note), because you’re officially off duty.

When you arrive in the vibrant city of New Orleans, there are just a couple of rules to keep in mind:

• Always keep your mind open, as adventure awaits around every corner!
• Be sure to pack your walking shoes–and be ready to treat yourself to the many culinary treasures and indulgences of the city.

As a friendly reminder, this list is meant to serve as a source of inspiration for your journey through the city. However, it's important to make this trip your own and remember that the incredible opportunities about to be mentioned are just the icing on the cake. There are countless layers waiting to be discovered, explored, and indulged in throughout New Orleans!

Unwind at a Hotel with Exquisite Cocktails

Finding the perfect place to stay in New Orleans is crucial for an amazing vacation. Hotel St. Vincent in the Uptown neighborhood is a beautifully renovated historic orphanage offering modern luxury and exquisite design paired with exceptional on-site dining, boutique shopping, and a lavish pool. Don't miss their two cocktail lounges–the airy Paradise Lounge (perfect for a pre-dinner or even mid-afternoon porch libation) or the renowned Chapel Club with an awe-inspiring bar program and special events like intimate concerts and drag performances. The Virgin Hotel New Orleans in the Central Business District is a must-visit, celebrating sleek pop culture design and offering a rooftop pool bar and easy access to every neighborhood.

Ashton's Bed & Breakfast in Tremé welcomes you with old-world charm, Southern hospitality, and beautiful antique pieces while, Hotel Peter and Paul in the Marigny neighborhood immerses you in vibrant culture with its converted historic church, schoolhouse, rectory, and convent. Prepare to be mesmerized by their captivating design and indulge in cocktails at the renowned Elysian Bar . New Orleans offers a plethora of delightful accommodations, each with its own unique charm and allure. Make this trip your own and discover the best place to set your bags down to kick things off! Check out more about our hotels HERE !

Satisfy Your Cravings with our Delicious Food

When it comes to the city’s world-famous cuisine, you’re like familiar with some of the classics, from gumbo to beignets. But to make sure you check some of those can’t-miss staples off the list, check out our Foodie’s Guide to NOLA here . However, for those of you looking to explore further into our diverse culinary scene, we have a treat for you!

If you're craving Italian food, make sure to check out Mona Lisa . With tabletops lined for your rendition of the famous painting, a healthy supply of crayons, wine, delicious cheesy bread, and a pasta for every craving, this stop is truly the gift that keeps on giving. We know you might catch a case of the Mondays when you return home, but here in New Orleans, Monday is a delicious treat. Enjoy Creole, Cajun, and American dishes with beautiful indoor and outdoor seating.

And if you have one thing on your mind, and that thing happens to be Poor Boys (Po-Boys), head on over to Parkway Bakery & Tavern . They offer delicious, overstuffed sandwiches and yummy, sweet treats, along with a libation or two. New Orleans is a food lover's paradise, and these culinary gems will leave you wanting more! Find out even more about where to dine that might best suit your desires HERE !

Explore the Vibrant Shopping Scene of New Orleans

Some people view souvenirs as special trinkets picked up along the way, but there are many ways to bring home the memories of a great vacation! If you're a small trinket shopper, consider the French Market in the French Quarter for great souvenir options suitable for all ages. For locally made art, jewelry, and more, check out co-op gallery spaces like Zèle NOLA on Magazine Street in Uptown . Here, you'll also find other wonderful shops and galleries like West London BTQ , owned, and curated by Mariah Walton Bencik, a local fashion icon with an exceptionally fun and fashionable Instagram presence . Once you stop by, you'll understand why her clothing sells out quickly! Let’s not forget Fleurty Girl and Dirty Coast –both with multiple locations throughout the city offering clever, campy, and laughter-filled gifts, home goods, apparel, and more that truly capture the local charm and character.

Uncover the City’s Most Unique Experiences

When we say come to New Orleans and have the experience of your life, we don't just mean enjoying a cocktail. We mean that our city's abundance of culture radiates from our restaurants and businesses, bringing so much joy to your visit, but have you considered the hands-on opportunities for exploration? Beyond The Bayou offers amazing packages, from the French Quarter Cocktail Concierge to Wilderness Swamp & Plantation Tours, and even 12 Hours in Cajun Country! Not interested in the swamps? Maybe you want to delve into our delicious food scene. If so, our friends at Deelightful Roux School of Cooking offer an incredible opportunity to visit the Southern Food & Beverage Museum (SOFAB) for a tour of cooking history, followed by a hands-on cooking course with Chef Dee. It all culminates with a group dinner featuring the delicacies you learned to make! Of course, New Orleans is historically known for its cocktails and is home to many famous recipes. Head over to the Sazerac House on historic Canal Street for a tour and learn about the history of the Sazerac, while enjoying...you guessed it, a good ol' Sazerac! Once you're feeling a little loose from the sips, visit Trixie Minx, a local burlesque tour-de-force, for a course at her shop Trixie's Burlesque Boutique . Located in the French Quarter , this one-stop-shop for all things burlesque not only offers the opportunity to learn the art of the tease but also allows you to pick up costumes, artwork, and handmade accessories all in one prime location, but wait there are more things to do here !

Immerse Yourself in the Rich Cultural Tapestry of New Orleans Museums

Food, cocktails, music, people... museums. Bet you didn't think to include that on your list of things New Orleans is known for, but truthfully, we have some world-class museums in our city, covering a wide range of subjects. You could spend a week here exploring the histories of New Orleanian culture and beyond, including art and historic subjects. The Backstreet Cultural Museum , nestled in the Tremé neighborhood, brings you up close to the history of Black Masking Indians and their intricately designed suits. Recently relocated into a larger space, this museum offers even more access to the vibrant culture that holds historic importance to our city. After Tremé, head to the French Quarter, where you'll find the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum . This space is dedicated to the rich history of the pharmacy and healthcare system in Louisiana, both past and present. It's like a cabinet of curiosities! Once you're wowed by the evolution of modern medicine, venture to the Central Business District and visit the Museum of Southern Jewish Experience . Here, you'll learn about the importance of Jewish history and culture in the southern United States, and don't miss the Ogden Museum of Southern Art , where they celebrate contemporary and historical art from the perspective of Southern artists through their impressive 4,000+ piece collection! There are many more things to make time for once you are in town so don’t miss out on our many attractions .

Unveil the Hidden Gems by Exploring the Diverse Neighborhoods of NOLA

A major part of solo travel is discovering the key stops that make a new city special. While our list could go on for miles, we want to highlight some notable locations throughout New Orleans that you shouldn't miss! First up is the historic French Quarter , where you'll witness the plot points of our 300+ year-old city unfold before your eyes. Take the time to explore this charming neighborhood and marvel at the beautiful architecture tucked into just a few city blocks. It's a dream come true for architectural enthusiasts! After immersing yourself in the Quarter's charm, make your way to New Orleans City Park in Mid-City . Here, you'll find 300-year-old oak trees, museums, the opportunity to take a swan boat ride on the lake, and a must-stop at Café Du Monde , which is oftentimes much less crowded than its more famous (and equally wonderful) sister location across from Jackson Square . If you're craving a historical perspective, hop on our RTA Streetcar system . It's a unique way to blend public transit with history as you weave through our gorgeous neighborhoods and catch glimpses of our stunning homes. Lastly, for those who like to consolidate planning, the City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off bus system is perfect. You can choose your own adventure while having a reliable pick-up and drop-off point system throughout the city. So get ready to explore and make the most of your solo adventure in New Orleans!

Java Journeys – Sip and Savor Your Way Through The City's Coffeshops 

Coffee lovers understand the importance of finding a great cup of joe while traveling. Luckily, New Orleans has plenty of options to satisfy your caffeine cravings! French Truck Coffee , with its multiple locations spread throughout the city, is a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts. Their delicious brews will surely give you a much-needed energy boost. Another noteworthy spot is Baldwin & Co. , a Black-owned establishment that not only serves fantastic coffee but also offers a bookstore filled with works by Black authors and a space for podcasters to record. If you find yourself in the charming Marigny neighborhood, be sure to check out Ayu Bakehouse . Located across from Washington Square Park near lively Frenchmen Street , this whimsical bakery will not only serve you a delightful cup of coffee but also tempt you with their delectable baked treats.

We understand that coffee shops often double as makeshift offices, so we've got you covered. The Shop at the Contemporary Arts Center and The Warehouse are both local coworking spaces that provide excellent coffee options. With day passes that grant access to office supplies and other perks, you'll have everything you need for a productive work session or an important conference call. So, whether you're seeking relaxation or a productive workspace, New Orleans has the perfect spot for you!

Discover the Vibrant Spirit of New Orleans Through its Unforgettable Festivals:

If all of that wasn't enough to convince you why solo travel to New Orleans is an absolute blast, let me share with you the fact that we are a true festival mecca! Prepare to be immersed in a world of vibrant celebrations. Our iconic Jazz and Heritage Festival (or Jazz Fest, for short) is a must-attend, where you can not only revel in the rich heritage of jazz music but also indulge in some of the most delicious local cuisine, some of which is exclusively available at this festival. For those with a taste for the tantalizing, the sin-sational Teaser Festival is a burlesque extravaganza that showcases the best of the best in the industry. Our very own Jeez Loueez, a local stage diva, even claimed the coveted title of "Queen of The Tease" in 2023! Alternatively, the Satchmo SummerFest pays tribute to the legendary Louis Armstrong, serving up a delightful blend of music, food, and drinks in the heart of the French Quarter. Let's not forget the grandest festival of them all, our Carnival Season , which spans from Twelfth Night on January 6th to Mardi Gras Day . But wait, there's more! This is just a taste of the many festivals you can experience here. Make sure to check out our extensive list of upcoming festivals to plan your trip ahead of time. Trust me, you won't want to miss out on this incredible lineup of events !

Where to Dine Alone in NOLA

Table for one? See our top picks for solo dining in New Orleans. 

Boutique Hotels

Experience a stay like none other at a boutique hotel in New Orleans, with custom finishes and personal touches.

Coffee Shops by Neighborhood

In a city known for its culinary history, it’s unsurprising that there’s a thriving coffee culture here as well. Check out our roundup of coffee shops by neighborhood here.

Author: Colton Clifford

Colton Clifford (He/They) is a visual artist, illustrator, stage performer, and content creator at New Orleans & Company for @visitneworleans. They find great bliss in the celebration of the people, culture, artistry, food, and sounds that make visiting New Orleans the most unforgettable experience in the world.

Want More Insider Tips?

• Things to Do
• Trip Planning Tools
• Meeting Planners
• Travel Professionals
• Press and Media
• Privacy Policy
• Site Search
• Doing Business in New Orleans
• About NewOrleans.com
• Report Fraud
• Accessibility Options

Sign up for special tips, offers, and info about all the latest happenings around NOLA with our monthly Insider’s Guide, delivered right to your inbox.

The Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide to New Orleans

05/13/2021 by Kristin Addis 24 Comments

Hey there my fellow solo female travelers, today comes another installment of traveling alone in an amazing place in the world: New Orleans.

Initially I wasn’t sure that New Orleans would be fun alone, but it’s one of the most enjoyable solo trips I’ve had! The friendliness combined with the huge variety of things to do kept me entertained and hardly lonely. For my solo travelers out there, here’s everything you need to know about New Orleans:

Table of Contents

Is New Orleans Fun Alone?

As I already hinted, New Orleans is tons of fun solo! While after nine years of it, I’m certainly biased towards traveling alone , I’d venture to say New Orleans is one of the best places to travel solo , and I’d recommend it for first timers as well.

Every time I ate alone , it really didn’t feel that way because the wait staff and the others in the restaurants would be so talkative. Pretty much everyone I met had a suggestion for me on where to go, and I was never bored. I never felt like the odd woman out either as I sometimes do in beachy or couples’ destinations.

Being able to decide everything I wanted to do on a moment’s notice and on my own time gave me an opportunity to see the Big Easy my way. So if you’re considering going alone, do it!

Things that are Fun to Do Solo in New Orleans

Shopping in the French Quarter:

I don’t know about you, but shopping with friends is one of my least favorite ways to do it (I still love you guys, though!). I feel like I’m always waiting around for someone to try something on or have to go into a store I’m not that interested in. So when it comes to shopping I value going solo for the efficiency!

Some of the best shopping is in the French Quarter. The following are the quirkiest and most interesting places I found:

• Bambi Deville’s Vintage Clothing : This vintage clothing shop is tucked away in a corner of the French Quarter, which feels like a secret spot. The interior is beautiful, and the selection is impressive. If you are looking for something truly unique, like gowns and pants with styles from the ’20s, this is the place to go.
• Porter Lyons:  I love buying accessories to remember my travels by. They make great souvenirs and take up little space. If you dig that too, check out Porter Lyons. The store stocks some voodoo-inspired earrings that I thought were really cool. Bonus? The store has kombucha on tap!
• Red Lantern : Shopping at Red Lantern is so much fun! They have a great selection of unique clothing and accessories, perfect if you like to dress quirky. The shop owner is funny and friendly, which is always a plus. Red Lantern is located right next to Hemline, and I suggest visiting it first!
• Hemline French Quarter : If you are looking for something more on the upscale side, Hemline is great. They stock some nice party dresses that will set you back about $100 – $200. The customer service is great – the staff is helpful and professional.
• Trashy Diva : This store has a couple of locations in the French Quarter – one devoted to clothing and one for lingerie. They both have gorgeous outfits depending on, ya know, the intended audience.
• Voodoo Authentica : I can’t speak to how authentica this store really is, but if you’re curious about Voodoo and want to see an array of potions, dolls, and other Voodoo-related items, stop in for a peek.
• Lost and Found : For that 50s pin-up style that’s so popular around NOLA, I liked this quaint little boutique – especially their fun purses!

When I’m solo I often like to take day tours because it makes it easy to meet other people and means that at least for a couple hours or maybe a whole day, I don’t have to worry about planning anything. I suggest the following:

Two Chicks Walking tours : I took a two hour walking tour with this company in the French Quarter at 9 AM. It was perfect because it wasn’t busy and crowded yet, and I could get a lay of the land before exploring by myself. I was the only one on my tour so that gave me the chance to structure it the way that I wanted to, which was fun! But if you meet others on your tour then that’s a potential built-in friend group so it’s a win either way.

Double Plantation Tour : To be honest, I wondered if it was strange to tour plantations considering how much pain and misery took place there. But then I thought, isn’t it my duty to understand my own country’s history? In order to do this I had to choose wisely and ended up going on the Gray Line two plantation tour, stopping at Whitney plantation and Oak alley. It was the perfect combination between educational and beautiful.

The Whitney plantation is the first museum ever dedicated to slavery. It was so well done, telling the story of slavery directly from the slaves’ point of view, drawing from historical quotes and records. The whole thing had memorials and monuments purely dedicated to the experience of the slaves. It’s confronting and painful to see, but so important to understand American history and its ties to the present. To visit the plantations without visiting this one would be an incomplete experience, so if you go, definitely go to the Whitney!

First Name:

Oak Alley is the second plantation I visited and the one that you’re most likely to see photos of when tours are advertised. The long alley of oak trees leading up to the mansion entrance made this plantation famous, and when you see it for yourself it’s easy to see why. It’s absolutely beautiful. That said, the tour did not provide nearly the educational opportunity that Whitney did, which is why I suggest seeing both.

Both are located about 45 minutes outside of New Orleans. So you could rent a car, but the easiest and most economical way is to take a tour ( click here for the Whitney plantation tour , and here for the Oak Alley tour ) which provides transport in an air-conditioned bus and a guided walking tour of both plantations. Bring your own water and snacks!

Saint Louis Cemetery No. 1 : I’m suggesting the cemetery for one big reason: Marie Laveau’s tomb. She was a free mixed-race woman and Voodoo priestess during the time of slavery and from what I learned, a total boss. It was said that she walked like a queen and performed rituals for the elite. You can only see the cemetery on a tour, offered Monday through Saturday at 10am, 11:30am and 1pm, and Sunday at 10am. They cost $20 per person.

There are certainly more tours out there that you could check out, like the New Orleans haunted tours, though I heard they are pretty hokey, or swamp tours which I heard the same about. Depending on how much time you have in New Orleans, it might be worth looking into either of these if you have a keen interest.

Get Your Tarot Cards Read

Getting your tarot cards read is one of the things to do in New Orleans. You’ll see options everywhere, including sidewalk tarot readers, particularly by Jackson Square. However I went to Hex , which was recommended to me by a local. I did a 30-minute reading and thought it was a fun addition to the afternoon. Whether you’ve done one before or not, or whether or not you put stock in such things, it’s a very NOLA activity.

Explore the Bywater

While the French Quarter is cool and all, I couldn’t believe how rad the Bywater is! If you like the artistic and the quirky, you will find it there. The cafés are delicious, the Healing Center and Studio BE are must-sees, and Crescent Park is a great place to watch the sunset. I loved it so much I have an entire article devoted just to things to do in the Bywater , so check it out!

I’m sure if you’ve heard much of anything about New Orleans, you would’ve heard of Bourbon Street. I got mixed reviews on this coming from locals, one of whom told me I ‘hadn’t been to New Orleans if I hadn’t been to Bourbon Street’ and another one said, ‘oh yes you have!’ I chose not to go, because rowdy bars are not really my scene. However if you still want to experience some nightlife, I highly recommend checking out some live music on Frenchmen Street. This is more of a local hangout and it gives you something to do other than drinking, which I suggest you limit or avoid altogether if you’re traveling solo. Click here for information on the shows that are on tonight – You can find something on every night of the week!

You can also find festivals year-round in New Orleans, in addition to the famous Mardi Gras. Check the New Orleans official website for more on what’s on now.

Since we just touched on it in the last section, let’s get the subject of safety out of the way.

Safety when traveling solo is a concern not just in New Orleans, but everywhere. There are two main things I do to stay safe when I travel – one is to avoid walking alone in any parts of the city that are quiet and dark, like any alleyways, and to limit my alcohol intake. The last one has been easy since I stopped drinking altogether almost 4 years ago , but for those of you who want to visit New Orleans and still try out a French 75 — and who could blame you? —  just make sure that you don’t overdo it. Almost every unfortunate circumstance for solo travelers of both sexes is borne out of drinking too much and becoming an easy target.

Unfortunately there was lots of catcalling in New Orleans but that’s a worldwide scourge, and unfortunately happens to me in Berlin and other parts of the US, too. Thankfully it wasn’t aggressive in the way that I experienced in South America.

For more safety tips when traveling solo, check out this post with 41 tips from 31 solo female travelers .

Where to Stay

I recommend that you pick accommodation that has security, like a front desk.

I stayed in the International House Hotel, which is just a short walk from the French Quarter. It was the perfect location for me, since I ate and explored in the CBD and the French Quarter. It was nice to be somewhere quiet and out of the madness as well. I really enjoyed my time there, and felt plenty safe. There are plenty of stylish boutique hotels in New Orleans to choose from, click here for a curated list!

What to Pack

New Orleans is very hot and humid. The main thing I would prioritize is comfort, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style! I mainly wore rompers and dresses with cut outs to let the air flow. I also wore ankle boots that were comfortable and fashionable at the same time to make walking easier, because chances are you’ll be doing a lot of it.

Eating Solo

Eating my meals on my own really never gets easier, but it actually wasn’t that bad in New Orleans.

Firstly, Uber Eats delivers in New Orleans so if you just can’t be bothered to go out on your own, you can get food delivered to your door.

I also really liked the following options, which were either stands or quick restaurants where I didn’t have to sit and twiddle my thumbs for too long:

• Killer Poboys:  This place on Dauphine St. is quick and conveniently located in the French Quarter. It has both vegetarian and vegan options! I loved the flavorful cauliflower poboy, personally.
• Meals from the Heart Café:  Located in the French Market, this pop up has yummy comfort food including vegan options. I loved that there was so much else to do in the market that I didn’t really feel alone, and wasn’t the only person eating alone, either.
• Auction House Market: Just a half mile away from The French Quarter in the CBD, the auction house market has a bunch of pop up restaurants with everything from vegan macaroons to Hawaiian-style poke bowls.
• St. Roch Market: Like Auction House, this building has a bunch of different food options. Though it seems unassuming from the outside, inside is a long hallway with order-at-the-counter restaurants on either side. It’s bustling even on a weekday, with plenty of solo diners.

Getting Around

In a city as small and compact as New Orleans I really appreciated being able to get around mostly by foot, especially once you get to your neighborhood of choice. The French Quarter is pedestrian friendly, as is the Bywater.

When I needed to get farther than I felt like walking, the streetcar and bus system both worked pretty well, and it’s cheap at only three dollars for a whole day pass (pay the driver directly in exact change). I just used Google Maps to navigate bus lines and found it all pretty easy and reliable. If that makes you feel a bit uncomfortable, both Lyft and Uber are available.

In closing, I thoroughly enjoyed New Orleans as a solo traveler and was even looking up short term apartment rentals because I found it so friendly and full of fun things to do! I already know that I will be back to explore more of it, perhaps longer-term.

So ladies, and gents if you’re reading this too, don’t worry about going to New Orleans by yourself, it’s probably one of the best places to travel alone!

Pin me for later:

READ NEXT: The Best Places to Travel Solo in the USA

*This post was brought to you in partnership with New Orleans & Company, however this itinerary was designed by me and all recommendations are my own – your trust always comes first!

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

 subscribe to our newsletter

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Ijana Loss says

10/07/2018 at 5:01 pm

Just read all your New Orleans posts, haven’t gotten on here for awhile! But wow I always thought that NOLA wouldn’t be the best place to travel solo; it appears I was wrong! This looks super cool! Flights there tend to be pretty cheap from most anywhere in the lower 48, New Orleans seems like a good place to take a long weekend trip or something

Kristin says

10/08/2018 at 6:21 pm

Yeah it surprised me too!

Sarah Jean says

10/09/2018 at 1:25 pm

Love this article!! Thank you so much for sharing! I love solo traveling, but am still sort of new at it and have wanted to visit New Orleans. After reading your article I will definitely be adding it to my solo traveler bucket list!!

kesari women special says

10/10/2018 at 4:23 am

New Orleans is seriously stunning! I would love to visit the cities that you have talked about. Glad to know that it’s not too expensive.

Kelcee says

10/29/2018 at 4:47 pm

Thank you so much for this article! I’m headed to New Orleans in December by myself for a wedding (where I know no one but the bride and groom) and this answered all of my questions! I seriously feel so much better about my first solo trip now.

11/04/2018 at 12:41 pm

Yay have so much fun!

Elizabeth Higgins says

11/02/2018 at 10:37 am

This post of yours is truly inspiring, Kristin! Not just for the places but for the tips given to a lone traveller like me. I can already see what’s up ahead in New Orleans just by looking at your photos. I’ll be looking forward in going to Bambi Deville’s Vintage Clothing since the vintage style have been my all time fave! Thanks for this!

11/04/2018 at 12:37 pm

Awesome enjoy!

