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New Orleans, Louisiana is one of the most fascinating cities in America, and you can experience its charm without breaking the bank. I’ve been fortunate to visit New Orleans on several occasions, and at a surprisingly reasonable cost. Let me start by saying, New Orleans is not a city with a ton of free museums or attractions on the scale of Washington D.C. or St. Louis, for example. If you are looking for a city with many free attractions, this may not be the city for you.
What makes New Orleans so unique, is how accessible the culture, beauty and architecture is without needing to spend much on local attractions. The vibe and uniqueness of New Orleans is palpable to the everyday explorer wandering around more so than just about any other city that comes to mind. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys exploring attractions and eating your way through a city, that’s going to cost you. However, if you are someone who appreciates the natural and historic beauty of a city, there is tons of mystery and culture awaiting you in New Orleans on a shoestring budget.
In today’s post, I’ll walk you through all the free (or mostly free) things to do when visiting New Orleans, Louisiana!
1. Visit Jackson Square
A trip to Jackson Square should be your first stop when visiting New Orleans. Jackson Square is a National Historic Landmark and is the most recognized landmark in all of New Orleans. If you’ve seen a postcard from New Orleans, you are likely familiar with this iconic greenspace in the heart of the French Quarter. Jackson Square is located along the main drag of the French Quarter, on Decatur Street, right in front of the St. Louis Cathedral.
While small (the actual park is only 2.5 acres), the park and surrounding area is often buzzing with activity. Home to many events, street performers, and local artists, Jackson Square is a lively spot that deserves your time while visiting. A unique aspect to Jackson Square is that all vendors are supposed to obtain a city license that requires them to only sell original works. The requirement helps promote local culture and artistry while keeping the cheesy, kitschy souvenir peddling to a minimum.
Unlike NOLA vendors, street performers are generally unregulated and are a bit more of a free-for-all. During a stroll around the city you’re likely to encounter a wide variety of individuals sharing their talents, from street musicians to dancers, acrobats, and fortune tellers, allowing visitors to further experience the vibrant culture of the city.
Jackson Square is a lovely place to explore statues of the park’s namesake, see a cannon, watch the horse and buggies go by and take the obligatory Instagram-worthy shot…if you don’t get one, did you even visit? And while not free, Café Du Monde and their powdery pillows of sugary goodness known as beignets (say it with me: bin-YAYS) are just across the street. The area surrounding Jackson Square must be part of your New Orleans bucket list.
While there is no fee to explore Jackson Square, if you do watch the street performers, please keep in mind they are not compensated and earn their living from tips, which are greatly appreciated.
Address: 701 Decatur Street, New Orleans LA 70116
Website: https://www.neworleans.com/listing/jackson-square/32150/
2. Tour the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France
After exploring Jackson Square, your next stop should be to tour the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, commonly known as Saint Louis Cathedral, the majestic, ornate building just behind the square. The Saint Louis Cathedral is not only architecturally brilliant, it also is the oldest Catholic cathedral in continuous use in the United States.
The image of Jackson Square in the foreground with the triple steepled Saint Louis Cathedral towering behind it is one of the most recognized images of any city in all of the United States of America. The Cathedral is actively in use as a Catholic house of worship, and currently offers Mass to the public seven days a week. Visitors to the Cathedral need not be Catholic, or even religious at all. The public is welcome to explore the Cathedral during non-Mass times, by self-guided tour, or with a friendly volunteer guide when available. The history and opulent beauty of this local treasure make it a great (and free!) stop when visiting the city.
Address: 615 Pere Antoine Alley New Orleans LA 70116
Website: https://www.stlouiscathedral.org/about/tours
3. Visit Faulkner House Books
After touring the Cathedral, my next recommended stop is to Faulkner House Books, located just outside Jackson Square opposite the St. Louis Cathedral in the area known as Pirate’s Alley. While I am a sucker for a cute bookstore on any day, this one has a charming history attached. Faulkner House is not only a bookstore; it is in this home where American author William Faulkner wrote his first novel.
