How to Visit New Orleans and Skip Mardi Gras

New Orleans has a reputation for being extremely festive. The flavorful food, the lively music and the friendly people all create a good-times vibe. At no other time is this feeling heightened than at Mardi Gras. Every year the city celebrates the days leading up to Ash Wednesday and tourists flock to the French Quarter for the carnival. The tradition is one that has become synonymous with New Orleans.

But what if large overcrowded parades featuring moderate nudity aren't really your thing? Don't despair, New Orleans is still worth a visit! I traveled to the Big Easy by myself and found the city full of opportunities to enjoy some deep introspective reflection time; a stark contrast to the party image that often gets portrayed. Below are my top five ways to experience New Orleans if you're a solo traveler who enjoys alone time.  

1. Stay Outside of the French Quarter

Yes, I know, the French Quarter is a massive draw. There is a ton of nightlife, it's a central location and you'll never feel bored, but New Orleans has other beautiful neighborhoods to enjoy. I stayed in East Riverside, part of the Garden District, and it was divine. The houses range from modest and inviting to colorful and lively.

Magazine Street is the area's beating heart. In addition to bars and restaurants Magazine Street is home to ADORABLE coffee shops and boutique stores for furniture or clothing. On a beautiful day, it's perfect for taking your thoughts on a walk.

The French Quarter is basically the Times Square of New Orleans and any New Yorker worth their salt knows that you have to explore different neighborhoods to get the true feel for a city. Staying outside of the tourist center made me feel more like a local and it set the tone for the entire trip. Plus look at how cute my Airbnb was:

 2. New Orleans City Park

Do you like nature? Long walks? Beautiful scenery? Then you can't miss New Orleans City Park. The park is massive. You truly could spend an entire afternoon here- I did! I started in the park's open area where there are incredible trees and benches alongside picturesque bridges.

As I walked deeper into the park I passed the New Orleans Museum of Art and the sculpture garden. Strolling past the sculptures I came to the Botanical Garden. It was the beginning of fall so the flowers weren't in bloom but the garden was still impressive. The statutes and arches are a photographer's dream. Butterflies flew around everywhere and were incorporated into the garden's architecture. Elegant fountains and luxurious ponds filled with lily pads topped off the whole experience.

And just like that, I had wandered away my entire afternoon! I didn't even see everything the park had to offer. New Orleans City Park is a great way to spend the day alone or with friends and family.

3. St. Louis Cemetery

This one is for those of us who aren't afraid of a little eeriness. Personally, I love exploring cemeteries. There's a strange sort of calm that lingers in the air. New Orleans has a rich history that includes tales of voodoo and this mysticism can be found all over the city. Leaning into that magical history is part of visiting New Orleans.

St. Louis Cemetery is made up of three parts, each named numerically. St. Louis 1 and 2 are located within two blocks of each other and can be found in the Treme neighborhood. St. Louis 1 is the most famous of the three because the well-known voodoo priestess Marie Leveau is believed to be buried there. Heads up: there's a $20 entrance fee and St. Louis 1 can only be seen if you take a tour.

St. Louis 2 is completely free of charge and you can walk through it on your own, which is what I did. The cemetery's tombs are above ground and in various states of disrepair. There's a very specific type of beauty embedded deep within a cemetery that can only be found by spending time appreciating the grounds. I thought a lot about life and death here.

4. Bacchanal Wine

Honestly, very few things make me happier than a nice glass of Sauvignon Blanc, (yes, I prefer white wine, get off my case). On my last day in New Orleans, I decided to go to Bacchanal Wine, which was recommended to me by various drivers and friendly faces. It did not disappoint. I went during the afternoon on a Tuesday and it was heaven. You enter and it seems like a quaint little wine and cheese shop but then there's a backyard with a stage and an upstairs area with seating.

I ended up having the entire upstairs to myself while I listened to the music from the band outside. It was as cute as it gets. From what I understand Bacchanal is actually really popular and gets busier in the evenings and they even throw events with other local businesses. But for that Tuesday afternoon Bacchanal and the massive cheese plate pictured below were all mine.

5. Visit New Orleans During the Shoulder Season

Plan your visit to New Orleans strategically. Obviously, the city is busiest during the summer and Mardi Gras but you can book a trip at a time when you'll get a cheaper flight and freedom from other tourists.

I went in mid-September. That particular timing is risky because it's the beginning of fall and temperatures might have already cooled down but I got lucky. The city was experiencing an extended summer and the weather was warm with radiant sun all day long.

You can also choose to go in the very early spring, like the beginning of March, (I've seen roundtrip tickets as low as $77 for this time of the year). Whatever dates you choose visiting outside of the most tourist concentrated times is essential to experiencing New Orleans at its most serene.