50 Free Things to Do in New Orleans Without Spending a Dollar
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New Orleans, a city brimming with unique sounds, sights, and flavors, is a destination that captivates the senses. While indulging in beignets and enjoying live jazz clubs can be a treat, experiencing the true spirit of the Crescent City doesn’t necessitate spending a fortune. There are countless incredible free things to do in New Orleans, allowing you to immerse yourself in its rich culture, vibrant streets, and historic charm without emptying your wallet.
This guide reveals 50 specific activities and attractions in New Orleans that you can enjoy without paying a single cent. From exploring iconic squares and historic neighborhoods to soaking up the atmosphere of street music and enjoying beautiful parks, prepare to discover the magic of New Orleans on a budget. Let’s explore the wealth of free experiences awaiting you.
Iconic Squares and Historic Streets
Stroll Through the French Quarter: Wander the famous, historic heart of New Orleans. Admire the colorful buildings with wrought-iron balconies and soak in the unique atmosphere of this world-renowned neighborhood.
Explore Jackson Square: Visit this iconic square, a National Historic Landmark. Watch street performers, artists at work, and admire the St. Louis Cathedral and surrounding historic buildings.
People Watch in Jackson Square: Find a bench or stand near the perimeter and simply observe the diverse mix of locals and tourists enjoying the square. It’s free entertainment in the city’s historic center.
Walk Down Royal Street: Stroll along Royal Street, known for its antique shops, art galleries, and street performers. Enjoy window shopping and the street musicians adding to the ambiance.
Experience Bourbon Street (Daytime): Walk down Bourbon Street during the day to see the historic architecture and get a feel for its famous energy before the evening crowds arrive.
Explore the French Market: Browse the historic open-air French Market, one of the oldest markets in the United States. Walk through stalls selling souvenirs, crafts, and local goods, even if you don’t buy anything.
Wander the Garden District: Admire the opulent mansions and lush gardens of this beautiful residential neighborhood. Stroll down St. Charles Avenue and the side streets to take in the impressive architecture.
Explore Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (Self-Guided Exterior View): Walk around the perimeter of this historic above-ground cemetery in the Garden District. Admire the unique city of the dead architecture from the gates and exterior. (Note: Internal tours may cost).
Walk Through the Marigny: Discover the Faubourg Marigny, a vibrant neighborhood adjacent to the French Quarter. Explore its colorful Creole cottages and laid-back atmosphere.
Stroll Esplanade Avenue: Wander down this grand, tree-lined avenue that extends from the French Quarter. Admire the beautiful mansions and historic architecture along this elegant thoroughfare.
Music and Cultural Vibes
Listen to Street Musicians in the French Quarter: Enjoy the sounds of live music filling the air throughout the French Quarter. Many talented musicians perform on street corners and in squares, offering free spontaneous concerts.
Absorb the Atmosphere of Frenchmen Street (Daytime/Early Evening): Walk down Frenchmen Street in the Faubourg Marigny. Hear music spilling from open doors of clubs and enjoy the bohemian, music-centric vibe even from outside.
See Preservation Hall (Exterior): View the iconic exterior of Preservation Hall on St. Peter Street, a legendary traditional jazz venue. You can often hear music drifting out onto the street.
Walk Congo Square: Visit this historically significant square in Tremé, once a gathering place for enslaved Africans to play music and dance. Feel the historic weight of this space and its cultural importance.
Spot Second Line Parades (Check Schedules): Keep an eye out for Second Line parades, spontaneous street processions with brass bands and dancing. Check local listings for potential parade routes and times (often Sundays).
Listen to Gospel Music on Sunday Morning (From Street): On Sunday mornings, walk by churches in neighborhoods like Tremé or the French Quarter and you might hear uplifting gospel music spilling into the streets.
Experience a Festival Atmosphere (Free Stages): New Orleans is festival city! Many festivals, like French Quarter Fest and Satchmo SummerFest, have free stages and areas open to the public without admission fees. Check local event listings.
Parks, Nature, and Waterfronts
Walk Along the Moonwalk: Stroll along the pedestrian walkway beside the Mississippi River in the French Quarter, officially named the “Woldenberg Riverfront Park”. Enjoy views of the river traffic and skyline.
Relax in Woldenberg Park: Spend time in this linear park along the riverfront, part of the Moonwalk. Enjoy green spaces, public art, and Mississippi River breezes.
Explore City Park: Discover the vast green space of City Park, one of the oldest urban parks in the United States. Enjoy walking trails, lagoons, and admire the architecture, even without paying for specific attractions within.
Walk or Bike the Lafitte Greenway: Enjoy this linear park and trail built along a former railway and canal path. It connects neighborhoods and offers a green corridor through the city.
