Don’t we all love to travel for free? For this post, I asked Michelle from That Texas Couple to share her recommendations for the free best things to do in New Orleans. Michelle’s tips will help you to visit New Orleans on a budget and get the very best of the city without breaking the bank!
The city of New Orleans is a diverse melting pot of history and culture. Visitors flock to this amazing city to taste the delicious Cajun food, experience an incredible music scene, and immerse themselves in New Orleans culture.
It doesn’t matter if you are spending 3 days in New Orleans, or 3 weeks, this town has plenty to keep you entertained. Finding things to do in New Orleans is easy, but they can quickly break the bank if you aren’t careful. Lucky for you, we have compiled this list of free things to do in New Orleans to help you enjoy your time without spending a fortune.
Know Before You Go to New Orleans
Before travelling to New Orleans, make sure you book accommodation and popular attractions ASAP as hotels and tickets can sell out.
🛌 MY FAVOURITE CHEAP HOTELS IN NEW ORLEANS:
$$ Travelers New Orleans: Prime location in the Lower Garden District
$$ Hampton Inn New Orleans: complimentary hot breakfast & outdoor pool.
$ HI New Orleans Hostel: Private & Shared rooms in a beautiful historic building
⭐ TOP 3 NEW ORLEANS ACTIVITIES TO BOOK IN ADVANCE:
1. Evening Jazz Cruise on the Steamboat Natchez
How to Make the Best of New Orleans on a Budget
I love finding free things to do wherever I travel, and you can have an amazing time with a very limited budget. However, some things might be worth paying for if you have the budget to do it. Perhaps by compromising and saving money on some things, you can afford to splurge a little on something you really want to do.
For example, you could save money by staying in cheap accommodation and doing lots of free activities in New Orleans, and then treat yourself to some New Orleans tours and activities to learn more about something you’re interested in.
If you have the budget to treat yourself a little bit, these are some of the most popular tours and activities in New Orleans that you might be interested in:
- Evening Jazz Cruise on the Steamboat Natchez
- Walking Tour Inside St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
- French Quarter Haunted Walking Tour
- Cemetery Bus Tour At Dark with Exclusive Access
Or you can browse more activities and tours in New Orleans on GetYourGuide here. I use GetYourGuide to book tours and tickets as I love how you can choose from a variety of options to find the best for you, comparing prices and reading reviews.
Using GetYourGuide means you also get immediate confirmation once you’ve booked which is perfect for last-minute plans, and when you book in advance you can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity in case your plans change. However, If you prefer to use Viator you can find tours on Viator here.
That said, no matter what budget you have, there is no need to pay for activities in New Orleans if you don’t want to. You can still have an amazing New Orleans vacation without spending a lot of money and have some unique experiences you will remember forever!
The Best Free Things to do in New Orleans
Jackson Square
Historic buildings, vendors peddling their colorful artworks, and the sounds of jazz ringing through the air, surround the iconic and picturesque square in New Orleans. Located right in the heart of New Orleans, across from the infamous Café du Monde, Jackson Square is one of the perfect free things to do in New Orleans. It is here that you can get a true taste for the spirit of New Orleans.
Named for the bronze statue of Andrew Jackson that is located in the center of the square, Jackson Square is a great place to not only learn some New Orleans’ history but also a fabulous place to do some people watching.
Read all about the history of the square on the plaques that you will find surround it. Take note of the beautiful architecture surrounding the square, specifically the oldest apartments in the United States, the Pontalba Apartments. Visitors can also enjoy browsing the art that lines the fences of Jackson Square. Some truly notable artists started right here in this very area.
St. Louis Cathedral
Located next to Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral is open to the public to visit free daily. This church is not only historic, but it is also beautiful!
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Visit the Carousel Bar
Located in one of the haunted hotels in New Orleans, the Carousel Bar is like no other bar that you have ever seen. Housed in the Hotel Monteleone, the Carousel Bar is a New Orleans hot spot. Get here early if you want a seat as this bar fills up fast. Once you get inside, you realize why. This bar is an actual full-size carousel.