Lolonyo says

12/20/2018 at 8:59 pm

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I will be travelling solo to NOLA next week for NYE and my birthday. This is my first time travelling alone. I am super stoked, but also super nervous. This post has put me so much at ease. I’m really looking forward to trying out some of your recommendations as well! You

12/21/2018 at 9:58 am

Woohoo! It’s a blast, particularly at New Years I’m sure. Happy birthday!

Anonymous says

05/03/2019 at 3:57 pm

Great Blog. I love your honesty about some of the tours. It’s so hard to decide how to portion out your travel dollars that you want to experience the city without breaking the bank on tours.

05/05/2019 at 12:17 pm

Yes true, but I hope you’re able to find some that appeal to you and have fun!

ashton says

06/09/2019 at 9:13 am

if you are truly taking a solo trip who is actually taking the staged photos of you? not sure I would trust that many people with my camera.

06/09/2019 at 10:35 am

I took them all of myself with a tripod: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/how-to-take-best-travel-selfies/

09/24/2019 at 6:13 pm

Thankyou for this blog! I’m considering travel I g solo to New Orleans from Australia and was concerned about safety. This is an amazing read and insight. Full of helpful info, thanks again ? Happy travels!

09/24/2019 at 8:14 pm

Yay so glad it helped you out. I think avoiding the drinking areas alone at night is a good idea. I was totally fine!

02/07/2021 at 7:12 am

Great article. Recently retired and looking to do some solo travel. I noticed these comments are a little dated. Any more recent trips?

02/07/2021 at 8:27 am

Yes there are a bunch of recent resources here: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/solo-female-travel/

Charlie says

07/02/2021 at 8:27 am

Just what I needed! Thank you!

01/06/2022 at 12:32 pm

Hi there, great post! I’m taking my first solo trip to NOLA this year. I’m wondering, how do you get great pictures of yourself when you travel solo? I want to get pictures, but not sure how without them all being selfies.

01/07/2022 at 11:49 am

I got you! https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/how-to-take-travel-selfies/

Tracey says

06/13/2022 at 6:13 am

Thank you! That was an informative and lovely article. I had planned to go on my own but will probably take my son and his girlfriend because we have way too much fun together. Will still venture out on my own, while they go their way. Your article and cute photos make it very enticing.

Beth Corsetti says

03/18/2024 at 10:50 pm

I loved your article and your the story of your personal growth from stopping drinking, I have not had a drink in 4 years also and I am leaving for New Orleans March 23 because I was inspired by your article and want to live my life to the fullest! I would love to see where you go next, when, why and how! Thank you for all of your knowledge and encouraging words of independence for women to get out and explore!

Kristin Addis says

03/19/2024 at 1:56 pm

Aw that made my day! Have the best time! Not drinking was NO PROBLEM at all and I enjoyed the trip so much!

What I learned traveling to New Orleans as a solo tourist

At 7:45 a.m., I waited for my United Airlines flight to New Orleans as a thick blanket of fog covered the morning sky, delaying my flight a bit. It was my first time traveling alone for fun, and I was nervous.

I'm used to traveling with family or friends, and I hadn't truly taken a real vacation since before the pandemic. I spent days planning how I'd make the most of my time in New Orleans, but I was still so nervous about exploring a completely unfamiliar place on my own.

My trip to the Big Easy was in the middle of October — the offseason for tourism. So, once I landed, I was treated to a seemingly empty city rather than the lively, bustling one I had read about in all the travel guides.

After my plane landed in New Orleans around noon, I headed straight for the hotel. While in the taxi, I wondered how I would go about spending my first day here alone. I could do anything I wanted, without the hassle of compromising on a plan with family or friends. I came into this trip with an optimistic mindset, and I wanted to pack in as much as possible in these two short days.

I was staying at the Moxy, which is conveniently located by both the central business district and the French Quarter. The hotel was nothing fancy since I was only in the city for one night, but it sufficed for such a short stay.

Related: 10 TPG-approved hotels for your next New Orleans stay

When I entered my cramped and dark hotel room, it truly dawned on me that I was alone. I had spent the days prior writing out lists of things to do and scouring the internet for travel guides, but something about seeing my hotel room made it all real to me. I began to worry about the fact that I planned a solo trip to a city that's known for its nightlife. I started questioning my decision to plan this getaway without any companions.

Maybe it was because I was exhausted from my 7:45 a.m. flight and wanted to nap, but the thought of filling a whole day with solo activities suddenly seemed daunting.

Suddenly, none of my travel guides and plans seemed relevant anymore. What was the point of going to jazz clubs and bars by myself? I still wanted to explore New Orleans and do all the touristy things, but I quickly realized that there were certain things I could not — or did not want to — do as a solo tourist in an unfamiliar city.

Once I was settled, I immediately set out for beignets since I read in nearly every travel guide that they are a must-try in New Orleans. I decided to walk to Café Du Monde to get a better glimpse of the city along the way.

I soaked in the palm trees and the pastel-tinted French-Creole buildings I saw on the way. New Orleans looked completely unlike any other U.S. city I had seen, and I felt worlds away from New York City .

While much of the city was quiet at 2 p.m. on a Wednesday, Café Du Monde was brimming with patrons and live music. Most people dining in the cafe's outdoor patio seemed to be tourists trying the New Orleans delicacy for the first time.

The beignets came with heaps of powdered sugar on top and some fried dough buried underneath. Being alone, the only thing I could do was eat my beignets in silence and people-watch. The restaurant was one of the few lively places I had encountered during my stay. There was a couple seated across from me, a group of older people laughing and some kids whose faces were covered in powdered sugar.

I will admit — and this is probably one of my most unpopular opinions — I wasn't the biggest fan of the beignets at this local institution. Sure, three beignets and an iced coffee only cost $10 (which is a deal compared to the city prices I'm used to), but I really didn't like how the powdered sugar coated my teeth and the table I was dining at. They were too messy, and finding the fried dough beneath all the sugar proved almost impossible.

Related: A classic getaway: Traveling to New Orleans to find the real Big Easy

Besides the beignets, the rest of my day was a blur. I walked around the city a bit more and strolled up and down Bourbon Street, which in many ways felt like the South's version of Times Square . I didn't feel like I could enjoy the tacky bars or neon-colored, over-the-top cocktails by myself, especially since the street was packed with groups of drunk tourists enjoying themselves. So, I kept my visit to this famous thoroughfare brief.

After seeing the partygoers enjoying the day, I found myself again wishing I was with a friend.

When I returned to my hotel that night, I wrote out a realistic itinerary of things I could do before heading to the airport the following day. I was even more determined to make my second and last day in New Orleans worthwhile. I decided to walk through the Garden District and visit the New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park.

I spent the next day riding a forest green streetcar along St. Charles Avenue to reach the Garden District. I walked through rows of slightly dilapidated mansions, occasionally using my phone to search the history of certain historic homes. Some of the properties were worth millions of dollars, according to a realtor trying to sell one of the homes to an elderly couple.

Walking through the Garden District was one of the more calming experiences I had on my short trip. I started to see the appeal in traveling alone — I could stop, marvel and read about the historic homes at my own pace.

Related: How to travel solo — and why you absolutely should

There was also something blissful about strolling through the New Orleans Museum of Art alone. Like the mansions in the Garden District, I could move at my own pace. I thoroughly enjoyed one exhibit on the history of Black photography in the U.S., and I loved seeing some Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol pieces.

I also had the opportunity to see the idyllic New Orleans City Park, which was mostly filled with hordes of geese looking for food. As I walked through the oak trees and weeping willows, I felt impressed about how many activities I could fit into such a short period of time.

Mostly relying on streetcars and my own two feet, I covered so much of the city — from the beignets and nearby Jackson Square to the mansions of the Garden District. Sure, I didn't exactly get the opportunity to enjoy a bar or jazz club, but I still found fulfillment in visiting the parks, strolling through the city and learning more about all the historical landmarks.

I soon returned to the hotel to retrieve my bags and go to the airport — two days went by so quickly.

My trip to New Orleans served as a lesson in learning to enjoy spending time with myself. In New York City, I always have something to do or someone to see, and I don't get to spend time by myself very often. However, on this trip, I could truly prioritize myself — even if it felt a little uncomfortable at times.

While my next trip to the Big Easy will undoubtedly be with some friends or family, I'm ultimately glad I experienced a new place by myself. Visiting New Orleans alone made me appreciate being a solo tourist, and it taught me a thing or two about myself.

New Orleans Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to New Orleans , Louisiana? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

• The largest city in Louisiana, with a population of around 390,000 .
• Founded in 1718 by the French Mississippi Company, New Orleans was originally part of the French colony (original name: La Nouvelle-Orléans).
• The word “Dixie” refers to a currency originally from a bank in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Called “dix” (French for “ten”), the bills were known as “Dixies” amongst the English-speaking population. The region became known as Dixieland .
• The first United States opera performance took place here, in 1796.
• Nicknames: The Big Easy, Crescent City, Fat City, Hollywood South.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Currency:  US Dollar  (USD)
• Spoken languages:  English .
• Best time to visit: from  February  to  June  (humid, subtropical climate).
• Arriving via airport: a taxi ride from the airport to downtown costs about $36 . There is a shuttle that will take you downtown for  $2 .

WHERE TO STAY

• Best hostel for solo travelers: HI New Orleans . It’s clean, spacious, comfortable, safe (great security), and welcoming – a perfect oasis just steps from the legendary French Quarter. Spacious common rooms, big bathrooms… this is the one. Just book ahead, especially if going on the weekend or during one of the festivals!
• Most travelers base themselves in the French Quarter or Historic District (note that prices will spike considerably during Mardi Gras).
• Cheaper accommodation is available near the airport .

GETTING AROUND

• The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) runs buses and streetcars throughout the city. Fares are $1.25 for buses and streetcars. You can buy a daily Jazzy Pass for $3, or a 3-day Pass for $8 (unlimited usage on RTA buses, streetcars, and ferries).
• There are a number of taxi services in New Orleans, and fares are pretty reasonable. Make sure to call ahead though during Mardi Gras to make sure you can get a cab!
• Before you spring for a taxi, get a quote from Uber (via the app).
• Tip : if you’re driving around the city, keep in mind that streets in downtown New Orleans are one-directional .

NEW ORLEANS NIGHTLIFE

• Drinking age is 21 , and there is no official last call. Many bars are issued a liquor license that allows them to serve alcohol 24 hours a day.
• Main nightlife scene: the French Quarter , and especially Bourbon Street , attracts just about everybody. The party scene in the French Quarter is welcoming to all.
• Trendy bars are almost exclusively in: Uptown, Carrollton, and the Garden District.
• Hipster scene: Lawrence Square.
• Not sure which of the hundreds of bars to start with? See the handy New Orleans Bar Flowchart .
• Great bars in the French Quarter to start your night: Chart Room, Erin Rose, Bar Tonique, Ryan’s Irish Pub, The Carousel Bar ($$$), and Burgundy Bar.

UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT

• The Canal Street Ferry , in operation since 1827, connects the heart of New Orleans with Algiers Point (on the other side of the Mississippi). Take a trip on the ferry and you’ll see some of the best views of the city from the other side of the Mississippi River.
• Bounded by Canal Street, Rampart Street, Esplanade Avenue, and the Mississippi River, the French Quarter was the site of the original (old) city of New Orleans. Now known as the city’s main entertainment district, the area is a historical national landmark. A must visit, especially for jazz lovers – it contains some of the top jazz clubs in the country.
• Cafe du Monde opened in 1862 in the New Orleans French Market. The cafe is open 24 hours a day, and only closes for Christmas (or when a hurricane passes too close).
• The St. Louis Cathedral is one of the most popular landmarks in New Orleans. Constructed in 1789 and rebuilt in 1850, this is one of the oldest operational cathedrals in the country.

INTERESTING WALKS

• Take a walk down Bourbon Street , one of the most famous streets in the world. The center of nightlife and entertainment in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Bourbon Street has a variety of restaurants, nightclubs, music halls, strip clubs, hotels, and gift shops. At night the street is pedestrian-only.
• Opened in 1789, the St. Louis Cemetery is perhaps the most famous cemetery in all of New Orleans. Located on the north side of Basin Street. Take a stroll through the cemetery and get transported back in time.
• Take a leisurely walk through St. John’s Bayou . Defined as the area between Bayou St. John to the west, North Broad Street to the east, Esplanade Avenue to the north, and St. Louis Street to the south, the St. John’s Bayou neighborhood looks almost the same as it did 100 years ago.
• Enjoy the Garden District . Originally a separate city from New Orleans called Lafayette, the Garden District is replete with stunning buildings. A peaceful break from the bustle of the French Quarter.

LOCAL WISDOM

• New Orleans is the largest port in the Gulf of Mexico, and the third largest in the world (by volume of cargo processed). The port has been a source of livelihood for many generations of New Orleanians, and you may meet many locals who are fiercely proud of this.
• If you love music , New Orleans is the city to be in! The New Orleans music scene features zydeco, jazz, cajun, blues, funk, soul, the symphony, and even the opera.
• New Orleans is a city that loves its festivals ! Around 40 festivals take place in New Orleans every year, including the Creole Tomato Festival, New Orleans Wine and Food, and the Satchmo Summer Fest.
• Great restaurants in the French Quarter for travelers: Sylvain, Crescent City Brewhouse, Port of Call (burgers), El Gato Negro (Mexican), and SoBou (Creole).
• Budget restaurant picks for the French Quarter: Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria, Yo Mama’s Bar and Grill, Vieux Carre Pizza, Venti Marte, Bennachin (African), Coop’s Place (Creole), and Johnny’s Po-Boys.
• Dangerous areas : as a tourist, you would be wise to avoid Bywater, Mid-City, 9th Ward, St. Bernard, Iberville, and Lafitte. While New Orleans does have a reputation of being a dangerous and seedy city, locals believe the city is so wonderful that it is worth the risk!

Recommended trip duration:  3-4 days

• Albuquerque, USA
• Memphis, USA
• Nashville, USA
• Austin, USA
• Santa Fe, USA
• Phoenix, USA
• New York City, USA

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The New Orleans Road Trip Planner: Your Louisiana Road Trip

June 15, 2021

A New Orleans road trip combines creole, cajun and the great outdoors, all highlights of a southern USA road trip. Here’s how to plan your fly drive New Orleans and Louisiana road trip. As the locals say, let the good times roll!

Table of Contents

Planning a New Orleans Road Trip

One of the best drives through America’s Deep South has to be a New Orleans road trip.

Starting and finishing in New Orleans works from a practical point of view (it’s easier to fly in and out of the same airport) but there’s a better reason too. Once you’ve driven through the southern state of Louisiana, you’ll see the jazz-fuelled city of New Orleans in a whole new light.

Sure, our New Orleans road trip will always have a special place in my heart, being our first driving holidays as mum, dad and baby. But you don’t need to let my personal circumstances guide your trip.

Whether you’re planning a fly drive New Orleans or plan to link up from elsewhere on the ground, this southern US road trip itinerary will leave you with a completely different perspective.

Check out our road trip planner and handbook and stock up on these road trip essentials .

What to Expect on a New Orleans Road Trip

Imagine driving past white sand beaches, alligator-strewn swamps, the stately curve of the Mississippi and small towns on the bayou, with drive-through sweet shops and mailboxes on sticks.

Follow the history of jazz, experience plantation life on the Great River Road and uncover the history of slavery, Creole, Cajun and Zydeco.

On a Louisiana road trip, live music unfolds every night. Gumbo, grits and crawfish etouffée tell stories through their meals and reflect the diversity of the people who call this place their home.

Other than New Orleans itself, the cities and large towns aren’t well known. But then again, that’s part of the charm of a southern USA road trip. Drive into Louisiana and really get a taste of the Deep South, away from all the tourists.

Southern hospitality is legendary: it really is the kind of place where people stop to chat, to ask where you’re from and invite you to follow the state’s motto: l aissez le bon temps rouler. Let the good times roll.

New Orleans Road Trip Toolkit: At a Glance

Here are the shortcuts:

• Book your travel insurance before you go! Get 5% off Heymondo Travel Insurance here.
• Book your flight to New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport by comparing prices with Skyscanner here.
• Book your vehicle with Hertz here and check out this list of Road Trip Essentials before you book.
• I’ve highlighted individual tours, when appropriate, but you can also find useful New Orleans tours from Get Your Guide here.   Fancy an evening cruise on the Steamboat Natchez? Or how about a voodoo and cemetery tour?
• Stay in  Maison Dupuy  for olde worlde charm in the heart of the French Quarter and a pool to cool off.
• Try  Old No 77  in New Orleans for a hipster buzz and local art. Think bare bricks and utterly cool.
• Don’t miss  Oak Alley Plantation on the Great River Road.  Purpose-built accommodation on the grounds has modern comforts added in. Highly recommended.

New Orleans Road Trip: A 10 Day Southern USA Itinerary

Ten days is just about enough to taste each of the aspects that Louisiana has to offer, as well as leaving time for New Orleans itself.

There are lots of different routes you can take from New Orleans, though most will touch on Lafayette and Baton Rouge eventually.

Travelling with a baby, we didn’t really want to spend any more than 2-3 hours in the car each day: we wanted to be out on the ground, exploring (and, let’s face it, knew we’d need to stop to change nappies, arrange feeds etc.) If you want to skip a few steps, you can just keep on going and spend more hours in the car each day.

But there’s no need. There are plenty of places to stop and wander around. However, you may want to only spend one night in some of the places if you’re trying to cram this into seven days. But with 10, it feels nice and relaxed (and suitable for travel with kids.)

• Recommended reading: how to plan a road trip by yourself

Day 1 – Arrive in New Orleans

Yes, so the great New Orleans road trip doesn’t actually start until day 3 but I’m thinking of two things here. One, if you’re flying as part of a fly drive New Orleans road trip, you’ll be jet-lagged.

If you do fly, you can rent a car or  have a car you own shipped to New Orleans .

And I always think it’s a good idea to get some sleep before getting behind the wheel. Two, even if you’re not, New Orleans is such a fascinating and fun city that you may as well spend a bit of time in it.

Likewise, I’ve created this Louisiana road trip itinerary to include time in New Orleans again at the end. You’ll see the city with new eyes after you’ve seen more of the southern states.

Most things to do in New Orleans don’t need too much planning in advance but I’ve sliced up my suggestions into the following three ideas.

• Things to do when you’re jet-lagged (day one) Things to do when you’ve recovered (day two.) And things to do once you return a seasoned New Orleanian (day ten.)
• Live music can be heard almost everywhere, but Jackson Square in the afternoon makes a good spot to stop and stare, and Frenchmen Street performs well in the early evening.
• The  iconic Cafe du Monde serves sugary beignets all day and all night and a bit of chicory caffeine and a sugar rush can help power you through jet lag. Save the gourmet dinners for when your insides have caught up with the clock, though.

Things to Do in New Orleans When You’re Jet Lagged

The French Quarter is a striking place to wander around on foot whatever the time and whatever the weather (although avoid Bourbon Street at night unless you actually are in the mood to party.) Its architecture is as far away from a modern American city as it is possible to be: wrought-iron balconies, narrow streets, bright colours, faded paintwork, swaying palms.

You can find food and drink 24 hours a day (we were offered Bloody Marys with our 7am breakfast) but it’s not all history, history, history and party, party, party.

New Orleans has a growing art scene, particularly around Royal Street and the Warehouse District, so if you are feeling so tired your head hurts but you just can’t sleep, try browsing your way along there.

Find more suggestions with this three day New Orleans itinerary.

Where to Stay in New Orleans

The french quarter.

We stayed in Maison Dupuy  in the quieter part of the French Quarter but still within easy reach of the key spots. It has old, French-Creole style charm and a small pool, which is something of a rarity in this part of town (but perfect to help you get used to the heat.)

Outside the French Quarter

For a larger, more contemporary place to stay, try  Le Meridien New Orleans on Poydras Street.  It’s just outside the French Quarter but as part of a multi-international brand it carries the pros and cons that come with that as you’d expect.

Day 2 – Exploring New Orleans

While it’s a little optimistic to think that your jet lag will be over by now, hopefully you’ve caught up with some sleep – or at the very least, had some rest.

Try taking the characteristic streetcar to the Garden District, the leafy, elegant part of town. The enormous World War Two Museum deserves a full morning or afternoon (but is probably a bit too realistic for older children.)

A nice street to wander along is Magazine Street (hop off the St Charles Streetcar at Washington Avenue and St Charles Avenue.) You’ll walk with tourists along Washington Avenue, past Commander’s Palace and the Lafayette Cemetery but Magazine Street has a different feel.

Inside Tips

Look out for craft donuts (yes, they’re a thing in America) at District Donuts and art at the Terrance Osborne Gallery. It’s a safe and gorgeous area to wander around yourself but you’ll learn more about the history if you take a walking tour through the Garden District.

If you’re organised enough to have booked a place in advance, spend an afternoon at Langlois cooking school, learning all about roux, gumbo and why those dishes are the way they are. Alternatively, join a Creole and Cajun cooking lesson through Get Your Guide for great value here.

Where to Eat in the Garden District

Joey’K’s Restaurant & Bar on Magazine Street is a fun, colourful place to stop for lunch with staples like red beans & rice and southern fried chicken.

Cavan  makes a wonderfully atmospheric spot for dinner. Its location, in a salvaged mansion that dates back to 1883, brings the old New Orleans to life. Inspired by the Eastern Seaboard and Gulf of Mexico, the menu includes crab noodles and a raw oyster platter.

Day 3 – New Orleans Too Lafayette VIA Vermilionville

At last, the New Orleans road trip gets underway! Although it usually makes sense to pick up your hire car at the airport, you don’t need a car in central New Orleans (the French Quarter and around) and as it’s quite a journey back to the airport, it doesn’t make sense to do that either.

We booked through Hertz, who have a number of pick up points around the city, including within walking distance of the French Quarter (as long as you’re happy to walk. Otherwise, it’s a short taxi ride.) With a baby and all their paraphernalia in tow, it made sense for Mr Travel Lab to pick up the car and then head back and pick us up with our gazilions upon gazilions of pieces of luggage.

I also recommend paying for the SatNav just in case, but we brought our own car seat from the UK so that we could use it in taxis and so on if needs be.

Logistics, over with, zoom up that interstate baby!

Leaving New Orleans

There is an unmistakable thrill to heading out of the city past the superdome and onto the interstate. If anything, America is the land of the motor vehicle and its new cities are designed with this in mind. Cars are big (we booked a towering Nissan Pathfinder and it looked like a toy) and drive-through diners abound.

Despite our lofty plans for gourmet, cultural cuisine, we couldn’t help but pull over for breakfast when we saw The Huddle House. The waitress strutted over with a jug of coffee and iced water in a straight-from-the-movies style.

Besides, it turns out that The Huddle House  is a part of the local culture: it’s a Deep South institution with a legacy that goes back 45 or so years.

Ribeye steak with grits for breakfast, anyone?!

