Uber: easy, simple, and navigation-free. Just a few clicks, thirty dollars, a five-dollar tip, and you’re on your way. Convenient, sure—but definitely not cheap. And if you really think about the whole process—waiting for a driver, waiting for your driver to arrive, trying to explain the maze that is Tulane’s roads, and finally, the arrival—Ubers can easily take thirty to forty minutes. Within thirty minutes around Tulane, you can get a lot farther than you’d expect on foot. So, next time you decide to work your legs instead of your wallet, check out this small list of nearby spots. With some good walking shoes, earbuds, and a dream, you can get a lot farther than you would think.
Grocery Stores
Rouses’s Supermarket (~25 minutes)
Walk a straight line along Freret from campus and you arrive at Rouses’. A relatively small grocery story, however, they have most everything one would need.
Whole Foods (~40 minutes)
A straight line, a turn, and then another straight line—you’re there! It’s a long walk and honestly feels longer than forty minutes, but if you’re already planning to brave the expensive circus that is Whole Foods, why not save some money by walking? Just don’t buy so much you can’t carry it all home! And, bonus, you’ll encourage yourself to not buy so much you can’t carry it all home.
Coffee Shops
Rue de la Course (~20 minutes)
Everyone knows you’re most productive off-campus, and this walk is only 20 minutes, taking you past lots of charming houses. Inside, the café is so cute you could easily spend hours there—making the walk totally worth it.
Mojo Coffee House (~20 minutes)
Located along Freret Street, this café is a straight shot from campus and has plenty of cozy seating.
Breakfast and Lunch
Shug’s Bagels (~12 minutes)
By now, most students have at least heard of Shug’s. One of the closest food spots to campus, it’s so near you could almost justify a quick run between classes.
Good Bird (~20 minutes)
Bowls, salads, and sandwiches—if you’re craving a relatively healthy but yummy lunch, the walk is definitely worth it.
Bearcat Cafe (~30 minutes)
A longer walk, but a really good sit down breakfast or lunch option. It’s farther down Freret, but if you like your dining companions enough, the walk feels totally doable.
Dinner
Freret Street is packed with restaurants. While these are listed by proximity to Tulane, pick your dinner based on what you’re craving—your kitten heels won’t love this walk but your bank account will!
Origami (~20 minutes) Sushi
Dat Dog (~20 minutes) American
Cure (~22 minutes) Per their website “cocktails and an eclectic array of dishes”
Val’s (~25 minutes) Mexican
Dessert
Imperial Woodpecker Sno Balls (~21 minutes)
A New Orleans specialty! Sno-Balls differ from snow cones with their finely shaved ice that soaks up syrup better.
Cinnaholic (~23 minutes)
If you’re looking to really indulge, Cinnaholic on Freret has insane cinnamon buns you can customize. They even have a gluten free option. The walk will make you feel even better about the special treat.
Sucre (~24 minutes)
Also on Freret, Sucré offers lovely French desserts and treats—ideal if you want a sweet gift for a friend’s birthday. Or a small treat to accompany your walk.
Is New Orleans totally walkable? No, not at all. But sometimes, skipping the Uber and staying close to campus isn’t so bad. And, when you do feel like venturing past Freret, remember the streetcar is just $1.25 for a 24-hour pass. Download the Le Pass app and it will make out your route. With a little (sometimes a lot) of walking and the streetcar you can conquer the majority of Uptown New Orleans, without the help of an Uber.
