Travel Shop
Merch
Travel Tips
Photography
Points & Miles
Credit Cards
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
Do a walking tour of the French Quarter that includes Bourbon Street, St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, Faulkner House Books, and Pirates Alley.
See a show at a jazz club.
Do a food and cocktail tour.
Party on Frenchman Street.
Visit the JAMNOLA museum and/or the New Orleans Museum of Art.
Party on Bourbon Street.
Have a picnic in City Park. Or if it’s December, see the Celebration in the Oaks light show at City Park.
Ride a streetcar.
Do a walking tour of the Garden District that includes St. Charles Avenue and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.
Go on a French Quarter ghost tour.
When To Go
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.
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 Viewpoints Of The City
A boat tour on the Mississippi River
Hot Tin Roof Bar
New Orleans Riverfront
Jackson Square
Chartres Street in the French Quarter
Rusty Rainbow at Crescent Park
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
-
Plan a Solo Trip To New Orleans
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. Visit the JAMNOLA museum and/or the New Orleans Museum of Art.
Party on Bourbon Street.
6. Have 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?
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. Visit the JAMNOLA museum and/or the New Orleans Museum of Art.
Party on Bourbon Street.
6. Have 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.
YOUR TRAVEL CHECKLIST
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.
