Solo Female Travel in New Orleans: Is it Safe? + What to Know
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Just like any other big city in the United States, New Orleans is dangerous, statistically speaking. So it’s true that there’s a ton of crime, and you could easily find yourself in a highly undesirable situation if you’re not careful. I’m not going to lie to you! But the real question is this: Is solo female travel in New Orleans safe? Is it a good idea? Or should it be avoided at all costs?
And the answer, in short, is that yes, solo female travel in New Orleans is safe enough. But there are some things you need to know so you can feel confident, comfortable, and excited about your solo trip!
In my book, solo travel is always a good idea – and New Orleans is no exception. I had an amazing time on my week-long solo trip to NOLA, discovering this city’s vibrant, rambunctious culture. And you will too. Here’s how!
Solo Female Travel in New Orleans:
Must-Know Safety Tips
I visited New Orleans for a week by myself, and as I look back on my misadventures (as well as some really incredible times), there are a few tips I wish someone had told me.
So now, I’m going to tell you what I wish I’d known! Here are my top tips for exploring NOLA solo.
1. Choose a hotel in a safe, touristy area.
Staying in a hotel in a nice, safe area where there are plenty of other tourists will help ensure that you won’t wander into trouble accidentally. Who knows, you may even meet some new friends to explore with.
I stayed at the Hyatt Centric French Quarter during my stay and I felt completely safe and comfortable.
Just as it sounds, the Hyatt Centric French Quarter sits right in the heart of the French Quarter, one of New Orleans’s safest, most touristy neighborhoods. And honestly, its location could not have made my first solo female travel experience in New Orleans any better.
Where to Stay in New Orleans
These top-rated stays are all located in the safest neighborhoods in NOLA. No matter your budget, you’re sure to find something below that suits you.
Luxury Accommodations
- Maison de la Luz (Warehouse District)
- The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans (French Quarter)
Mid-Range Accommodations
- Hyatt Centric French Quarter (French Quarter)
- Maison Perrier Bed & Breakfast (Garden District)
- The Eliza Jane (Downtown)
Budget Accommodations
- Factors Row (Downtown)
- The Brandywine (Warehouse District)
- HI New Orleans Hostel (Downtown)
2. Some neighborhoods are “out of bounds.”
There are some wonderful places in New Orleans that should not be missed, and then there are others that should be completely written off. And I mean that literally too. On your map, ask a friendly local (which is pretty much everyone in New Orleans!) or your hotel concierge to scribble out all of the city’s no-go zones.
There are areas that some New Orleanians don’t like to pass through, so why should you?
RELATED READING: The Most EPIC 3-Day New Orleans Itinerary
Great Neighborhoods to Explore
While in New Orleans, if you stick to exploring these neighborhoods, you’re sure to have a safe and fun time!
- The historic, bustling, and touristy French Quarter
- The trendy and eclectic Warehouse District
- The charming and upmarket Garden District
- The quaint, laid-back, and artsy Marigny & Bywater Districts
3. Don’t be flashy.
Given the hard times that this city has been through, robberies are not uncommon in New Orleans.
So here’s the plan: Don’t call attention to yourself. Don’t flash your wallet, cash, brand new iPhone, or your camera. And mind your own business. Hopefully, everyone else will leave you to your business, too. (But in the event that they don’t, and they ask you to give them your money, do it. Just give them whatever items they ask for.)
If you want to take extra precautions, you can always buy a money belt to wear under your shirt. Another option is to keep a credit card and/or cash in one of your shoes, and keep some in your wallet. That way, if you’re forced to empty your wallet, you won’t be totally out of luck.
Chances are – if you stay aware of your surroundings and conscious of your own actions – you won’t run into a situation like this!
4. Don’t explore at odd times of day or night.
I figured this one out pretty quickly.
A short story: On my first day in New Orleans, I woke up very early, at about 5:30 am, ordered room service for breakfast, got ready, and left my room at about 7:00. I was eager to start exploring New Orleans (clearly!), and once I stepped outside, I immediately realized that I should’ve been a little less enthusiastic. I could’ve slept just a few hours longer.
