10 Can’t-Miss Things to do alone in New Orleans

Though it has an infamous reputation as a party city, there are so many things to do alone in New Orleans besides party. The first time I visited was the last weekend of Mardi Gras, “Deep Gras,” as it’s called. And I had a blast all by myself. I had so much fun that I had to come back next Mardi Gras!

If you enjoy music, food, culture, and a little cheekiness thrown in, you’ll love New Orleans.

For the best solo trip to New Orleans, don’t overthink it. Pick a few “must-do” things, but otherwise, just explore and see where the city takes you!

So put on your best tacky souvenir shirt and don’t forget your crawfish bib–we’re going to New Orleans! Here’s a list of my favorite things to do solo in the Big Easy:

1. Stroll around the French Quarter

This one’s first on my list by design. If you’ve ever heard of New Orleans, you’ve heard of the French Quarter, and it’s easy to see why it’s so famous.

I’ve been to the French Quarter more times than I can count now, and walking down those streets still makes me smile. It’s impressive–the architecture, the street performers, the charm.

I recommend walking around and exploring with no set agenda in mind. If you hear amazing music, stop and listen. I recently heard a brass band playing “It Wasn’t Me” and it was phenomenal!

Some recommendations:
For art: Royal Street is filled with galleries. Walk around and pick one that strikes your fancy.
For street performers: There’s always someone performing in Jackson Square.
For music: There are amazing musicians scattered throughout–follow your ears! A great venue–Fritzel’s on Bourbon. And of course, the famous Preservation Hall.
For beignets (they’re like little squares of funnel cake!): Cafe du Monde or Cafe Beignet
For a frozen Irish coffee, the most delicious beverage on the planet? You can’t beat Erin Rose. Oh, and you can walk around with a drink in New Orleans, so…why don’t you sip on your Irish coffee on the way to Cafe du Monde? Tiny bonus: you get a little souvenir cup from Erin Rose!

Safety/comfort tips: Use common sense. Don’t go down the dark side streets. Stick to the populated ones–Bourbon, Royal, Decatur, Canal… What I’m getting at is if there are a lot of people there, feel free to stroll down that street. If not, skip it.

Oh, and unlike me in the above photo? Maybe don’t wear open-toed shoes, especially on Bourbon Street. Or if you do, watch where you step beause there are puddles everywhere that are filled with a mystery liquid some locals call “Bourbon juice” or “Bourbon gravy.” I can’t imagine what’s in it…

Keep walking if anyone tries to hand you Mardi Gras beads (and it’s not Mardi Gras), if anyone who looks like a monk tries to give you a bracelet, or if anyone asks where you got your shoes from—these are scammers. Best to keep walking and not engage with them.

2. You have to go to Bourbon Street at least once Even though you’re alone.

Two tips for visiting Bourbon Street alone: Don’t get too carried away with the partying and keep your belongings secure. The thieves around here know what they’re doing.

But don’t let me scare you. Bourbon is a lot of fun! A little common sense goes a long way, so don’t worry too much and you’ll have a great time.

And if you’re worried about being alone? Don’t be. You’ll blend in with the crowd on the packed street and in the music clubs.

Here are some of my favorite Bourbon Street activities:
Karaoke at The Cat’s Meow. Imagine people who have been drinking all day climbing on stage to belt out classic crowdpleasing tunes. I’ve heard fantastic singing on that stage. I’ve also heard sounds uttered that I’m not sure were words. Either way, fantastic time!
People watching. You’ll see everything from people in full costume to people wearing almost nothing.
Live music at The Famous Door. Hard to miss–it’s right on a corner and the music will draw you in!
Having a purple drink at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. This is the oldest continuously-running bar in the U.S. Of course, it’s haunted too. Bonus: Nola Poboys is right up the road–highly recommend the purple drink and a poboy together. Double bonus: the hotel next door has the same menu, if you need a purple drink and you’re in a time crunch.

For a quieter night, go on a random weeknight. It’s a completely different experience than on the weekend. It’s still a party, just a little less of one, and it’s much more manageable for an introvert like me. In other words, the neon lights are on, but nobody’s home…

3. Visit Frenchmen Street for live music

Just on the other side of the French Quarter is the Marigny, where Frenchmen Street is. If you want New Orleans jazz, this is your spot.

I recommend walking around with no set agenda–just like with the French Quarter. Same rule applies here that applies to Bourbon: if you want a busier night, go on the weekend. If you’re an introvert looking for a chill time, go on a weeknight. Read more travel tips for introverts here.