A Louisiana Road Trip Experience: Driving Across the Swamps

Driving along the highway, it takes a few minutes to notice that you’re flying across swampland, dead alligators on the side of the road instead of badgers. Every now and then, the trees clear and the water of the bayous shimmers through, looking ever more beautiful than I thought a swamp could be.

They also look pretty close to the road. Just a few minutes’ drive outside the city of New Orleans and it becomes easy to see why Hurricane Katrina had the devastating effect it did.

But after a while, the road turns towards Vermilionville, the capital of Cajun country.

Cajun Country Heartland: Into the Deep South

Cajun country can be defined in many different ways, but possibly the most interesting is to note that it’s the largest French-speaking area within the United States. The word Cajun comes from the Acadians, people who fled modern day Canada when the British tussled with the French over who should occupy the land.

The exiled Acadians bounced along the East Coast as refugees and were turned away by the mainly protestant British-leaning outposts until they reached the more Catholic area of New Orleans in Louisiana and were given permission to settle.

That’s an oversimplification, of course, but if you want to delve any deeper, there are plenty of places to look, especially in Vermilionville.

The Jean Lafitte Acadian Cultural Center offers plenty of resources, plus a more traditional museum style layout.

But it’s the next door Vermilionville Living History and Folk Life Park that brings the history to life. It spreads over 23 acres and featured restored homes used by the early Acadian/Cajun settlers. Costumed staff explain the architecture and tell tall tales, greeting you in French but explaining things in English as well.

And although there’s a sense of tranquility there, with alligators hiding in the undergrowth only a few feet away, it’s a stark reminder of the reality of southern living.

You can make up for the shock with a hearty plate of jambalaya and sweet potato fries. Another staple of this southern USA road trip experience.

With picking up the car, the drive and taking your time on this Cajun stop, the day is pretty much full.

So it’s time to drive into Lafayette to find a place to stay and a bite to eat, ready for the next day and the next stage of your fly-drive New Orleans road trip.

Where to Stay in Lafayette

We stayed at  Home2 Suites by Hilton Parc Lafayette on Kaliste Saloom Road. 

This is a little out of town, but then, that seems to be the American way. Drive everywhere!

What was amazing about this place was the hybrid self-catered apartment and hotel room approach. Our room divided up through curtains into each section and yet there was a fully staffed reception desk and breakfast available downstairs. Also, coin-operated laundry, a pool, a grocery store! Perfect for travel with a small child.

Where to Eat in Lafayette

I think it was dinner at Randol’s that convinced me that music really is everywhere in Louisiana.

On an unpromising long avenue of tarmac (again, roads everywhere) looking for number 2320 Kaliste Saloom Road seemed a pointless task.

Its unpromising wooden shack and corrugated tin roof look didn’t help much either.

But inside was hospitality galore! Great food, local beer! You can  see more about that on the Lonely Planet broadcast over here.

It turns out that Randol’s has been owned and operated by Frank Randol for more than 40 years and considers itself deeply rooted in Cajun culture. They raise their own crawfish (a staple of this part of the world) and crabs and grow their own herbs.

They also offer up Cajun or Zydeco music nightly (and somewhat curiously, play videos of people doing the same.) Foot tappin’ times even with the young ‘uns.

Day 4 – Avery Island and the Tabasco Factory

Had you told me this time last year that I’d be interested in visiting the place where they make tabasco, I’d have said hell yes. Had you told me I wish I’d spent more time there, I’d have reached for that quizzical emoji. Yet, that’s exactly what I thought when I did get there.

So, yes. Avery Island is the Tabasco factory and it’s just a short drive from the Cajun hub city of Lafayette.

But, and it’s an important but, it’s a place worth visiting in its own right.

It somewhat undersells its subtropical Jungle Gardens, awash with azaleas, camellias and colourful bamboo.

It is a safari made for a DIY road trip: rippling rivers, bayous, flocks of snowy egrets. And live oaks dripping with iridescent moss and barely another vehicle in sight.

Plus, the days are hot out in the sun. A road trip through a garden isn’t really as daft as it sounds.

So. In reality, I’d recommend leaving plenty of time for the Jungle Gardens but also time for Tabasco itself.

The Story of Tabasco

The hot sauce has a hell of a hot story. It’s practically the American story of one man who had a great idea to make his product a household name. Of course, when you dig into the details, as ever, he had money and connections to start with. But still, it’s humbling to see just how much of an impact can be made with an idea and some brilliant marketing (the Guinness story in Dublin also springs to mind.)

Check out the Lonely Planet broadcast over here for more about Tabasco and check back here again soon for more.

To take everything in, I’d recommend spending a day at Avery Island (not really an island but a curiously enormous salt dome.)

But if you find yourself finished before I say so (!) then drive into central Lafayette to check out their collection of downtown museums.

I loved the Leo Touchet exhibition at the Acadiana Centre for the Arts. Also, look out for the Lafayette fountain and city sign: a humble homage to that Hollywood one, just a little more down to earth. Literally.

It’s a lovely, quirky addition to this southern USA itinerary.

Where to Eat

For dinner, I’d highly recommend Dark Roux on Kaliste Saloom, a creative little restaurant with polished wood, green glass and brushed metal and a creative menu to boot. Blue crab carbonara, Grandma’s choc chip cookie with hot milk. Oh, and cocktails. I seem to remember that Girls & Cigars went down well: bourbon, blackberry shrub, lemon and basil. Great taste, despite the non-PC name ;-)

Day 5 – Creole Nature Trail and Lake Charles

It’s worth getting up early today to avoid the full weight of the almost-Texan sun as you walk (and drive!) the Creole Nature Trail – and it’s definitely worth stopping to see the Creole Nature Trail.

I find visitors’ centres for natural landscapes to be more than a little hit and miss but the Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point on 2740 Ruth Street is definitely a hit.

No bigger than a church hall, it shines a spotlight onto many of the mysteries of Creole culture and the wildlife of Louisiana. A DIY band shows the difference between Creole, Cajun and Zydeco bands (it’s strangely addictive) while other exhibits introduce recipes, list wildlife and showcase geology.

Plus, the maps are handy and the staff couldn’t be more enthusiastic.

Driving Through Nature on the Creole Nature Trail, Louisiana

As we’re in America, we’re talking about a driving based nature trail but there are plenty of pitstops where you can stop the car and get out and walk.

The sun is fierce, though, so, again, a driving walk makes more sense than you may think if you’re reading this behind the screen in a cooler climate.

We followed the Blue Goose Trail through the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge.

The immaculate boardwalks of the Lake Charles Wetland Walkway reached out into the luminous green freshwater marshes. We took mosquito spray (and a net for the buggy) but I’m not convinced we needed them. They are handy to pack when planning a Louisiana road trip, though.

The Gulf of Mexico

You can drive on to reach Holly Beach on the Gulf of Mexico and see pastel-coloured houses on stilts that overlook white sand and strangely still surf. If this is your thing, you can spend another day here and complete the loop by crossing on the Cameron Ferry and driving up to Lake Charles. 

Alternatively, make a U turn and drive back up towards Sulphur before heading on to Lake Charles.

Whichever you decide as part of your New Orleans fly drive, I’d highly recommend a stop at Le Bleu’s Landing at 202 Henning Drive, Sulphur. It’s a family-owned Cajun restaurant with a gift shop and comedy life-size alligator but despite all that seems highly authentic. Workers in plaid shirts fill the hall at lunch time, chomping down on the Cajun specialty of Boudin, a rice sausage make with ground pork, liver, parsley, onions, salt, black and red pepper and secret inputs from cooks.

In the butchers next door, you can watch boudin being made. In the main hall, you can eat it ;-)

You can also order up the mythical fried green tomatoes (at the Whistle Stop Cafe.) Yay!

Where to Stay in Lake Charles

We stayed at the Isle of Capri, Westlake a massive casino hotel.

However, we heard about a pop-up Zydeco event at The Crying Eagle Brewery so didn’t spend much time there as a result. Ask the concierge (and have a quick google) to see what’s on.

For food, check out the aforementioned Le Bleu’s Landing.

Day 6 – Lake Charles to Baton Rouge

It’s on day six that you start to retrace your steps and head back towards New Orleans. But this time, you’ll be stopping at the state capital Baton Rouge, after a detour to Breaux Bridge. Both are essentials on any Louisiana road trip itinerary.

Breaux Bridge – Crawfish Capital of the World

Breaux Bridge is a fun place to stop, and a small town addition to the big cities en route. With characteristic humility, it calls itself the crawfish capital of the world and announces the fact on the 200-year-old bridge that gives the town its name.

The real joy here is the modern expression of French-Acadian charm. Plenty of antique shops, small cafes, crawfish (!) and chances to see the cool, clear waters of Bayou Teche.

• Watch  the Lonely Planet broadcast on Breaux Bridge here.

Louisiana’s Capital City

Baton Rouge is a curious city. Unimpressive to Americans, dazzling to outsiders.

At least once an hour, someone would get chatting to us and ask where we were from. When they realised we’d flown over ten hours to be here, they answered (in a deep southern drawl…) “so what in the wo-or-rld are you doing in Baton Rouge?”

This is the amazing part of travel. One man’s mystery is another’s mundane.

Downtown Baton Rouge is clean and orderly, spreading itself and its museums along the lazy curve of the Mississippi River.

On arrival day, you may only have time for a short walk along the river and a night out on Third Street (traveling with baby meant we skipped this step.)

Where to Stay in Baton Rouge

We stayed in a suite in downtown Baton Rouge at Hotel Indigo. Suites work well for travel with babies (when baby is asleep, you still have a room to yourself.) The location, within an easy walk of Third Street, the museums and the Mississippi, was perfect.

Baton Rouge has a great range of eateries. A good downtown place to start is the eclectic Jolie Pearl Oyster Bar where almost every flavour on earth comes served on an oyster (well, 50 different flavours, but who’s counting?) Also, the Love Actually  fantasy  Schlittz & Giggles satisfies any pizza-and-a-bottle-of-Bud All-American cravings.

How Far is Baton Rouge from New Orleans?

How far apart are Baton Rouge and New Orleans? It’s around 82 miles or 130 km between the two cities. Driving on the fastest roads available without stopping at all, you can drive between New Orleans and Baton Rouge in around 1 hour and twenty minutes. However, with so many great things to see and do on this Deep South Road Trip, why would you rush?

Day 7 – Overnight Baton Rouge

Tomorrow requires an early start to get going and make the most of Plantation Country so think of today as your only day in Baton Rouge. As befits a state capital, there are plenty of things to do, more than you can comfortably fit into a single day.

But also, it isn’t a city with as many must-sees as, say, New York or Boston, so don’t feel pressured. Choose a few things to do and make your peace with it. As with any southern USA road trip itinerary, the secret is to take your time.

Flavours of  Baton Rouge

If you haven’t noticed already, breakfast is a big deal around here. Order a virgin Cajun bloody Mary at Another Broken Egg,  another Louisiana franchise, and then spend the rest of the morning browsing the Red Stick Farmer’s & Arts Market , a short walk from the downtown area.

The market provides a daytime chance to catch some live Cajun music, as well as munch on some artisanal snacks like smoked meats and pecan pie. One friendly farmer told us the story of the white aubergine. Apparently, French settlers found the traditional purple one went bitter in the heat and humidity so they trialled different types until the white one took hold.

Either that or he just spun us a good yarn.

The Pirate of the Pacific

In the afternoon, we squeezed ourselves into the mighty USS KIDD (DD-661), the Pirate of the Pacific, that sits with some prominence on the riverbank. But for less sombre pursuits, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, Old State Capitol and Louisana State Museum await just across the road (and down a bit.)

Chilling in Baton Rouge

Visits to the relaxed Tin Roof Brewery and Cane Land Rum Distillery can double up for culture and a live music hit as owners tell tall tales about floating whisky and the Mississippi journey to New Orleans. Catch the Lonely Planet broadcast from the distillery over here.

Where to Eat in Baton Rouge

Breakfast at Another Broken Egg and lunch at the market.

Then for dinner, visit Cocha on North 6th Street. Sip cocktails like the Worm’s Big Adventure (Sazerac Rye, Cocchi Americano, Green chartreuse and lime) beneath Mardi Gras beads and feast on lavender lamb chops.

Day 8 – Baton Rouge to Plantation Country (The Great River Road)

Today’s the day to hit the most iconic stretch of the trip: the Great River Road.

Ironically, the drive itself isn’t all that interesting, but it’s the places you can stop off and visit that make this stretch a road trip to remember.

First up, is a swamp tour, which is decidedly nicer than it sounds.

Taking a Swamp Tour on the Great River Road

Although swamps sound grim, they’re actually peaceful, cool, beautiful places with far fewer mosquitoes visible than Hollywood would have you believe.

We joined the  Cajun Pride Swamp Tours in Frenier  and took to the Manchac swamp. I’d wondered whether this would be suitable for a baby but no-one else seemed bothered. Our Cajun captain welcomed us aboard and, as the boat’s in the shade and the journey’s steadier and slower than an airport travelator, I needn’t have worried. I even ended up breastfeeding on the bayou, while other passengers looked at the alligators.

In truth, I wish we’d had longer on the water. Gliding past wild hibiscus rose mallow and marshmallow while listening to the history of the region through a thick Cajun accent amid the moss-draped cypress trees seemed, well, impossibly tranquil. There’s also an interesting exhibit on the Native American people who lived in Louisiana prior to the arrival of the Europeans.

• Find out the difference between a swamp and a bayou here

Lunch at The Creole House, Paulina. Quick n hot gumbo beneath whirring fans, stars n stripes and floor to ceiling wood and sports TV.

Stand in Awe at Oak Alley Plantation

Wham, bam, thank you ma’am, does this place have a grand entrance. A quarter of a mile of centuries-old oak trees lead up to the white columns of the Oak Alley Plantation, an icon in the Deep South and a plantation home that has seen Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Beyonce strut their stuff here using the place as a backdrop.

I could just stand and look at the place for hours, as could everyone else in town, which is why they make access to the house contingent on booking a tour.

In fact, it’s a little jolting after the rest of the New Orleans road trip to rejoin the world of tourists but the shock can be smoothed over by staying the night on the plantation itself.

As the day trippers disappear, the place seems all the more impressive, and all the more haunting and historic.

Accommodation is in cottages on the grounds of the plantation but not in the Big House itself (which, actually, is a blessing as it was built in 1829 and lacks a lot of modern amenities.) You can see more about the stay in the Oak Alley plantation cottage on this Lonely Planet broadcast here. This is definitely something to book in advance.

Oak Alley has a restaurant on site but a nice thing to do is to have dinner brought to your room before you arrive.

There’s something special about sitting on your own front porch, listening to the crickets and watching the clouds roll by overhead. Magnificent for those with or without babies.

Day 9 – Plantation Country to New Orleans (The Great River Road)

Make the most of the morning in the cottage and on the grounds of the plantation. Check out the cabins that talk about the Civil War, slavery and sugar production if you missed them yesterday and make time for that all important meal of breakfast.

Early morning is also the time for photos, if you’re into that kind of thing, snapping away at the live oaks before the New Orleans day trippers begin to arrive.

The Whitney Plantation and Slavery

Next up is a short drive to a different kind of plantation: the Whitney.

On our trip, we combined the swamp tour, Oak Alley and the Whitney in a single day, which was probably a bit much.

Enjoy the splendour of plantation life first; then visit the Whitney and confront how all this wealth was possible and how many human lives were ruined. It’s a powerful, powerful place. You can read more about my thoughts about the Whitney and the Great River Road over here. I think it’s one of the most important places to visit on any southern USA road trip itinerary and certainly the most important of all the plantation homes.

I loved the Old No 77 Hotel on 535 Tschoupitoulas Street in the Warehouse District. It’s a bit of a walk from the French Quarter, Treme and a tram ride out to the Garden District but it’s a fascinating place in an area awash with art. The hotel itself features art from local artists and has a relaxed hipster vibe, which can be an enjoyable move back to the present after a week spent revisiting the past. Watch the broadcast for Lonely Planet over here.

Day 10 – Overnight New Orleans

Ach, well, you don’t have to spend the last day in New Orleans, of course. But it’s such a fascinating place, why wouldn’t you?

With a taste of Louisiana under your belt, now is the time to visit the Hurricane Katrina exhibit at the Presbytere, to saunter through the French Market and take a bike tour out through Louis Armstrong Park, Treme and the cemeteries.(That last suggestion is not baby friendly, by the way.  I did that as a solo traveller a few years ago.)

The New Orleans Jazz Museum at the US Mint on Esplanade Avenue doubles as an interesting look at the city in the early 20th century as well as, of course, focusing on jazz.

Fortify yourself with eggs at a New Orleans institution: Breakfast at Brennan’s (look out for the flaming option and the book on breakfast eggs.)

One of the best things about a trip to New Orleans is the character of the food and the character of the places that serve it. So, while I’m recommending more places than you need for a single day, it’s because I don’t want you to miss something that works for you. Most of these picks are in or close to the French Quarter but I’m also including a few slightly further out in Magazine Street if you fancy a change of scene.

Where to Eat in the French Quarter

Napoleon House, Chartres Street  – So named because the then mayor of New Orleans invited Napoleon to stay here back in the 1800s. If shabby chic and history is your thing then head here for a Muffuletta (pastrami, salami, Swiss cheese sandwich famous in these parts) or red beans and rice.

Cafe Amelie  – Gorgeous little eatery in a leafy courtyard off Royal Street.

Angeline – High quality flavour and presentation in a low key setting in the French Quarter. A mediterranean twist on Louisiana fare.

Johnny’s Po-Boys  – A new Orleans story in a sandwich, the Po-Boy of a white baguette, slippery roast beef or fried crawfish, excels in its simplicity. And Johnny’s rounds that up with counter service, bright lights and great taste.

Where to Eat on Magazine Street

La Petite Grocery – atmospheric eatery with modern takes on Louisiana classics, like turtle bolognese and blue crab beignets.

Return to New Orleans: End of the New Orleans Road Trip

It’s now a short drive back to New Orleans to drop off the hire car and check in to a new hotel. Your New Orleans fly drive is over. If you stayed in the French Quarter on arrival, it makes sense to stay somewhere else now to get a different flavour of the city.

Want more? Check out our guide to planning a San Francisco to Santa Barbara road trip here.

Travel Tips For a Southern USA Road Trip

Booking flights for your new orleans road trip.

• If you’re flying from the UK, there’s good news! British Airways now flies direct to New Orleans from London Heathrow, which avoids the kinda hellish transfer in Atlanta late at night. The flight lasts 10 hours and the airport (MSY) is small on an international scale and pretty easy to navigate.
• We booked our flights through Flight Centre, a company I’ve used since I was a student (and one that incidentally features Oak Alley Planation on its web page for flights to New Orleans ;-) )

Family Travel to New Orleans

• Flying long haul with a baby  was nowhere near as traumatic as people made out; in fact it was actually quite nice. You get let on first, have help and don’t have to cook and clean up all by yourself. Aeroplane toilets are larger these days, with changing facilities, and you can take the buggy right up to the gate.
• Read more about travel tips for flying with a baby over here.
• One thing to note, perhaps, is that British Airways Business Class doesn’t have space for bassinets. We were upgraded (after I helped in a medical emergency, long story) and while staff are happy to let babies sleep on parents’ laps, you will have to wake them for meals and turbulence and so on.
• Read more about flying Business Class with British Airways over here.

How to Plan an Orlando to New Orleans Road Trip

Driving direct from Orlando to New Orleans takes between nine and ten hours. So, if you’re thinking about flying into Orlando and then driving to New Orleans to take advantage of a better flight fare, it’s probably not worth the hassle.

However, Orlando and the west coast of Florida have some great spots as well. So, it would work to combine a driving itinerary through west Florida with a road trip to New Orleans.

Keen to travel further afield but unsure where to go? Check out our guide to choosing between Los Angeles and Miami .

More About New Orleans

To add more to your Louisiana road trip, you could venture into some of Louisiana’s State Parks like these. Or choose to spend more time in New Orleans. Here’s a selection of articles to help you plan and enjoy your fly drive New Orleans even more:

• 3 days in New Orleans itinerary
• The surprising story behind Louis Armstrong’s hit It’s a Wonderful World
• What you need to know about the beignets of Café du Monde
• What the Great River Road can teach us about the American Dream
• Why the Tabasco factory is Louisiana’s hottest attraction
• The difference between a swamp and a bayou
• The best things to do in New Orleans with children

And for other fly drive holidays in North America, check out our New England route and west coast Florida routes. Road trips are among my favourite kind of holiday types and navigating car rental in the States is pretty straightforward. You can buy a fly drive package from a tour operator or arrange the flights and car rental independently. Both options are just as good as each other, but if opting for a package, make sure to check the booking conditions as to whether they are including flights.

How to Put Together the Perfect Road Trip

You’re in road trip heaven here. We love road trips and have everything for them. Check out…

• The road trip essentials you need to know about
• The Ultimate Road Trip Planner  with printables and handbook
• 101 fun road trip questions for your next drive
• Inspiring road trip quotes for your instagram caption ideas.

Disclosure – I travelled to Louisiana with assistance from Visit New Orleans, Louisiana Travel, Hertz UK and Flight Centre. However, I remained free to write what I like and to choose what went into this road trip itinerary. I’m only recommending things I would gladly do again myself, not everything that was on the itinerary. Note that ff you book or buy through any of the links on this page, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Now, go have fun y’all!

8 thoughts on “The New Orleans Road Trip Planner: Your Louisiana Road Trip”

Because of reading this great article, I have to plan to go down there this December with my wife from Boston, MA. Thank you very much,

I hope you both have a fantastic time! Have a beignet for me and enjoy. New Orleans and Louisiana are fascinating (though I have a soft spot for Boston as well.)

Leave a comment Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Black Solo Female Travel Guide: A New Orleans Solo Trip

Sharing is caring!

I’m not gonna beat around the bush – a New Orleans solo trip is a must for every solo traveler! Having been to New Orleans a few times before I turned 21, I was excited to visit as an adult. And a  solo trip to New Orleans is just what I needed, so I’m recommending it to you.

Also, there are many things to do alone in New Orleans! So you do not have to worry about that. Many people say solo traveling can be boring, but I don’t think that is possible in New Orleans. So here’s what you should know when planning your solo trip to New Orleans.

Table of Contents

Is New Orleans safe for solo travel?

When you google New Orleans, there are lots of questions about safety. As a Black solo female traveler, I never felt unsafe in New Orleans. I caught Ubers and Lyfts when I didn’t walk or take the streetcar. I even walked around at night. I always recommend chatting with a loved one if it’s super late.

Overall, I had no issues as a solo traveler. I think safety is relative, and in my case, New Orleans was safe. Scroll down to the end of the post for more solo travel safety tips for New Orleans.

Where to stay in New Orleans as a solo traveler 

HI New Orleans

Similar to my solo trip to Charleston , I opted for hostels! My first hostel was Hostelling International New Orleans. HI New Orleans is a hostel chain with many locations across the U.S, hence why they’re HI USA . HI New Orleans is also located on Canal Street within walking distance of Bourbon Street and Louis Armstrong Park. 

