Solo Female Travel in New Orleans

New Orleans, located in the southeastern region of the United States in the state of Louisiana, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural history, diverse influences, and lively celebrations. It is particularly renowned for its annual Mardi Gras festival, during which the city’s streets come alive with parades, music, and extravagant costumes. Nestled within an intricate network of meandering waterways, the city's well-known Louisiana bayous offer enchanting boat tours and wildlife spotting opportunities. Its historic French Quarter, characterized by Creole townhouses and wrought-iron balconies, is famous for its energetic day-to-night jazz clubs, delicious Cajun and Creole restaurants, as well as popular Bourbon Street, a hub of nightlife and entertainment. From the unforgettable music to the charm of the French Market and the elegance of the Garden District, New Orleans truly offers a unique travel experience filled with adventure, history, and culture.

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Travel index

Safety:Safe

New Orleans is a city of vibrant culture and festivities, but like any other sizable city, it has its share of crime. Stay vigilant, especially at night, as areas outside the busy French Quarter can become desolate. It's recommended to utilize common sense precautions such as avoiding deserted streets and alleys, not flashing valuable possessions and staying in well-lit and crowded areas. Public transport is generally safe, yet free shuttle services offered by most hotels is advised to be always accessed. Over and above, traveling with organized tours and reputable companies can enhance security, especially when exploring less touristy districts.

Transport:Easy

New Orleans is quite easy to navigate. Public transportation offers a variety of options including trams, buses, and ferries. Additionally, the city is considered pedestrian-friendly, especially in popular tourist areas such as the French Quarter. Bike rentals are also prevalent, offering another mode of transport. However, due to occasional extreme weather conditions, navigation can sometimes be slightly complicated.

Things to do:Fascinating

The culture and history of New Orleans offer a plethora of incredible experiences. The city is renowned for its vibrant live-music scene and uniquely diverse cuisine, influenced by centuries of different cultures. Must-visits include the French Quarter, the Garden District, museums such as the National WWII Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Art. An evening spent at a jazz club can be magical. The Louisiana swamps and bayous present further opportunities for adventure, with boat tours to see the diverse wildlife. Indulging in the vibrant street culture, taking a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi, or even attending an art exhibition or gallery are some of the many options. If you are a book lover, don't miss the Faulkner House Books in the French Quarter. These diverse offerings make New Orleans a fantastic destination.

Food:Excellent

New Orleans is a true culinary paradise. The food is incredibly good, offering a robust mix of Creole, Cajun, and Southern dishes. The diversity ranges from Seafood Gumbo, Jambalaya, and Po' Boys, to Muffuletta sandwiches and Beignets. Every dish is a flavorful adventure and testament to the city's rich cultural heritage. There's always a harmony of spice, sweetness, and tang in the meals, with standout fresh ingredients. Vegan and vegetarian options are also readily available. A must-experience for every food lover.

Budget:Moderate

New Orleans offers a range of prices for its activities, attractions, and dining. While some experiences such as the classic steamboat rides and attending jazz concerts can be pricey, the city offers many affordable or free activities like strolling around the French Quarter or visiting City Park. Accommodations can be pricey especially in peak season, but there are options for budget stays too. Dining varies as well, with options for low-cost meals to gourmet experiences. It's moderately budget-friendly depending upon your travel style and choices.

Is New Orleans worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.4 /5

based on 24 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.4/5

Food

4.4/5

Budget-friendly

3.1/5
Izzy

Izzy (20)

United Kingdom

Solo travel experience

Although it may not be the most secure city in the world, I felt safe and stuck around crowded/tourist areas during the day and night anyway. There are lots of interesting museums if you don't want to just drink, as well as swamp/nature tours. Definitely would recommend for southern/soul food; Neyo's is a good place. I didn't have a set budget but I wound up spending around £200 on souvenirs and tours, and as for getting around it was quite easy to walk or take the cheap streetcars. Overall, I can't wait to go back again.

Posted: February 19, 2024Experienced: September, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I went on my first solo trip to New Orleans, and I am really glad I did. It was a wonderful experience. I met great people and the city turned out to be incredibly hospitable, full of life, and beautiful.

Posted: January 19, 2024
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Briana

Briana

United States

Solo travel experience

I walked around the French Quarter during the daylight and felt safe. There were lots of people around because this is the tourist area. I took a walking tour of the French Quarter and a bus tour that took us to other areas that seemed quieter but mostly safe and warm and friendly. There was shopping, parks, museums, so much to do! I was there for work (I wouldn’t be able to afford the Four Seasons otherwise lol!) so I didn’t have lots of time there and would love to go back.

Posted: December 14, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 4/5
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Solo travel experience

I was alone in New Orleans in June. It was wonderful. It was hotter than hell, but beautiful, plenty to do, people were friendly, and I didn't feel unsafe. I live in a big city and I didn't feel any different than in any other big city.

