New Orleans Solo Travel

If you're considering New Orleans solo travel, you likely have several questions about it. Is it safe? Easy to navigate? Will I have fun and enough to do? I'm really happy you asked. I have all the answers for you as a fellow solo traveler and a resident and native of New Orleans.

When you think of New Orleans, you might think of the endless music options, foods that make your heart and belly sing, and the architecture you won't find most anywhere else in the country. Traveling solo to New Orleans will give you the opportunity to go at your own pace, have your own unique experience, and leave you wanting to come back for more. Maybe even share it with someone next time.

In this guide, I’m sharing exactly how to plan a solo trip to New Orleans, where to stay, what it costs, and my personal recommendations as someone who knows this city inside and out.

Because I do live here, and do many things alone and with groups, I am in a very good position to help you suss out how you’d like to spend your time in New Orleans as a solo traveler. As we get older, it’s more challenging to find people who have our same interests and schedules, so it’s a gift to be confident enough to go it alone. New Orleans is one of the most welcoming cities on earth, I am convinced. You will leave feeling like you’re always welcome back. And honestly, you might want to just stay in New Orleans forever.

To us, it’s no matter if you are by yourself or in a group. We invite you to come as you are. That is a hard concept for people who are used to unfriendly or less friendly places in the country or the world. Here, it’s just how we do things. New and seasoned solo travelers, let’s dive in.

Home Tour in the French Quarter

Yes, New Orleans is actually one of the best cities in the U.S. for solo travel. It’s incredibly social, easy to navigate, and full of experiences that don’t feel awkward to do alone. From sitting at a bar with live music to wandering through historic streets or spending hours in a coffee shop, you'll have more than your fill of things to do on your own.

As someone who lives here, I’ve spent plenty of time exploring New Orleans solo, and it’s one of the few places where being alone doesn’t feel out of place at all. In fact, most of the time it's my preference.

That said, your experience will depend a lot on where you stay and how you plan your time, which is why choosing the right neighborhood and activities matters. Let's read on for the details (the details matter). Planning your days in walkable and accessible areas will help make traveling alone less alone, and it'll naturally place you amongst others, locals and visitors alike.

The short answer is yes, travel in New Orleans is safe for solo travelers. I’m going to be very honest and direct as someone who is a resident of this vibrant and wonderful city. My general feeling of safety is very high here for a few reasons. First, I do not alter my state and lose control of my surroundings. This goes for anywhere I travel solo. Second, I am always with my head on a swivel and watching who is around me and my surroundings overall. Third, I carry myself with confidence. This goes for New Orleans, or Timbuktu, or anywhere else. And this is what I recommend for you as a fellow female solo traveler.

I like to get acquainted with the front desk staff at my hotel so they know to look out for me as well. Whether you stay at a hotel in the Garden District, the French Quarter, or the Warehouse District, this applies to you. As many major cities have not-so-great areas, New Orleans is no different, so don’t go off the beaten path, especially at night. And please, do not hang out on Bourbon Street (at all - my opinion), and especially not late into the night. It’s not the place for a solo female to remain in a safe situation.

Taking Myself on a Date in New Orleans

In general, if you’re coming to enjoy New Orleans, I recommend coming between October and May. While summer travel is less expensive, it is oppressively hot, and unless you’re into that, it’s not as enjoyable. My mood definitely plummets for a couple of months, as it’s seasonal depression in a reverse kind of way. Unless you’re here living it everyday, it’s a bit hard to conceptualize just how hot it gets. With that being said, do come when you can, just know there are “better” times than others if you’re asking me (which you are if you’re reading this). Here's my full guide on when the best times are to visit New Orleans.

There is so much amazing stuff to do in the months that I recommend, and the whole of the city is in a good mood and happy just to be able to call this home, or home for a few days. The French Quarter is electric, there is live music to be heard, and City Park is showing off like it owns the place. So, if I were you, I would aim to visit in the spring or fall.

Before I give exact recommendations, which I will for the solo traveler you are, I want to say that there is so much to do alone in New Orleans. I’m alone for many of my activities, and it is a non-issue. I tend to bop around this city any day of the week, as I have a very flexible schedule. And it’s awesome to get to do all of the things New Orleans has to offer.

The truth is, the locals and visitors do much of the same things, so not much is just for tourists. You’re going to be an honorary local when you come here, so embrace it. We will take you into our fold and treat you like one of ours if you let us. Let’s grab a coffee from on of our favorite New Orleans coffee shops and hit the bricks. We have lots of New Orleans attractions to see.

