When you picture New Orleans, you might think of it as the ultimate place to party with friends. From festivals to bachelor and bachelorette parties to birthday celebrations, the Crescent City is famous for letting the good times roll. But did you know that it’s also a terrific destination for a solo trip?
A city bursting with culture, incredible food, lively music and exquisite architecture, there’s a lot to love about New Orleans. In fact, it has so much to offer that you’ll have no trouble finding things to do when visiting by yourself. Southern hospitality is at its best here, as the warm and friendly locals help even solo travelers feel welcome in this vibrant community.
If you’re considering a visit to New Orleans, keep reading my complete solo female traveler’s guide on where to stay, where to eat and what to see and do!
Where To Stay In New Orleans
For a solo trip to New Orleans, there’s no better place to stay than the Central Business District. Quieter than the French Quarter, the CBD is still within walking distance to several restaurants and attractions.
Nopsi hotel
I had the best time staying at the NOPSI Hotel during my visit. This gorgeous hotel is located just two blocks from Canal Street, but provides a peaceful escape from the bustling French Quarter.
Once the headquarters of the New Orleans Public Service Inc., the historic NOPSI features a rooftop pool and bar, on-site restaurant and spacious hotel rooms. From the minute you enter the beautifully decorated lobby, you’ll be impressed not only by the stunning architectural details but also by the welcoming staff.
Other highlights of a stay here include luggage storage, two complimentary drinks per night and a high quality hair dryer in each room.
Where To Eat In New Orleans
cafe beignet
Are you looking for the best beignets in the French Quarter? Look no further than Cafe Beignet. If you don’t know what a beignet is, it’s a square of fried dough coated with powdered sugar. Some people say they taste like funnel cake, but in my opinion, beignets are way more delicious!
Head to Cafe Beignet’s Royal Street location, which is reminiscent of a European bistro, and have your beignets and cafe au lait on the outdoor patio.
cafe du monde
One of the most well known spots in the French Quarter, Cafe Du Monde is a must if it’s your first time in New Orleans. Stop by in the early morning to avoid a long line and enjoy live music while indulging on beignets for breakfast.
Note: Cafe Du Monde doesn’t take credit cards, so make sure to bring cash.
There’s a friendly rivalry between Cafe Du Monde and Cafe Beignet over who serves the best beignets, so I’d recommend checking out both to see which you prefer! Personally, my vote goes to Cafe Beignet, as theirs were a lighter and fluffier texture. Cafe Du Monde’s are good if eaten right away, but they start to harden the longer they sit.
Tip: If the line for the Cafe Du Monde is extremely long, head around back to the takeout window and order your beignets to-go. Walk across the street to Jackson Square and have a picnic with views of St. Louis Cathedral.
fourth wall coffee
Fourth Wall Coffee is a hidden gem cafe in the Central Business District. This cozy spot served the best coffee I had in New Orleans and it offers a nice break from the more touristy spots in the area. Grab a book, head to the courtyard in the back and sip your coffee while you hang out and unwind.
french truck coffee
French Truck Coffee is a cute, local coffee shop serving pastries and simple breakfast and lunch items, in addition to coffee. Stop by one of their multiple locations and grab an iced coffee to cool you off in the Louisiana heat.
lux cafe
Check out Lux Cafe for breakfast or lunch in the CBD. The friendly staff, casual ambiance and varied menu make it a solid choice for a solo stop. I highly recommend the Shrimp Po Boy for a late lunch after exploring the French Quarter in the morning.
New Orleans creole cookery
There are so many restaurants in New Orleans, it can be difficult deciding which to choose. New Orleans Creole Cookery, a cajun restaurant in the French Quarter, deserves some serious consideration. Highlights of a meal here include exceptional service, live jazz in the courtyard and wonderful food. I had the jambalaya and a hurricane cocktail and both were excellent.
pythian market
If you’re uncomfortable dining alone at a restaurant, Pythian Market is the place to go. Similar to a food court, you’ll find a variety of local options in one building. From coffee and cocktails to southern specialties and Caribbean cuisine, there will be food to suit your mood.
two chicks cafe
Two Chicks Cafe is a fun and colorful spot for breakfast or lunch downtown. Pop in early and try the “Under the Sea” omelet, a tasty seafood breakfast option. Fresh squeezed juices, coffee, smoothies and brunch cocktails round out an already tempting menu.
willie mae’s scotch house
Willie Mae’s Scotch House is a local restaurant famous for it’s fried chicken and southern comfort food. I visited the Pythian Market location and it didn’t disappoint. The chicken is crisp and flavorful with a slight kick.
