The Ultimate Guide to Traveling New Orleans on a Budget

New Orleans may just be my new favorite city in the U.S. It wasn’t easy traveling in New Orleans on a budget, but the extra effort was well worth it.

Walking through the streets of the French Quarter, you get a sense of being in Europe without having to leave the country, and it seems like everywhere you go the sound of brass instruments playing jazz follows you in the air.

There are numerous original cocktails to try, and the even more delicious fresh beignets and Creole food that won’t fail in satisfying your tastebuds.

What I loved most about New Orleans (well, after the jazz) was the rich history, pride, uniqueness and authenticity—something that I admire in most of my favorite cities. New Orleans is a place where everything goes (from wearing wacky costumes to drinking on the streets) and a haven for people who want to express themselves in untraditional ways.

What this wonderful city offers can get pricey, however. But like I said, it’s definitely possible to travel New Orleans on a budget. And you don’t even have to do all the extensive research I did, because I’ve pulled together all the things I learned from my budget trip to New Orleans.

So here it is: my guide on how to experience New Orleans on budget in the best way possible. Read on for my general tips on saving money and the best things to do for free or cheap in New Orleans.

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Some tips for traveling to New Orleans on a budget

Stay at a hostel

Hotels in New Orleans are expensive. Luckily, there are several hostels in New Orleans, which are ideal for anyone on a budget. I actually stayed at a few hostels in New Orleans, and I had great experiences in all of them!

One was The Quisby, which was really nice and had a bar in the lobby (complete with happy hour and free breakfast in the morning). The rooms were really nice compared to other hostels I’ve stayed at. I stayed in a four bed all-female dorm with a private bathroom. It’s located in the business district and pretty close the French Quarter.

The other hostel I stayed at, and highly recommend, is India House Backpackers Hostel. It’s a big property located in between the French Quarter and City Park, and it’s right next to a street car stop. The best part about it was that it was amazing for socializing. It had lots of space to meet fellow travelers, including a pool, and it also had social activities planned for guests. If you’re looking with a more social environment, book your stay here!

Never stayed at a hostel before? Read my 10 tips for making it a good first experience.

Go during the winter

Spring is going to be expensive with Mardi Gras season, spring break and the Jazz Fest. Summer is busy as well (and just too hot), and fall is hurricane and tropical storm season. That leaves winter as the best time to travel New Orleans if you want the budget prices of low season.

I went end of January and it was the perfect time to go! It wasn’t crowded and the temperature was in the 50’s and 60’s. This felt like tropical weather to me coming from Chicago where it was -50 degrees (not exaggerating—my flight going back was actually canceled because it was that insanely cold).

It was already Mardi Gras season then too, and I happened to be there on the weekend of the King Cake Festival. I of course went and got to try from the bakeries competing for the title of best king cake in New Orleans.

It’s unlucky to eat king cake outside of Mardi Gras season, so if you wanna try one then I’d recommend visiting early in the Mardi Gras season, before prices get too high.

Save money by eating smart

 

New Orleans is well known for its excellent food, yet many of the best restaurants are really expensive. But if you’re traveling to New Orleans on a budget, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out!

If you want to try the best restaurants, I’d suggest going during the day for the lunch specials. It’s much cheaper than the dinner menu. You still get great food, and then you can grab something smaller (cheaper) for dinner.

Grab a slice of pizza or fried chicken in the French Quarter for something cheap and conveniently located for a night out. And FYI, Cafe du Monde is open all night, although I wouldn’t recommend eating a plate of sugary beignets for a late dinner right before going to bed. Although they’re delicious, you will have trouble falling asleep. I may or may not know this from experience…

Don’t drink too much

This might be something you’re not willing to compromise on, and if so, make sure you have the budget for it. New Orleans is and always was a party city, so it may very well be the reason why you’re visiting. But drinks are really expensive, especially all those fancy New Orleans cocktails.

You’ll be saving a lot of money by not drinking loads while out on Bourbon Street. I’d recommend just buying the minimum while at jazz bars (see below) if you’re trying not to spend too much while in New Orleans.

Cheap and free things to do in New Orleans

When figuring out an itinerary for your New Orleans budget trip, there are more than enough things you can do that won’t break the bank much. Many of the things I did were free, or were offered at very affordable prices.

Listen to free jazz at a Bourbon Street or Frenchman Street jazz bar

So this is a little misleading because it’s not entirely free—you do have to buy a drink, which can be quite pricey—but there is no cover at most places. And real New Orleans jazz is not something that you want to miss out on when you’re there, even if you are on a budget. Also, don’t forget to tip these talented jazz musicians when their sets are done!

Alternatively you can go to Preservation Hall where you don’t have to pay for a drink, but there is a cover—usually $20.  If you want to drink, you’re better off at one of the jazz bars that have no cover.

One of my favorites was Fritzel’s European Jazz Bar on Bourbon Street, and Spotted Cat on Frenchman Street had great music both times I went there. Do be aware that both of these bars did get crowded, so be prepared to cozy up with your neighbor. But even if you don’t like crowds like me, the music will be well worth it!