Out on the Bourbon Street was me, and a handful of sketchy-looking guys, uttering dirty remarks at me that I have no interest in repeating, as well as drunk people passed out in all different nooks and crannies.
After about twenty minutes of walking around (uncomfortably), I walked right back to my hotel room and slept a little bit longer. When I set out again at about 10:30 am, tourists and non-creepy locals alike were bustling about, jazz emanating from every street corner. Now that’s the New Orleans I’d hoped for!
As a female solo traveler in New Orleans, your best bet is to explore only when the streets are bustling with activity.
Don’t wander around in the middle of the night either, but that should go without saying… I hope.
5. Stay aware on Bourbon Street.
Bourbon Street is all about drinking. Period.
While this fact makes for some pretty awesome people-watching, entertaining conversations, and, well, fun, remember to keep your wits about you. Be aware. Make sure you don’t get too caught up in the party scene.
If you’re easily distracted or get carried away easily, keep reminding yourself that you’re in New Orleans and you’re all alone. Bourbon Street is party central – and in this kind of setting, there is no easier target than a drunk girl roaming the streets all by herself.
Don’t drink too much, and always keep a watchful eye on your drink.
If you don’t feel comfortable walking back to your hotel alone, don’t. Call an Uber or Lyft (these options are preferred, thanks to the paper trail!) or catch a taxi home instead.
6. Pay attention to your surroundings.
While I’m not saying that you should look over your shoulder every few seconds to make sure that no one is following you, I am saying that you should at least pay attention to your surroundings and make note of where other people are around you! This applies to wherever you choose to travel solo.
If you notice that a street looks oddly quiet and deserted, should you walk that way? Probably not.
As a rule of thumb, only venture down well-lit streets where there are plenty of other people in sight.
7. Book a few guided tours.
Not only are guided tours a great way to meet people, but also, there’s safety in numbers!
While in New Orleans, here are the best guided tours to book as a solo female – or just as a human, in general!
Cemeteries
When I was in New Orleans, multiple locals told me not to explore the cemeteries alone, since creepy, and perhaps dangerous, people hang out in them. In fact, whether you’re traveling alone or not, a guided cemetery tour is the only way to go.
And yeah, this may seem like an odd tip!
But since New Orleans is a swampland, the dead could not be buried underground, and instead were laid to rest in beautifully embellished, above-ground tombs. So in other words, New Orleans’s cemeteries are a must-see!
This guided tour of the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the one I recommend. Click here to book it.
Food & Drink
New Orleans’s legendary food and drink culture is not to be missed! So if you want to eat and drink with a local foodie expert – and other food-loving travelers – then book a food and cocktail tour. This is one of the most fun and safe ways to savor NOLA’s best craft cocktails and classic dishes.
- Cocktail and Food History Tour (my #1 recommendation!)
- Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter
- Cocktail History Walking Tour in the French Quarter (perfect for vegetarians… cocktails only!)
Ghost Tour
If you don’t really feel comfortable exploring alone the streets at night, I don’t blame you. I didn’t really either. The best way to safely get out and about at night in New Orleans is on a ghost tour.
Whether you believe in voodoo, vampires, witchcraft, and ghosts or not, whatever. Ghost tours are the thing to do in New Orleans at night… And you’re going to have FUN on this tour, as you have a few drinks, roam NOLA’s eery, dark streets (in the safety of the group!), and visit the city’s most haunted places. All of this, while your ghost tour guide regales you with bone-chilling true-crime tales and ghost stories.
- Adults Only New Orleans Ghost, True Crime, Voodoo and Vampire Walking Tour (my #1 recommendation!)
- New Orleans Premier Haunted Ghost, Voodoo, Vampire and Mystery Tour
- Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour in New Orleans
8. Call a taxi.
Wondering how to get around the city? For the most part, I walked everywhere! And felt 100% comfortable doing so, during the daytime!
But as I mentioned above, if you don’t feel comfortable walking back to your hotel at night, then… Just. Don’t.
Even if you’re trying to “stay on a budget.” It’s not worth it!
Call an Uber or a Lyft, if possible; these options are always best because there’s a paper trail attached. But you can also just hop in a cab.
