I think there are many sides to New Orleans, as with most cities. I really enjoyed the historical architecture, gorgeous flowers, beautiful waterfront, and walkability. In my case, I always look for the vegan/vegetarian restaurants and the pretty views, and I definitely skirt around the tourist traps and rowdier parts of town. You get what you look for, right?
There’s a great deal of beauty, as well as interesting history and culture in New Orleans.
One of my favorite things to do in a new city is try to get out on the water. New Orleans has a handy little ferry the crosses the Mississippi River, taking passengers over to Algiers Point. This was my first place to explore, finding cute little houses, flowers, and giant trees everywhere.
I walked along both sides of the river, probably hitting at least ten miles on my feet each day. On my second day in the city, I made use of the Blue Bike e-bike rental system and got all the way up to the shores of Lake Pontchartrain [gigantic] and City Park [pretty huge].
One of my favorite activities while visiting New Orleans was the free walking tour with GuruWalk, exploring the Treme District. Boy did I learn a lot of local history! And of course, I got so many more miles under my feet… Things here have changed a LOT from the days when New Orleans was a French colony and European immigrants enslaved those brought in from Africa. The park pictured above is now named after Louis Armstrong and dedicated to music and African culture.
I stayed in two different hostels while in New Orleans [Madame Isabelle’s isn’t in a great part of town and is pretty small and run down, but it does have a CAT], but the HI New Orleans Hostel was my total favorite!! Please know that it is absolutely possible to stay in a high-end hostel that is safe, clean, and beautiful for a very reasonable price. #solofemaletravel
HI New Orleans Hostel: 1028 Canal St. New Orleans, LA [I stayed in an 8-bed female room, $32]
Once again, I was IMPRESSED with a hostel from the HI Hostel family. This one is so clean and comfy…nothing to complain about at all. Huge locker space, great pillows and duvet comforter, new towels, free breakfast, beautiful common areas, and fantastic location. Very happy here!
Hostelworld.com is the perfect place to start searching for your next affordable accommodation!
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