Faulkner rose to literary fame with works such as The Sound and the Fury, and As I Lay Dying, eventually earning both the Nobel and Pulitzer Prizes. Fans of Faulkner can find his complete works in the bookstore including rare first editions, as well as other renown literary works from other southern American authors. This little-known gem, hidden in a back alley, not only helped inspire one of our nation’s great authors, but is frequently named as one of the most endearing bookstores in the country. Stop in for a visit and history lesson, or just to get some stellar book recommendations from the friendly staff.
Address: 624 Pirate’s Alley, New Orleans LA 70116
Website: https://faulknerhousebooks.com/
4. Take one of many city tours offered by Free Tours By Foot
While visitors will get a feel for the mysterious allure of New Orleans simply by strolling through the city, one of the best ways to learn the rich history of the city is with a guided tour. In most cities, guided tours can be expensive and therefore may not fit within your trip’s budget.
When visiting New Orleans, I strongly recommend checking out Free Tours by Foot, which allows people to take a tour without the upfront cost. Their model is that they want people to take the tour first, then determine what it was worth and what you can afford to pay, if anything or for just a small tip. Free Tours By Foot offers a menu of awesome tours depending on what you’re interested in, including: French Quarter Tour, Garden District Home Tour, Ghost Tour, Voodoo Tour, Cemetery Tour, Food & Cocktail Tours and so much more!
Free Tours by Foot gets stellar feedback, with more than 5,000 near-perfect Trip Advisor reviews. As a non-apologetic history geek, I’ve taken almost every tour and I can’t recommend them more highly. Taking a local tour is a cost-effective way to get the really good stories like where Sandra Bullock, Eli & Peyton Manning and John Goodman live, and learning why New Orleans has a haunted past. And what better way to experience New Orleans than drinking your way through it while getting the scoop on the best dive bars in the city? Most tours are about two hours in length, so bring your comfy shoes and a drink because ghost stories are just more fun that way!
Disclaimer: I always recommend tipping your local guides and generously where possible, as they work really hard to give you a great experience.
Website: https://freetoursbyfoot.com/new-orleans-tours/
5. Learn more about NOLA at the French Quarter Visitor Center
The most essential thing to do in The Big Easy is to explore the famed French Quarter, the heart of the New Orleans tourism district (see number 8). Before heading out to take in the sights and sounds of the quarter, I strongly recommend making a stop at the French Quarter Visitor Center. The Visitor Center is free to visit and will get you all the history, and background on the city including where to experience the best of the city’s culture, music and food when visiting.
The Visitor Center also has great info on local festivals, music performances and special events going on throughout the Quarter you won’t want to miss. The Visitor Center recently changed locations after sustaining hurricane damage, so please visit their website for the most up-to-date location and hours info before visiting.
Temporary address: 916 N. Peters Street, New Orleans LA 70116
Website: https://www.nps.gov/jela/planyourvisit/french-quarter-site.htm
6. Browse the French Market
The French Market in New Orleans is a fun stop if perusing local treasures is your thing. As the oldest open-air marketplace of its kind in America, it spans nearly six blocks of the French Quarter and has plenty to offer. What initially started as the local grocery to area residents has transformed in recent years to a full scale open flea market. Here, vendors sell everything you could want, from high end local artisan arts and crafts, to tasty local eats and your typical simple trinkets and tourist goods.
Prices at the French Market tend to be pretty reasonable and local sellers are often willing to bargain, so if you’re looking for some gifts to take home from your trip, it’s worth a stop. If you have a few extra hours, it’s a great place just to browse to learn more about the local art and culture. Check out the local food vendors as well, who often offer samples of their foods, sauces and spices for free!
