New Orleans was the first city I ever traveled to solo—that was back in 2017. I’ve been to many cities since then, but I can always make a case for New Orleans being one of the most magical cities on earth. The French Quarter, more specifically, is a neighborhood so alive and so colorful, and all those years ago, I had never seen a place like it.

When I decided that travel was going to be my biggest goal of life as a single woman, New Orleans topped my list of places in the U.S. I loved the idea of being caught by the surprise of live music on any street at any time or possibly having the best food I will ever have. Nearly ten years later, it’s still one of my favorite places.

Let’s talk about what is obviously the most important part of visiting New Orleans—the food. Aside from music, the Big Easy is known for the endless options of amazing flavor and variety. Most of the food is creole or cajun inspired—a blend of many different cultures. So, when you eat in New Orleans, you’re literally getting a taste of history.