Known for its vibrant culture and nonstop partying, New Orleans also offers many fantastic free activities beyond Bourbon Street. Exploring Crescent City on a budget is completely possible when you know where locals go for fun that won’t break the bank.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Street Performers on Frenchmen Street | Enjoy live jazz, blues, and more on the sidewalk. |
| People Watch from Café Tables | Observe the vibrant street life from a café. |
| Wander Through City Park | Explore one of the nation’s largest urban parks. |
| Snap Photos of Street Art | Discover colorful murals and sculptures. |
| Moonlight Movie Screenings | Watch free films in parks at night. |
| Attend Free Museum Days | Visit museums on their free admission days. |
| Celebrate Local Festivals | Participate in numerous cultural festivals. |
| Spooky Ghost Tour | Explore haunted history with free walking tours. |
| Listen to Jazz in the Park | Enjoy free jazz concerts in public spaces. |
| Sample Local Food & Drinks | Taste free samples of local cuisine. |
These 12 top-rated free attractions recommended by New Orleans insiders cover everything from museums and music to architecture and food. Read on for the best freebies NOLA has to offer!
Take In Street Performers on Frenchmen Street
Name and Location: Frenchmen Street is located in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana.
History and Significance: Frenchmen Street is renowned for its vibrant music scene and is often referred to as the “locals’ version of Bourbon Street.” It has a rich history of live music, street performances, and a laid-back, artistic atmosphere.
What to Expect: When you visit Frenchmen Street, you can expect to immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of New Orleans. Street performers, jazz bands, and talented musicians fill the air with captivating music. It’s a must-visit destination for music enthusiasts.
Visitor Information: Frenchmen Street is easily accessible by foot or cab from the French Quarter. The best time to experience the street’s lively atmosphere is in the evening and on weekends when musicians and performers are out in full force.
Frenchmen Street offers visitors a lively New Orleans music scene minus the seedy tourist traps found on Bourbon Street. Meandering this charming avenue in the Marigny neighborhood treats ears to glorious jazz, blues and funk pouring from almost every bar and club.
And the entertainment starts right on the sidewalks, where street performers wow passersby with impressive skills. See brass bands blowing their horns, dancers twirling and tapping their feet, and fortune tellers offering to read your future using tarot cards or tea leaves. You never know what talent you’ll witness next for free on Frenchmen!
People Watch from Café Tables
Name and Location: Cafés with outdoor seating are scattered throughout the French Quarter, providing prime spots for people-watching.
History and Significance: People-watching in the French Quarter is a cherished tradition. It allows visitors to observe the colorful characters, street performers, and diverse crowd that make the neighborhood unique.
What to Expect: Sitting at café tables in the French Quarter, you can expect to sip on coffee or cocktails while taking in the lively street scenes. It’s an excellent way to soak up the local culture and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans.
Visitor Information: Choose from a variety of cafés and restaurants with outdoor seating. Each offers its own unique ambiance. Grab a table, order your favorite beverage, and watch the world go by.
Sitting at sidewalk cafés watching colorful characters is a quintessential New Orleans pastime. And luckily no law mandates buying anything while occupying a prime people watching table outside many incredible area restaurants, bars and coffee shops.
Grab an empty table outside Classic New Orleans drinks like Café Du Monde or Café Beignet, where you can likely snag extra beignets if you ask nicely. Or post up outside popular neighborhood joints like Coop’s Place, Parasol’s, or The Country Club dragged onto the street. Order a cheap beverage if you must, then settle in for excellent entertainment observing eclectic locals and tourists alike.
Wander Through Majestic City Park
Name and Location: City Park is located in the heart of New Orleans, Louisiana.
History and Significance: City Park is one of the oldest urban parks in the United States, dating back to 1854. It has a rich history and offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
What to Expect: When you wander through City Park, expect to be surrounded by lush greenery, ancient oak trees, and serene lagoons. The park is a haven for nature lovers, offering walking paths, gardens, and beautiful scenery.
Visitor Information: City Park is open year-round and is easily accessible from various parts of New Orleans. Check the park’s website for information on hours of operation, attractions, and any special events or exhibitions.
At over 1,300 acres, City Park stands as one of the nation’s most impressive urban parks. This public green space wows visitors with stunning gardens, art, architecture, and natural scenery accessible completely free of charge.
Meander shaded paths around giant lagoons and meadows blanketed in wildflowers that delight the senses. Seek out whimsical storybook sculptures like the Three Little Pigs’ houses and golden metalPEgre trees. Relax on rolling hills for striking views of ancient oaks dripping Spanish moss and beautiful brides posing for wedding photos in this photogenic landscape.