Some recommendations:
The Spotted Cat: This is my favorite music club in the entire city! The best jazz bands play here. People are always dancing, the drinks are tasty, and the vibe is lively.
DBA: Another great spot to watch music, often with no cover.
Favela Chic: This one’s for the introverts–if you need a break, this place is much less crowded than the others. It’s a great low-key spot to have a snack (they serve decent food!) and a drink and a breather. They have live music too!
The Frenchmen Art Bazaar: Fun nighttime art market to stroll through.

4. Take the St. Charles Streetcar to Uptown

If you’re looking to go beyond the French Quarter, this is a great way to do it. And it’s cheap entertainment–a Jazzy pass only costs 3 bucks and you can ride the streetcar all day. Stop wherever looks interesting. You could do your own bar crawl or sightseeing tour.

Some recommendations:
Get off and look at the gorgeous mansions in the Garden District.
Check out the live oaks in Audobon Park.
Stop for a frozen French 75 at Superior Seafood.
Check out the unusual Columns Hotel Bar. Great drinks, cool art, and pure New Orleans style.

5. Do some free things!

The Sazerac House is free and gives samples.
The River Walk is a relaxing retreat from all the liveliness
City Park and the scuplture garden are beautiful! You can take the Canal streetcar to see them.
Jackson Square is always lively with street performers and artists.

6. Go to a festival or parade

There’s usually something going on in New Orleans. It’s a party city, after all. From Jazz Fest to Creole and Gumbo Fest to Crawfish Fest to Beignet fest…and who could forget Mardi Gras? My advice is to just go, even alone.

If you’re ready to tackle the “big one,” Mardi Gras, alone–read my post about how to travel to Mardi Gras solo.

For parades, the Parade Tracker app is a must.

7. Talk to strangers

The people of New Orleans are some of the friendliest folks I’ve ever met. All you have to do is walk around the block and you’ve got 10 new friends. But if you have trouble meeting people, or if you’re a shy introvert like me, here are some ways I make friends in a new city.

8. Eat all the food

This one’s non-negotiable. Unless you’re allergic.

At a minimum, try–
Crawfish. I have to admit, I was squeamish at first. But crawfish boils are delightful! And that goes for everything else with crawfish in it–etouffe, pasta, bread. Don’t miss out!
Beignets. Oh, how I love these little square funnel cakes. Bites of heaven. Check out Cafe du Monde and Cafe Beignet.
Gumbo. I’ve had a lot of great gumbo, but the best was at the iconic Dooky Chase.

9. Take at least one tour

New Orleans has such a rich culture and history that I’d recommend at least one guided tour. You’ll learn so much and have a blast. And bonus–you can walk around with a drink.

Into ghosts? Many tours for that–I recommend this Haunted Pub Crawl.
Are vampires your thing? I recommend this vampire tour.
Learn all about voodoo on this tour.
Free tours by foot – Garden District Tour. Tour the lavish neighborhood where the rich and wealthy live.
A somber, but important tour would be the Whitney Plantation.
Tour the most famous cemetery in New Orleans, where Marie Laveau is buried, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

10. Do Something spooky

Preferably on a gloomy day (I so love a good gloomy day in New Orleans. It’s a vibe).

Stroll through a cemetery. New Orleans has some beautiful cemeteries, most of which are free to wander through. Pick one and marvel at the tombstones. That sounds weird, but the old, elegant aboveground tombstones are works of art.
Do a spooky tour–I listed a few in the tour section
Get your tarot cards read. You’ll find many places to do so–a sure bet is in Jackson Square.

FAQ – Things to do alone in New Orleans

Q: Is it really safe to travel to New Orleans alone?
A: Yes! Use common sense like you would anywhere else. Don’t go down poorly-lit streets and keep your wits about you.

Q: Even for solo female travelvers?
A: YES! Again, use common sense. New Orleans is safe as long as you stay within the touristy areas and don’t overdo it.

Q: Where do I stay in New Orleans alone?
A: The French Quarter! This is the safest area for tourists. HI Hostel is the best budget option. Otherwise pick any hotel that strikes your fancy–there are so many gorgeous ones!

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The Takeaway

New Orleans is a fascinating, walkable city, which makes it perfect for the solo traveler. It’s safe as long as you use common sense, keep your wits about you, and don’t fall for scams. The culture, food, and friendly people just might make you fall in love with the city and want to come back!

Would you travel solo to New Orleans? Let me know in the comments below.