Posted: September 30, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Claire

Claire (33)

United States

Family travel experience

I visited New Orleans with my family during Mardi Gras for my birthday and it was great, highly recommended! We did some parades - say Adam Devine on one float - and did some tours in the French Quarter. Lots of walking, lots of good food, lots of fun and lots of throws!

Posted: August 14, 2023Experienced: February, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I went to New Orleans and I travelled around by buses, streetcars, and walked after dark. Not once did I feel unsafe. I stayed at the Audubon Park, from where it was easy to get to the city, and because I stayed further out, I saved a lot of money. Walking around and exploring the area is also great.

Posted: July 31, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I was there alone. It's really safe. I ate everywhere, and since I was alone, I could skip long lines and eat at the bar. I went on a swamp tour. I walked through all the cemeteries. I went on a boat trip. I rode the tram and even did some shopping in second-hand stores. I didn't have a car and I didn't need one. I was planning to go on a bike tour, but I ran out of time.

Posted: July 12, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I went alone and stayed in a hostel for 8 days. I didn't feel unsafe, but I spent the day alone, and evenings mostly with other people from the hostel. The only thing I will say is that aggressive gossiping is much greater than I experienced in any other place I have traveled, during the day, publicly, or at night.

Posted: July 9, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5
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Group travel experience

I stayed at St. James, traditional but basic rooms, nice lobby, and breakfast area, no pool available. It's a 10-minute walk to French Quarter, 15 minutes by tram to the Garden District. I loved my walk around the Garden District. The shops on Magazine St. are cool. I highly recommend the nearby Mardi Gras World, to see how the floats are created. It was really cool to see the artists at work. We used Uber to get to Frenchman St to Spotted Cat, AppleBarrel for jazz music, we were recommended to step outside the more touristy FQ, we're glad we did so. Everything on Frenchman was within a block's distance. We simply moved from one place with music to another.

Posted: December 1, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Solo travel experience

I stayed at the Hotel Mazarin, which is very centrally located. I took Uber only once the whole time I was there. The rest of the time, I walked or took the tram. On average, I covered 7 to 8 miles a day. I felt very safe all the time, even at night, being alone.

Posted: December 1, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
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Local tips

Free boat cruises through the marshes are amazing and most of them allow for bringing alcohol. I'm a fan of French ghost tours. Secondline Arts & Antiques is probably my favorite store in New Orleans. Sacred Grounds Coffee is a cool cafe that borders a cemetery, so you can sit outside and enjoy a unique view. It's located at the end of the canal and across from a cool escape room game, if it's open. If you like beer/wine, Bayou Beer Garden is a great outdoor place on the Greenway, which is nice. It's a cool place to visit after visiting City Park. Make sure to visit the Garden District, it's beautiful. They organize bike tours. The best jazz is on the streets or in bars around Frenchman Street, not on Bourbon. Spotted Cat was my favorite place when I lived there. Very touristy, but the two most interesting bars on Bourbon are La Fete's and The Dungeon. Other than that, French Market, eat famous food, World War II Museum, Zoo, Cemeteries.

Posted: November 6, 2022
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Free boat trips through the marshes are amazing and most of them allow you to bring alcohol. I'm a fan of French ghost tours. Secondline Arts & Antiques is probably my favorite store in New Orleans. Sacred Grounds Coffee is a random cafe that borders a cemetery, so you can sit outside and enjoy an extraordinary view. It's located at the end of Canal and across from a cool escape room, if it's open. If you like beer/wine, Bayou Beer Garden is a great outdoor place, near the Greenway, which is nice. It's a cool place to visit after City Park. Be sure to check out the Garden District, it's beautiful. They organize bike tours. The best jazz is on the street or in the bars around Frenchman Street, not Bourbon. Spotted Cat was my favorite when I lived there. Very touristy, but the two most interesting bars on Bourbon are La Fete's and The Dungeon. Besides that, visit the French Market, eat the famous food, visit the World War II museum, ZOO, Cemeteries.

Posted: October 23, 2022
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Meet locals in New Orleans

Meet local women in New Orleans who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Lindsey

Lindsey

About Me

Hi! I’m Lindsey. I live in the New Orleans area with my husband and two dogs. I love meeting new people, traveling and experiencing all the world has to offer.

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Karen

Karen

About Me

Recently relocated to New Orleans from California, semi-retired and self-employed and ready to journey with like-minded people. Independent, I like to explore, get lost and intimate with new places!

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Stay with locals in New Orleans

Stay with local women in New Orleans who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Kelly

Kelly

New Orleans

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello! I’m originally from Taiwan. Now I’m studying at Tulane for exchanging. New Orleans is a dynamic city, and also very fun to stay if you love good food, bars and vintage cafes. I speak Mandarin, English, Japanese and a little bit French. It’d wonderful if you’re interested in language exchange because I could be the best language exchange partner you’ve ever met😉

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