New Orleans can be an expensive city, but it when it comes to finding fun things to do, it doesn’t have to be. You can “ball” on a budget here.
This article will tell you some of the very best things you can do in New Orleans for absolutely free or cheap.
How Much Spending Money Do You Need In New Orleans?
If you’re planning on visiting New Orleans, don’t think you have to spend a lot of money. The truth is you can get by on a very modest amount.
You should plan to spend around $191 per day on your vacation in New Orleans, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, $36 on meals for one day and $41 on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in New Orleans for a couple is $200.
The Best Free Or Cheap Things To Do In New Orleans
Check Out The Library
You’d be surprised how romantic it could be to lose yourself among the thousands of books inside your local library. Why not pick a day and time and get together to read the best of Hemingway, Alice Walker and other great authors?
Choose a branch of the New Orleans Public Library System.
Check Out a Sports Game
The Saints and Pelicans are two of the hottest tickets in town. The only issue is that tickets for both are kind of expensive!
What will you do? If you can’t get inside the game, don’t sweat it. Go to a sports bar instead. It will be much cheaper!
Here are some great sports bars in New Orleans.
Enjoy The Greenspace At Confetti Park
451 Pelican Ave, New Orleans, LA 70114 | (504) 658-3201
“Confetti park had a neighborhood vibe,” says one visitor, “with a welcoming atmosphere. an amazing brass band of youth, lead the music of the parade, while the dancing boy energetically lead us down the neighborhood’s streets. homemade floats, bikes, scooters and roller skates followed the music. wonderful time, and we are grateful for the experience.”
Try Some Beignets At Café Du Monde
- Riverwalk: 500 Port of New Orleans Pl #27, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 218-7993
- French Market: 800 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 525-4544
- City Park: 56 Dreyfous Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124 | (504) 766-0250
Here’s what one reviewer says about Cafe Du Monde (French Market): “Yummy Yummy! It is worth the wait for this classic of New Orleans. No trip would be complete until you have powder all over yourself! There are multiple lines, so be sure to keep an eye out for the quickest one. Also note that seating is VERY limited, so I recommend you have someone scout tables while another waits in line if you plan on eating at a table.”
Read the NolaFi.com Guide On Best Nola Beignets.
Visit The National WWII Museum
945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 528-1944
It goes without saying that the National WWII Museum holds many of the city’s secrets. Etched on the walls are the names of the proud war dead, heroes not only in New Orleans but across America.
How Much Does The National WWII Museum Cost?
| Museum Pricing | |
|---|---|
| Visitors with Disabilities | $19* |
| WWII Veterans | FREE |
| Members | FREE |
| Beyond All Boundaries | $7 |
Enjoy Some Live Music On Frenchmen Street
532 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 766-6193
Frenchman Street is one of the places where you can enjoy a whole concert just from the curbside. Many musicians congregate there to play.
One spot that you should definitely check out is Blue Nile.
Here’s what one reviewer says about Blue Nile. “We loved the vibe and decor of The Blue Nile! The feel was so much better than the insane, frat party vibe on Bourbon Street. After a long day walking around exploring the French Quarter we stopped here for cocktails while listening to the Washboard Chaz Blues Trio. The band was rocking and had great energy and banter with the audience.
“The cocktails are expensive ($15-20), but the fleur de lis cocktail was absolutely divine! (Grey Goose vodka, essence of peach & rosemary, elderflower, and tonic!) This place was the perfect experience to wrap up our first day in New Orleans. We’ll definitely be back again!”
Here are some other live music spots in New Orleans.
Take A Walk In City Park
1 Palm Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124 | (504) 482-488
Here’s what one park lover says about City Park. “In our three-day visit we came here three times. Insanely gorgeous trees, so many activites to choose from . The Sculpture garden is a must-see. Would have loved to do the light up swan boat in the evening. We ended up visiting the art museum because it looked all enticing from the park. There isn’t enough time in one visit to enjoy it all. Bring bug spray and lots of water!”
Want to know what places make for the best Instagram-worthy photos around the Crescent City? We’re going to show you.
Shop Palace Market
619 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116
In addition to the great live music on Frenchmen, there’s a market that you can buy all types of wonderful arts and crafts. Find cheap bracelets and other jewelry that won’t bust your budget at Palace Market, which regularly hosts around 40 maker booths every night.
Explore Bourbon Street
Known for its wild bars, and red-light district vibes, Bourbon Street is one of those places you at least want to walk down in the early evening. If you can avoid the overzealous reveler, Bourbon Street is a must-visit to document the colorful charm of one of America’s oldest cities.
Check Out Preservation Hall
726 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116
One of the most musically important sites in New Orleans, Preservation Hall seems to play a tune when you look at each wall.
Preservation Hall is relatively cheap to enter. The cost is for General Admission tickets is $15 in advance. $20 at the door.
Final Word
Want to submit your New Orleans event? Do so here:
[emefs_submit_event_form]
One of the best things about New Orleans, Louisiana is the number of fun activities you can partake in for FREE! From exploring the markets to admiring the city’s many parks, there’s a lot to do for no-cost.
New Orleans is more than your normal run-of-the-mill city; it is the cultural epicenter of the Southeast, from restaurants to its parks, the city stands out as a place to visit and live.
Looking for something to do in the city? What To See And Do In New Orleans.
