New Orleans is a good value-for-money city, and not just because the drinks are cheap.
The city, which birthed the carnival season in the USA, is itself a sort of perpetual carnival—a place where spectacle and performances are continuously available to even the casual visitor, all at little to no cost. Here are the top free experiences in New Orleans to help you save your dollars.
1. Mardi Gras is a Free Party, and It’s Fantastic
Few cities are defined by an event the way Mardi Gras defines New Orleans. The holiday, occurring in February or March, has been called the greatest free show on Earth—an explosion of color, costumes, and revelry. Despite common perceptions, the celebration is largely aimed at families.
Planning Tip: The two-and-a-half weeks leading up to Mardi Gras, known as Carnival, are filled with parades and street performances, so if you can’t make the main event, there’s still a party in town.
2. Meander Through the Woods at City Park
Visitors to New Orleans’ City Park encounter ancient live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, serene waterways, Greek-style pavilions, and idyllic walking trails winding through woods and wetlands.
3. Marvel at the Architecture at Royal St
A stroll down Royal St offers a glimpse into the heart of the French Quarter without the chaotic atmosphere of adjacent Bourbon St. Various blocks reveal some of the city’s finest Caribbean-style architecture.
Planning Tip: The pedestrian-only area filled with street performers transforms into a lively hub during the daytime.
4. Groove to the Music at Louis Armstrong Park
Locally referred to as “Armstrong Park,” this area was once the site of Congo Square, where enslaved Africans performed their music. These performances laid the groundwork for the sonic genres New Orleans contributed to the world. Today, the park features sculptures, walkways, and often hosts free festivals and concerts year-round.
5. Get Artsy at the Sydney and Wanda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
Home to approximately 90 sculptures by world-renowned artists, the Besthoff Sculpture Garden offers a network of shady walking trails through a living forest of magnolia trees and live oaks. It’s a beloved component of the local arts scene, showcasing a harmonious blend of public art and outdoor activity—open every day and free to visit.
6. Be Mesmerized by Stunning St Charles Ave
Traveling the length of St Charles Ave will leave many in awe. This quintessential New Orleans experience features a broad avenue lined with enormous live oaks and some of the South’s most stately mansions.
Planning Tip: Although it isn’t free, an all-day streetcar pass costs only $3, offering excellent value.
7. Soak up the Atmosphere in Jackson Square
The buzzing heart of the French Quarter, Jackson Square, showcases the iconic St Louis Cathedral and historic Pontalba apartment buildings. This pedestrian area is constantly filled with street performers, let artists, and vibrant pageantry.
Planning Tip: This area buzzes with activity 24/7, making it a prime spot to visit anytime.
8. Browse the Creations at Palace Market
Located on Frenchmen Street, this art market features unique creations from the city’s funky creatives, including handmade jewelry and quirky crafts.
Planning Tip: If Palace Market doesn’t pique your interest, check out the nearby Art Garden for similar treasures.
9. Join a Second Line
A second line is a lively street parade led by a local brass band and enjoyed by hundreds of locals celebrating music and life. The real second-lines occur in neighborhoods like Tremé and Central City, holding deep community significance.
Planning Tip: These parades generally take place on Sundays outside summer; local radio stations often provide schedules.
10. Tour St Augustine Church
St Augustine is the oldest Black Catholic church in the country, located in the historic Tremé neighborhood. It is especially notable for housing the Tomb of the Unknown Slave—a poignant reminder of the fight for civil rights and justice.
11. Enjoy Views of the Mississippi River at Crescent Park
Visitors often find it surprising how challenging it can be to view the Mississippi River. However, Crescent Park offers stunning views and runs alongside the beloved neighborhoods of Faubourg Marigny and Bywater.
12. Stroll New Orleans’ (In)famous Bourbon St
Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Bourbon St features eclectic bars, strip clubs, and lively festivities. While neon lights paint a picture of chaos, the other side of Bourbon tends to be quieter, welcoming LGBTQIA+ travelers.
13. Pop into the Live Music Clubs on Frenchmen Street
Frenchmen Street, while nearly as dynamic as Bourbon on weekends, is home to the best live music clubs in the city. Evening strolls often yield spontaneous musical experiences, making for an unforgettable experience.
14. Check Out Free Concerts
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation hosts numerous free festivals and concerts each year, while various local universities also feature public shows.
Planning Tip: Remember to tip performers, as this is standard practice in the local music scene.
15. Relax by the Bayou St John
Once a natural bayou, Bayou St John is now a tranquil body of water surrounded by charming walkways—a perfect spot to unwind on hot days.
16. Check Out the Arts Market of New Orleans
The Arts Council of New Orleans organizes an arts market twice monthly, showcasing local creative talent alongside family-friendly activities and music.
17. Explore the French-Creole Mansions on Esplanade Ave
While Bourbon St gets all the attention, Esplanade Ave features stunning French-Creole mansions and a scenic bicycle lane extending from the French Quarter to City Park.
18. Embrace Your Southern Gothic Side at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
New Orleans’ necropolis-style cemeteries feature raised mausoleums designed to withstand heavy rains. Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, located in the Garden District, is particularly evocative, adorned with creeping vines and gnarled tree roots.
Planning Tip: Currently closed for renovations, check for updates online before planning your visit.
19. Window-Shop and People-Watch on Magazine St
For those who enjoy shopping or historic architecture, Magazine St is a delightful destination, offering the best shops, galleries, and dining options New Orleans has to offer.
20. Go Green at Audubon Park
This lovely park, though smaller than City Park, is filled with majestic live oaks and Spanish moss, providing scenic views amidst the grandeur of the city’s finest mansions.
This article was first published on Aug 15, 2019, and updated on Dec 3, 2022.