I booked their private ensuite room and adored every minute. I think it felt very hotel-like if you want the hotel’s privacy and the social aspects of a hostel. HI New Orleans is also excellent for remote work. There is a vast kitchen and lobby with many workspaces available. I would come back for another remote work stint!

Catahoula Selina

Another hostel chain with locations in the U.S and abroad is Selina. A boho boutique-style hostel/hotel, Catahoula Selina is ducked off on Union Street in downtown New Orleans. Selina is ideal for solo travelers looking for a convenient yet slightly secluded option.

I booked their private plus room as a splurge to myself. It ended up being great for both solo traveling and the remote work I had to do. In the private plus, there is an ensuite bathroom. Also, I loved how I could control the heat. There was also a rooftop bar, regular bar, and indoor and outdoor seating. 

How to get around New Orleans traveling solo

How you navigate traveling solo around New Orleans depends on you. Many of the locals I spoke to do not recommend that tourists rent cars, especially staying downtown. Parking can get expensive, and navigating people, cars, and the streetcars can be a lot.

I walked as much as I could. And when I could not walk, I caught an Uber or Lyft. The average price for my Ubers was roughly $8-$9, though those surcharges did increase the price at night. I always choose ridesharing for ease and peace of mind! 

Where to eat as a solo traveler in New Orleans

People assume that all there is to eat in New Orleans is shellfish. However, after being a pescatarian for 12 years, I had an allergic reaction to shellfish. So I thought about not going on my New Orleans solo trip, fearing I wouldn’t be able to eat anything.

I was wrong! I found many vegan and vegetarian restaurants in New Orleans. If you have similar food allergies, do not be discouraged! Your solo trip to New Orleans will not be ruined due to your allergies.

Peacock Room 

I ate at the Peacock Room for one of their Sunday jazz brunches! It is adorably decorated in peacock colors – I loved the design. I would recommend their chicken biscuit and potatoes if you want something satisfying but not too filling. The menu is small but mighty. Just make sure you double-check it, so you know what to expect if you have any food allergies.

Court of Two Sisters

One of the most famous jazz brunches is the Court of Two Sisters in the French Quarter. It is buffet-style with tons of food on the first floor. You can get as many plates as you want for a flat price of $33.

Since I visited in January, it was a bit too cold to be out on the patio. However, that is an option in the warmer months. So make a reservation as well ahead of time. And if you don’t, plan on arriving right when it opens because there will be a line. 

Ital-Garden

I tried two vegan soul food restaurants during my New Orleans solo trip, and Ital-Garden was the first. Ital is a Black-owned restaurant with indoor seating and take-out available. You can find multiple options for vegan dishes such as vegan mac n cheese, buffalo cauliflower wings, seitan ribs, and more.

Cru Bar & Grill

Formerly known as Vegan with a Twist, Cru Bar & Grill is a Black-owned restaurant downtown New Orleans. Their menu does still have some vegan options. However, they also offer seafood, chicken, pasta, tacos, margaritas, and more. So you can find something to enjoy on your New Orleans solo trip!

Bearcat CBD

After a few failed attempts searching for vegetarian or vegan options early on in my trip, Bearcat CBD caught my eye. It did not disappoint me!  I ordered the vegan rancheros, added a fried egg, and got a side of pancakes. I was hungry upon arrival and satisfied when leaving. 

Bésame

Bésame was an unexpected find on my solo trip to New Orleans. It is a Latin American tapas restaurant connected to HI New Orleans (so if you stay there, you also get a 10% discount at Bésame). The vegetarian empanadas and guacamole were very flavorful. However, I wish I had gone back to try their drinks!

Sweet Soulfood

Another Black-owned vegan soul food restaurant in New Orleans is Sweet Soulfood . I got the $13.99 dinner with a veggie protein and three sides. I opted for vegan mac n cheese, particularly spicy-sweet cauliflower wings, greens, and okra with rice. They also have made-to-order green juices and more. 

Ruby Slipper

Ruby Slipper may seem like a tourist trap restaurant to the naked eye. But after eating there myself, I can confirm it’s worth it. I indulged in a salmon benedict and biscuits on my last breakfast in New Orleans and scarfed it down so fast. Sometimes the downtown areas in popular cities do have good food!

Baldwin & Co.

For those solo travelers in New Orleans who are also working remotely, Baldwin & Co . is the place for you. A Black-owned coffee shop, it honors the legacy of James Baldwin. I spent one-afternoon co-working here, and I wish I had visited it earlier in my trip. 

I didn’t eat much here, just some delicious banana bread. But I did drink some flavorful sweet ginger lemon tea. I could have drunk a pitcher of it! All in all, if you are looking for some downtime to read or journal while on your solo trip to New Orleans, check out Baldwin & Co.

Where to drink and go out as a solo traveler in New Orleans

Bar Marilou

Bar Marilou takes the French influence in New Orleans to the next level. This French-inspired bar feels like you are wining and dining in Paris. I visited during the week during one of their wine and DJ nights. 

Regardless of whether you are a solo traveler or not, you need to make a reservation. Head to their website to find an available day and time for your visit. I only went for an excellent sweet wine after work and recommend the frye bread. Bar Marilou is also under a 10-minute walk from Catahoula Selina.  

I love a bar with solid drinks and good music – and Victory has both! So I opted for a tequila and champagne concoction that was unexpectedly divine. And honestly, I felt a bit tipsy just after one glass. 

I also loved Victory on my New Orleans solo trip because of the music. They played a mix of current and 90s-2000s R&B and Rap on a Saturday night. Also, the people who run the Drink Lab run Victory. So if you take the cocktail class, it should be easy to find. Good vibes all around!

Frenchmen Street

While most people talk about Bourbon Street, I found Frenchmen Street more enjoyable. I love a good band and live music. Traveling solo in New Orleans meant I had many options to find lovely jazz music.

What I loved most about Frenchmen Street was the lack of cover at most bars. No covers meant I could bar hop and listen to all the live music I wanted. I recommend wandering up and down the street to find the bar for you. Just remember to tip the performers!

New Orleans Art Bar

On one of the late nights of my solo trip to New Orleans, I ended up at New Orleans Art Bar. It is a Black-owned bar near Baldwin & Co. If you are looking for Black people to party with in New Orleans, this is one of the places to be. 

Hi-Ho Lounge

Down the street from New Orleans Art Bar was Hi-Ho Lounge. I found an Instagram page that featured shows and live music in New Orleans, and a DJ’s R&B set popped up.  The vibe of Hi-Ho was relaxed yet active, with people singing and dancing to the music. This entire area, which is around the corner from Baldwin & Co. and up the street from New Orleans Art Bar, has many nightlife options. 

What to do on your solo trip to New Orleans

There are so many things you can do alone in New Orleans! I could have spent longer than two weeks here exploring what the city has to offer. But, instead, I loved every minute and every activity I did solo traveling in New Orleans. I wholeheartedly recommend each of these experiences for your solo trip to New Orleans.

Dance at a bounce twerk class at Moe Joe Gallery

Taking this Airbnb experience with Bounce Fitness was the most fun I’ve ever had on a solo trip. Moe Joe’s energy and eagerness to teach us about bounce were infectious. I felt so comfortable even though I was solo and surrounded by people I did not know. 

The class is 60 minutes at her studio; water is provided too. The cost is only $40, and I think that is an excellent deal for the experience you receive. If you do not rent a car, you will have to Uber to the studio. Wear comfortable clothes and be ready to embrace your inner confidence!

Attend a cocktail making class with New Orleans Drink Lab

Taking a cocktail making/bartending class has been on my solo activities bucket list for a while. So I figured New Orleans was the place to try it since they are known for their drinks. New Orleans Drink Lab was the first place that popped up, and I’m glad it did.

I learned a lot about making drinks and how different flavors blend. The class is $90 and includes all the materials and three drinks. If you stay at Catahoula Selina during your New Orleans solo trip, Drink Lab is within walking distance. 

Go to a burlesque show at the Jazz Playhouse

Burlesque is another solo traveler activity I wanted to experience. While in New Orleans, I chose Trixie’s Minx Burlesque Ballroom Show at the Royal Sonesta’s Jazz Playhouse . It is located in the heart of the French Quarter, not too far from Bourbon Street. Tickets are $25, not including food and drinks, though a minimum is one drink. The show is an hour and to be honest, I would pay to see a longer one!

Do a solo traveler photoshoot in the French Quarter

Even though you can take your photos as a solo traveler, I didn’t this time. I think New Orleans is a bustling city, especially touristy sites. I recommend getting a photographer if you are interested in some solo photos. I booked a group experience on Airbnb, and the photographer graciously made it a solo photoshoot since it is usually reserved for couples. 

Take the All About Dat Black heritage & jazz tour

As a Black solo female traveler, I am always looking for Black history. All About Dat Tours was an insightful and affirming tour experience for me! Mikhala is a knowledgeable host and incorporated singing and chanting on our tour as a jazz singer.

For non-Black travelers on a solo trip to New Orleans who book this tour, it is honest. Mikhala did not sugarcoat how Black Americans were treated before New Orleans became a tourist hotspot. Many other Black heritage tours that are not Black-owned do. If you book her tour, know that she centers the experiences of Black people. 

Ride the St. Charles Streetcar Line

Check out the green St. Charles Streetcar Line for a laid-back activity. While a red one runs through Canal St., this one runs towards the Garden District. Unfortunately, it is partially under construction right now in February 2022, so you have to catch a bus first. However, you can get a $3 ticket to ride all day. Bring exact change in cash only to pay. 

Listen to live music on Frenchmen Street

Though many people talk about Bourbon Street, I opted for Frenchmen Street during my New Orleans solo trip. Both are popular and touristy of course. But I found Frenchmen to be more laid back with the live music versus Bourbon’s club-style music. Many of the bars don’t even have a cover! You can easily walk up and down Frenchmen to find the right, live vibe for you.

Visit the Studio Be gallery

Studio Be is a hub for Black art and activism in New Orleans. They offer programming and workshops for local artists and host events. I went and walked through the gallery, in awe of the blend of Blackness, activism, and art in each piece. If you are a street art lover, you have to check them out.

Eat, eat, eat

If my list above did not convince you, I’m here to remind you to eat in New Orleans! Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, or have no dietary restrictions, the city is full of food. As someone with a relatively new shellfish allergy, I worried I would not have anything to eat. But there are tons of restaurants to choose from, so date yourself and try them!

On being a Black solo female traveler in New Orleans

Meeting other Black solo travelers (and groups)

On this trip, I did not meet a lot of other Black solo travelers. However, at the bounce twerk class, I did meet some nice Black women traveling together. Suppose you are looking to meet other Black travelers or Black locals in general, patron the Black-owned businesses. That’s where I learned more about the city beyond the French Quarter.

Safety tips for solo traveling in New Orleans

As previously mentioned above, I felt safe as a solo female traveler in New Orleans. Most areas I visited were busy, so I never felt alone. If you are going out at night, consider catching rideshare instead of walking. Or, depending on how late it is, call a loved one who can just be on the phone as you walk from place to place. And keep your eyes and ears open, as always. 

Black culture in New Orleans

New Orleans has many Black-owned businesses and restaurants to support! However, I did notice gentrification in some areas. For example, on my Black heritage and jazz tour, the guide mentioned how Treme, the historically Black neighborhood, is now 75% Airbnbs owned by people who do not live in New Orleans.

Aside from that, I think you can find Black-owned places to patron throughout your trip. New Orleans has rich Black history, and the food matches it. If you are a Black solo female traveler like me, it is possible to connect with Black locals in New Orleans.

A solo trip to New Orleans is a GREAT idea

My New Orleans solo trip has risen to the top of my favorites list! The depth and breadth of the culture there are infectious, given all they have been through as a city. In addition, the vibrancy of New Orleans music and the friendliness of the people who wanted to make sure I had a good time.

 It can be awkward to find things to do alone in New Orleans and beyond, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would go back again. So put a solo trip to New Orleans on your list too.

Are you looking for more solo travel guides? Check out this solo travel guide to Charleston . 

Like this post? Pin it to save and share for later!

Sojourner White is a remote social worker, train travel queen, and award-winning travel journalist. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin she has been a digital nomad and called both Spain and Germany home. Through her platform Sojournies, she helps 9-5ers fulfill their career goals and bucket list dreams to find freedom and flexibility outside the office. Sojourner has been featured in Buzzfeed, PopSugar, The Matador Network, HuffPost, and Thrillist and written for Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Fodor’s, Insider, Lonely Planet, Viator, and more.

Black Solo Female Travel Guide: A Solo Trip to Charleston

Black solo female travel guide: a solo trip to houston, you may also like, 7-day kenya itinerary: nairobi, lake nakuru and maasai mara safaris, black solo female travel guide: oaxaca city, mexico, jose cuervo express train: how to plan your tequila train trip, perurail luxury train from cusco to lake titicaca, black solo female travel guide: peru, solo train travel guide: a holiday day trip to portland, maine, black solo female travel guide: colombia, black travel groups to join and inspire you to travel, being black in europe: as told by black americans, 34 gifts for train travelers that they’ll love.

I love to travel, but have been hesitant about traveling alone. Reading this article re-sparked the thrill I have about giving it a go. I love the recommendations provided and on my next visit, I will try a few of the ones you shared. Thanks

Thank you so much! I hope you take that first solo trip just to say you tried it to see if you like it 🙂

Loved this article! Going on my 1st out of state solo trip to N.O. for my birthday soon! Wanted a group trip but whatever. Have a schedule in mind and can’t wait to try the food!

Yaaaas love that! And thank you so much, I hope you have all the fun.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Home > USA > New Orleans Solo Travel – Don’t Be Scared! (Here Are 5 Tips)

New Orleans Solo Travel – Don't Be Scared! (Here Are 5 Tips)

Could New Orleans Solo Travel Be Better Than Going With Friends?

Waking up on your own schedule, deciding where and what you want to eat, stopping to pet a puppy, or saying hello to a stranger’s baby. You may be thinking, what’s all this nonsense?

Welcome to solo travel.

It’s been a long time since I last traveled without friends, family, or a partner. To be honest, I can’t even remember when that was. Man, was I missing out!

I highly recommend it. I just got back (okay it was three weeks ago) from a solo trip to New Orleans and had an absolute blast. Southern hospitality mixed with rich culture and history (not to mention amazing music and food), will keep you busy for days. Don't be intimidated. Try traveling solo in New Orleans.

5 Tips For New Orleans Solo Travel

1. stay at an airbnb or hostel, not a hotel.

Although I think more and more people are now trying Airbnb and hostels, most people are still staying in hotels. But why?

Staying at an Airbnb where you can interact with the hosts is a great way to learn about the local life and discover spots that aren’t listed on TripAdvisor. Pricing can range from super affordable (renting a room in a shared house or apartment) to very deluxe.

Hostels offer budget accommodation too with a more fun and social vibe but a little less privacy. I wanted my own space and down time so I decided on an Airbnb in the Marigny/Bywater area. It was within walking distance of the French Quarter and to French Street and had a very local, residential vibe which I enjoyed. Next time I’d probably look for something closer to the Garden District around Magazine Street to get a feel for the local living in that part of the city.

My Airbnb host Jennifer provided me with a list of her favourite spots around the city. I watched one of her friends play the trumpet like a professional (okay maybe he was?) at a bar on French Street, shared a cheese and charcuterie plate with some friendly locals at Bacchanal Wine Bar and got the inside scoop about the city during Katrina from a local film producer at the bar at Sylvain .

2. Get Around By Bike to Save Time & Money (& Feel Safe!)

Rent a bike during your stay in New Orleans. Or better yet, find an Airbnb that includes one like I did ;).

Sure, New Orleans can easily be enjoyed by foot (it's probably the flattest city around), but if you’re on a tight schedule or want to explore less touristy areas in less time, biking is a perfect option. Some of the streets are full of potholes and can take you on an uninviting bumpy ride, so I'd suggest sticking to the major streets with bike lanes – Esplanade and Decatur Streets for example.

I also found biking around New Orleans was a safe (and affordable) option to get home at night. Some of the side streets are poorly lit and can feel a little sketchy to be walking along by yourself at night. I felt safer whizzing by on a bike. Just don't forget your bike lights!

3. Meet People on Free Walking Tours

My boyfriend Chris first introduced me to free walking tours about three years ago, and I haven’t looked back. They are a great way to learn about a city if you’re on a budget and the guides can typically offer great insider suggestions for the rest of your trip.

Back to N’awlins, (yes, I quickly learned nobody says “New Orleans"). I signed up for a two-hour tour of the Treme area by Free Tours by Foot . My guide Sandy was ex- Treme -ly knowledgeable, witty, and very entertaining. She really helped us understand the heart, soul and history of the area far better than we could have on our own.

After the tour, I ended up connecting with one of the girls from the group. She was from LA, traveling with her dad for a week. We connected over similar interests in travel and social media and had fun later that evening with a couple of old friends that were also in town.

4. Workout With the Locals

As you probably know, Chris and I both love to exercise . I made an effort to find outdoor workout areas during my New Orleans solo travel trip and made it to City Park's outdoor workout area twice. You can find out more about this calisthenics area other ways to stay active in the city, here .

I also went to a drop-in women-only bootcamp class one morning at Lagniappe Crossfit  which was challenging and fun. The ladies in the class were super high energy and I left feeling energized and ready to start the day. On the last day, I explored Crescent Park in Bywater by bike and stopped to do a circuit workout on the grass and stairs. It's right along the Mississippi river and a great place to jog to and workout. I highly recommend it.

5. Eat Your Meals at the Bar

Maybe a given for solo travelers, but having a meal or drink at the bar instead of a table is one of the best ways to talk to people. Put your phone away and engage with the bartenders and people sitting beside you.

Not sure where to go? I got some tips from friends, my Airbnb host as well as travel/food blog posts such as this one  by Joy The Baker .

Some of my favourite bar spots in New Orleans were: Sylvain (order the burger), Peche (sit at the raw bar and watch the oyster masters shuck the biggest oysters you’ve ever seen), and Bacchanal Wine Bar , where you can purchase cheese and charcuterie downstairs in the Shop and have them plate it for you with fresh bread, nuts, preserves and olives. It has amazing live music and a gorgeous patio too.

Don't Be Scared! You'll Love New Orleans Solo Travel!

Get out there, leave your friends and loved ones behind and find new ones in the Big Easy!

What are your favourite parts about traveling solo? What did we miss? Please leave a comment below – we'd love to hear from you!

Read This Next:

Travel Essentials for Women: 15 Favorites I Never Forget to Pack

The Travel Tips Our Moms Never Told Us

9 Fun, Fast Ways to Stay Fit While Traveling

Disclosure: Whenever possible, we use links that earn us a cut if you pay for stuff we recommend. It costs you nothing, so we'd be crazy not to. Read our affiliate policy .

2 thoughts on “New Orleans Solo Travel – Don't Be Scared! (Here Are 5 Tips)”

Great way to travel!!!

thank you for sharing your solo experience in New Orleans. It's hard to get friends together to do bigger trips so I am at a point in my life where I know and I want the freedom to take advantage of any opportunity have to travel. Doing it alone lights a fire within me and traveling is becoming my new hobby 🙂 your suggestion on riding bike, restaurants and bars is helpful as well.

What do you think? (Leave a Comment.) Cancel reply

• North America
• A Solo Travelers Guide To...

A Solo Traveler's Guide to New Orleans

Senior Travel Writer

New Orleans is intoxicating in every sense of the word. From the rich Cajun and Creole flavors acting as an edible history lesson to the big band jam sessions transforming any nondescript street corner into a dance party, New Orleans is a destination where solo travelers can immerse themselves in Big Easy culture at every turn.

What’s the vibe.

Larger-than-life flavors, music, and personalities spill from piano bars into the vibrant streets of New Orleans. It’s a jazzy affair where solo travelers can find a crowd to dance, dine, and drink with at all hours of the day and night.

Where to stay in New Orleans as a solo traveler

1. india house hostel.

2. Hotel Monteleone

Boutique Hotel

3. Cambria Hotel New Orleans Downtown Warehouse District

Pops of color as loud and lively as New Orleans jazz music fill the Cambria Hotel. This artsy retreat in the bohemian Central Business District has spa-like bathrooms and sitting areas for a little R&R after a long day of sightseeing. Refueling is a restful experience in itself, especially when you ease into a bowl of their Creole-style tomato bisque.

You’ll spend three nights at the Cambria Hotel as part of Culture Trip’s tasty four-day tour of New Orleans .

Where to eat and drink in New Orleans

Restaurant, American

Become a Culture Tripper!

Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $1,665 on our unique trips..

See privacy policy .

5. Mother’s Restaurant

Restaurant, Cajun

6. Commander's Palace

What to do in New Orleans as a solo traveler

Encounter diverse spirits during a haunted pub crawl

Drinking up the extensive bar scene in New Orleans is a must; why not order up a spookier type of spirit while you’re at it? Supernatural sightings, voodoo culture, and literal historic haunts are on draft during a haunted pub crawl through the city. A range of tours is available for those who are in it for the pints or for the frights.

Dance in the streets with fais-dodo or zydeco lessons

The sounds of the city will provide a literal soundtrack to your jig through NOLA, and it’s mighty handy to have a few new dance moves at the ready. Traditional Cajun fais-dodo and Acadian zydeco lessons are great ways to meet a new dance partner, learn about pre-New Orleans culture , and get down in style at local clubs like Tipitina’s.

Slowly explore the swamp on a kayak tour

Discover the oldest side of New Orleans when you venture into Manchac Swamp, only 30 minutes from downtown. Rumor has it that this bayou is haunted, and the ruins of the Ruddock ghost town certainly reinforce that notion. A ghoul probably won’t rock your boat as you paddle down the waterways, but a gator wading on the surface might give you a fright.

A kayak tour through the Bayou Manchac is just one of the many diverse activities you’ll experience on Culture Trip’s four-day New Orleans tour , led by our Local Insider.

Staying safe in New Orleans

With a seemingly never-ending party atmosphere, it’s important to still use caution when exploring New Orleans. The state of Louisiana sees relatively high levels of crime, but New Orleans itself is generally safer than other cities in the Bayou State. It’s not difficult to stay safe while having the time of your life in the Big Easy, as long as you take the precautions that you would in any major city.

The high concentration of people, police, and lighting in the French Quarter adds a level of security for solo travelers. It’s best to avoid walking alone through the city, especially at night or when you’re under the influence. Consider choosing a hotel near major attractions like Jackson Square or Bourbon Street, and calling for an official taxi, pedicab, or rideshare to safely get from place to place around the clock.

Getting around New Orleans as a solo traveler

New Orleans is an easily walkable city, even if you’re aiming to visit Audubon Park, Bourbon Street, and everything in between. But you can quickly cut your step count with a handy set of wheels. Buses run throughout the city and rideshares are plentiful – but the coolest method of transportation is undeniably the streetcars. Four district lines originate from Downtown to Uptown, the Riverfront, CBD, St. Claude Arts District, and beyond.