When hunger strikes, grab crawfish bread or Mr. Okra’s frozen cups from beloved roaming food carts found in the park weekends. Then continue exploring this gorgeous outdoor oasis as long as you like without spending a dime.
Snap Photos of Street Art
Name and Location: Street art can be found throughout various neighborhoods in New Orleans, with the Bywater district being particularly known for its vibrant murals.
History and Significance: New Orleans has a thriving street art scene that reflects the city’s cultural diversity and artistic spirit. Murals, graffiti, and public art installations add color and character to the urban landscape.
What to Expect: When you explore New Orleans’ street art, expect to encounter a visual feast of creativity. You’ll find murals that celebrate the city’s heritage, showcase local artists’ talent, and provide thought-provoking expressions of art.
Visitor Information: Take a leisurely stroll through neighborhoods like the Bywater, Marigny, and the Arts/Warehouse District to discover street art. Keep your camera ready to capture the vibrant and ever-changing urban art scene.
Beyond world-class museums and galleries, New Orleans boasts captivating artwork visible right on bustling streets for all to admire. Take self-guided walking tours through various neighborhoods to experience gorgeous wall murals, funky sculpture installations and more—no admission ticket required.
Downtown’s Warehouse District pops with colorful creations covering building exteriors. Trendy new murals grace the chic shops of Magazine Street seemingly each month. And in Bywater, stop by the gold-leaf Napoleon House or the behemoth ”Liquor Store Fight” mural memorializing local boxer Willie Pastrano’s career. With so much street art around, you’ll capture NOLA’s creative spirit strolling block to block.
See Moonlight Movie Screenings
Name and Location: Moonlight movie screenings often take place in outdoor venues, parks, and cultural centers across New Orleans.
History and Significance: Moonlight movie screenings offer a unique cinematic experience under the night sky. They provide an opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy classic and contemporary films in a relaxed setting.
What to Expect: When attending moonlight movie screenings in New Orleans, expect a charming outdoor atmosphere. You can bring blankets, chairs, and snacks to enjoy the movie under the stars. It’s a delightful way to spend an evening with friends and family.
Visitor Information: Keep an eye on event listings and social media for announcements of moonlight movie screenings in New Orleans. These events often occur during the warmer months and are typically free or low-cost.
When the sun goes down over New Orleans, the day’s sultry heat fizzles into pleasant temperatures perfect for enjoying outdoor activities. Throughout the year, neighborhoods and cultural organizations offer free nighttime programming in local parks for family entertainment under the stars.
Regular events like Movies in the Park feature hits like Encanto and Top Gun: Maverick projected on inflatable screens. Or watch classic films accompanied by a live orchestra at FREEdom Sounds: Movies in Musical Form through the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to comfortably enjoy free films while making hometown memories after dark.
Attend Free Museum Days
Name and Location: Several museums in New Orleans offer free admission on select days or times. Popular options include the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art.
History and Significance: Free museum days provide accessibility to art, culture, and history for residents and visitors alike. They encourage learning and appreciation of the city’s heritage and artistic contributions.
What to Expect: When you attend free museum days in New Orleans, expect to explore world-class exhibitions, historic artifacts, and contemporary art collections. It’s an opportunity to delve into the city’s cultural richness without the cost of admission.
Visitor Information: Check the websites of New Orleans museums for information on free admission days, hours of operation, and any special exhibitions or programs. Plan your visit accordingly to make the most of this budget-friendly cultural experience.
While world-class museums like the National WWII Museum charge admission most days, they also offer regular free or discounted days so all patrons can experience their cultural offerings. Similarly, many smaller niche museums waive entry fees specific weekdays each month.
Some consistent free museum days on set schedules include Wednesdays at NOMA and the Historic New Orleans Collection, Tuesdays at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and the last Sunday of most months at the New Orleans Museum of Art. So check various institutions’ online calendars when planning your visit to enjoy more exhibits on a budget.
Celebrate Local Festivals Year-Round
Name and Location: New Orleans hosts a wide range of festivals throughout the year, including Mardi Gras, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and French Quarter Festival.
History and Significance: Festivals are an integral part of New Orleans’ culture, celebrating music, cuisine, and traditions. They draw visitors from around the world and contribute to the city’s festive spirit.
What to Expect: When you attend local festivals in New Orleans, expect lively parades, vibrant music performances, delectable food, and a sense of community like no other. Each festival has its own unique flavor and showcases the city’s diverse heritage.
Visitor Information: Check the festival calendars for dates and details. Plan your visit during festival season to immerse yourself in the excitement and traditions of New Orleans.
One perk of New Orleans’ perpetually warm climate is the sheer number of festivals held annually for locals and visitors to relish together. Special events like French Quarter Festival, Satchmo Summerfest and weekly Wednesday at the Square concerts mean enjoying homegrown music, art vendor booths, colorful parades and delicious local cuisine often comes free of charge!