RELATED READING: The Most EPIC 3-Day New Orleans Itinerary
Is Solo Female Travel in New Orleans Safe?
Overall, the answer is yes. Solo female travel is safe in New Orleans IF you use common sense. Don’t drink too much. Pay attention to your surroundings. Be aware. And stay in a safe neighborhood. If you can do those things, you will have the time of your life!
After reading this, I hope I haven’t scared you out of your brave solo female travel in New Orleans idea. Despite the tips you just read, I had a spectacular time in New Orleans by myself, and I felt completely safe most of the time. During my week in New Orleans, I met some friendly locals, I indulged in some really amazing food, and I found a new love for jazz music. I stayed in a beautiful hotel, I explored the swamp, and I totally left my comfort zone behind.
And most important of all, I had an unforgettable week in New Orleans that I would never have experienced if I didn’t take the chance and go alone!
So again: Be smart, be aware, and be safe. If you do those things and follow the tips I’ve just detailed for you, solo female travel in New Orleans should be a breeze.
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Overall, the answer is yes. Solo female travel is safe in New Orleans if you use common sense. Stay in a safe neighborhood. Don’t drink too much. Pay attention to your surroundings. And stay aware. This guide includes all of the must-know safety tips to make sure you have the time of your life in New Orleans!
Over to you! Have you traveled to New Orleans alone before? Did you feel safe? Do you have any other tips for solo travelers in New Orleans (or anywhere else in general)? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Thank you so much for this article. It was sooo helpful. I am a young woman traveling on my own for the first time to NOLA and was very excited until I started reading articles saying it was too dangerous and i almost canceled. This article made me feel MUCH better and excited again :) thank you!
Enjoy your trip, Khethiwe! :)
This was very helpful! I wasn’t nervous about moving there for a couple months until multiple people told me it wasn’t safe. I actually canceled my airbnb that was on the edge of the 7th ward and switched to one in mid city, luckily the day after I booked the original so I got a full refund. I’ve lived in brooklyn in the hood for several years and I never felt unsafe because even the most hood places are always full of people 24/7. That’s the nature of nyc. But it seems new orleans is different. I think I’ll carry around a false wallet and phone just in case, and of course pepper spray!
I hope you have the BEST time in New Orleans, Jean! :)
Thank you for this! Although, I always travel with my son, I do like to get up early like you and walk the empty streets around 7-8 am for my photos (as I am a photographer). Being a woman, though, forces me to be extra cautious. We will be heading to New Orleans in about a week, and I was planning on doing just that… heading out early to take photos. Now, I know better.
Hey there! As soon as there is just a bit of hustle and bustle going on, get out there! Or go earlier, and just be aware of your surroundings. Hope you have a great trip and get some great shots! :)
Thanks Maddie!! This helps a lot.. I will be traveling solo (solo dolo)to New Orleans and this helps out a bunch! I kinda got a list of stuff i wanna do
My absolute pleasure, Alicia! So glad you found this post helpful. Hope you have an amazing time in NOLA :)
Good article; I have been to NOLA several times over the years with friends, and did a solo trip a while back. I had a great time and enjoyed myself immensely. I never felt unsafe, but I did avoid going out alone at night and I didn’t drink too much!
I did a bike tour and a swamp tour; I highly recommend booking tours for some of your time there-its a great way to safely see the sights and meet interesting people…
Follow the writer’s advice and keep to areas that are well populated (most of the French Quarter and Garden District); I do feel like NOLA has become much more gentrified the last few years, sadly losing some of its unique dirty charm!
But I would encourage any woman to not be afraid to travel to NOLA solo and don’t let being female hold you back; the more women that are not afraid to go out in the world and have adventures alone, the better it is for all of us!
Good morning and happy Sunday,
Thank you for your article, headed solo to NOLA this month and through ALL the articles I’ve read, this helped with specifics. I’m one that like to brunch out around town when I travel… Good to know what works best. I’ve been out of the country on my own so I think the same rules apply, be aware and trust your instincts. Thanks again!
Hi there!