You don’t have to drink, dine, or dance alone when traveling to New Orleans. Join Culture Trip’s four-day music- and food-filled tour of New Orleans for the chance to experience NOLA’s colorful communities as part of a small group of travelers who share the same hunger for culture.

This is an updated rewrite of an article originally by Sarah Ravits .

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

Guides & Tips

Culture trip's guide to new orleans in spring.

Restaurants

The best places for outdoor dining in new orleans.

Places to Stay

The best hotels with suites to book in new orleans.

See & Do

The best things to do in new orleans.

The Best Hotels with Jacuzzis and Hot Tubs to Book in New Orleans

The Best Vacation Rentals in New Orleans

Hit Up the World’s Largest Showcase of Louisiana Music This Fall

The Best Restaurants in the New Orleans French Quarter

The Best Places to Stay in the French Quarter, New Orleans

How to Spend a Long Weekend in New Orleans

The Best Hotels to Book Near the Port of New Orleans

The Best Pet Friendly Hotels to Book in New Orleans

• Post ID: 2223553
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

Come Along With B

Brooke Alexis | Lifestyle Blogger

Solo Travel Guide: New Orleans

“There are a lot of places I like, but I like New Orleans better.” Bob Dylan

Hello friends and Happy Friday! I spent New Year’s Eve and a few days after in New Orleans. Here to share a few of my must see things!

Where to Stay

When I solo travel, I always recommend staying somewhere that is centrally located to where you want to explore and has a 24/7 front desk staff. I stayed at the Park View Historic Hotel near the Uptown New Orleans Historic District. It was the perfect distance from every place I wanted to see and also provided solitude away from the busy Bourbon Street (unless that’s your jam and you like noise).

What to Eat

There is an abundance of food selections to choose from but I will keep it short! When dinning solo, I try to pick places that have high top bars and bring a good book with me as well.

• Obviously one must try Cafe Du Monde for their famous beignets
• Ruby Slipper Cafe has phenomenal breakfast and brunch options
• Willie’s Chicken Shack (they have the best fried chicken and frozen daiquiris)
• Paladar511 (excellent aesthetic and dinner options)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Paladar 511 (@paladar511)

New Orleans has such as rich culture and there is a variety to experience in the city! Adventuring solo in a city is super freeing for me and I always feel safe. I typically map out where I will be and for how long each day in advance. Also, I tend not to venture out too late into the evening and that has worked well for me thus far!

• French Quarter (plenty of food, music, and shopping)
• New Orleans Museum of Art
• Garden District
• Swamp Boat Tour (I held a baby alligator!)
• Ride a streetcar along St. Charles Avenue (Excellent opportunity to people watch and a single ride is $1.25)

Click here to view a mini vlog of my trip on Tiktok!

Let me know if there is anything you all want to see more of in the comments below. Keep up with me on  Instagram  or   subscribe  to be notified of new posts!

Posted By: Brooke Alexis · In: All Posts , Travel

You’ll Also Love

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

LATEST FROM INSTAGRAM

Copyright © 2024 Come Along With B · Theme by 17th Avenue

• Free Cemetery Tour
• Free Garden District Walking Tour
• Free French Quarter Tour
• Free Self-Guided Walking Tours of New Orleans with maps
• New Orleans Self-Guided Audio Tours
• New Orleans Jazz Music Tours
• Private Tours of New Orleans
• Free New Orleans Travel Guide
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Guest Posts
• Free Walking tours Worldwide
• Book A FREE Tour

Female Solo Travelers Guide to New Orleans

Is New Orleans a safe destination for solo female travelers? Absolutely! New Orleans is a place beloved by solo travelers, especially The French Quarter, due to its walkability, friendly residents, and various activities for one. With the proper preparation and precautions, visiting New Orleans can be as safe as any other major city.

Shop local and get your fortune told at Jackson Square, eat Banana’s Foster where it was born, see how the world-famous Bourbon Street compares to the southern mansions of The Garden District, and more! We’ve also included our top safety tips for New Orleans, specific for solo female travelers.

The best things to do in New Orleans as a Solo Female Traveler 1. Eat Traditional New Orleans Food at an Iconic Restaurant Shrimp and Grits is a classic “must try” dish for a reason! Did you know that dishes like Banana’s Foster and Eggs Sardou were born in New Orleans? Few things are as empowering (and safe!) as dining solo, and New Orleans is one of the best places in the world to do that. Here are some of the most iconic restaurants to enjoy your own company- Banana’s Foster is their signature desert. In the French Quarter Antoine’s Restaurant Established in 1840, Antoine’s Restaurant is one of the oldest family-run food joints in the US and is the birthplace of many of today’s popular dishes, such as the Oysters Rockefeller. With a guest list of US Presidents, Pope John Paul II, and various celebrities, Antoine’s is the place to dine solo in The French Quarter. Dishes born at Antoine’s Restaurant: Oysters Rockefeller Pompano en papillote Eggs Sardou Pigeonneaux Paradis Insider’s Tip : Antoine’s does a fixed-priced menu Thursday-Monday. $22 gets you a 3-course meal! The main dinning room at Antoine’s has served guests since 1840! If only these walls could talk. Brennan’s Since 1946, Brennan’s Restaurant has been blending savory Modern French and Traditional Creole dishes, and its bright, pink-colored building helps define Royal Street. The Bananas Foster was born at Brennan’s, created by Ella Brennan and Chef Paul Blangé in 1951, and today, the ghost of Chef Paul Blangé is said to appear if you order his signature dessert. Note: Brennan’s requires a reservation in advance and books out quickly! More things to do in the French Quarter In the Garden District: Commander’s Palace One of The Garden District’s most haunted locations, Commander’s Palace is equally known for its award-winning recipes. From its days as a saloon in 1893 to today, the lively-looking, bright blue, Victorian mansion is a symbol of New Orleans. Commander’s Palace is a must-eat in The Garden District, but note that the restaurant is traditional fine dining, and the dress code is strictly enforced. Fun Fact: Chefs Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse have gotten their start here at The Palace. The Ruby Slipper Ruby Slipper Cafe is known for its all-day brunch, New Orleans-style cocktails, and a rotating menu of delicious items like Banana’s Foster French Toast. Ingredients are locally sourced, and dishes are made to order. A laid-back brunch atmosphere makes The Ruby Slipper the perfect alternative to the more formal Commander’s Palace. What’s the Garden District? Learn more here. Commander’s Palace is a must do for a reason!. 2. Skip the Crowds & Take Yourself on a Tour One of the best things about being a solo traveler is that you can do things at your own pace. We’ve created free, self-guided walking tours covering New Orleans’s most iconic experiences like The French Quarter, The Garden District, and more! With our self-led walking tours, you can choose your stops, how much time to spend at each place and customize your solo trip in New Orleans to fit your needs. Free Self-guided Walking Tours with maps 3. Listen to Live Music New Orleans is known for stuffing music into any corner it can. You can’t visit NOLA and not hear music, whether you’re paying to see it or just happen to be walking down Frenchmen Street. While it’s easy to find good vibes in the city, not all musical experiences are created equal: Our free live music self guided tour will take you to the most iconic New Orleans music joints, plus a few less-known places. 4. Get Your Fortune Told at Jackson Square Get a glimpse into your future by having your fortune read in Jackson Square. Sure, New Orleans is filled with fortune tellers, and you could most certainly make an appointment at any of the voodoo shops in The French Quarter, but learning the secrets of your soul right in Jackson Square is a centuries-old tradition perfect for the solo traveler. Psychics of every discipline set up tables in Jackson Square, where you can get your fortune told day or night. No appointment is required- just approach the table and reader that calls out to you. Note: The fortune tellers at Jackson Square are typically cash only! 5. Admire Southern Mansions in the Garden District When you’re ready for glamorous old-world southern mansions, head to The Garden District for a free self-guided tour . This area of New Orleans is known for its beautiful (and often haunted) Victorian, Italianate, and Greek Revival houses brimming with stories. Wander down the cobblestone streets under the watch of ancient oaks dripping with Spanish moss, explore boutiques and fine dining on Magazine Street, and shop the world’s best collection of Anne Rice memorabilia at The Garden District Bookshop. While you are sure to see residents and tourists alike, The Garden District lacks the close quarters and crowds of The French Quarter, making it the perfect place for introverted solo travelers. The Garden District is easily accessible from the French Quarter, thanks to the famous St. Charles Streetcar. Learn more about the Garden District 6. World-Famous Shopping on Magazine or Royal Streets When you think of New Orleans, Mardi Gras, Jazz, and Bourbon Street might come to mind before shopping. But, did you know that Royal Street in The French Quarter is celebrated worldwide for its exquisite antique stores, art galleries, and fine shopping? Just a block from Bourbon, Royal Street might as well be a world away, with its quiet atmosphere and incredible finds from around the world. 7. Buy Directly from the Artist at The French Market The French Market has been a Native American trading post even before European colonization, making it the oldest of its kind in the US! Today, you can still buy food and art directly from the people who made them at The French Market. Jackson Square is another place to buy one-of-a-kind pieces and even catch the artist at work! Alternatively, an artist co-op near The French Market called the Dutch Alley is less crowded and will ship your purchases straight to your home if your suitcase is full! Fun Fact: Did you know that all artists in Jackson Square have to get a permit from the city of New Orleans? 8. Explore New Orleans Voodoo Voodoo has always been huge in New Orleans, but the two were permanently tied together in pop culture after American Horror Stories Coven was filmed in 2013. Today, the best way to learn about the religion is via the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum . You can safely and accurately explore Voodoo’s mysteries, history, and folklore at the museum. For souvenirs and a unique experience, stop in Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo in The French Quarter. Marie Laveau is probably the most famous New Orleans Voodoo practitioner. Learn more about Marie Laveau, her tomb and her legacy Weird things to do in New Orleans 9. Learn about New Orleans in one of the French Quarter's many museums Did you know that the French Quarter has been continually occupied since 1718? New Orleans has a long and colorful history filled with eccentric personalities and unforgettable characters. Get up close and personal with the city’s story by exploring one of The French Quarter’s many museums. Here are some of our favorites: T he New Orleans Historical Collection: Free and located conveniently in The French Quarter, THNOC has the most extensive collection of New Orleans memorabilia, past and present. New Orleans Pharmacy Museum : The NOPM chronicles the strange and grotesque world of medicine and pharmaceutical endeavors that paved the way for modern medicine. New Orleans Jazz Museum : Celebrate the history of jazz, in all its forms, with exhibits and live performances. Louisiana State Museums : Flanking Jackson Square the nearly Identical Presbyterian and Cablido offer a unique glimpse into Louisiana’s storied and rich past. Top 3 Safety Tips for Solo Female Travelers in New Orleans If you’re considering a solo trip to New Orleans, you might have heard mixed reviews about the city’s safety, especially for female travelers. As a woman who has traveled solo to NOLA many times, I’m here to tell you the truth: it’s safe, BUT you need to take the same basic precautions that you take in everyday life, like staying aware of your surroundings. Here are my top 3 safety tips for solo female travelers in New Orleans: #1. Beware of Scams While New Orleans is generally safe for solo female travelers, there are some common scams to be wary of, especially in The French Quarter. Many common scams start with ‘you’re so (insert compliment), please take these beads/flowers.’ These tactics aim to get your money; the best way to avoid them is simply not taking things from strangers. Tips are expected, and the person can become angry if you don’t comply. Another classical French Quarter scam is “I bet I can guess where you got your shoes.” The answer is on your feet. #2. Don’t Be Afraid of Bourbon Street Yes, even a solo female traveler to New Orleans must see the (in)famous Bourbon Street at least once! Bourbon Street is more than parties and booze, at least during the day. You can catch some live music in the evening or try one of New Orleans’s Famous Cocktails during the daytime when it’s less crowded. #3. Hire a Guide When in doubt, a guided free walking tour is a safe bet for a solo female traveler in New Orleans or anywhere in the world. Tour guides will steer you away from scams and prioritize your safety so you can relax and enjoy yourself. Bonus: You will get insider knowledge, tips, and stories from a passionate local and be grouped with fellow tourists. Sometimes, when you’re out in the world on your own, there is nothing more comforting than being surrounded by people in the same metaphorical boat! Book a Tour with Nola Tour Guy What Nola Tour Guy is about:

Nola Tour Guy is a collective of passionate guides, both men and women, who are experts in the history of New Orleans. Our goals are to give tours that are intellectually stimulating, historically accurate and FUN. We only offer walking tours because we believe that walking is the best way to see a city and learn about it and at a price everyone can afford. Nola Tour Guy offers no novelty tours only the real history brought to life by our passionate guides. Join us, you won’t be disappointed..

Author:  Courtney Lux

Courtney is a Dallas-based writer who spends more time living in the thrill of an adventure than in commonly accepted reality. She’s a travel blogger, a daydreamer, a poetry fanatic, and a lover of all things whimsical. Courtney writes early in the morning, then spends the rest of the day cuddling with her pets and planning more travel.

Related Posts

What is the architectural origin of the French Quarter? September 18, 2023

I need a limited walking tour with transportation included.

write us an email [email protected]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Post comment

Coming Soon!

A new wordpress site.

How to Build a Website: A Practical Guide to WordPress on Bluehost How to Migrate a Website to Bluehost? Why choose Bluehost for your WordPress site?

Join my community

Subscribe to my newsletter to get updates!

Home > United States > 23 Things To Do Alone in New Orleans: Solo Travel in New Orleans

23 Things To Do Alone in New Orleans: Solo Travel in New Orleans

By Dymphe / June 10, 2023

There are amazing things to do alone in New Orleans , so going there by yourself is great. Solo travel in New Orleans is incredible!

You can find New Orleans in the state of Louisiana in the United States . The city has many interesting sights, and the sights make going there great.

Also, the amount of things to do alone in New Orleans is incredible. If you want to make new friends in the city, there are lots of things to do, such as joining Meetup groups. For example, you can play board games with others.

But solo travel in New Orleans is also great if you want to get to know the city! There are plenty of activities that you can do by yourself that are perfect for that.

Table of Contents

1. Explore the City By Carriage Ride: Great Thing To Do Alone in New Orleans To Get To Know the City

One of the most unique things to do alone in New Orleans is a carriage ride tour through the French Quarter .

Moving around the city in this way is an incredible experience to have!

What's great is that you learn about the history during the carriage ride. This is very interesting.

The rider of the carriage can tell you about the places you visit, which is great! It's a very fun way to learn more about the city.

Also, you do this tour with other people in the carriage. This makes it possible to meet some other people when you are doing solo travel in New Orleans.

2. Play Board Games With a Group: Fun Thing To Do Alone in New Orleans To Meet New People

If you like to play board games when you are in the city of New Orleans, this is a lovely activity for you! It's one of my favorite activities for solo travel in New Orleans.

The Meetup group " Boardgaming in NOLA " is a group during which you can play board games with others. This makes it possible to make new friends when you are in the city.

So if you like board games, it's one of the best things to do alone in New Orleans!

The group organizes events that are great to attend!

3. See Art and Artists at Jackson Square

One of the best things to do alone in New Orleans is to go to Jackson Square

Jackson Square is a park where you can find a lot of artists. These artists create paintings here that you can see and buy! So if you like art, you'll definitely love this.

What's great is that you can see a lot of differences between the art styles.

Going here alone is a great way to focus on the art without any distractions.

Also, you can talk with artists and learn more about their work, which is great during solo travel in New Orleans.

4. Do a New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise

Another one of the best things to do alone in New Orleans is a Jazz Cruise on the Steamboat Natchez .

During this experience, you'll board a historic steamboat, which is great to experience!

The tour takes you from the French Quarter along the Mississippi River. And on board, you can listen to jazz music.

What's great is that you learn about the places you visit during the cruise during a live audio tour.

In total, the tour takes about 2 hours.

Also, if you want, you can have lunch during the tour!

What's great is that you do this tour with other people on board. Thus, you can meet other people when you do this tour. This makes it great during solo travel in New Orleans.

5. Tour the National WWII Museum

Another one of the best things to do alone in New Orleans is a tour of The National WWII Museum.

This is a military history museum that you can find in the city center of New Orleans.

At the museum, you can learn about the role of the United States in the Second World War. At the museum, you can find a large collection of objects that are great to see! For example, there are aircrafts from the US military here.

What's great is that you can do a tour of the museum.

There are guided tours that allow you to learn more about the museum's collection.

Also, you do these tours with a group of other people. This makes it possible to meet new people when you are in New Orleans.

6. Learn to Meditate During Events: Nice Thing To Do Alone in New Orleans That’s Very Unique

If you want to relax when you are in the city of New Orleans, this is the best activity for solo travel in New Orleans!

You can join the Meetup group " The New Orleans Meditation Group ".

This is a group that organizes events during which you take part in meditation.

This is a great way to get some peace of mind.

Also, you go to these events with other people, which makes it possible to make some new friends when you are here!

7. Relax at the New Orleans Botanical Garden

One of the most beautiful places in New Orleans is the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Going here is one of the best things to do alone in New Orleans.

You find here a lot of lovely plants and flowers!

This is great to see, and it makes the place awesome to visit for a relaxing walk. Especially for those who love nature, this is wonderful.

There are walking paths that make it possible to walk past the beautiful nature of this place.

Also, there are lovely statues and sculptures in the botanical garden. This is great to see as well, and makes the place even more interesting!

8. Attend an Event at the New Orleans Museum of Art

Here's another one of the best things to do alone in New Orleans if you like art!

Going to the New Orleans Museum of Art is great!

The museum is the oldest museum in the city of New Orleans that focuses on fine arts.

You find a permanent collection at the museum that consists of thousands of objects. These paintings come from all over the world and span a time of more than 5000 years.

What's great as well is that there there are events that take place at the museum.

These events are about a particular subject and allow you to learn more about the museum's art.

Also, during these events, you can meet other people. And you may make some friends that share similar interests, which is great!

9. Do a Live Music Pub Crawl: Great Thing To Do Alone in New Orleans That’s Very Fun

Exploring the pubs of the city is another one of the best solo activities in New Orleans.

A great way to do this is through the experience " Frenchmen Street Live Music Pub Crawl ".

During this tour, you'll go to Frenchmen Street where you'll discover clubs and bars.

At these places, you'll get to listen to live music, which is a great experience.

What's great is that you can make some new friends during this tour. This makes it great during solo travel in New Orleans as well! Especially if you want to meet others, that's perfect.

10. Go for a Walk at Armstrong Park

One of the most beautiful parks to visit during solo travel in New Orleans is Armstrong Park.

This is a lovely park with beautiful nature and walking paths that makes it a great place for a relaxing stroll!

Also, you find a statue of Louis Armstrong here, who was a famous jazz musician from the city.

Furthermore, there are many other historic sights here, and there is a duck pond that is great to see!

11. Make New Friends and Explore the City With a Meetup group

Do you want to explore the city of New Orleans? And do you want to meet some new people at the same time? Then, this is one of the best things to do alone in New Orleans for you!

The Meetup group " NOLA Fun and Friends " organizes events during which you go to a place in the city. Here, you can meet up with other people, which is great!

Furthermore, everyone is welcome to the group! This means that you can attend an event when you are doing solo travel in New Orleans!

12. See an Exhibition at the Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans

This next activity is amazing if you like contemporary art.

If that's you, then you should definitely go to Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans.

This place has many changing exhibitions that are great to see when you are going to the city!

Seeing the art at the museum is great to do alone. That way you can completely focus on the exhibitions, without distractions! This makes it possible to get a more immersive experience of the art. Also, it's a very relaxing activity.

13. Take Some Cooking Classes at the New Orleans School of Cooking

If you want to learn how to cook in New Orleans, you can do so!

For this, you can take part in cooking classes when you are in New Orleans.

One of the best places for this is the New Orleans School of Cooking.

This place has several different types of cooking classes.

Each class focuses on something else, which is great! Moreover, the New Orleans School of Cooking has both demo classes, as well as hands-on classes.

During demo classes, you don't cook yourself, but you see how you should do it!

During a hands-on class, you get to cook yourself!

Both classes allow you to get some delicious food afterward!

This is great during solo travel in New Orleans, as you can eat with other people at the same time. This is often a much better experience than having food on your own!

14. Explore New Orleans’ Street Art

There is a lot of street art in the city of New Orleans and seeing the art is great to do!

One of the best things to do alone in New Orleans is the " New Orleans Street Art & Mural Walk ".

During this tour, you walk through a part of New Orleans where you find murals, street art, and graffiti.

The artists behind these pieces of art are famous. For example, one of the artists whose work you'll see is Banksy.

What's great is that you'll learn about the art you'll see along the way. A local guide shows you around and tells you about what you see.

Also, there are many opportunities for photos when you do this tour.

Another great thing about this tour is that you do it in the company of other people.

This makes it possible to make new friends when you do this tour!

15. Go for a Run at City Park: Nice Thing To Do Alone in New Orleans To be Active

When you are doing solo travel in New Orleans, you should definitely go to City Park.

City Park is a beautiful place with nature in the city. It is a very large place where you can find many walking paths.

One of the best solo activities in New Orleans you can do here is going for a run!

Along the way, you'll see a lot of flowers, beautiful ponds and small rivers, and many trees! This is a great experience if you want to be active for sure!

16. Explore the Food of the French Quarter

Another one of the best things to do alone in New Orleans is a food tour of the French Quarter .

During this tour, you'll visit several places in the city. At many stops, you can do tastings of great food! This is a great way to discover the food scene of New Orleans!

What's great is that you have food with others during this tour. This is a lovely experience when you are doing a solo trip in New Orleans!

17. Join a Book Club: Amazing Thing To Do Alone in New Orleans If You Like Books

Join a book club is a lovely activity when you are alone in New Orleans.

The Meetup group " READING THE CLASSICS (& more) IN NEW ORLEANS: book/film club " is great for this!

They almost always meet on a Saturday once every month. And the meetups take place at a bakery.

During these meetups, you'll discuss great classic books and other literature!

If you want to know what literature a meetup is about, you can have a look at the page of this group.

18. Walk Through the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden

You can find the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at City Park.

This is a lovely place to visit during solo travel in New Orleans.

In the garden, you find lovely sculptures that are great to see! This can be very interesting.

Furthermore, the landscape surrounding the sculptures is great to see.

Walking through the sculpture garden is one of the most relaxing things to do alone in New Orleans.

When you are going here alone, you can completely focus on the sculptures, which is great!

19. Board a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: Nice Thing To Do Alone in New Orleans To Explore the Sights

One of the best ways to explore the city is through a hop-on hop-off bus tour of New Orleans .

During this, you board a bus that goes to many places in the city.

If there is a place you drive by, you can leave the bus and explore the place. If you want to leave again, you can board the bus and go to the next stop.

Some of the stops of this bus tour are Jackson Square, The National WWII Museum, and many more places.

What's great is that you'll learn about the places you drive by along the way! There is an audio tour onboard for this.

