With its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scene, and unique cuisine, New Orleans offers visitors a wealth of experiences. When you travel, spending money on flights and hotels can have a big impact on other aspects of your trip, such as tours, activities, and even the amount of time you spend in a location. So balance it out by finding things you can do for free or at low cost. vacation budget.
Don’t forget to get a taste of New Orleans as you explore these attractions. The city’s Creole and Cajun cuisine is a culinary adventure that you can sample at local eateries without emptying your wallet. Check out this list of New Orleans restaurants. You’ll find something depending on your budget. Most importantly, relax and have fun in the vibrant Crescent City.
1. City parks: natural gems
city park It’s one of New Orleans’ treasures. Fifty percent larger than New York’s Central Park, this expansive city park features lush gardens, tranquil walking trails, boating on the lake, bicycle rentals, and one of the oldest groves of oak trees. There is also the tranquility of the Singing Tree and many people love to sit or lie under it and listen to the magical wind chimes. The park is also home to the iconic Café du Monde and other dining options, as well as the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Botanical Garden, and the Children’s Museum of Louisiana. Some of these attractions within the park may have an entrance fee, but exploring the park itself is free.
2. French Quarter: Historic Walk
The French Quarter, also known by its French name “Vieux Carre,” is an absolute highlight of any trip to the Big Easy. The architecture is protected, so you’ll be transported back in time to find fascinating historic galleys, gas lamps and buildings. Visit historic Jackson Square, check out the work of local artists, and watch street performances. You can also visit the iconic St. Louis Cathedral. The city also includes the Cabildo, a historic home from the Spanish colonial era, now a museum where you can learn about the city’s past, and admission is just $10 per adult.
3. Street music: a symphony of sounds
New Orleans is famous for its street music scene. Stroll through the French Quarter and soak up the vibrant atmosphere created by talented street musicians. It can appear in random locations, but the most likely locations are in front of Café Du Monde on Decatur Street (you can also buy 3 beignets and a cafe au lait for about $8) and in front of Café Du Monde on Decatur Street and in front of Royal Street and St. such as the corner of Peter Street. Located in front of Rouse Grocery and near Decatur French Market.
4. The World of Mardi Gras: A Glimpse at Carnival
Admission to Mardi Gras World is $22 for adults and $14 for children, but it’s a unique New Orleans activity that allows you to marvel at the grandeur of Mardi Gras floats and costumes without coming during the busiest times. One. and the expensive time of Mardi Gras in February. Discounts are available for military, students, and seniors.
5. Cemetery Tour: Tracing History
Founded by the French in 1718, New Orleans faced burial problems due to periodic flooding. The residents were buried on the embankment, but there are fears that the bodies and coffins will be exposed if the water level rises. As a result, these structures are mainly above-ground tombs, family tombs, civic association tombs, and wall vaults. They often follow neoclassical design principles and are arranged in an orderly pattern resembling city streets.St. Louis Cemetery, a popular tourist attraction, is currently only accessible for $25 guided tourother cemeteries are free to explore, including Lafayette Cemetery in the Garden District.
6. St. Charles Avenue Streetcar: A Historic Vehicle
Ride the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar, one of the world’s oldest continuously operating streetcars, dating back to 1835. You can explore the city and appreciate its historical charm at an affordable price. Adults can ride for just $1.25 and children can ride for just $0.50. If you pay with cash, you just need change. You can also purchase credits to use the RTA public transit app. This tram takes you all the way to the majestic Garden District.
7. Garden District: Stroll among the mansions
The Garden District is home to historic homes and unique architectural charm. It’s the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll while admiring the elegant surroundings. Some properties here include museums, which are open to the public for a small fee. There’s the property used for filming, Anne Rice’s old home, and the very charming Link Shopping Center. The area began to be settled in the early to mid-19th century after the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 brought wealthy Americans to settle there.
8. New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park: Music Education
Please experience New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, admission is completely free. Stop by the Visitor Center at 419 Decatur Street to join a conversation with a ranger, join a lively drumming circle, enjoy a jazz concert, or attend one of the music events held throughout the city. How about getting some information about it? This is a great introduction to the music and culture of the Crescent City.
9. Frenchman Street: Music for the Soul
When I first came to New Orleans over five years ago, I stayed in the Marigny neighborhood and walked down Frenchman Street. When brass bands started playing on street corners and people started dancing in the streets in the middle of the afternoon, I instantly fell in love. Even if you want a different experience, many of the jazz clubs here can be enjoyed with the purchase of a drink.
10. Riverfront: Beautiful riverside promenade
The riverfront offers stunning views of the mighty Mississippi River and historic paddle steamers, and nearby Woldenburg Park often hosts free performances. The park features riverside jogging trails, art installations, and often hosts impromptu music events and festivals. Its prime location makes it the perfect place to relax and escape.
11. Audubon Park: Picnic Park
Audubon Park has been a beloved destination in New Orleans’ historic Uptown for over a century. There are 2.9 miles of peaceful jogging trails, a picturesque lagoon, picnic spots, and a playground under old oak trees. The park is open to the public and includes amenities such as tennis courts, stables, soccer fields, a swimming pool, the Audubon Clubhouse Cafe, and the Audubon Golf Club, making it a versatile urban oasis perfect for an impromptu picnic.
12. Free Tour on Foot: A Learning Adventure
Free Tours by Foot is an organization that allows you to pay tour guides through tips in a “pay for what you feel” system. This kind of tour can be found all over the world and I have been with the best tour guides and learned some great things about the places I have visited so far. New Orleans is no exception, with this travel company offering French Quarter Tours, Ghost Tours, Garden District Tours, and Voodoo Tours.Please check Free walking tour website For more information.
13. Louis Armstrong Park
Along North Rampart Street on the outskirts of the French Quarter is the iconic arch that marks Louis Armstrong Park. The park often hosts musical events and is also home to the historic site of Place de la Congo. Many claim that jazz music began here, as enslaved people gathered in the square every Sunday to enjoy music and dance in the 1800s. There’s also a duck pond, sculptures, and plenty of space to relax and people-watch.
- Specialties: Travel, History, Food
- Education: Monash University, Australia
- Over 400 articles published in newspapers, magazines and on the web
Lee Winter is a multi-talented Australian journalist currently based in New Orleans. Her passion for solo travel is evident as she expertly tracks down amazing flights and accommodations and shares her wide range of travel experiences with her readers. With her master’s degree in journalism and her bachelor’s degree featuring a double major in history and literature, she brings her unique blend of skills to her own work. Her historical expertise extends to the world of architectural history, and she has worked as a tour guide at historic building museums. But her journey doesn’t end there. She has delved into the art of coffee as a barista and has become a true connoisseur of coffee preparation, running her coffee van at events and markets. Now, Ree leverages her own insights and her expertise to share these topics with her Wealth of Geeks readers.