Address: 1008 N Peters Street New Orleans LA 70116
Website: https://www.frenchmarket.org/shopping/
7. Take in the Mississippi River Views at Woldenberg Riverfront Park
After visiting the French Market, the views of Woldenberg Riverfront Park are just a moderate walk away. Woldenberg Park is a city park mixed with an art gallery, with public works of art on display and historical sites throughout. The park is just a short jaunt from the French Quarter, Business District and the Market for those seeking a peaceful refuge from the bustle of the quarter.
A walk along the park offers stunning views of the mighty Mississippi River, including iconic bridge views, massive barges and riverboats as well as several touching historical memorials to immigrants, Holocaust survivors and more. The park is a great place to picnic with a great view while doing a little low-key people watching.
Address: 1 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Website: https://www.neworleans.com/listing/woldenberg-park/32771/
8. Wander the French Quarter
Ahhh, The French Quarter in New Orleans, what a fascinating and stunning place to explore. First tip? When visiting New Orleans, leave a full day and night to explore the French Quarter. The Quarter has a completely different vibe during the day and at night, and neither is to be missed. The French Quarter is one of my favorite spots in the country to stroll with a drink in hand and do nothing but some good ol’ fashioned people-watching. Before you start, be sure to drop by the French Quarter Visitor Center to get the scoop on all the places to visit and intel on local events and happenings before heading out.
The modern-day French Quarter is considered the original city of New Orleans. It began as a walled city founded by the French to control Mississippi River commerce back in the day. The French Quarter has transformed into a hub to some of the most dynamic architecture, lively bars, creative eats and fascinating people you’ll ever see. The French Quarter is a mecca for people-watching (seriously, I could hang out and just watch people all day) and is a fascinating place to get a feel for the history, culture and vibe of the city. But what to do when visiting the French Quarter?
Let’s start with the obvious. You are absolutely going to visit Bourbon Street, one of the oldest entertainment districts in the country. First, I recommend touring during the day to fully appreciate the Spanish and French influences of the historical buildings in the French Quarter. The brightly colored buildings, wrought iron fences and cobblestone patios are so architecturally unique and classically New Orleans, you simply must take it in during the day time.
When the sun goes down, the neon signs flash on and the sinners come out to play, you must double back on Bourbon Street for the night time vibe. Be sure to allow a full night to slow crawl the many watering holes and prance along the quarter to the thumping music. You may just find yourself dancing alongside a street performer serenading you in their underwear. Even on a Tuesday. Even when it’s not Mardi Gras season. Give your feet a break and enjoy watching the action from one of the area balconies such as the speakeasy that may or may not exist on Bourbon. While strolling Bourbon, be sure to do so with a to-go cup of your favorite cocktail because hello, it’s legal here. A few recommended watering holes along Bourbon Street are: Fritzel’s European Jazz Club, Pat O’ Brien’s, The Olde Absinthe House, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and Tropical Isle if you’re like me and prefer fruity, sweet drinks.
While Bourbon Street is an absolute riot, there are so many interesting corridors of the Quarter to explore. Royal Street is just a whisper away from Bourbon but feels like a different world with more sophistication and a little less party, home to lovely art galleries, fine dining and antique shops to browse. Chartres and Decatur streets are also worth checking out and have a slightly less party vibe than Bourbon if you’re seeking more family-friendly areas to explore.
When visiting the Quarter, be sure to take some time to peruse the local shops as there are some real local treasures to be found. One must-see shop is Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo. This museum/shop combo is located at the former residence of the now deceased local Voodoo Queen, and it’s said to be haunted by her to this day. Other great places to check out include Aunt Sally’s Pralines on Decatur which has free praline samples daily (YUM!), and Pepper Palace, home to more than 1,000 hot sauces with a massive tasting bar full of great products to sample for free. (Pro tip: save the hot sauce tastings for last).
Whether you’re into people-watching, drinking, or exploring the local stops and shops, a trip to the French Quarter could easily keep you occupied for an entire day without spending much money.