20. Learn to Speak French With Others

The French played a large role in the early history of the city of New Orleans. And you can still see a lot of remains from that time.

There is beautiful French architecture and the food features French elements. Also, you can see a lot of remains of the French language throughout the city.

This makes learning French a lovely activity to do in the city. It's very fun and definitely great for solo travel in New Orleans.

A place where you can do that is L'Union Française . This organization organizes classes that focus on the French language.

During these classes, you can learn how to speak French.

What's more, you can meet others during these classes because you do the classes with a group of other people! This also makes it possible to make some new friends!

21. Do a Self-Guided Tour of the City

Doing a self-guided tour of the city is another one of the best things to do alone in New Orleans!

During this, you use your smartphone and an audio tour to explore the city.

You'll visit a certain part of the city and the audio tour lets you learn more about what you see along the way!

The self-guided tours of New Orleans of GPSmyCity are great for this. They have several tours that focus on a certain part of the city!

22. Learn How to Play Jazz at the NOLA School of Music

Jazz is an important genre of music for the city of New Orleans.

That's why one of the best activities for solo travel in New Orleans is to learn to play jazz!

One of the best places for this is the NOLA School of Music!

They have music lessons that you can take part in. They have several types of classes that each focus on a certain type of musical instrument.

For example, you can do saxophone lessons at this place.

Besides that, you can also learn some other genres of music when you are here. If that's more your thing, you can do that too!

What's great is that you do these lessons with other people. This makes it possible to meet others and make some friends at the same time!

23. Go for a Relaxing Walk at Audubon Park

Going for a relaxing walk at Audubon Park is another one of the best things to do alone in New Orleans.

You find this park in Uptown New Orleans.

This is a lovely place to look at nature. There are beautiful plants, flowers, and trees!

Also, there are some walking paths at this park, these walking paths are great if you are going here to walk.

Going here alone is lovely, as you can see nature by yourself. You can only think about nature without any distractions if you do so!

Save this post to Pinterest if you like it!

Blog comments (0)

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

10 Essential Things to Do in New Orleans For Solo Travelers

Laissez les bons temps rouler, let the good times roll.

This is the Cajun French expression that perfectly captures the spirit of New Orleans in Louisiana. After all, this is the birthplace of jazz, and holds the best known Mardi Gras in the country. With its wonderful mix of cultures and traditions reflected in its music, cuisine, and annual celebrations, New Orleans is indeed a great place to visit.

When I was planning my trip to the US, I had intended only to stay a couple of weeks in Nola, or a month at the most. It isn’t New York, I thought, that would have endless things to do to occupy me as a travel blogger.

I didn’t realize how wrong I was until a month had already passed and I still wasn’t ready to leave New Orleans. I found that I love the friendliness of even random strangers, of doing nothing aside from just walking around looking at the quintessential Louisiana mansions, and yes, of trying out one Cajun or Creole dish after another.

It is definitely not New York, and I love it.

Are there a lot of things to do in New Orleans for solo travelers? Definitely. Here are just some of them.

1. Go on a swamp tour and learn about the issue of coastal land loss plaguing Louisiana

Know about the environmental issues in Louisiana.

Swamp tours are a dime a dozen in New Orleans. Stroll through the French Quarter and you’ll find a number of travel agencies offering one.

Be warned, though: some tours would bring 20 or more people to the swamp and give them food (like marshmallows) to feed the alligators . This isn’t ecologically responsible and although there is no law against it, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries advise against it.

A better experience is to book with Lost Lands Tours , an environmentally conscious business that offers kayaking and motorboat tours to the swamps and marshes of Louisiana.

Aside from a 3-hour kayaking tour with a guide pointing out the various interesting spots and wildlife along the way — we’ve seen baby alligators, a number of turtles, barred owls, and eagles — you will also get a 1-hour orientation about the issue of coastal land loss currently being given by a Pulitzer-award winning journalist living in New Orleans.

If you would rather not hear about the dire effects of climate change, of sinking cities (yep, Southern Louisiana, including New Orleans, is sinking), and disappearing islands, fear not. There are loads of other things to do in New Orleans!

As a solo traveler, you can join any scheduled tour but they don’t have one everyday, as they need a minimum of 4 people to go out (unless you’re willing to pay for 4 persons). Email them to inquire about their schedule.

2. Stroll around the French Quarter

The beautiful balconies and galleries in the French Quarter.

Of course. This is free, and you can definitely do it on your own. (Note for cat lovers: if you want to pet some cats, go to the Police Station just beside Cafe Beignet along Royal St. They have two senior cats that are hungry for your touch.)

Make sure to walk along Royal St and note the elaborate balconies and galleries. The Spanish influence is strong here, and every now and then, you’ll see plaques along the buildings telling you of the place’s history.

Another street that’s a must to check out, especially at night, is Bourbon Street. There are countless bars and restaurants, and even during the day, you’ll find street musicians performing for the crowd.

Unlike other cities, though, where you can find lone buskers with a guitar, in Bourbon St. it would be a whole band with strings and wind instrument, complete with dancing. There’s really nothing like the street musicians of New Orleans!

As a solo traveler, you can definitely do this on your own. However, you can also meet up with other travelers. I use Couchsurfing or Meetup. You can also book a tour of the French Quarter to maximize your time there.

3. Have coffee and beignets at Cafe du Monde

The French deep fried donut called a beignet.

Sure, it’s a very touristy thing to do, but even locals do go to Cafe du Monde for the beignets (ben-yays, French donut drenched in powdered sugar) and cafe au lait.

I’ve had beignets in other cafes in New Orleans but the ones in Cafe du Monde remain my favorite. They’re light and crispy and inexpensive. An order of beignets (3 pieces) and hot coffee is just $6.

Bring cash when you go! Cafe du Monde (as well as other cafes I’d been to) don’t accept credit cards. I didn’t have cash with me so I had to leave my order to withdraw money across the street.

4. Eat some po’boys and other quintessential New Orleans dishes

Delicious shrimp and oyster po’boy from Crabby Jack’s.

One of the best things to do in New Orleans as a solo traveler is to sample its world-renowned cuisine. You have the gumbo and jambalaya, red beans and rice, and muffuletta and crawfish dishes, not mention snoballs and chicory coffee.

Sounds too much, maybe, but you can’t leave the Big Easy without having a po’boy — a traditional Louisiana sandwich using a French baguette. I’ve had really good ones and really bad ones (from a convenience store); you can find it anywhere, the trick is to know which ones are worth a special visit.

For a combination shrimp/oyster po’boy, I highly recommend Crabby Jack’s along Jefferson Highway. For only $12, you get an overflowing sandwich filled with crispy shrimp and delicious oysters. I had to take half to go, it was that big!

Po’boys come in different kinds, of course. Aside from seafood (like crawfish, catfish, crab), there are also po’boys with pulled pork (called cochon de lait ), turkey, roast beef, and sausage, among others. Vegetarians can find po’boys with green tomatoes.

I almost always order the shrimp/oyster combination, but at the recently held Po’boy Festival , I tried out duck and cochon de lait. Loved the pork, hated the duck! Turkey’s also good as well as soft-shelled crab.

Another must have dish here is gumbo , Louisiana’s official state cuisine, consisting mainly of a strongly-flavored stock, some meat or seafood, a thickener, and some vegetables like celery, bell peppers, and onions. I’ve had gumbo with shrimps, and some with chicken and andouille (sausage). It’s heavy and filling and definitely delicious.

Sampling the best food in New Orleans is definitely one of the must-dos when you’re in the city! You can also go on a food tour in New Orleans .

5. Learn about Louisiana voodoo

New Orleans is rich with ghosts and other supernatural stories!

Aside from great music and delicious food, New Orleans — or Louisiana in general — is also known for voodoo. It was a nature/earth religion coming from West Africa that was refined in Haiti by African slaves.

Voodoo was brought to Louisiana in the early 19th century during the Haitian Revolution, where it was refined to incorporate Christian/Catholic imagery and rituals, mostly to hide their worship from their French slavers.

Marie Laveau, a free woman of color, was New Orleans’ Voodoo Queen. She was a highly influential priestess in her time, and rich people gave her money and even a house for her services. Check out the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum if you’re interested to learn more about this religion.

Check out the Voodoo and Cemetery Tours in New Orleans.

6. Visit some cemeteries and go on a ghost tour

This is actor Nicolas Cage’s tomb, kept vacant until he needs it.

Of course, with New Orleans being known for its supernatural beings (Louisiana was the setting for the TV series True Blood, and Anne Rice’s vampires are from Nola!), you just can’t miss going on a cemetery tour and checking out the houses with well known ghost encounters.

St. Louis Cemetery #1 (there are currently three of the same name) is the oldest, having been opened after the city burned in 1788. Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau’s tomb is here, as well as several other historic and highly influential people. Even Hollywood actor Nicolas Cage already has a tomb here, all ready for the time he croaks.

Make sure to visit the house of the infamous Delphine Lalaurie.

The infamously evil slave owner Delphine LaLaurie was also said to be buried in St. Louis Cemetery. When you take a ghost tour, a visit to LaLaurie’s mansion is included. Be prepared to hear of acts so evil it’s unbelievable!

Want something different? Go on a skeptic’s ghost tour . It’s basically the same as any other ghost tour; the guide will take you to houses with well-known ghost sightings and tell you what happened there. What makes it different is that they will tell you the truth about each ghost story.

Muriel’s is reportedly haunted. True or not? The Skeptic’s Ghost Tour will tell you the truth!

So while this tour is not for the 100% believer of ghosts, it’s still great as a way to see two sides of the ghost stories. Note, though, that they won’t debunk what is known to have happened in the LaLaurie Mansion. Everything you’ve heard about it is true.

The tours I’ve mentioned here are great for solo travelers. There is no minimum number of people required, and if you book, it is guaranteed to push through, even if there’s only one participant. Just don’t forget to tip your guide!

7. Spend a day at the World War II Museum

The sidewalk outside the museum has veterans’ name on the bricks.

New Orleans WWII Museum, the 3rd best museum in the United States, according to TripAdvisor users, is definitely worth a visit.

I put off going there for some time, as I’m not too much into museums (except art and space museums), so I was surprised when I easily spent 5 hours and wished I could have gone there earlier (it closes at 5pm).

The WWII museum, accessible through the St. Charles streetcar line, has several exhibits and interactive experiences. I spent hours in the Pacific Theater galleries; the museum layout makes it easy to follow the timeline, so you don’t get confused.

Make sure to listen to oral histories as well.

There are photos and film documentaries running in a loop; there are also oral histories you can listen to throughout the galleries. Some of the photos and videos hit close to home; growing up, I heard about the war from my grandparents and could only imagine what they went through.

I would also highly recommend watching the 4D show Beyond All Boundaries , which gives you a bit of context about World War II.

The World War II Museum is at 945 Magazine Street. Take the St. Charles streetcar going there and get off at the Lee Circle. Admission fee is $27 for adults ($32 with Beyond All Boundaries) and $17.50 for students ($22.50 with the show). Open from 9am to 5pm. You can also buy tickets here .

8. Bike around Uptown and the Garden District and ogle the gorgeous mansions there

One of the gorgeous mansions along St. Charles Avenue, decorated during Halloween.

One of my favorite things to do in New Orleans as a solo traveler is biking around the neighborhood. I’m based in the Uptown area, and the houses here (or more appropriately, the mansions) as well as in the nearby Garden District, are absolutely gorgeous.

If you’re into architecture, you’d have a field day identifying the architectural styles, from Italianate and Greek revival, to Colonial, Queen Anne, and Reconstructionist, among others. (And no, I can’t identify them to save my life.)

The mansions are big, with high ceilings seen through floor-length glass windows. There are columns and balconies, and porches with swings. Some houses are short and wide, others are thin and long. Some houses are fenced in, others just have well-tended grass lawns and driveways. Most park their cars on the street.

One thing is for sure: when you bike (or walk) around these neighborhoods, you will definitely wish you live in one of those classic Southern Louisiana mansions you’ve only previously seen on the movies.

See the Garden District and other historic neighborhoods in this luxury bus tour for only $27.

9. Ride the St. Charles streetcar

The oldest streetcar in the world is in New Orleans.

Sure, it’s always a treat to ride a streetcar. It’s something new, right? In New Orleans, however, there are two things that make riding the St. Charles streetcar different.

First, it’s a historic streetcar line. It is the oldest in New Orleans, and in fact, according to Wikipedia, it is the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world (running since 1835). Only the St. Charles streetcars survived Katrina since they were parked on higher ground; all the cars for the other lines (Canal St. line, see featured photo) had to be replaced after the hurricane.

Inside the St. Charles streetcar.

Second, the streetcar travels along St. Charles Avenue, which I think is the most beautiful street in New Orleans. It is definitely called the “Jewel of America’s Grand Avenues” for a reason. A wide oak-lined street, St. Charles Avenue is home to historic churches, universities, and gorgeous mansions that best capture the elegance and charm of Southern Louisiana.

Major parades go through here, too, including the Mardi Gras. When you’re strolling along St. Charles, look up at the oak trees. You’ll find a lot of Mardi Gras beads strung up there.

Fare for buses and streetcar lines cost $1.25 each way. If you plan to take more than 2 rides, get the 24-hour day pass for $3. Bring exact change as the drivers don’t handle money. If you do need change, they’ll give you a card with that amount which you can use next time you buy a ticket. You can also buy tickets online and just show to the driver when you get on.

10. Experience the wonder of Mardi Gras

The NOLA Chorus Girls in the Krewe of Freret (Mardi Gras 2018)

There is absolutely nothing like the carnival in New Orleans. Even my local friends, who say they usually go out of town when the season begins, admit that attending the Mardi Gras is an experience like no other. It should be in every traveler’s bucket list.

What happens during Mardi Gras ?

There are several parades everyday by social clubs known as the krewe. The masked Krewe members are dressed in rich and elaborate costumes, riding in elaborately decorated floats where they throw colored plastic beads (among other things) to spectators. One of my friends is part of the original group of the Krewe of Tucks, while another is part of the Krewe of Muses.

The best parades to watch, according to GoNOLA, are the Krewes of Rex, Bacchus, Zulu, Endymion, and Orpheus. Check out the schedule of the parades here .

People love dressing up here; this was during Halloween.

While parades for Mardi Gras 2018 start in January, the best time to come here, if you want to watch the best parades, is from February 9 to 13. Mardi Gras (“Fat Tuesday”), which is the day before Ash Wednesday, falls on February 13th and is the last day of the Carnival season.

If you come in the off season, head instead to the Mardi Gras Museum Of Costumes so you can see what kind of costumes they wear and the accessories they use.

It might not be as much fun to participate in the Mardi Gras as a solo traveler. So when you’re here, make sure to hit up Couchsurfing New Orleans or Meetup to find people you can go with. Send me a message as well as I will be here!

There is so much more to New Orleans than the activities I listed here. In fact, the next post I will write will be about the off-the-beaten path things to do in the Big Easy, for those who don’t want crowds, or who want something different. In the meantime, plan your trip to Nola. You would love it!

Have you visited New Orleans? What other experience can you add?

• Recent Posts

• Visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding - May 20, 2024
• Why Thailand Is a Great Destination for Solo Travelers - March 21, 2024
• 20 Absolutely Useful Tips For Backpacking Southeast Asia - July 30, 2023

Related Posts

Explore Southern Louisiana, the Heart of Cajun Country

5 Reasons to Celebrate Halloween in New Orleans

Your Guide to the Best Food in New Orleans

18 comments . leave new.

Heu, Aleah. I am working on a research about unique products to buy in New Orleans (fashion, accessories, cosmetics, gifts and even courses/experiences for a female traveler. Could you help me with some recommendation?

Hi! I can highly recommend gifting an experience. The first one I talked about in this post, for example, is a swamp tour that’s unlike any other swamp tour in NOLA. It comes with an educational session, too, about the environment in the state of Louisiana! Regarding accessories, I would suggest visiting the weekend markets, like the Freret Street Market, for unique finds.

Also, I wrote about Dr Bob and Simon. Their art work can make for great souvenirs! https://touringbird.area120.com/new_orleans/self-guided/e2q3p017 (Simon) https://touringbird.area120.com/new_orleans/self-guided/wgqfmydr (Dr Bob)

New Orleans is one of the places on my US bucketlist if I ever get to go! #1 is for the beignets and the next is because of all the shows that I watched that featured it for their voodoo. I didn’t realize though how much you can actually do when you get there! 🙂

I had the same predicament as you – planned just a couple of days in New Orleans but ended up staying for a whole week. I stumbled upon Frenchman Street at the very end of Bourbon Street. It has a row of blues and jazz joints where locals and musicians hang out. One one the bars I went to had a blues band playing and a random guy just joined them, seamlessly freestyling with his saxophone which was never out of tune with the rest of the band.

That’s the magic of New Orleans.

As a huge fan of jazz and blues music New Orleans has been on my to go to list ever since forever. I heard stories about safety in New Orleans and its refreshing to see a great post with some great suggestions. I love the French Quarter and all the voodoo stuff sounds interesting but for me its really centred around the music!!!

I love New Orleans. My first visit in 2004 was just magical – all I’d ever imagined, and then some. I returned in 2006 and was absolutely devastated to witness the post hurricane city. I am wondering if there is still evidence of this disaster.

New Orleans is my absolute favorite! You found some great things to do! I never get tired of cajun food and ghost tours!

Nawlins – saying how locals say it LOL – is a fascinating city Aleah. You did a great job capturing its colorful nature. Sure here in NYC you have 40 billion things to do. We are on the Upper West Side now as I type these words; my mind spins with the options, especially with the Macy’s Turkey Day parade in 2 days, on this very block. But the NO has so many things to do as well, but on a smaller, more manageable, scale. Loving this post, well done!

The French Quarter looks absolutely charming! I’ve been wanting to plan a solo trip but not sure where and New Orleans sounds like the perfect place so thank you for sharing! Except I think I’d still want to attend Mardi Gras with friends. The more the merrier right? 😉

I am the one and done type of traveler. When I see a place, I’m done, and not keen on going back. Except for a few places and New Orleans is among them.

Are you going to be in the West Coast this trip?

This is a great guide! I’ve been to NOLA so many times and other than learning about voodoo, I haven’t one single educational thing! Going to save your guide for future travels.

The kayak tour sounds great, and good to know that some tours are being environmentally conscious. I think I’ll pass on the cemeteries and ghost tours though. Would definitely love to visit during Mardi Gras thought. I’ve heard New Orleans is like the capital of Mardi Gras celebrations!

You know, I never knew if New Orleans would be the kind of place I wanted to visit…but you’ve definitely convinced me that I should check it out! There’s such a diverse amount of things you can explore there, and I’m interested in all of the things you mentioned!

New Orleans is a really fascinating city. You should definitely check it out when you have a chance.

New Orleans is high on my list- especially the French Quarter as you outlined. I bet I’d gain 5 pounds from all the delicious food!

I’ve already gained 5 pounds. The food in the French Quarter is sooo delicious!

I visited New Orleans a very long time ago and wold *love* to go back, mostly for the food (Cafe du Monde!) and strolling through the French quarter. Great roundup! 🙂

There’s so much more here than beignets. Time to come visit again. 😀

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

7 Travel Trips for Visiting New Orleans Solo

Posted on Published: March 17, 2022

If you love - share with a friend!

As a New Orleans native, I typically go to events or restaurants alone when my friends or family can’t make an event. Experiencing New Orleans solo is quite easy since many locals are nice and welcoming.

If you can’t tell, I’m extremely extroverted, and I do not have trouble making friends and talking to strangers.

While looking for guest bloggers, Brittany Michele wanted to put together a New Orleans solo travel guide for women.

These tips, plus additional tips you can find in the New Orleans section of Plaid Shirt Yoga Pants, can help plan the perfect solo weekend in New Orleans.

Whether if you are looking for trips to take alone in the South or want to explore New Orleans on your own check out this blog post for the perfect New Orleans solo trip.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy this guest post by Brittany all about her solo trip to New Orleans .

This post contains affiliate links, advertisements, and links to Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. To learn more, go to my Disclosure page .

NOLA Solo Travel Tips for Women

In the days leading up to my 3-week solo trip to New Orleans, I started to panic. I’m pretty sure it’s standard procedure for anyone to start freaking out a little bit before a 3-week trip.

How does someone pack for something like that anyway? Will packing cubes even fit three weeks worth of anything?

Can I really keep my luggage weight under 50 pounds? I can barely do that for one week!

Not only was I embarking on a 3-week trip, but I was going alone.

I’d never gone on a trip this long before, let alone solo. While I had a few friends already in the city, I still couldn’t help feeling anxious about my time alone.

As an introvert, I often cherish that alone time though it can still be crippling and keep me from meeting new people or going out and exploring new things on my own.

Can I even Travel Alone?

Would I leave the Airbnb or would I feel too anxious to go out?

It’s a strange feeling–dining alone, traveling alone, seeing movies alone. There are certain places and activities where I feel I’d thrive and other times where I feel like there’s a spotlight shining on me.

“Look at that poor girl, all alone,” says everyone. I imagine.

I remember telling my dad about a movie I saw by myself, and he said, “good for you!” It wasn’t until then that I realized there’s a certain level of bravery facing any activity alone.

I held onto that as a strength during my trip.

Leading up to my trip, a close friend had suggested the book “ I’m Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come ” by Jessica Pan. It was my survival guide.

Each chapter felt like I wrote it. The more I read, the braver I felt striking up conversations with strangers, and I started to take pleasure in short exchanges with those whose paths crossed with mine, listening intently to the stories of locals and visitors alike.

1. Don’t be afraid to start the conversation during Solo travel

I took many Uber , and Lyftrides during my time in New Orleans, much to the chagrin of my wallet. Most of the time, the drivers were happy to talk.

One even thanked me for breaking the ice, saying that it isn’t often riders will want to chat about something.

I chatted with one driver about his upcoming sommelier test, and we spent fifteen glorious minutes nerding out over wines and California wineries.

2. Find out where the locals go

Another benefit of talking with locals is getting tips on where to eat . I mentioned to nearly anyone who would listen that I was in town for an extended stay and wanted to experience the city the way locals do.

One driver insisted I check out Wrong Iron, a popular neighborhood bar in Mid-City. Another driver recommended a restaurant a half-hour outside the city, on the bayou, that looked like something out of a fairytale.

3. Find a meet-up or a local group to meet locals or other solo travelers

I know this is every introvert’s worst nightmare. I still cringe at the idea of a room full of strangers and me with a “hello my name is” sticker on my blouse, trying to make small talk with people.

Luckily, I was already a part of a Facebook group with a lot of local Nola ladies in it already. Leading up to the solo trip to New Orleans, I gathered up some courage to write in the group about my travels to see if anyone would be interested in meeting up.

I must’ve read that post a dozen times before I hit “submit.”

But if it weren’t for that group, I wouldn’t have made new friends in the city. I wouldn’t have been introduced to parts of town I likely wouldn’t have ventured out to on my own.

