Steal My Itinerary: Here’s How I Spent One Day in New Orleans — Solo, Stuffed, And Oh So Happy

486

Look, if you’ve only got one day to spare in New Orleans, this is the BEST solo trip itinerary for foodies and culture lovers! I spent four days in New Orleans last year, for a girls’ trip, with my friends to celebrate our birthday! But one thing I HATE … is waking up early to get on a flight back home. (I have no problem flying out early TO my destination, but back to NYC? Hell no!)

So contrary to what my Instagram says about my friends leaving me, I was really just the last person to leave New Orleans. Which at first felt like a GREAT idea. But once I realized I had basically a FULL day alone … in a city I wasn’t familiar with … I panicked. Just a little.

However, my New Orleans solo trip ended up being AMAZING, and I’m SO glad I stayed and ventured out. I got to visit all of my favorite spots AGAIN and explored a few new places while eating good and living my best soft life. So if you ever find yourself with just one day to spare in New Orleans (or just wanna plan a solo date while you’re in town), here’s exactly how I spent mine.

Things To Do In New Orleans: One Day Solo Trip Itinerary

Before I start this itinerary … I have to say, I stayed at the Le Méridien New Orleans hotel, which was super close to everything listed below. So if you’re looking to follow this one-day itinerary, step by step, the Le Méridien is where you’ll want to stay!

Or at least a hotel that’s close to it, so you’re in the same part of town.

Now here’s how you can have a great solo trip in New Orleans, just like I did …

Start your day off sleeping in …

No need to rush! This itinerary is light, so you can enjoy a slow morning, sleep in a little longer, and take your time getting ready before heading out. Because who wants to wake up early on vacation??

Optional: Breakfast at the Ruby Slipper

Breakfast? Who needs breakfast?

I tend to skip breakfast, so I can sleep in longer … but if you NEED to eat, I’d recommend grabbing breakfast in your hotel! It’s quick and easy … and Le Méridien’s French toast is LITERALLY the best French toast I’ve ever had! It’s soft, and warm, and melts in your mouth! I was seriously impressed!

And I’m a Virgo, y’all. I’m usually not impressed.

However, if you’re looking to get out and about EARLY … and want to start your day sitting in the sun — Ruby Slipper is only a few blocks away! I had their French Toast bites with crispy fried chicken, and it was pretty good! Not better than Le Méridien’s, but I don’t regret getting it!

Once you’re ready to head out … your first stop is the Louisiana Music Factory

We were in the French Quarter a day or two before my solo day, but I had NO CLUE the Louisiana Music Factory was right there! Somehow, we had missed it walking around at night, so I was SUPER excited when I Ubered over and saw it. As a music lover, I rarely ever get to browse record stores anymore, so I geeked out. I ended up buying a postcard, a card, and a photo print as keepsakes.

Then grab lunch at Willie’s Chicken Shack

Which is right across the street from the Louisiana Music Factory! (This was my true first destination, since I skipped breakfast, but after driving by, I walked back to the record store to explore first.)

Now let me tell you — Willie’s Chicken Shack and these biscuits!!? To die for! On the night of our first visit here, we were told we couldn’t order JUST biscuits, and when I tell you we were ALL devastated. It’s truly a crime, and if that worker was lying — I sweartagawd!!

So of course, when I decided to spend my last day solo in New Orleans, I HAD to go back and enjoy another biscuit. Their rice and beans and chicken are also fantastic!! But if I’m being honest, the daiquiris (pictured below) is just okay.

I’d recommend grabbing a Hand Grenade at The Tropical Isle or a Fat Tuesday’s daiquiri instead.

After lunch … walk to the Baldwin & Co. Coffee & Bookstore

This Black-owned bookstore and café is only a few blocks away from Willie’s and the walk is super peaceful during the day. They have a ton of books by Black authors on their shelves, and the vibes just felt RIGHT. I keke’d with a few staff members, one of whom randomly mentioned she wanted a Coach bag, which I took as a sign to buy the bag I had seen a few days before!

Mid-Afternoon Snack: Loretta’s Beignets

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting on a day Loretta’s Authentic Pralines is open, GO. It’s just a short walk from Baldwin & Co., and their beignets are worth every step.

I’ve had their breakfast beignets (bacon and egg with ketchup and hot sauce—like a Brooklyn bodega sandwich, but better!), their traditional powdered sugar beignets, and their seafood beignets — and they’re all absolutely delicious. Don’t forget to grab a praline to snack on later!

Late Afternoon Snack: Sweet Saint Ice Cream

Next, Uber over to Sweet Saint for some of the best ice cream you’ll ever have. I highly recommend getting a scoop of Northernmost State of the Caribbean and a scoop of Chicory & French Truck Coffee. Yup, together! The combo may sound unusual, but trust me, it works!

I missed out on this spot initially because Google Maps said it was closed, but turns out they were open. So don’t make my mistake! Go get your ice cream!

Evening Activity: Shopping at Riverwalk Outlet

Not ready to go home just yet? Head over to Riverwalk Outlet for a little retail therapy. I snagged an adorable Coach purse for only $100, and it was the highlight of my shopping spree. You can also grab a quick bite at the mall if you need a snack.

End Your Day: Relaxing with Dinner at your Hotel or Hit Bourbon Street

For dinner, you have two options:

• If you want a quiet, relaxing night, order from Mambo’s via Uber Eats. Their rice and beans with crispy chicken is just as good delivered as it is in the restaurant. So you can kick back in your hotel, watch TV, or dive into the book you bought earlier, and enjoy a quiet dinner alone.
• If you’re up for some fun, head to Bourbon Street! Grab dinner in person (at Mambo’s), then grab a Hand Grenade, and hit Cat’s Meow 2 for some karaoke. This is where we had the most fun during our girls’ trip, and it’s the perfect way to wrap up your solo adventure.

And there you have it! The perfect one-day solo itinerary in New Orleans!

How would you spend your solo day in New Orleans? Also, should I share our full 3-day girls’ trip itinerary in NOLA next? Leave a comment below, and let me know.