Visit Audubon Park: Explore the beautiful and spacious Audubon Park, Uptown. Walk or bike the paths, enjoy the lagoons, and admire the ancient oak trees. (Note: Zoo within park is paid entry).
Take the Algiers Ferry (Pedestrian): Ride the Canal Street Ferry across the Mississippi River to Algiers Point and back as a pedestrian. Enjoy free stunning views of the New Orleans skyline from the water.
Observe Birdlife in City Park: Keep an eye out for diverse bird species in City Park’s lagoons and green areas. It’s a haven for urban wildlife.
Enjoy the Breeze at Spanish Plaza: Relax at this open plaza at the foot of Canal Street, featuring a large fountain and views of the riverfront. It’s often cooler and breezier than inland areas.
Watch Sunset over the Mississippi River: Find a spot along the Moonwalk or Woldenberg Park to watch the sunset over the Mississippi River. It’s a classic New Orleans view.
Architectural and Historical Landmarks
Admire St. Louis Cathedral (Interior): Step inside the iconic St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. Experience the serene atmosphere and admire the stained glass and architecture of this historic landmark.
View the Cabildo and Presbytère (Exteriors): Admire the architecture of these historic buildings flanking the cathedral in Jackson Square. They are part of the Louisiana State Museum complex and represent colonial history.
See the Lalaurie Mansion (Exterior): Walk by the infamous Lalaurie Mansion in the French Quarter, known for its dark history and ghost stories. Observe the historic architecture and soak in its eerie reputation.
Admire the Gallier House (Exterior): Walk past the historic Gallier House in the French Quarter, a preserved 19th-century townhouse. Appreciate the Greek Revival architecture from the street.
Explore the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum (Exterior and Window): View the historic building housing the Pharmacy Museum in the French Quarter. Admire the old apothecary windows and unique facade from the outside. (Museum entry is paid).
See the Historic Ursuline Convent (Exterior): Observe the exterior of the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley still used for its original purpose. It’s a site with significant historical and architectural value.
Admire the Beauregard-Keyes Historic House (Exterior): Walk by this elegant historic house in the French Quarter, associated with figures from the Civil War and literary history. Appreciate its antebellum architecture from the street.
View the Hermann-Grima House (Exterior): Stroll past this beautifully preserved example of early 19th-century American architecture in the French Quarter. Admire its Federal style from the outside.
Explore the Tremé Neighborhood (Architecture Walk): Wander through Tremé, one of the oldest African American neighborhoods in the US. Observe the unique shotgun houses and Creole architecture.
See the Backstreet Cultural Museum (Exterior): While entry is paid, view the colorful exterior of this museum in Tremé dedicated to Mardi Gras Indians, jazz funerals, and social aid and pleasure clubs.
Unique New Orleans Flavors (Without Spending)
Watch Beignet Making at Café Du Monde (From Street): Stand outside the iconic Cafe Du Monde in the French Market and watch the beignets being made and served. Enjoy the sights and smells even if you don’t buy.
Smell the Flavors of the French Market: Walk through the French Market and take in the aromatic blend of spices, coffee, and food from various vendors. The sensory experience is free.
Listen to French Quarter Sounds: Just stand still and listen to the sounds of the French Quarter – street musicians, horse-drawn carriages, distant jazz, and the general hum of the city. It’s a unique soundscape.
Watch Street Performers in the French Quarter: Enjoy the free entertainment provided by jugglers, mimes, breakdancers, and other street performers who often populate Jackson Square and Royal Street.
Observe the Mississippi River Traffic: Find a spot along the Moonwalk or riverfront parks and watch the boats, barges, and even cruise ships moving along the Mississippi. It’s a view of a working river.
Find Mardi Gras Beads Thrown from Trees (Post-Mardi Gras): After Mardi Gras season, look up into trees in the French Quarter and Marigny. You might find leftover Mardi Gras beads – a free souvenir if you spot some.
Explore Voodoo Shops (Window Shopping): Walk by the numerous voodoo shops in the French Quarter and browse their intriguing window displays. Even without buying, it’s a glimpse into a unique aspect of New Orleans culture.
Walk by Haunted Houses (Exteriors): Take a self-guided walk past some of the famous haunted houses in the French Quarter (like the Lalaurie Mansion or Sultan’s Palace). Experience the atmosphere and history associated with these locations from the street.
Admire the Colors of the Buildings: Simply appreciate the vibrant and unique color palettes used on the historic buildings throughout the French Quarter, Marigny, and Tremé. It’s a visual feast that’s free to enjoy.
Soak up the New Orleans Atmosphere: Just be present in New Orleans. Sit in a square, walk the streets, listen to the sounds, and observe the unique blend of cultures. The city itself provides an atmosphere unlike anywhere else, and that is freely available to experience.