From that, I feel grateful to have formed two friendships with some lovely local ladies.

There are other forums out there explicitly dedicated to solo traveling and meet-ups . I’ll be honest; I wish I took advantage of more of them.

It’s a great excuse to enlist some company for a night out should you not feel brave enough to go it alone.

Like this post? Pin for later!

4. Saddle up to the bar with a good book

While brunching one morning at Katie’s, a Mid-City neighborhood spot, I saw a man leave from the end of the bar with a book in his hand.

That seemed so nice. I wanted to do that.

I wanted to walk to \ a local breakfast place , book in hand, and enjoy a cup of coffee while reading.

Instead of subjecting myself to continually refreshing my Facebook feed, why wasn’t I bringing a book to read when I didn’t want to socialize?

After three weeks in New Orleans, I started to feel like a bar and happy hour expert. The atmosphere has always been important to me when dining out, and there have been some spots that made me seem a little disconnected from the rest of the room.

While Manolito in the heart of the Quarter has a delicious Cuban sandwich and unique cocktails that I’d recommend to anyone, I’d opt for the upstairs seating for a better atmosphere. Beats staring into the kitchen or at the cash register while at the bar.

5. Take Advantage of Good Dining Deals

I happened to be in town for the first few days of August and Coolinary was going on. I took advantage of the 4-course meal the Bywater American Bistro had listed.

Sit close to the bartender, who will chat with you about the complexity of the dishes and ask genuine questions about your trip and your life and make you feel a little more seen and a lot more human.

While Avo Uptown had the most exquisite Italian meal I’ve had in a long time (thanks again, Coolinary!), I felt disconnected from the dining room.

My back turned on tables full of people I could be watching and admiring. Avo was the only restaurant where I felt like there was a literal spotlight on me and my soloness –the bar had brighter lights than the rest of the dimly lit room.

And I sat at the bar alone, staring at a modest wall of liquor.

6. Listen to music and live like a local

I can’t think of a better place to be on your own than a jazz bar.

The only conversations you’re likely to have are during the “five-minute” band breaks. Otherwise, strolling the blocks of Frenchmen Street, admiring the artists in the night markets, and popping into the dozens of bars with live music is a fantastic way to spend your night.

Oddly enough, I met a Frenchman on Frenchmen who talked to me about his US travels and his work at Cartier. We discussed the different wine bars he should visit – Bacchanal is a must – and the city’s diverse culture.

I talked with an out-of-town woman who owns multiple properties nearby and comes into the city every few months because she can’t seem to stay away too long . Sounds like me, minus the part of the owning a house in New Orleans.

It was a fantastic way to meet locals and those visiting from out of town, so long as you’re open to it.

Hitting up the various bars on Frenchmen became a bit of a regular thing for me during my trip, and those are my fondest memories of the trip.

The street’s crowds ebb and flow throughout the week. Nothing beats enjoying a seat at the bar at the Spotted Cat mid-week or seeing the enthusiastic crowd at a packed Maison on the weekends.

Something about the jazz bars makes it easy to disconnect from the glowing screen of a cell phone for a few hours and relish in being as present as possible in one of my favorite cities in the country.

I’m already counting down the days until my next trip where I hope to explore new-to-me neighborhoods and other good eats off the beaten path.

7. Solo Travel in New Orleans is safe – as told by a local

Many people are concerned about the crime in New Orleans, and even though there is a lot of crime in New Orleans, there are ways to stay safe.

Use the same common sense that you would use in any major city. Keep your personal belongings with you, be aware of your surroundings, and don’t walk in sketchy areas at night alone.

When in doubt, take an Uber or Lyft to hop to the next bar or to get back to your hotel room.

Even though New Orleans has a large drinking culture, make sure you are not over-indulging to continue to stay safe in New Orleans . Make sure to stay out of the bad neighborhoods and keep to the well-populated areas of town.

New Orleans Solo Tips

Hopefully, Brittany’s stories and tips help you feel at ease with traveling to New Orleans as a solo female traveler! There are so many different places to stay, activities to do, and ways to be comfortable in New Orleans that I hope your next solo trip will be in New Orleans!

Plaid Shirt Yoga Pants is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We also participate in other affiliate programs which compensate us for referring traffic.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Friday 8th of April 2022

What's the name of the fairytale restaurant outside of nola? Thanks!

25 New Orleans Murals you Must See Now - Plaid Shirt Yoga Pants

Wednesday 23rd of March 2022

[…] Photography Tip: The Little Gem Salon closed, and so far, there are no signs of reopening as something else or of painting over the mural. The Mural was only commissioned in 2018, so hopefully, the new owners appreciate BMikes art and keep it around. But just in case you want to make this a stop on your next New Orleans trip. […]

21 Things to do in New Orleans this Winter - Plaid Shirt Yoga Pants

Friday 23rd of July 2021

[…] you’ve visited New Orleans before, you’ve probably visited or at lease seen Jackson Square. Each year, a few days before […]

Eating Gluten Free in New Orleans by Neighborhoods

[…] you’re visiting New Orleans or have friends and family visiting, chances are, you’ll end up in the French Quarter. In the […]

95 Free and Cheap Things to do in New Orleans (Under $7)

[…] are so many great places to stay while visiting New Orleans.  Here are some of our […]

UK-based blog for and by travel-loving women

A Solo Trip to New Orleans

New Orleans is one of the best cities in the world for a solo traveller. The exceptionally lively atmosphere combined with the outstanding friendliness and hospitality of the locals means that making friends and having incredible experiences is a breeze. The only problem solo travellers to the Big Easy will face is choosing what to do and what to leave until their next visit!

With that in mind, we thought we’d put together a few bits of useful advice and guidance for anyone planning a solo trip to New Orleans. So whether you are on a US road trip, a quick weekend getaway , or in New Orleans for a cruise , these are a few things you absolutely must do when vacationing alone in the Big Easy.

Spend an evening on Frenchmen Street

The music scene in New Orleans is one of the city’s main attractions, and the best and most authentic performers can usually be found on Frenchmen Street. This stretch of bars, cafes, and tiny venues on the edge of the French Quarter and Marigny is always buzzing with activity, with gorgeous melodies pouring out of every door and window. It is a perfect spot for the solo traveller to hang out, meet new people, and hear the best tunes New Orleans has to offer.

Walk around the French Quarter

The French Quarter’s fantastic colonial architecture is another of New Orleans’ star features, and the best way to soak up the historic atmosphere of this wonderful city is by strolling around its oldest district. From intricate wrought-iron balustrades to colourful wood shutters, every building is a sight to see, and a stroll around the French Quarter will always throw up a few surprises as well!

Ride the streetcar

The streetcars in New Orleans are both a great way to get around and a fun, historical experience in their own right. The St Charles line is a truly beautiful way to see the city, running all the way from Uptown, through the Garden District, along the Mississippi, and ending up at Canal Street on the edge of the French Quarter.

The cuisine in New Orleans is rightly famous, and the city has one of the best dining scenes in the US. Eating out alone is never lonely in NOLA, as waiting staff, bartenders, and even chefs are incredibly friendly and will make you feel welcomed and at home from the moment you step through the doors.

You May Also Like

The Best Places to Dine Near Philadelphia Airport

Embarrassing travel tales

The Best Places in The UK to Move to as a Student

Leave a reply cancel reply.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Plan a Solo Trip To New Orleans

New Orleans is one of the best getaways in the Southeast U.S. ! The architecture, swamps, fantastic food, and music scene make this city a perfect vacation destination. So I’ve created the ultimate guide for planning a solo trip to New Orleans.

The Ultimate Southeast Travel Guide

When you visit New Orleans, I urge you to educate yourself about the history of slavery in the U.S. Many of New Orlean’s plantations, statues, and historic landmarks are dedicated to raising awareness about racism. So please don’t ignore this history; learn from it.

Here’s how to plan a solo trip to New Orleans!

Must-Do Activities

Join the Newsletter

Get exclusive travel tips, freebies, giveaways, and more!

February – May is New Orleans’ peak travel season when most of the major festivals – including Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – take place. Tourist numbers and accommodation prices will be at their highest during these months, and you’ll need to book up to a year in advance.

Many of the city’s most popular attractions close during Mardi Gras, so if sightseeing is a priority, plan a trip that doesn’t coincide with the event. Springtime weather is warm, with average high temperatures ranging from the low 70s to the mid-80s.

June – August is hot and humid (temperatures can get into the high-90s). The heat keeps most people away, so you can find some great accommodation rates in these months. This is also the rainiest season, so make sure to pack rain gear and know that rain doesn’t cool the city off; it just makes it more humid.

September – November is the low season because this is hurricane season. So accommodation rates will still be relatively low, and the temperatures will be pleasant in the 80s – mid-70s.

December – January is the shoulder season. Temperatures will range from the 60s to 70s, and the city will be decorated for the holidays.

The Ultimate Guide To The United States

Top Vacation Homes in the Southeast U.S.

Where To Stay

New Orleans has some incredible hotels for every budget and preference. From trendy boutique hotels to high rises to historic mansions, I’ve rounded up the best hotels in New Orleans .

If you’re bringing an RV or motorhome, I recommend the French Quarter RV Resort. New Orleans also has some   incredible vacation homes .

Where To Eat

New Orleans is one of the best foodie destinations in the Southeast and the country. Almost everything in the city revolves around food and drink, so you want to spend plenty of time experiencing the city’s food scene.

I highly recommend doing a food and cocktail tour during your trip. This will let you sample your way across the city, learn about the history of the city’s cuisine, and discover the best places to eat from a local guide.

The Ultimate New Orleans Foodie Guide

My favorite restaurants in New Orleans are:

Red Fish Grill – Oysters, Seafood, $$, try the Alligator Sausage & Seafood Gumbo and the Cat 5 Hurricane.

Napoleon House – Creole, $$, try the Muffuletta sandwich, chicken and andouille sausage jambalaya, and the Pimm’s Cup cocktail.

Dickie Brennan’s Tableau – Creole, $$$, try the French 75 cocktail.

Cane & Table – American, Bar, $$, come here for brunch and the classic daiquiri.

Best Viewpoints Of The City

Best Day Trips

Riverboat Cruise. Going on a Mississippi River cruise is one of the best things to do in New Orleans. These cruises usually last a couple of hours to half a day. You can do sightseeing tours in the day and at night, and most ships have food and live jazz music. This cruise will give you beautiful views of the city and the chance to explore the riverfront.

Honey Island Swamp Tour . The bayou is a beautiful part of the region to explore. So head out of the city to take a boat tour with Honey Island Swamp Tour (they also offer hotel pick-ups) through the Honey Island Cypress Swamp. You’ll get to see wildlife, and you’ll have a local guide to tell you all about the area’s flora, fauna, and history.

Shop My Travel Essentials

Is there anything you’d add to this guide to plan a solo trip to New Orleans? If so, let us know in the comments!

Recommended tours in new orleans, plan the rest of your trip.

Pictures of the French Quarter in New Orleans

New Orleans Mother-Daughter Trip

Foodie Destination Guide for New Orleans

Top Luxury Hotels in New Orleans

The Best Getaways In The Southeast U.S.

Luxury Vacation Rentals in New Orleans

Solo Trip To Asheville, NC

Frequently asked questions, is new orleans good for a solo trip.

Yes! New Orleans is one of the best destinations for solo female travelers in the U.S.

What is the best time of year to go to New Orleans?

February – May is New Orleans’ peak travel season when most of the major festivals – including Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – take place. Tourist numbers and accommodation prices will be at their highest during these months, and you’ll need to book up to a year in advance.

Many of the city’s most popular attractions close during Mardi Gras, so if sightseeing is a priority, plan a trip that doesn’t coincide with the event. Springtime weather is warm, with average high temperatures ranging from the low 70s to the mid-80s.

June – August is hot and humid (temperatures can get into the high-90s). The heat keeps most people away, so you can find some great accommodation rates in these months. This is also the rainiest season, so make sure to pack rain gear and know that rain doesn’t cool the city off; it just makes it more humid.

September – November is the low season because this is hurricane season. So accommodation rates will still be relatively low, and the temperatures will be pleasant in the 80s – mid-70s.

December – January is the shoulder season. Temperatures will range from the 60s to 70s, and the city will be decorated for the holidays.

Is New Orleans safe to walk alone?

I felt very safe during my trips to New Orleans. But, as with any destination, you need to take precautions to keep yourself safe. Don’t walk by yourself at night, stay in a secure and well-located hotel or vacation home, use slash-proof, lockable, and RFID-protected bags and purses, and always have a charged cell phone with you.

Can I visit New Orleans without a car?

Yes, New Orleans is a very walkable city, and rideshares are easy to find. To save money and time, I recommend choosing accommodation within walking distance of the majority of places you want to visit.

What is there to do on a solo trip to New Orleans?

1. Do a walking tour of the French Quarter that includes Bourbon Street, St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, Faulkner House Books, and Pirates Alley.

2. See a show at a jazz club.

3. Do a food and cocktail tour.

4. Party on Frenchman Street.

5. V isit the JAMNOLA museum and/or the New Orleans Museum of Art.

Party on Bourbon Street.

6. H ave a picnic in City Park. Or if it’s December, see the Celebration in the Oaks light show at City Park.

7. Ride a streetcar.

8. Do a walking tour of the Garden District that includes St. Charles Avenue and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.

9. Go on a French Quarter ghost tour.

What do I need to know before going to New Orleans?

When you visit New Orleans, I urge you to educate yourself about the history of slavery in the U.S. Many of New Orlean’s plantations, statues, and historic landmarks are dedicated to raising awareness about racism. So please don’t ignore this history; learn from it.

How many days do you need to visit New Orleans?

Give yourself at least 3-4 days to explore New Orleans. This will give you plenty of time to experience the historic downtown, enjoy the food and music scenes, and take a day trip.

What should I not miss in New Orleans?

Your travel checklist, book your flight, get travel insurance, book your accommodation, make sure you're traveling with the best credit card to earn travel points and avoid international fees, find out if you need a visa and get one here, pin this guide.

This guide for planning a solo trip to New Orleans is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this guide are entirely my own. Some of the links in this guide for planning a solo trip to New Orleans are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from this guide for planning a solo trip to New Orleans.

post a comment cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

lucyonlocale

1,190 12,201

Food Road Trip Planner: 6 Culinary Regions In America To Visit

E xploring the culinary regions of America on a road trip is an immersive experience that helps you connect with an area. Food is a universal language; it rises above borders, social standing, and ethnicity and brings people together.

Planning a road trip around culinary regions will allow you to taste various distinctive and enticing dishes specific to the region. You’ll also learn about the history and culture behind them.

You can meet local chefs and farmers, visit markets, and attend food festivals, all while enjoying scenic drives through beautiful landscapes. A culinary road trip is not just about the food but the journey and the memories you create along the way.

Make your culinary trip to one of these cities, then drive to the surrounding countryside to find the source of the food you savor.

1. San Francisco, California

San Francisco is a city known for its outstanding foodie scene. It is a melting pot of different cultures, which is evident in its food. San Francisco has a long culinary history. It dates to the Gold Rush era when immigrants worldwide came to California in search of fortune.

The city is famous for its sourdough bread, a staple since the Gold Rush. Seafood is also a big part of the city’s culinary traditions, with fresh fish and shellfish caught from the Pacific Ocean being served in many restaurants. Additionally, San Francisco is home to Chinatown, the largest outside of Asia, and offers a range of authentic Chinese cuisine.

2. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is a city unlike any other, and its food is no exception. The cuisine of New Orleans is a fusion of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean flavors, resulting in a unique and delicious culinary experience.

Some of the most popular dishes from the city include gumbo, jambalaya, red beans, rice, and po’boys. Seafood is also on every menu, with fresh oysters, shrimp, and crawfish served in restaurants, food stands, and food trucks. Try the famous beignets, a deep-fried doughnut covered in powdered sugar, for dessert. In New Orleans, you’ll never go hungry.

3. Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore is a city with a long and varied culinary history. The food is shaped by its location near the Chesapeake Bay, making seafood a staple in many dishes. Crab cakes, soft-shell crabs, and oysters are just a few examples of the seafood delicacies that Baltimore is known for.

But the city’s food history is not limited to seafood alone. Baltimore is famous for pit beef. This local specialty involves marinating beef and cooking it over a charcoal fire. Other popular dishes in Baltimore include Old Bay seasoning, Berger cookies, and Natty Boh beer.

4. Kansas City, Missouri And Kansas

Kansas City is often associated with world-famous barbecue. The barbecue culture in Kansas City is deeply ingrained in its history. It has become a significant part of the city’s identity. The city features over 100 barbecue restaurants, each with a unique style and flavor.

The most popular barbecued meats in Kansas City are pork ribs, burnt ends, brisket, and pulled pork. The barbecue sauce in Kansas City is a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce used to baste the meat while it cooks. A visit to Kansas City is incomplete without trying its mouth-watering barbecue.

5. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe has a distinct cuisine that reflects the region’s cultural legacy. The food in Santa Fe is deeply influenced by the Native American and Hispanic cultures, offering a blend of flavors and spices individual to the region.

Some of the most popular dishes in Santa Fe include green chile stew, enchiladas, tamales, and posole. The city is famous for its chilies, used in many dishes, and can be found in varying degrees of spiciness. Santa Fe’s food is just right for anyone who wants to explore new flavors, especially chilies.

6. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago has a distinct food history. It is a melting pot of different ethnicities; you can see it in the cuisine. The Windy City’s food scene has been shaped by the influence of immigrants worldwide, including European, African American, Mexican, and Asian communities.

Some of the most popular dishes in Chicago are the savory deep-dish pizzas, Chicago-style hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches. The city is also known for its love of street food, with food trucks and stands offering a variety of delicious eats. Chicago’s food scene is a testament to its vibrant and multicultural community.

If you’re planning a culinary road trip, there are a few things to consider. First, determine the destinations you want to visit and research the local cuisine. Look for unique and authentic dishes that are specific to each region.

You can check out food blogs, travel guides, and apps to find the best places to eat, visit markets, and attend food festivals. Plan your route to include scenic drives through beautiful landscapes and consider staying at local bed and breakfasts or inns to fully immerse yourself in the local culture. Remember to try the local specialties and meet local chefs and farmers along the way.

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits

Tropical Storm Alberto forms in Gulf, brings heavy rain to Texas

Alberto is forecast to make landfall in Mexico overnight.

A tropical system off the coast of Mexico has strengthened into Tropical Storm Alberto and is bringing heavy rain, coastal flooding and gusty winds to Texas.

Alberto -- the first named storm of the season -- is forecast to make landfall in Mexico overnight and will impact Texas through Thursday.

MORE: 3 life-saving tactics to use if in a car during a flash flood

Heavy rain is underway in south Texas and will be most widespread from Wednesday afternoon to Wednesday evening. Scattered showers will last through Thursday.

Rain totals could reach 10 inches in Texas and up to 20 inches in the mountains of Mexico.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott preemptively declared a severe weather disaster declaration on Wednesday, due to the threats posed by Alberto.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Texas coast, from San Luis Pass to Corpus Christi to the mouth of the Rio Grande. There’s a moderate risk for flash flooding in Corpus Christi and Brownsville.

Storm surge has already topped 4 feet at San Luis Pass, in Texas, just south of Galveston Island.

Coastal flooding is also a threat for the Louisiana coast, including New Orleans.

There’s also the chance of a few tornadoes.

Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 to Nov. 30.

Related Topics

Trending reader picks.

Quadruple murder suspect caught after 2 days

• Jun 20, 3:41 PM

Witness says Gaetz paid her for sex: Sources

• Jun 19, 5:05 AM

Heat wave: Where the dangerous temps are heading

• Jun 19, 9:46 AM

Why to not be concerned about COVID this summer

• Jun 19, 5:04 AM

State's public schools to display Ten Commandments

• Jun 19, 5:40 PM

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

After cancer diagnosis, young musician teams up with Boston rock band for short-run tour that ends in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Ever since the phrase was coined by a D.J. in Cleveland, rock-n-roll has been more than a genre of music. It’s an American lifestyle.

Those who choose the rock life do it for the love of the music, whether it brings you to an area in front of thousands of people or a dive bar for locals in any given city.

The Gibson Malone Band, who calls Boston their home, is no exception to what has become decades of tradition as their van full of players rolls through New Orleans for two nights on the final stop of their short-run U.S. Eastern tour.

On Wednesday (June 19) the band performed at the Eliza Jane Hotel on Magazine Street and they’ll be at The Broadside outdoor stage on North Broad Street to perform from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday (June 20).

It’s the age-old tale of a band of young men setting out on the road to share their music with total strangers behind an independent release of original songs.

However, one thing that does stand out about this ensemble is that one of their featured performers has cancer.

Ike Baer-Sanft, a junior at the Berklee College of Music, was diagnosed in 2023 with mouth cancer. After going through chemotherapy and surgery, Ike was happy to announce himself cancer-free. However, after about a year, the cancer returned.

“About a year ago, in the midst of college, I was diagnosed with mouth cancer,” Baer-Sanft said. “I was in and out of surgery and chemotherapy and thought I was in the clear but it seems that I’m not quite done.”

Baer-Sanft said that, on the bright side, his current rounds of chemotherapy seem to be working and that the experience has just taught him how to “seize the day”.

With uncertainty ahead, Baer-Sanft a singer and multi-instrumentalist, decided to speed up his dreams for rock-n-roll. He knew he wanted to go on tour on the road, something he described as a “bucket list” item. So from there, he got hooked up with some locals he’s been following for a while, the Gibson Malone Band.

Malone, the singer-songwriter frontman of the band, felt now was a good time to take his act on the road since he recently released his first-ever studio release, a 5-song record called The Gibson Malone EP.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gibson Malone (@gibson_malone)

Prior to reaching New Orleans, the band traveled through the Southern cities of Charleston and Nashville.

“As a kid, I started out with the blues,” Malone said. “Howling Wolf... Jimi Hendrix... soulful jazz... That plays a part in the cities we chose for this tour as well We’re definitely looking forward to seeing the French Quarter and hope to be embraced by the culture..”

Baer-Sanft admitted that touring is more tiring for a musician than doing a one-off gig and that those physical challenges only multiply for someone in his situation.

“My chemo this summer has gone really well and I’ve felt up to facing the challenges,” Baer-Sanft said. “I haven’t experienced too much much fatigue or brain fog... In fact, I feel energized.”

Prior to touring Malone said he remembers Baer-Sanft sometimes showing up for rehearsals directly after leaving from chemotherapy sessions and getting right down to business.

“I actually came from chemotherapy, drove four hours, played a gig in Brooklyn...and we started the tour,” Baer-Sanft said with a smile.

“That’s rock-n-roll right there,” Malone said.

Malone and Baer-Sanft said they’re ready to make the most out of their experience in the Crescent City and hope to get the best po’boy recommendation from locals while they’re in town.

If you have po’boy recommendations for the band, you can catch them at The Broadside on Thursday (June 20) night from 6-8 p.m. or reach out to them on social media here .