Great article! I was wondering what your opinion is on staying in the Garden District and whether it’s a touristy area? I planned on going to NO March/April next year from Australia by myself and the two districts I’m most interested in is French Quarter and Garden District.
I’m a little worried as my sister went to NO by herself a few years ago and was mugged near Magazine St in the middle of the day!
Hi Maree! The Garden District should also be a very nice place to stay, though I don’t have any personal experience there. Have a great trip! :)
Yay! This makes me excited to go! When you went, how was transportation? Were there any safe modes of transportation other than Lyft , Uber, and taxis? Iโm kind of worried about racking up a hefty bill on just that.
From the airport, I just booked a shuttle to my hotel. And then I actually walked everywhere I went… I like walking because you see more of the city that way! So I would suggest that, and then if something is too far, just Lyft or Uber!
Hey guys!
Thanks for posting this. I’m actually considering going on my first solo trip and not entirely sure that NOLA is the best option, especially during Mardi Gras season. Maddy, can I ask why you decided to go by yourself?
All the best,
Karol
Hey Karol! If you do go, you’ll have an amazing time. I went alone because I booked the trip with a friend, but she had to cancel and I couldn’t find anyone else that could make it work. I decided I wasn’t going to let other people stop me from going and it was the best decision! – Maddy
Fantastic! Thank you for sharing your experience Maddy! This is very helpful and positive in every way. I just came across your blog on Google and I’ll be sure to follow your blog! This may seem like a silly question but how much did you spend roughly whilst out in NO for a week? Of course it may be different from 2015 and will depend on what you do in the week – but I would like to do the guided tours etc and be looking to go end of April/ May… Many thanks :)
Hey Yasmin! During that week I probably spent around $500 for food, tours, museums, etc. That was without adhering to any sort of budget… I ate whatever I wanted at all different kinds of restaurants, from dives to fine-dining. To give you an idea, there’s an article on here detailing where I ate and would recommend. If you are on a tighter budget, then I bet you could get by with much less — maybe with $300.
You people make me sick. There is nothing safe about anything or place spawned from the gluttony of the privileged. You’re so clueless! With everything that has happened to “NOLA” and the people that once lived decent lives there, what on earth did you expect?! After all of the post Katrina land grabbing that left a lot of Louisiana natives (people of color) without a pot to piss in or a window to throw it out of! Damn right it’s a dark environment! So of course, do what you people do best…. Eat, drink, be merry, and stay the hell out of the way!
Thanks for your comment. Nobody’s questioning that what happened to New Orleans and its residents in 2005 was absolutely awful, and sadly, still affects a lot of people there today. I doubt people who didn’t experience it personally can even imagine how awful it really was; I know we can’t. Further, nobody is questioning the fact that desperate times call for desperate measures; we can appreciate that, too. What’s at question here, however, is whether or not it’s safe for women to travel alone to New Orleans. What we’re discussing here is how female travelers can avoid falling victim to the aforementioned desperate measures that some people have to take. This post was not at all an attack on New Orleans or the people who live there. As you read, I stated that New Orleans is no different than any other big city in the States, in that there’s a lot of crime and you simply need to be vigilant. In my opinion, that’s not a good enough reason not to go. In my experience, New Orleans was a beautiful city full of history, awesome food and culture, and very kind, boisterous locals. It’s also my view that locals should want tourists to visit, as it helps boost the local economy. However, you’re obviously free to disagree. Thanks again for your input!
I agree with you Maddy. What happened during Katrina was devastating – I was quite young at the time so I don’t even know the full details but women who travel alone have a very specific set of considerations wherever we go, but especially places where crime is high. It’s not that we’re “privileged people” who don’t know what to expect and are judging New Orleans, rather we are just trying to make people aware so they can enjoy this place to the fullest.
I found this post very helpful – I’m solo travelling across the states as a small woman in her twenties. I would love to go to New Orleans, it’s my dream – so I need to make sure I know all the facts!
Hi Letitia!
Thank you for your comment. We completely agree with you.
We’re also happy to hear that you found this post helpful. We wish you safe travels, and hope you do make it to New Orleans. It’s by far one of my favorite places in the States!
-Maddy