Enjoy the French Quarter by Day

Many days during the non-summer months, there’s nothing more tranquil than strolling the French Quarter alone. My favorite side is between Esplanade up to around the St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square, and I absolutely love going in and out of the many beautiful shops that inhabit the buildings along Royal Street. Popping into the French Market for some of the items being sold by vendors is also something I remember fondly as a kid, and it hasn’t changed as an adult. Don't forget to hit the (free) Historic New Orleans Collection, where you'll learn about the history of the city. My blog on the best walkable neighborhoods in New Orleans will expound on what to do in the French Quarter while you’re there, so give that a read.

Experience City Park’s Many Offerings

City Park is the absolute best, and something as a solo traveler to New Orleans I do hope you won’t miss. You can take the streetcar all the way down to the base of City Park and start to wander. My top recommendations while you’re in the park are the sculpture garden, the botanical garden, and NOMA. They are all within walking distance of each other, and the sculpture garden is free to enter. While you’re there, sit down at Cafe du Monde for some coffee and beignets and enjoy the peace of the live oak trees with their moss hanging from them. If you’re into photography, this is a good time to break out the camera and take some amazing shots. I’ve done it dozens of times, and it never gets old. 

Ride the Streetcar

I’ve just mentioned the streetcar, and while I do count the line to City Park a streetcar ride, I highly recommend the green line that goes down St. Charles Avenue. It’s a dreamy ride, passing several of the neighborhoods I mention in my blog that I linked above, and you can hop on and off with your Jazzy Pass. It’s a low pressure activity, and it’s perfect if you want to take a load off, see a lot of what New Orleans looks like, and enjoy your own company. You can even take a boozy cocktail on the ride if you so choose. If it’s cold, maybe a coffee or hot chocolate is more appropriate. This is one of those things that, even as a resident, never gets old.

Go on Some Walking Tours

One of my favorite people is Orion Couling, and he will happily lead you on fantastic tours in New Orleans. His ghost tour is laced with history and I'm a fan of the earlier evening tour he does. He is very protective over the people in his group (especially the comfort of the women), as is his nature. Orion will make sure you are safe and secure from start to finish.

Another tour company I have enjoyed is DuPont & Company. The owner and operator is a born and bred native, and her love of the city radiates through her enthusiasm for her tours. A good one is the Garden District tour, and I would highly recommend it because it’s a great place to get to know New Orleans, and your guide will be excellent.

If you're looking for a good food tour, I recommend Bon Moment. Her tour takes you to lesser touristed spots, which I fully appreciate. I enjoyed the historical piece and the foods offered when I went on it myself.

Check out Our Top Notch Museums

So many museums to choose from in New Orleans! If you’re a museum person, which I half claim to be, I’ll tell you my favorites and maybe you’ll like them too. I mentioned NOMA (New Orleans Museum of Art), which is in City Park, which is the art museum. Some others that are on my radar are the Storyville Museum, which tells all about the red light district here in New Orleans, known as Storyville.

Another fantastic one is the Sazerac House, and you’ll learn about New Orleans through our love of cocktails and the culture. If you like out of the ordinary museums, the Pharmacy Museum might be your cup of tea. Perhaps a WWII buff, the National WWII Museum is world-renowned and absolutely worth a visit if that is your jam. You could be there all day, I do warn you. Pick your poison, and enjoy some time out of the elements. 

Food, Glorious Food

Where to start, friend? When I solo travel, I often like to choose restaurants that have bar seating so that I can be away from being a single at a table for two, you know? I’m not one to care too much, but if I want to have a chat with the bartender or patrons around me, it’s nice to have that option. My list of bars to visit also have delicious food that they serve, so that is a great starting place. For an upscale meal, check out Doris Metropolitan or Irene’s. A little less pricey and my favorite wine bar, Pluck.

Want some good old fashioned New Orleans food? Joey K’s is your spot. And for a perfectly French breakfast, pick up a croissant from La Boulangerie uptown. There’s no shortage of good food here. But try to stay away from the tourist traps. If you see a long line, find another spot. We have way too many good places to eat, so don't waste your time in line.