The Wandering Barman is a craft cocktail brand from Brooklyn partnering with GoodSpirits Marketing Alliance. They are sponsoring the band’s tour, and they’ve organized a GoFundMe campaign to help pay for Ike’s cancer treatment. You can contribute to the cause here .

See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Click Here to report it. Please include the headline.

Subscribe to the Fox 8 YouTube channel .

Copyright 2024 WVUE. All rights reserved.

One of two missing Louisiana girls found dead in Jackson after mother ‘brutally slain’; suspect arrested

Mother, daughter found dead, two arrested

Cousins, ages 1 and 2, drown in swimming pool at Metairie apartment complex

VIDEO: Confessed killer Daniel Callihan allegedly seen carrying crossbow after break-in

Stream news and weather 24/7

Latest news.

King of Concerts: George Strait sets concert attendance record with Kyle Field performance

St. Aug Band returns from D-Day trip with memories for a lifetime

Back That Azz Up: Celebrating 25 years since the release of Juvenile’s big bounce hit

Back That Thang Up: Celebrating 25 years since the release of Juvenile's big bounce hit

• Share full article

Stephen Hiltner/The New York Times

The sculpted facade of a 2,000-year-old tomb glows in the late-afternoon sun at Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Crowds of Muslim pilgrims gather outside the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.

Camels march through the desert on the outskirts of the Empty Quarter, the world’s largest sand sea.

For many years these Saudi Arabian scenes, including the lively open-air markets in Jeddah, were off limits to most travelers.

But not anymore. As it undergoes a profound transformation, Saudi Arabia is spending lavishly to lure tourists with its luxe new resorts ...

... its rich cultural heritage ...

... and its sublime natural beauty.

Can the Saudi government persuade would-be visitors to look past — or reconsider — its longstanding associations with religious extremism, ultraconservatism and human rights abuses?

Will the kingdom’s $800 billion bet on tourism pay off?

Supported by

Surprising, Unsettling, Surreal: Roaming Through Saudi Arabia

To witness the kingdom’s profound transformation and assess its ambitious tourism projects, a Times journalist spent a month on the road there. Here’s what he saw.

By Stephen Hiltner

An editor and photojournalist for the Travel section, Stephen Hiltner drove 5,200 miles and visited all 13 of Saudi Arabia’s provinces while reporting and shooting this story.

Wandering alone along the southern fringes of Saudi Arabia’s mountainous Asir Province, some eight miles from the Yemeni border, in a nondescript town with a prominent sculpture of a rifle balanced on an ornately painted plinth, I met a man, Nawab Khan, who was building a palace out of mud.

Listen to this article with reporter commentary

Actually, he was rebuilding the structure, restoring it. And when I came across him, he hadn’t yet begun his work for the day; he was seated on the side of the road beneath its red-and-white windows — cross-legged, on a rug, leaning over a pot of tea and a bowl of dates.

Two weeks earlier, on the far side of the country, a fellow traveler had pointed at a map and described the crumbling buildings here, in Dhahran al-Janub, arranged in a colorful open-air museum. Finding myself nearby, I’d detoured to have a look — and there was Mr. Khan, at first looking at me curiously and then waving me over to join him. Sensing my interest in the cluster of irregular towers, he stood up, produced a large key ring and began opening a series of padlocks. When he vanished through a doorway, I followed him into a shadowy stairwell.

This, of course, was my mother’s worst nightmare: Traveling solo, I’d been coaxed by a stranger into an unlit building in a remote Saudi village, within a volatile border area that the U.S. Department of State advises Americans to stay away from .

By now, though, more than halfway through a 5,200-mile road trip, I trusted Mr. Khan’s enthusiasm as a genuine expression of pride, not a ploy. All across Saudi Arabia, I’d seen countless projects being built, from simple museums to high-end resorts. These were the early fruits of an $800 billion investment in the travel sector, itself part of a much larger effort, Vision 2030 , to remake the kingdom and reduce its economic dependence on oil.

But I’d begun to see the building projects as something else, too: the striving of a country — long shrouded to most Westerners — to be seen, reconsidered, accepted. And with its doors suddenly flung open and the pandemic behind us, visitors like me were finally beginning to witness this new Saudi Arabia, much to Mr. Khan’s and all the other builders’ delight.

Few countries present as complicated a prospect for travelers as Saudi Arabia.

Long associated with Islamic extremism, human rights abuses and the oppression of women, the kingdom has made strides in recent years to refashion its society and its reputation abroad.

The infamous religious police, which upheld codes of conduct based on an ultraconservative interpretation of Islam, were stripped of their power. Public concerts, once banned, are now ubiquitous. Women have been granted new rights — including the freedom to drive and to travel without permission from a male guardian — and are no longer required to wear floor-length robes in public or to cover their hair.

These changes are part of a broad set of strategies to diversify the kingdom’s economy, elevate its status in the world and soften its image — the last of which is a tall order for a government that has killed a newspaper columnist , kidnapped and tortured dissidents , precipitated a humanitarian crisis in Yemen and imprisoned people for supporting gay rights , among a number of other recent abuses .

Central to the transformations led by 38-year-old Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom’s de facto ruler, is a major push for international visitors. It represents a sea change in a country that, until 2019, issued no nonreligious tourist visas and instead catered almost exclusively to Muslim pilgrims visiting Mecca and Medina, Islam’s two holiest cities. In February, by contrast, my tourist e-visa was approved online in minutes.

Saudi Arabia has already transformed one of its premier destinations — Al-Ula, with its UNESCO-listed Nabatean tombs — from a neglected collection of archaeological sites into a lavish retreat with a bevy of activities on offer, including guided tours, wellness festivals, design exhibitions and hot air balloon rides.

Another project will create a vast array of luxury resorts on or near the Red Sea.

Still more projects include the development of Diriyah , the birthplace of the first Saudi state; the preservation and development of the coastal city of Jeddah ; an offshore theme park called the Rig ; and Neom , the futuristic city that has garnered the lion’s share of attention.

All told, the country is hoping to draw 70 million international tourists per year by 2030, with tourism contributing 10 percent of its gross domestic product. (In 2023, the country logged 27 million international tourists, according to government figures , with tourism contributing about 4 percent of G.D.P.)

At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was the birthplace of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is now the centerpiece of the $63 billion Diriyah project, a new center of culture just outside Riyadh.

Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve on a remote island in the Red Sea, opened in late May. (A one-bedroom villa costs about $2,500 per night, excluding taxes and fees.) It is one of 50 properties scheduled to open in the area by 2030.

The preservation and development of Jeddah, a coastal city famous for its historic district built largely from blocks of coral, comes with a price tag of some $20 billion.

Al-Ula is a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s tourism ambitions. Part of the city’s Old Town, long crumbling in neglect, has now been painstakingly restored.

To get a sense of these projects and the changes unfolding in Saudi society, I spent a month exploring the kingdom by car. I traveled alone, without a fixer, driver or translator. Per New York Times ethics guidelines, I declined the government’s many offers of discounts and complimentary services.

Much of the time I felt I’d been tossed the keys to the kingdom. But there were moments, too, when I faced a more complicated reality, one epitomized by a road sign that forced me to abruptly exit the highway some 15 miles from the center of Mecca. “Obligatory for Non Muslims,” it read, pointing to the offramp.

To me, the sign broadcast the lines being drawn to compartmentalize the country, which is now marketing itself to two sets of travelers with increasingly divergent — and sometimes contradictory — expectations: luxury tourists at ease with bikinis and cocktails, and pilgrims prepared for modesty and strict religious adherence. It’s hard to know whether the kingdom can satisfy both without antagonizing either.

My trip began in Jeddah, where, after spending two days exploring its historic district, I rented a car and drove eight hours north to Al-Ula, a benchmark for the new Saudi tourism initiatives.

Saudi Arabia

Reporter’s route

Dhahran al-Janub

Wadi al-Disah

Red Sea Resort

The name Al-Ula refers to both a small city and a broader region packed with attractions: Hegra , the kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage site and its biggest archaeological draw, is a 30-minute drive north of Old Town, a maze of crumbling mud-brick buildings now partly restored. Between the two, and fanning out to the east and west, are several other archaeological sites, as well as a smattering of resorts, event spaces and adventure outfitters. Farther northeast, beyond Hegra, is the Sharaan Nature Reserve , a vast protected zone used for conservation efforts.

My first priority during my five-day stay in Al-Ula was a visit to Hegra.

Like Petra , its better-known counterpart in Jordan, Hegra was built by the Nabateans, an ancient people who flourished 2,000 years ago. The site contains more than 100 tombs that were carved from solid rock, their entrances adorned with embellishments. Most impressive among them, set apart and standing some 70 feet tall, is a tomb colloquially called the Lonely Castle.

Not long ago, visitors could hire private guides and wander the area on foot, climbing in and out of — and no doubt damaging — the many tombs. Not anymore: I boarded an air-conditioned tour bus and zipped past most of them, stopping at just four locations.

At the penultimate stop, we exited the bus and trudged several hundred feet along a sandy path to the front of the Lonely Castle. Even in the late afternoon, the heat was stifling. I craned my neck to take in the details of the sculpted facade, which emerged like a mirage from one side of a massive boulder: its four pilasters, the rough chisel marks near the bottom, its characteristic five-stepped crown. Ten minutes evaporated, and I turned to find my group being shepherded back onto the bus. I jogged through the sand to catch up.

A few miles north of Hegra, I hopped in the back of a Toyota Land Cruiser — accompanied by an Italian graduate student and his mother — for a drive through the sandy expanse of the Sharaan Nature Reserve.

The scenery was sublime: Slipping through a narrow slot canyon, we emerged into a vast, open desert plain, then settled into a wide valley enclosed by an amphitheater of cliffs. Occasionally our guide stopped and led us on short hikes to petroglyphs, some pockmarked by bullet holes, or to lush fields of wildflowers, where he plucked edible greens and invited us to sample their lemony tang.

Gabriele Morelli, the graduate student, had first come to Al-Ula a few years ago — a different era, he said, given how quickly the place had transformed. He described a version that no longer exists, rife with cheap accommodation, lax rules and a free-for-all sensibility.

Some of the changes, of course, have been necessary to protect delicate ecosystems and archaeological sites from ever-growing crowds. But several people I met in Al-Ula — Saudis and foreigners alike — quietly lamented the extent of the high-end development and the steady erosion of affordability. Many of the new offerings, like the Banyan Tree resort, they pointed out, are luxury destinations that cater to wealthy travelers.

These hushed criticisms were among my early lessons on how difficult it can be to gauge the way Saudis feel about the pace and the pervasiveness of the transformations reshaping their society.

I got a taste of Al-Ula’s exclusivity — and of the uncanniness that occasionally surfaced throughout my trip — at a Lauryn Hill concert in an event space called Maraya . To reach the hall, I passed through a security gate, where an attendant scanned my e-ticket and directed me two miles up a winding road into the heart of the Ashar Valley, home to several high-end restaurants and resorts.

Rounding the final bend, I felt as if I’d stumbled into a computer-generated image: Ant-size humans were dwarfed by a reflective structure that both asserted itself and blended into the landscape. Inside, waiters served hors d’oeuvres and brightly colored mocktails to a chic young crowd.

The surreality peaked when, midway through the show, I left my plush seat to join some concertgoers near the stage — only to turn and see John Bolton, former President Donald J. Trump’s national security adviser, seated in the front row.

Where else, I wondered, could I attend a rap concert in the middle of the desert with a longtime fixture of the Republican Party — amid a crowd that cheered when Ms. Hill mentioned Palestine — but this strange new corner of Saudi Arabia?

The mirrored facade at Maraya, a vast event space in Al-Ula, warps and reflects the surrounding desert landscape.

The building is in some ways a precursor to the kingdom’s most ambitious architectural design: the project at Neom called the Line, a 106-mile linear city that will also feature a mirrored surface.

Lauryn Hill performing in front of a large crowd at Maraya.

After Al-Ula, I drove to another of the kingdom’s extravagant schemes: the Red Sea project, billed as the “world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism destination.” After weaving through a morass of construction-related traffic, I boarded a yacht — alongside a merry band of Saudi influencers — and was piloted some 15 miles to a remote island, where I disembarked in a world of unqualified opulence at the St. Regis Red Sea Resort .

I was chauffeured around in an electric golf cart — past 43 beachside “dune” villas and onto two long boardwalks that connect the rest of the resort to 47 “coral” villas, built on stilts over shallow turquoise water. Along the way, I listened to Lucas Julien-Vauzelle, an executive assistant manager, wax poetic about sustainability. “We take it to the next level,” he said, before rattling off a list of facts and figures: 100 percent renewable energy, a solar-powered 5G network , plans to enhance biologically diverse habitats.

By 2030, he said, the Red Sea project will offer 50 hotels across its island and inland sites. Citing the Maldives, he mentioned the kingdom’s plans to claim a share of the same high-end market.

Another prediction came by way of Keith Thornton, the director of restaurants, who said he expects the resort to legally serve alcohol by the end of the year. (While a liquor store for non-Muslim diplomats recently opened in Riyadh, the Saudi government has made no indication that it plans to reconsider its broader prohibition of alcohol.)

The hotel was undeniably impressive. But there’s an inescapable irony to a lavish resort built at unfathomable expense in the middle of the sea — with guests ferried out by chartered boat and seaplane — that flaunts its aspirations for sustainability.

Toward the end of my several-hour visit, I learned that every piece of vegetation, including 646 palm trees, had been transplanted from an off-site nursery. Later, reviewing historical satellite images, I found visual evidence that the island — described to me as pristine — had been dramatically fortified and, in the process, largely remade. Its footprint had also been significantly altered. It was, in a sense, an artificial island built where a smaller natural island once stood.

Something else struck me, too: The place was nearly empty, save for the staff and the Saudi influencers. Granted, the resort had just opened the month before — but the same was true at the nearby Six Senses Southern Dunes , an inland Red Sea resort that opened in November. Fredrik Blomqvist, the general manager there, told me that its isolated location in a serene expanse of desert — part of its appeal — also presented a challenge in drawing customers. “The biggest thing,” he said, “is to get the message out that the country is open.”

Since the country began issuing tourist visas, influencers have been documenting their experiences in places like Jeddah and Al-Ula, their trips often paid for by the Saudi government. Their breezy content contributes to the impression that the kingdom is awaiting discovery by foreign visitors with out-of-date prejudices. To an extent, for a certain segment of tourists, that’s true.

For many travelers, though, the depiction of the kingdom as an uncomplicated getaway could be dangerously misleading.

Speech in Saudi Arabia is strictly limited; dissent is not tolerated — nor is the open practice of any religion other than the government’s interpretation of Islam. In its travel advisory , the U.S. Department of State warns that “social media commentary — including past comments — which Saudi authorities may deem critical, offensive, or disruptive to public order, could lead to arrest.” Punishment for Saudi nationals has been far worse: In 2023, a retired teacher was sentenced to death after he criticized the ruling family via anonymous accounts. As of late 2023, he remained in prison.

Other restrictions are harder to parse. L.G.B.T.Q. travelers are officially welcome in the kingdom but face a conundrum: They might face arrest or other criminal penalties for openly expressing their sexual orientation or gender identity. As recently as 2021, an independent U.S. federal agency included Saudi Arabia on a list of countries where same-sex relationships are punishable by death , noting that “the government has not sought this penalty in recent years.”

When asked how he would convince a same-sex couple that it was safe to visit, Jerry Inzerillo, a native New Yorker and the group chief executive of Diriyah, said: “We don’t ask you any questions when you come into the country or when you leave.”

“Maybe that’s not conclusive enough,” he added, “but a lot of people have come.”

Female travelers might also face difficulties, since advancements in women’s rights are not equally distributed throughout the kingdom.

The changes were more visible in big cities and tourist centers. Ghydda Tariq, an assistant marketing manager in Al-Ula, described how new professional opportunities had emerged for her in recent years. Maysoon, a young woman I met in Jeddah, made extra money by occasionally driving for Uber. Haneen Alqadi, an employee at the St. Regis Red Sea, described how women there are free to wear bikinis without fear of repercussions.

Outside such places, though, I sometimes went for days without seeing more than a handful of women, invariably wearing niqabs, let alone seeing them engaged in public life or tourism. My photographs reflect that imbalance.

As an easily identifiable Western man, I moved through the country with an array of advantages: the kindness and cheery curiosity of strangers, the ease of passage at military checkpoints, and the freedom to interact with a male-dominated society at markets, museums, parks, restaurants, cafes. Not all travelers could expect the same treatment.

Roaming in the far north and south, I often found the earlier version of the kingdom — with lax rules and less development — that had been described to me in Al-Ula.

I trekked to the northern city of Sakaka to see an archaeological site promoted as the Stonehenge of Saudi Arabia: a set of monoliths called the Rajajil Columns thought to have been erected some 6,000 years ago but about which little is definitively known.

My heart sank when I pulled into the parking lot after a five-hour drive and found the columns blocked by a tall fence. Approaching on foot, though, I noticed that a section of the fence had been peeled back and that visitors were wandering freely among the stones, which protruded from the earth like isolated clusters of crooked teeth. I joined the small crowd, if hesitatingly, and was surprised to find no footpaths, nor anything to keep us a safe distance from the columns. In the end I wondered if our access had been officially approved or informally arranged.

My travel experiences were sometimes awkward in other ways, too.

Standing just outside the grounds of the central mosque in Medina, where the Prophet Muhammad is buried, I was detained by a stern member of the Special Forces. (Even after 2019, non-Muslim tourists remained barred from Mecca and Medina, Islam’s two holiest cities. The ban was relaxed in parts of Medina in 2021.)

The guard interrogated me and, after calling a colleague to confer, demanded that I leave the area. “Go,” he said threateningly. Another traveler who witnessed the encounter scurried away to avoid a similar fate.

The unsettling exchange cast a pall over my time in the city, which few non-Muslims have seen. As far as I knew, I’d abided by the rules by staying outside the grounds of the Prophet’s Mosque — a boundary line that I’d confirmed with tourism officials beforehand.

Peering through the perimeter fence — the boundary line for non-Muslims — at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.

The Mosque of Al-Ghamamah, one of the oldest in the holy city.

A sprawling maze of ramshackle residential buildings sits less than a mile from the Prophet’s Mosque.

A guide speaking to a group of visitors near the Hejaz Railway Museum, visible in the distance. (The museum was closed for renovations at the time.)

A group of young men, most of whose families emigrated from Sudan, playing soccer in a field just outside the center of Medina.

More than anything, family and friends wanted to know if I felt safe on my trip — and I did, almost without exception. Petty crime in Saudi Arabia is exceedingly rare. And while parts of the country are under a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory , even my rambling itinerary was approved by a security expert.

Instead of fearing for my safety, I was often preoccupied with how I’d fairly portray a place that elicited such a range of conflicting emotions: joy and distress, excitement and apprehension, sincerity and doubt. So much lay hidden from public view — like the collective anguish over the war raging in Gaza . And so little was easy to categorize, in part because the warmth of everyday Saudis was strikingly at odds with the ruthlessness of their authoritarian government.

In Riyadh, a young man warned me not to speak openly with strangers. “People get arrested here for a tweet ,” he said. “Can you imagine?”

I could, actually. The Saudi columnist Jamal Khashoggi had chronicled his government’s increasingly draconian responses to criticism. “Repression and intimidation are not — and never should be — the acceptable companions of reform,” he wrote in The Washington Post in 2018, just months before he was killed and dismembered at his country’s consulate in Istanbul.

Were we to travel only where we feel comfortable and unchallenged, we’d all be poorer for it. But the question of whether to travel to Saudi Arabia is thornier than that.

It’s easy to see one response, “No,” as yielding to closed-mindedness at the expense of ordinary people — like the kindly vendor Abdullah, who served me local honey at his shop in the southern mountains.

But it’s easy, too, to see “Yes” as an affirmation that might makes right, that amusement outweighs morality, that princely wealth can wipe a stained slate clean.

Sunrise over the mountainous village of Fayfa, some six miles from the Yemeni border.

Abdullah Ghaleb Zaid, a honey vendor, at his shop atop a mountain pass near the southern city of Abha.

Sunset near Jabal Soudah, the kingdom’s highest peak.

Ten days into my trip, I ventured to Wadi al-Disah, a steep-walled valley where I’d booked a tent at a campsite I found on Airbnb. For an additional 300 riyals ($80), my host, Faisal, led me on a four-wheel-drive tour, departing the paved road and weaving through a path along the bed of an ephemeral river. Continually jolted by the uneven terrain, we eased past thick reeds, lofty palms and small bands of visitors who’d nestled into clearings.

As we left, I met a group of young men gathered for a picnic, their sandals scattered around a carpet on which they were preparing their dinner. Delighted to meet an American with a camera, they asked if I’d take a group portrait, then exchanged information with me so I could send them a copy — a scenario by then so familiar that I hardly thought anything of it.

A full day later, some 200 miles away, I was cruising along a lonely highway near the Jordanian border when a Land Cruiser blew past me at an astonishing speed. I felt my compact car rock from its turbulence — and then I watched with a twinge of dread as the car abruptly braked, slowing hard in the left lane until our front ends were aligned. It held steady there.

For a moment I stared straight ahead, hoping to avoid a confrontation. When I finally turned to look, I saw a group of boys grinning wildly and waving through an open window. Then I realized: Improbably, it was three of the young men I’d met the day before. Somehow we’d all followed the same route. And somehow, in the split second it took them to fly past, they’d recognized me. I lifted my camera from the passenger seat and snapped a photograph.

The picture shows three young Saudis on a precipice: endearing, erratic, captivating. I have a sense of where they came from but no certainty about where they’re going. Two are flashing peace signs, and none appears to be wearing a seatbelt. No one is watching the road as their car drifts out of its lane, careening a little recklessly into a hopeful and uncertain future.

Stephen Hiltner’s recent work includes a photo essay about his childhood in Budapest , an examination of A.I.-generated guidebooks and an investigation into the deaths of Russian soldiers in Ukraine . You can follow his travels on Instagram .

Got a question about this story? Drop a note in the comments section. Got a tip? Send him an email .

Read by Stephen Hiltner

Audio produced by Jack D’Isidoro .

Stephen Hiltner is an editor, writer and photographer for the Travel section of The Times. More about Stephen Hiltner

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Ljubljana, Slovenia:  Stroll along the river, explore a contemporary art scene and admire panoramic views in this scenic Central European capital .

Cities With Great Beaches:  Already been to Miami, Honolulu and Sydney? These five other coastal destinations  are vibrant on land and on the water.

Southern France:  The Canal du Midi traverses the Occitanie region and gives cyclists of all skill levels  access to parts of France that are rich in lore .

Port Antonio, Jamaica:  The D.J. and music producer Diplo recommends spots in a city he loves  on Jamaica’s northeast coast. A dance party makes the cut.

New Mexico:  Visiting the vast and remote Gila Wilderness, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, is both inspiring and demanding .

Advertisement