Originally Posted By EmmaJayne I just booked four nights in New Orleans for November. It's a city I have always wanted to see and am happy I managed to find some time to squeeze it into my USA at the end of this year. I am 22 and will be traveling by myself for this leg of my trip- is there any where I should avoid going and is it safe for a girl alone to be out after dark? I'll probably be staying in a hostel, so if anybody could reccommend one that would be great. Also, what are some of your favourite things to do there? I looked at their tourism site but it seemed to be more advertising than anything else. Basically any insider information would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance!
Originally Posted By TheParsec Hello, I've been to New Orleans 3 times, I Love New Orleans! I would recommend going to Cafe Du Monde in the French Quarter to get the famous Beignets. So Good! I also recommend going on one of the river boats (Cajun Queen, Creole Queen) down the Mississippi River! They have different tours, 2 hours or more tours, or dinner cruises on the river boats. Also there are battlefield tours, the old cemetery tours, city tours, old plantation tours. Been on all those tours and all are Great! And you gotta try the Gumbo and the Jambalaya, so good! I don't know about the crime there in the city, but I wouldn't have my wife walk alone at night there. We stayed at the Hilton all 3 times there, it's a really nice place, and we had the Mississippi River View (It's right next to the mississippi river). Well, Have a GREAT Time!
Originally Posted By trekkeruss Have one of the best sandwiches ever invented, a Muffuletta @ Central Grocery.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Be diligent and careful, New Orleans is often cited as one of the most dangerous cities after dark. I would not go out alone there, and I have travelled around the globe by myself including war zones. It is interesting though. Have a good time.
Originally Posted By Lisann22 First off let me say that I LOVE New Orleans. And that I also grew up in the inner city and am not shy about going places others probably wouldn't when I want to go hear music or do something I want to do. I've been to all the major US "big" cities. In my opinion, I would not venture around New Orleans alone after dark. I think you are leaving yourself pretty vulnerable. I guess it would depend on where the hostel is. I think if you stay in the French Quarter and do sightseeing during the day you should be fine. There's plenty to do. A safe place to hear some good jazz at night would be Preservation Hall - $12 for 3 sets from 8pm to 11pm. However, I would not be wandering around the streets by myself. My trip in June was just my mom and I. We never felt unsafe but I would have never made the choice to be alone either. Common sense. With that said, here's a few places I'd recommend. 1. The tourist of all tourist things to do there - Cafe De Monde. 2. Go to Jackson Square (gorgeous), see St. Augustine Church and the Cabildo Museum there. 3. Walk along the Moonwalk riverway. 4. Ride the Natchez riverboat 5. Spend time going through the art galleries and antique shops on Royal Street. 6. Ride the ferry over to Algiers, go to Mardi Gras World to see the how the floats are made. 7. Ride the Trolley cars up and down Canal and St. Charles line. 8. Walk the Garden District and see the beautiful homes and gardens. There are many tours that are free online that you can sign up for. neworleansonline.com is a big help. Many do French Quarter walking tours. There are food tastings tours that are really good too. A fun place to hang out is the French Market on Decatur and the US Mint is very interesting at the end of the French Market/Dutch Alley area. Have fun if you go, be aware of your surroundings. Be safe.
Originally Posted By Oldschool Disney New Orleans is a fun city. But like anywhere that you're not familiar just be aware of your surroundings. Stick to areas where there are lots of people.
Originally Posted By WDWdreamin I would not say it'd be safe alone after dark. There are too many lonely alleyways, etc.. The last time I went we enjoyed: St. Charles Sq., Cafe du Monde, Oak Alley plantation tour, Swamp tour, and window-shopping in the French Quarter, as well as taking the trolley past Tulane and great houses and exploring the park and zoo out there.
Originally Posted By EmmaJayne Thanks for all the great advice.. I have to say I would much prefer if I had someone to travel with and hope to meet some friendly people at the hostel so I can have at least one night out.. I'm not such a big party girl but it always seems a shame to miss out on the nightlife. I might start looking into some tours now. Thanks again!
Originally Posted By Lisann22 Then I really suggest the Preservation Hall. No smoking or drinking inside - just pure jazz. Very friendly atmosphere. Line up at 7:30ish to get in.
