City in Louisiana, United States
New Orleans
Live jazz, Creole food and festivals in a walkable, atmospheric old core. Great for solo travelers who like music and nightlife; summer heat, street crime and rough pavements are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety3/5Take real precautionsDetails
- Monthly budget$3,400–4,800Comfortable, one person · $3,400–4,800Details
- Value for money9/100Better value than 8% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goFeb–Apr, Oct–NovWarmest: Jul, 30°CDetails
- Air quality8.2 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2022) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet307 MbpsFixed broadband, United States medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water from the Mississippi River is treated and safe; it can taste of chlorine, so many residents filter it.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$130–300Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards work almost everywhere; carry small bills for tips to street musicians, bars and some po'boy shops.Details
Where to stay in New Orleans
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| French Quarter | First-timers: music, bars and food; loud on Bourbon Street |
| Marigny / Bywater | Live music on Frenchmen Street, cafés and quieter lanes |
| Garden District / Uptown | Streetcar, mansions, restaurants and a calmer stay |
| Warehouse / Central Business District | Museums, modern hotels and walkable access |
| Mid-City | Cheaper long stays, local bars and streetcar access |
Apps that work in New Orleans
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- OpenTable: restaurant reservations
- Taxis: Licensed taxis charge fixed airport fares; confirm the price. Rideshare is cheaper and safer than street hails late at night.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in United States.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards work almost everywhere; carry small bills for tips to street musicians, bars and some po'boy shops.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about US$3–5; standalone ATMs in shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, 15–20% for taxis and rideshare, US$1–2 per bar drink, US$2–5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Venmo, Cash App and Zelle generally need a US bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa Waiver travellers need an approved ESTA (US$40) before departure; apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, ideally 72+ hours ahead.
- CBP has proposed making five years of social-media identifiers mandatory on ESTA; check the form's current questions and answer truthfully.
- Presidential proclamations since June 2025 restrict entry for nationals of a growing list of countries; check travel.state.gov before booking.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs at carrier stores, Walmart and Target, roughly US$25–50 for 30 days; no ID usually needed. A travel eSIM is easiest. eSIMs work for visitors.
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Going to New Orleans solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in New Orleans meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- RTA (New Orleans Regional Transit Authority)
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport
- New Orleans & Company (tourism)
- Sewerage and Water Board of New Orleans
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.