Website: https://www.neworleans.com/plan/neighborhoods/french-quarter/
9. Enjoy a live music show at Musical Legends Park
While wandering the French Quarter, catch a show at Musical Legends Park if you can. Less a “park” and more a small urban courtyard on Bourbon, the spot was created as a tribute to the rich musical history of New Orleans. Here you’ll find statues erected to some of the most well-respected NOLA musicians including Pete Fountain, Fats Domino, Al Hirt, Chris Owens, Ronnie Kole and Louie Prima Jr.
The small park often showcases musicians, who play open air shows that are free to the public. Free shows are typically offered most weekdays from 10am until park close. The musical tradition of New Orleans is a beloved aspect of the city’s identity. Whether it’s catching a low-key show at a relaxed spot like this, or paying a cover for one of the liveliest shows on Frenchmen street, you’d be well advised to take in the local music scene.
Address: 311 Bourbon Street, New Orleans LA 70130
Website: http://neworleansmusicallegends.com/
10. Learn the history of The Sazerac at The Sazerac House
You may have heard the claim that New Orleans is the birthplace of America’s first cocktail, which is largely believed to be the Sazerac. Whether any of that is actually true is passionately debated, so I’ll leave that to the experts to argue. What is known is that the Sazerac is one of the earliest cocktails made in America and quickly became popular in New Orleans in particular. The Sazerac is thought to date back to the 1850s and now is a staple beverage on local bar menus everywhere.
The Sazerac House offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about the history of the Sazerac including the origins of the ingredients in Sazerac and Peychaud’s Bitters, and how the drink came to be. The Sazerac House has cool exhibits on display and travelers can book a complimentary 90-minute tour to learn more, complete with samples of Sazerac. Score! The Sazerac House is located right on the edge of the French Quarter and is another perfect free activity to fit in while touring the area.
Address: 101 Magazine Street, New Orleans LA 70130
Website: https://www.sazerachouse.com/visit/
11. Explore boutique shopping on Magazine
If you find yourself with extra time in New Orleans, I strongly recommend strolling the shops on beautiful Magazine Street. During one of my trips to New Orleans I stayed in a historic mansion on Magazine Street and quickly found the area to be a favorite spot outside the French Quarter with a slower pace and less touristy vibe.
Magazine Street is a favorite area for many locals seeking to get away from the bustle of the Quarter. Along Magazine Street you’ll find nearly six miles of the best local boutique shopping in the entire city. Now, if you’ve read my blog, you know I am not one to spend my vacation time shopping. However, peeking into the many small, locally owned shops on Magazine Street alongside its historic architectural beauty is A-okay with me. If you love shopping and find yourself in New Orleans, Magazine Street is where you’re headed.
Website: https://magazinestreet.com/shopping/
12. Explore the Garden District Neighborhood
The city of New Orleans is well-known for its distinctive architecture, as prominently displayed in the brilliant homes located of the Garden District, one of America’s most beautiful residential neighborhoods. Visitors to the Garden District will promenade while taking in tastefully decorated mansions on perfectly manicured lawns where romantic live oak trees line the streets as classic street cars slowly crawl the streets.
The Garden District is considered the most well-to-do part of town, and is regularly cited as one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in America. The Garden District is just a streetcar ride from the French Quarter, but feels like an entirely different world; one where the unbridled debauchery of the French Quarter is replaced with a neighborhood of refined mansions built in the 1800s. This district is also home to the oldest active streetcar line in the World, the Saint Charles Street Car Trolley.
The best way to explore the Garden District is with a Free Tour by Foot to learn the storied history and insider history of the various homes, however anyone can stroll the neighborhood for free. If visiting, be sure to tour Prytania and Saint Charles streets in particular, known as two of the most beautiful streets in the country. I’ve included addresses to some of the most stunning Garden District spots to explore below.
