Where to Stay in New Orleans
Safe neighborhoods, social hostels, and practical tips for women travelling alone
Our pick for solo female travellers
Stay in Marigny
Offers a vibrant yet manageable atmosphere with easy access to music venues and a more laid-back feel than the French Quarter.
Best Neighborhoods for Solo Female Travellers
Ranked by relevance for solo female travellers visiting New Orleans
Marigny
Mid-rangeBohemian neighborhood renowned for its vibrant live music scene, especially on Frenchmen Street.
- +World-class live music venues
- +More local feel than the French Quarter
- +Great restaurants and bars
- -Can be loud on music nights
- -Fewer major tourist attractions within walking distance
🛡️ Generally safe due to the crowds around Frenchmen Street, but exercise caution on quieter side streets, especially late at night.
Uptown (Irish Channel/Touro)
Mid-rangeLively, diverse neighborhood known for its excellent restaurants, bars, and proximity to Tulane and Loyola Universities.
- +Abundant and diverse dining and bar options
- +More local and less touristy feel
- +Good value for money
- -Further from major French Quarter attractions (requires streetcar or taxi)
- -Can be noisy near university areas
🛡️ Generally safe, especially along Magazine Street; exercise standard city precautions at night on less populated streets.
Garden District
Mid-rangeElegant residential area famous for its stunning Victorian mansions and lush gardens.
- +Beautiful architecture and tranquil atmosphere
- +Excellent for walking and photography
- +Access to boutique shopping and dining on Magazine Street
- -Limited nightlife
- -Fewer dining options compared to more central areas
- -Can feel quiet at night
🛡️ Very safe during the day for walking tours; generally safe at night, but stick to well-lit main streets.
French Quarter
LuxuryHistoric heart of the city, brimming with iconic architecture, lively music, and abundant nightlife.
- +Unmatched historical atmosphere
- +Concentration of famous attractions and restaurants
- +Constant entertainment and music
- -Can be overwhelmingly crowded and noisy, especially on weekends
- -Higher prices for accommodation and food
🛡️ Generally safe during the day with crowds, but be highly aware of your surroundings at night; pickpocketing is common, and some side streets can feel unsafe after dark.
Daily Budget (Budget)
USD 100/day
Hidden Gems in New Orleans
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Elizabeth's Restaurant
A beloved Bywater institution famous for its eclectic decor and hearty, creative Southern comfort food, including their legendary praline bacon. It's a quirky, vibrant spot that truly captures the spirit of a neighborhood eatery.
Frenchmen Art Market
FREEWhile Frenchmen Street is known for music, this adjacent open-air market showcases local artists selling everything from paintings and jewelry to handmade crafts. It's a fantastic place to find unique souvenirs and support New Orleans artists.
Safety in New Orleans
ModerateSolo Female Travel
Exercise caution, especially at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuables. The French Quarter can be overwhelming; stay on main streets after dark.
At Night
The French Quarter and Frenchmen Street are generally busy and safer due to crowds, but petty crime is common. Avoid walking alone on quieter streets, especially those away from the main tourist hubs. Be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help.
Emergency
911
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overly friendly strangers offering 'free' tours or advice that leads to expensive recommendations.
- 2Pickpocketing in crowded areas like Bourbon Street and streetcar stops.
- 3Bogus charity collectors, especially around tourist hotspots.
2 areas to be cautious about
Read our full safety guide for New Orleans