Solo Travel Guide to New Orleans

Finding the perfect place to stay in New Orleans is crucial for an amazing vacation. Hotel St. Vincent in the Uptown neighborhood is a beautifully renovated historic orphanage offering modern luxury and exquisite design paired with exceptional on-site dining, boutique shopping, and a lavish pool. Don't miss their two cocktail lounges–the airy Paradise Lounge (perfect for a pre-dinner or even mid-afternoon porch libation) or the cozy Chapel Club (not religious) with an awe-inspiring bar program and special events like intimate concerts and burlesque performances. The Virgin Hotel New Orleans in the Central Business District is a must-visit, celebrating sleek pop culture design and offering a rooftop pool bar and easy access to every neighborhood.

Ashton's Bed & Breakfast in Tremé welcomes you with old-world charm, Southern hospitality, and beautiful antique pieces while, Hotel Peter and Paul in the Marigny neighborhood immerses you in vibrant culture with its converted historic church, schoolhouse, rectory, and convent. Prepare to be mesmerized by their captivating design and indulge in cocktails at the renowned Elysian Bar. New Orleans offers a plethora of delightful accommodations, each with its own unique charm and allure. Make this trip your own and discover the best place to set your bags down to kick things off! Check out more about our hotels HERE!

Not sure where to stay? Take a look at our Self-Guided Neighborhood Walking Tours here to get a feel for each neighborhood, including the Tremé, Bywater, and others. 

When it comes to the city’s world-famous cuisine, you’re like familiar with some of the classics, from gumbo to beignets. But to make sure you check some of those can’t-miss staples off the list, check out our Foodie’s Guide to NOLA here. However, for those of you looking to explore further into our diverse culinary scene, we have a treat for you!

If you're craving Italian food, make sure to check out Mona Lisa. With tabletops lined for your rendition of the famous painting, a healthy supply of crayons, wine, delicious cheesy bread, and a pasta for every craving, this stop is truly the gift that keeps on giving. We know you might catch a case of the Mondays when you return home, but here in New Orleans, Monday Restaurant is a delicious treat. Enjoy Creole, Cajun, and American dishes with beautiful indoor and outdoor seating. Check out our Solo Dining Guide here for inspiration.

And if you have one thing on your mind, and that thing happens to be Poor Boys (Po-Boys), head on over to Parkway Bakery & Tavern. They offer delicious, overstuffed sandwiches and yummy, sweet treats, along with a libation or two. New Orleans is a food lover's paradise, and these culinary gems will leave you wanting more! Find out even more about where to dine that might best suit your desires HERE!

Some people view souvenirs as special trinkets picked up along the way, but there are many ways to bring home the memories of a great vacation! If you're a small trinket shopper, consider the French Market in the French Quarter for great souvenir options suitable for all ages. For locally made art, jewelry, and more, check out co-op gallery spaces like Zèle NOLA on Magazine Street in Uptown. Here, you'll also find other wonderful shops and galleries like West London Boutique, owned, and curated by Mariah Walton Bencik, a local fashion icon with an exceptionally fun and fashionable Instagram presence. Once you stop by, you'll understand why her clothing sells out quickly! Let’s not forget Fleurty Girl and Dirty Coast–both with multiple locations throughout the city offering clever, campy, and laughter-filled gifts, home goods, apparel, and more that truly capture the local charm and character.

When we say come to New Orleans and have the experience of your life, we don't just mean enjoying a cocktail. Bursting with unique experiences and things to do, enjoy activities like ziplining over a swamp, going on a Black history tour, or going behind-the-scenes of Mardi Gras.

Maybe you want to delve into our delicious food scene. If so, our friends at Deelightful Roux School of Cooking offer an incredible opportunity to visit the Southern Food & Beverage Museum (SOFAB) for a cooking class where you'll learn to make gumbo, jambalaya, and Bananas Foster. More of a cocktail connoisseur? Head over to the Sazerac House on historic Canal Street for a tour and learn about the history of the Sazerac, while enjoying...you guessed it, a good ol' Sazerac! Once you're feeling a little loose from the sips, visit Trixie Minx, a local burlesque tour-de-force, for a course at her shop Trixie's Burlesque Boutique. Located in the French Quarter, this one-stop-shop for all things burlesque not only offers the opportunity to learn the art of the tease but also allows you to pick up costumes, artwork, and handmade accessories all in one prime location, but wait there are more things to do here!

The city offers a range of museums covering history, art, and culture. The Backstreet Cultural Museum is a great place to start. Visit to view photos of second lines, see Mardi Gras Indian suits on display, and hear oral histories in historic Tremé.

After Tremé, head to the French Quarter, where you'll find the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum. This space is dedicated to the rich history of the pharmacy and healthcare system in Louisiana, both past and present. It's like a cabinet of curiosities! Once you're wowed by the evolution of modern medicine, venture to the Central Business District and visit the Museum of Southern Jewish Experience. Here, you'll learn about the importance of Jewish history and culture in the southern United States, and don't miss the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, where they celebrate contemporary and historical art from the perspective of Southern artists through their impressive 4,000+ piece collection! Mark your calendars for Museum Month, in which you purchase one museum membership and get access to all participating museums. Museum Month returns every August.

Dive into off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods that will take you beyond the French Quarter and Uptown. In historically Black Tremé, discover museums, restaurants, and historic parks that tell the story of Black New Orleanians. In Mid-City, you'll find New Orleans City Park where you can visit museums, eat beignets at Cafe du Monde, ride amusement rides at Carousel Gardens, and stroll through botanical and sculpture gardens. Then we have the electric Bywater, where you'll find innovative street art, great eats, and more. Take a look at our self-guided neighborhood walking tours here to plan your next move.

If all of that wasn't enough to convince you why solo travel to New Orleans is an absolute blast, let me share with you the fact that we are a true festival mecca! Prepare to be immersed in a world of vibrant celebrations. Our iconic Jazz and Heritage Festival (or Jazz Fest, for short) is a must-attend, where you can not only revel in the rich heritage of jazz music but also indulge in some of the most delicious local cuisine, some of which is exclusively available at this festival. For those with a taste for the tantalizing, the sin-sational Teaser Festival is a burlesque extravaganza that showcases the best of the best in the industry.

Alternatively, the Satchmo SummerFest pays tribute to the legendary Louis Armstrong, serving up a delightful blend of music, food, and drinks in the heart of the French Quarter (plus it's free to attend!). Let's not forget the grandest festival of them all, our Carnival Season, which spans from Twelfth Night on January 6th to Mardi Gras Day. But wait, there's more! This is just a taste of the many festivals you can experience here. Make sure to check out our extensive list of upcoming festivals to plan your trip ahead of time. Trust me, you won't want to miss out on this incredible lineup of events!