- Anne Rice (Author) Childhood Home 2301 Saint Charles Avenue
- House of Broel (*paid tours available) 2220 Saint Charles Avenue
- Magnolia Mansion Hotel 2127 Prytania Street
- Buckner Mansion 1410 Jackson Street
- Archie Manning’s House 1420 First Street
- John Goodman’s House 2425 Coliseum Street
- Morris-Israel House 1331 First Street
- Carroll-Crawford House 1315 First Street
- Commander’s Palace Restaurant 1403 Washington Avenue
- Women’s Opera Guild Home 2504 Prytania Street
- Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel 2523 Prytania Street
Website: https://www.neworleans.com/plan/neighborhoods/uptown-garden-district/
13. Tour a New Orleans Cemetery
One of the most unique things about New Orleans is the city’s burial tradition, as reflected in the many above-ground cemeteries found throughout the city. While above ground cemeteries are commonplace in countries such as Mexico and France, they are rarely seen anywhere is North America.
Above-ground cemeteries became popular in New Orleans during the 18th century, due to the city’s geography making underground burials nearly impossible. Much of New Orleans sits under sea level, and with frequent flooding from the Mississippi River, the ground would often become so waterlogged and soft that caskets were often getting dislodged and displaced. It was this challenge as well as European colonial influence which led to the expansion of the many above-ground cemeteries seen in the city today. In 1803, the city actually required above-ground burials in order to stop bodies from floating away and to curtail the spread of yellow fever, believed to be spread through.
During this time, attitudes toward death in the city began to change which led to the creation of more ornate tombs to honor the deceased. Another interesting note is that shared familial tombs were a common practice for a long time, with as many as 50 family members interred together. Fast forward to today, and below-ground burials are both legal and common, with systems in place to help mitigate the drainage challenges of the past.
The creepy gothic mystique of New Orleans burial practices through time can be appreciated by touring one of the area’s above-ground cemeteries. I strongly recommend taking a guided cemetery tour to learn the full history of New Orleans’ fascinating burial past.
If you’re on a budget, most of the local cemeteries can be explored for free. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest and most iconic New Orleans cemetery, and only allows visitors in with a paid tour guide. The St. Louis Cemetery fascinating to tour as the resting place of local VooDoo legend Marie Laveau and home to the massive pyramid shaped tomb purchased by actor Nicholas Cage for his future remains. Other local cemeteries that allow free tours include: St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, Metairie Cemetery and Canal Street Cemeteries.
Website: St. Louis Cemetery #1
Location: 425 Basin Street, New Orleans LA 70112
Website: St. Louis Cemetery #3
Location: 3421 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans LA 70119
Website: Lafayette Cemetery
Location: 1400 Washington Avenue, New Orleans LA 70130
14. Explore the beauty of City Park
Oh, City Park, be still my romantic heart! City Park in New Orleans is one of America’s 100 largest urban parks, at 1300 acres; it’s also one of the oldest and most frequently visited urban parks. City Park is breathtakingly beautiful and is home to a wide array of attractions, making it a must-see destination for all visitors to the city. Nature lovers will delight in a walk through City Park, home to the largest lot of live oak trees in the entire world. City Park has a charming feel, between the centuries-old towering oaks, calm waters of the park’s lakes and streams and intricate stone arch bridges found throughout the park.
City Park is free to explore and is the perfect place for a morning walk along the trails or a romantic afternoon picnic under the expansive canopies of moss. For additional fees, visitors can enjoy some of the park’s many attractions including: the New Orleans Museum of Art, Botanical Garden, Storyland and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park for kids, and the famous beignets at Café Du Monde’s alternative location in the park.
Website: https://neworleanscitypark.org/
Location: 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans LA 70124
What do you think of these 14 free or mostly free things
to do when visiting New Orleans, Louisiana? How many of these have you tried,
and what other free activities in New Orleans would you add to the list? Leave
me a comment and let me know what you think below!
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