French Market
What began as a Native American trading post has transformed into one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Orleans. This open-air market is home to numerous vendors selling everything from fresh-shucked oysters to Mardi Gras beads.
The booths here welcome visitors daily to eat delicious food and browse for that perfect souvenir. On Wednesdays and Sundays, the market also houses a Farmer’s Market where you can find fresh fruits and vegetables and homemade pralines.
While visiting the French Market area, be sure to check out Dutch Alley also. Located at Dumaine and St. Phillips Street, Dutch Alley is a great pedestrian walkway that houses bronze statues, fountains, a performance stage, and is home to the Dutch Alley’s Artist Co-op.
Visit Art Galleries
Royal Street is home to numerous art galleries that love for visitors to come in and admire the work of the artists. Here you can find everything from oil painting to incredible photography. Frank Relle Photography house some incredible New Orleans photography and is a favorite among photography lovers. Other popular galleries include Gallery Burguieres, Rodrigue Studio, and Tresor Gallery.
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Frenchmen Street
If you love live music then you will definitely want to add Frenchmen Street to your list of free things to do in New Orleans. Just walking down Frenchmen Street is an adventure. Music from every genre pours out of the doors of the clubs that surround you. Find your favorite tune and pop in to see who is playing for the evening to catch some great live music while in New Orleans.
Antique Shopping
Another one of the free things to do in New Orleans is to visit the many antique shops that you will find in the French Quarter and surrounding the city. The antique stores in New Orleans are so unique and house amazing treasures just waiting to find a new home.
You will find some of the most popular antique stores right in the heart of the French Quarter on Royal and Chartres streets. Here, the antique stores line the road offering things like 19th-century furniture, rare collectables, and one-of-a-kind New Orleans antiques.
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Houses of the Garden District
No visit to New Orleans is complete without visiting the tree-lined streets of New Orleans’ Garden District. The antebellum houses here ooze charm and carry a magnificent air that mesmerizes everyone who visits.
While there are several guided tours of the Garden District, you can also do a free, self-guided tour of the area. Be sure and visit the famous houses in this area including the house where they filmed the American Horror Story’s Coven. Sandra Bullock also has a home here, so don’t forget to add that one to your list.
Woldenberg Riverfront Park
Stroll down the Riverfront along the Mississippi River and enjoy all of the sights and sounds of the River.
City Park
A visit to New Orleans’ City Park is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Originating in 1854, this is the nation’s oldest urban park. Encompassing 1,300-acres, this is not only a place to come and enjoy the great outdoors, but City Park also houses several events a year.
The major attraction to this park is the gorgeous live oak trees, including one that is almost 800 years old. City Park also houses a great Botanical Garden, a sculpture garden, and a great wooden carousel.
Historic New Orleans Collection
Lovers of history, culture, and art will definitely want to visit the Historic New Orleans Collection. This museum provides self-guided tours free, so be sure to check it out.
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Visit a Cemetery
New Orleans is famous for its above-ground cemeteries and all but one are free to enter. Take time to visit the St. Roch Cemetery, St. Patrick Cemetery, and the Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 just to name a few.
Attend a Parade
New Orleans seems to always have a celebration happening, and many times, these celebrations include parades. Of course, everyone knows about the famous Mardi Gras parades held here, but New Orleans is also home to fabulous Easter parades and St. Patrick’s Day parades. Joining one is easy and one of the fun free things to do in New Orleans.
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Mardi Gras Museum
The Mardi Gras Museum is a fabulous way to immerse yourself in the history of the New Orleans Mardi Gras tradition. Not only are there exhibits of elaborate costumes, but there is also a “costume closet” so that you can get in on the fun yourself.
Madame John’s Legacy
Architect and history lovers will love visiting Madame John’s Legacy. This collection of 18th-century French-colonial buildings will have you mesmerized.