Hear Some Live Music

If you’re hankering for some live music, because for crying out loud you’re in New Orleans, I recommend heading to Frenchmen Street. There are several places that you can go that would be a fantastic way to see what this town has to offer. Some of the notable places you can go directly on Frenchmen Street even do early shows some nights. You can check the schedule, but I’m always up for an earlier night. D.b.a. is my favorite, as I have been going there for a couple of decades. This isn't a place where you order a fancy cocktail. And definitely know you’ll likely be standing. It’s cozy, though.

The Spotted Cat is another great pick, and so is Cafe Negril. Snug Harbor is a top of my list as well. And the good news is that they are all within steps of each other. Most charge a cover, so popping in and out might not be what you want to do, but trying out a couple might be worth the money spent. And, it’s New Orleans! You have to hear live music!

Sipping a Solo Coffee

When it comes to New Orleans solo travel, where you stay matters more than almost anything else.

You want:

• walkability
• well-lit, active areas
• easy access to restaurants and attractions

For most solo travelers, the best areas are:

• French Quarter (central, very popular)
• Warehouse District / CBD (cleaner, quieter, still walkable)
• Garden District (beautiful + slower-paced)

My advice for first time solo travelers is to be very particular if you're staying in the French Quarter. The Garden District/Lower Garden District is probably my personal favorite, though. See which activities you want to do most and what makes the most sense for your trip. It's hard to go wrong. The Warehouse District is nice, but third in my preferred order of where to stay.

If I were traveling to New Orleans solo, these are the types of places I would personally choose:

• A beautiful hotel in the French Quarter (for walkability and energy)
  • Top pick: The Monteleone
• A quieter stay in the Garden District (for a slower, more relaxed vibe)
  • Top pick: Hotel Saint Vincent
• A modern hotel in the Warehouse District (clean, convenient, and central)
  • Top pick: Renaissance Arts

If you're traveling solo, I highly recommend staying somewhere central and walkable. It makes a huge difference in how safe and comfortable you feel.

You can browse my favorite hotels here.

New Orleans can be as affordable or as expensive as you make it. There is a budget for everyone, as most cities offer. We are no different.

On average:

• Hotels: ~$200–$250/night for mid-range options
• Budget stays: ~$100–$150/night possible in good locations
• Food: $10–$30 per meal (or less if you do casual spots - check out my street food guide)
• Drinks: $5–$15

Compared to cities like New York or San Francisco (east/west coast cities in general), New Orleans is actually relatively affordable, especially considering how much you can do for free.

My Recommendations to Save Money:

• Stay in the CBD instead of directly in the French Quarter if the French Quarter is your main event
• Walk or take the streetcar instead of Uber (my guide on how to get around New Orleans)
• Mix sit-down meals with casual spots or street food (as I linked earlier in my guide)
• Take advantage of free experiences like live music on Frenchmen Street
• Summertime is less expensive, but it is very hot (keep that in mind)

You can have an absolute blast on a trip that does not have to cost you a fortune. I find ways to do so much for free or inexpensive, and I feel very satiated in my activities.

Let's not complicate how to plan your New Orleans solo trip. I'm here to help you, and I have loads of information on how to do things the right way to make your trip very enjoyable, safe, and filled with fun. Here is a basic breakdown of how to plan this.

Choose the right area (for you) to stay

Whether you decide to stay in the French Quarter, the CBD/Warehouse District, or the Garden District, it's a good idea to know where you want to spend most of you time while in New Orleans.

Plan your days, but leave room for the unexpected

I have a personal policy when I travel to only plan about one thing per day. I like to leave room for the magic, and the magic usually happens without a plan.

Decide on what foods are "musts" so you don't miss out

You might decide that going on a food tour is useful to you, or you could plan your own little food tour. We have so many good things to eat, so know what are the non-negotiable before coming.

Make plans for nighttime transportation (Uber, taxi, streetcar)

Depending on how far you are from your last activity, it's a good idea to plan how you're getting home. I also recommend not to lose your wits by being in an altered state, particularly alone.

I’m positive I’ve convinced you to come to this magical and fantastical city, have I not? It’s filled with people like myself who are full of adventure and ease, and you will slide right into our laissez-faire mentality. You can arrive and just go with it, whatever “it” is for you. We are here to help, to aid, to help you enjoy your time. You are here to enjoy yourself and and this special city, and if you come solo, you will leave with friends. I might be one of them. Make New Orleans your next solo destination, and I can’t wait to hear how you loved it. I know you’ll be back soon.

If you enjoyed this recommendation, you might also like my blog on what to wear in New Orleans. or authentic New Orleans experiences.

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