Many ethnic neighborhood celebrations like the Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Festival, the Vietnamese New Year Tet Fest, and weekly Latino markets also promise immersive cultural experiences that educate as they entertain all for free. From food truck fare to dance lessons, free festivals capture why New Orleans earns its “Big Easy” nickname.
Go on a Spooky Ghost Tour
Name and Location: Ghost tours are conducted in various neighborhoods of New Orleans, including the French Quarter and Garden District.
History and Significance: New Orleans is known for its rich history of ghostly legends and haunted locations. Ghost tours offer an engaging way to explore the city’s spooky past and the stories that linger in its historic buildings.
What to Expect: When you embark on a spooky ghost tour in New Orleans, expect to hear chilling tales of the supernatural, visit haunted sites, and explore the city’s eerie side. Knowledgeable guides add a theatrical flair to the experience.
Visitor Information: Numerous tour companies offer ghost tours in New Orleans. Choose one that suits your interests and schedule, and be prepared for an entertaining and spooky adventure.
With a lurid history full of plagues, fires, murderers, crooked politicians and vampires, New Orleans supplies plenty of horrifying tales to thrill and chill ghost tour patrons willing to walk dark streets after nightfall. Luckily, selecting the right operator means no admission fees are required for spine-tingling entertainment.
Free Tours by Foot guides knowledgeable locals happy to recount scary stories of voodoo priestess Marie Laveau hexes, the LaLaurie House of torture, and hauntings of the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Or let the Victorians guide you through the Creole history of the French Quarter where ghosts still watch over their beloved neighborhoods centuries later. Just don’t blame your guide if you have trouble sleeping later!
Listen to Jazz in the Park
Name and Location: Jazz in the Park events are held in outdoor venues and parks throughout New Orleans, often in Armstrong Park.
History and Significance: New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, and Jazz in the Park celebrates this musical heritage. These events provide a platform for local jazz musicians to showcase their talent in a community setting.
What to Expect: When you attend Jazz in the Park, expect to groove to the rhythms of live jazz music, enjoy local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the city’s musical culture. It’s a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere.
Visitor Information: Keep an eye on event listings and local announcements for Jazz in the Park schedules and locations. It’s a great way to experience the soulful sounds of New Orleans.
New Orleans rightfully earns its nickname as the “Birthplace of Jazz”, with live bands grooving almost everywhere you turn day and night. And thanks to community concert series and events, music fans can catch talented players without paying nightclub cover charges.
Lafayette Square’s Friday evening Jazz in the Park summer series pulls sizeable crowds sipping local beers while watching renowned jazz greats like Tuba Skinny or Walter Wolfman Washington perform live sets outdoors. Nearby Louis Armstrong Park hosts free Sunday shows at historic Congo Square. From brass bands to BBQ smells, these concerts capture the New Orleans jazz tradition wonderfully.
Sample Local Food & Drinks
Name and Location: Sampling local food and drinks can be done at various restaurants, cafes, and bars across New Orleans, with iconic dishes like gumbo, beignets, and po’boys.
History and Significance: New Orleans is renowned for its culinary traditions, which blend French, African, Spanish, and Creole influences. Sampling local cuisine is a delicious journey through the city’s history.
What to Expect: When you sample local food and drinks in New Orleans, expect a gastronomic adventure. Indulge in gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish, and the world-famous beignets. Sip on cocktails like the Sazerac or enjoy live music with your meal.
Visitor Information: Explore the city’s neighborhoods to discover authentic New Orleans restaurants and bars. Be sure to try a variety of dishes and drinks to savor the city’s culinary delights.
Beyond its world-famous cuisine scene, New Orleans also boasts some delicious freebie bites and sips around town. Use insider tips to score free food and drink specials when exploring NOLA neighborhoods.
Sign up for free gelato samples every Friday at Angelo Brocato dessert shop, operating since 1905 in the French Quarter. Pop into beloved Dorignac’s Food Center for samples during weekday wine tastings or fried chicken on Saturdays. And don’t forget free Lucky Dogs hot dog carts late night on Bourbon Street to soak up alcohol—the perfect drunken snack!
Conclusion
Visiting New Orleans doesn’t have to demolish your wallet when sticking to this list of stellar free attractions curated by expert locals. From live music and entertainment to museums and food generous proprietors sharesamples of, budget-conscious travelers can experienceauthentic NOLA culture without paying steep admission prices.
Use these money-saving activity ideas when planning your affordable New Orleans getaway. The Big Easy certainly knows how to show first-timers a fantastic time, even those with tighter budgets. Laissez les bon temps rouler!