Best Things To Do And See In New Orleans
The french quarter
The heart of New Orleans, the historic French Quarter is a must-see on any visit to the city. The oldest neighborhood in New Orleans, its culture comes to life through intricate architecture, narrow streets, boutique shops and galleries and passionate musicians. Solo female travelers will feel right at home exploring this charming part of New Orleans.
Visit Jackson Square
The best place to start your day is Jackson Square, which is located in the center of the French Quarter. Featuring a statute of General Andrew Jackson with the stunning St. Louis Cathedral in the background, this is one of the most picturesque spots in the city. Here you’ll also find local artists selling their work and street performers entertaining the crowd.
Wander The French Market
Next, head to the French Market, an open-air market consisting of several small shops, food stands and eateries. Originally a Native American trading post, the French Market is now a great place to find local souvenirs, hear live music and sample savory southern dishes.
Stroll Down Bourbon Street
You can’t come to New Orleans and not take a stroll down the iconic Bourbon Street. Although it can get pretty crazy here at night, solo female travelers will feel comfortable visiting during the day. With that being said, it’s always important to be on your guard and pay attention to your surroundings.
Shop On Royal Street
Royal Street is a tamer and more authentic version of Bourbon Street. My favorite street in New Orleans, Royal is filled with pretty stores, art galleries and restaurants. Spend some time exploring and taking in this less touristy part of the French Quarter.
Listen To Street Music
While Frenchman Street offers some of the best jazz in New Orleans, solo female travelers might not feel comfortable venturing out at night on their own. Luckily, the French Quarter is brimming with opportunities to hear live music throughout the day. Notably, Jackson Square is a place you’ll have no trouble finding street musicians.
French Quarter River Walk
A 1.3 mile out and back path along the riverfront, the French Quarter River Walk offers lovely views of the Mississippi River. Usually a little cooler than the rest of the city, this path is the perfect place to walk or jog away from the bustle of the French Quarter. There are several benches to stop and take a rest, while watching steamboats float down the river.
shops at canal place
Wondering what to do on a rainy or very humid day in New Orleans? The Shops at Canal Place have got you covered. A luxury indoor shopping center, the building consists of retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Tory Burch, Anthropologie and Louis Vuitton.
explore by bike
New Orleans is very walkable, but exploring by bicycle will allow you to see so much more of the city in a short amount of time. Rent a bike for the day and sightsee on your own or sign up for a guided tour with FreeWheelin’ Bike Tours. Their Original Creole & Crescent Tour takes you to places you might otherwise miss out on seeing. My favorite stops on the tour include Saint Louis Cemetery No. 3, City Park and the Treme’ neighborhood.
city park
City Park, a 1,300 acre urban oasis located only a few miles from Bourbon Street, is one place you have to visit when in New Orleans. One of America’s oldest parks, it offers a blissful escape from city life.
If you’re nervous about biking on the road, evade traffic by taking advantage of the many walking and bike paths in the park. A botanical and sculpture garden, paddle-boats, an art museum, golf course and carousel are among the many ways visitors can spend time here.
stop by a cemetery
Did you know that visiting a cemetery is one of the most popular things to do in New Orleans? Because the city is below sea level and the water table is so high, the dead can’t be buried underground. Instead, aboveground tombs and mausoleums have become the norm. These Cities of the Dead are a beautiful and important part of New Orleans’ history.
try a local dish or cocktail
New Orleans is a food lover’s paradise and no visit is complete without trying at least a few local dishes. First, start with traditional fare like jambalaya, étouffée, gumbo, crawfish, oysters or a muffuletta or po’boy sandwich. Next, indulge in a classic New Orleans cocktail, such as the Sazerac or Hurricane. Finally, try king cake, beignets or bananas foster for dessert.
Summary
New Orleans is one of the most unique cities in the United States. A true cultural melting pot, there’s so much more to do in the Big Easy than partying on Bourbon Street. If you’re thinking about taking a solo trip to New Orleans, I encourage you to book that ticket and experience all this amazing city has to offer!
Are you looking for another weekend getaway? Read More: Wine Down in Watkins Glen: How To Spend 48 Hours In The Finger Lakes
Have you been to New Orleans? What’s your favorite thing to do in the city? Comment below!