Enjoy the River Walk

One of my favorite parts of my first day in New Orleans was lounging on the steps of the River Walk. The Mississippi River in front of me and the Cathedral behind me, I soaked in the sun and enjoyed the famous muffaletto sandwich from Central Grocery.

(Unfortunately, this establishment didn’t survive Covid and is permanently shut down. But you can grab a po boy instead from somewhere in the French Quarter!)

With the sound of brass instruments being played by musicians on the streets behind me, I wanted to lounge on the River Walk for the entire day. But there was too much to do and see in New Orleans, so I had to force myself to leave this peaceful spot.

Hang out at Jackson Square in front of the Cathedral

This square is a lovely place to walk around. It’s reminiscent of a European square (in fact, the entire French Quarter reminded me of Europe).

The Cathedral itself is worth checking out. If its exterior looks familiar to you, that’s because Walt Disney supposedly used it as inspiration for the castle in Disney World.

In the square you can sit on a bench in the park at its center and listen to the musicians and performers filling the square with sound. Or you can stroll along the square to shop from local artists selling their colorful works.

Take a stroll through the Lafayette Cemetery (for free!)

 

Before flying out to New Orleans, I pumped myself up for the trip by binge watching The Originals. So I was super excited to visit Lafayette Cemetery, which was where they filmed parts of the show.

When I told my mom about how I went to a cemetery that was “really cool,” she didn’t understand how “really cool” could be an adjective for a cemetery. But it is for this one! 

(By the way, if you agree, you might be interested in other cemeteries around the world that I think are really cool.)

The above ground tombs that hold the remains of entire families are rather unique. And walking through these tombs you get a feeling that you’re walking through a mini city, the tombs resembling little houses.

Take the ferry to Old Algiers Point at sunset

It’s a really short trip and there isn’t too much to do on the other side of the Mississippi. But at least you could say that you were on the Mississippi, and it’s great place for sunsets.

I had a really nice evening watching the sun set over the city’s skyline after taking a walk in this quiet area, a large contrast from the noisy Bourbon Street on the other side of the river.

It’s only a few bucks, so hop on the ferry to watch the sunset. After this little escape to somewhere so peaceful, you’ll be ready to head back to the other side, where the chaos of Bourbon Street at nighttime awaits.

Take a walk through the Garden District

The best thing about this is that it’s completely free to take a walk through this neighborhood with its gorgeous houses! It’s a must if you’re in New Orleans on a budget.

The reason why it’s called the Garden District is because as opposed to the French Quarter, which was built with Spanish architecture influence and intended for defense, the Garden District was built to be more open with green, tree-shaded yards surrounding the large mansions.

If you want, you can take a tour of the neighborhood and get shown the houses of famous, rich people who have houses there. I took a free, tip-based tour from the front of Lafayette Cemetery (in the Garden District). The tour guide pointed out the houses of Sandra Bullock, John Goodman, the Manning family, Jefferson Davis, Alice Rice and the house that was featured in the Benjamin Button movie.

If you’d like to take a more in-depth tour, book this one online, which also includes a tour of Lafayette Cemetery.

Take a ride through the city on a streetcar

At only $1.25 per ticket, you won’t be setting yourself back much on your budget. And your tired legs will be very thankful after walking all day.

It’s a great way to see the city and experience one of the iconic parts of the city. New Orleans is one of only a few cities in the U.S. that still uses streetcars for transportation!

Louis Armstrong Park and Congo Square

 

I’d suggest coming to this park on a Sunday. Traditionally, Congo Square (located in the park) was a place where slaves met on Sundays. Here, they would trade, socialize and create music together.

On Sundays, there are still people who perform traditional music played by slaves. I accidentally stumbled upon this, and it was really cool to witness.

City Park

This one is a bit of a trek from the French Quarter, but easily accessible by street car. This park is the largest in New Orleans and has quite a lot of free things to do. I personally loves The Singing Oak the best, and there is also a free sculpture garden that is fun to wander around.

Take a nighttime walking tour

Learn more about the ghosts, vampires, witches and voodoo of New Orleans in the best way possible: a nighttime haunted walking tour! I took the tour and it was one of the cooler things I did in NOLA.

These supernatural stories New Orleans is known for is a huge part of its charm. And it was really cool to see the buildings featured in American Horror Story and The Originals.

If you’re planning on taking a walking tour of the city, I’d suggest taking a unique one like this. Obviously it’s not free, but it was one of the splurges I made that was well worth it.

Bonus: Take a day trip

So this one wasn’t really a “budget” thing as it’s quite pricey, especially if you don’t have a car and need to take a tour. And it’s not technically a “New Orleans” thing to do, since it’s not located in the city. But I am so happy I decided to splurge and take the venture out of New Orleans, because it was one of my favorite parts of my trip.

My first time in New Orleans I took a day trip to Oak Alley Plantation, and the second time I went on a swamp tour and Laura Plantation. I loved all three.

Interested in a day trip? Don’t have a car? No worries—I compiled a list of the best tours from New Orleans that provide transportation for a day trip.

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So there you have it! It’s most definitely possible to enjoy a trip to New Orleans on a budget. As long as you follow my tips and take advantage of all the free things to do in New Orleans, you won’t break the bank and still enjoy your time in the Crescent City.