The complex consists of three buildings that include the main house, a kitchen area with cook’s quarters, and a two-story dependency. This is one of the last remaining building complexes in the nation like this.
Final Thoughts on Free Things to do in New Orleans
As you can see, there are so many free things to do in New Orleans that you could stay busy for weeks. The city of New Orleans is full of mystery and intrigue and just waiting for you to explore it further.
Where to Stay in New Orleans
To be in the heart of the action, the French Quarter is a fun place to stay. However, staying just outside the FQ you will be steps away yet shouldn’t be bothered with the late-night party noise! Plus, accommodations will be much more affordable!
HI New Orleans Hostel: A vibrant accommodation in the heart of the Big Easy, offering budget-savvy travelers an affordable stay in a beautiful historic building packed with all the modern amenities you need. >>>CHECK PRICES
City House Hostel New Orleans: A haven for backpackers on a budget, this lively hostel boasts a range of amenities including free breakfast, a fully-equipped kitchen, cozy common areas, and it’s in a prime location! >>>CHECK PRICES
Travelers New Orleans: A budget-friendly haven in the Lower Garden District, providing travelers with complimentary breakfast, cozy rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a prime location. >>>CHECK PRICES
Hampton Inn New Orleans: In addition to the spectacular Marigny location, this hotel offers a complimentary hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, and a refreshing outdoor pool. >>>CHECK PRICES
CHECK OUT ALL NEW ORLEANS HOTELS
About the Author
Michelle Snell is a travel writer, history buff, wine lover, and enthusiast of different cultures. While she is a professional educator by day, her passion for travel has her jet setting all over the world. Michelle enjoys bringing places to life through her informative writing style on her blog, That Texas Couple.
Her practical tips and suggestions help make travel dreams a reality while immersing her readers in the history, culture, and food of a region. She is happiest sipping wine in Italy or chilling on a beach with her husband, Marty. Follow along with the adventures of That Texas Couple on Instagram, Twitter & TikTok.
New Orleans Travel Tips
Now we’ve shared our favorite free activities in New Orleans, check out these tips for booking your New Orleans vacation:
Getting There
- Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to your destination.
- Public buses are the cheapest ways to get to your accommodation from the airport, but a shared shuttle transfer is quicker and cheaper than a taxi - you can pre-book those on GetYourGuide or Viator
- Try Omio for booking trains and Busbud for buses including Greyhound and Flixbus.
Where to Stay
- For hotels, I use Booking.com to check reviews and find the best deals on hotels and apartments wherever I'm travelling to. Hotels.com is another good site.
- If you're on a tight budget, use Hostelworld to find the best hostels all over the world
Hire a Car
- Get a quote for car hire with Discover Cars who compare car rental deals from many companies so that you can choose which is best for your trip.
Book Tours and Activities
- I use GetYourGuide or Viator to book everything from skip-the-line entry tickets to food tours as I can compare options from several companies and choose the best one for me
- If you're staying in a hostel, check out their tours and activities which are usually free or very cheap - and a great way to meet people!
Get Travel Insurance
- Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. I never leave home without travel insurance, so consider getting insurance for your trip to cover things like adventure sports and activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, stolen items, trip cancellation and more.
- Get a quote for your trip from True Traveller if you're based in the UK, or World Nomads or SafetyWing which both offer travel insurance for backpackers and long-term travellers. Alternatively, use a comparison site like Travel Insurance Master to find the best cover for you.
Check Your Travel Documents
- Don't forget to check the validity of your passport and any other documents for your trip. Use iVisa to check if you need a visa to visit your destination, and get up to date official travel advice from your government, for example on the Department of State website in the US or the UK government website.
Get Cheap Currency
- When travelling abroad, using a travel bank account like Wise means you get great deals on foreign currency - including a fee-free transfer of up to £500 when you use this link to sign up.
Top Money Saving Tip for Backpackers
- Work exchanges are a great way to travel for longer and extend your trip as you can save a ton of money on accommodation. Get an extra $10 discount on Worldpackers here or learn more about work exchanges.
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