The great thing about this city is that the quintessential features that contribute to its uniqueness like the jazz, the architecture and the lively culture do not necessarily require a dollar. In seeking the most interesting things to do in New Orleans you will soon discover that all you need to do is to go outside and be able to watch parades, street entertainers, historic architecture, and amazing people-watching.
Being a digital nomad, who has lived in New Orleans longer than any other place (and has become a local in the process), I have created the ultimate guide to explore the city on a budget.
Historical and Architectural Marvels
One of the most popular activities in New Orleans is simply to explore the rich history of the city. The streets are a museum on their own to the visitors.
Check out the mansions in the Garden District
Go on a walk around, and enjoy the beautiful and quaint mansions which line the oak-bordered streets. You can explore the past home of the writer Anne Rice, as well as other celebrity homes, on a free self-guided walking tour.
Louis Armstrong Park and Congo Square
Congo Square was formerly the sole site in New Orleans where slaves and free individuals of African origins could assemble to conduct festivals. The African dance tradition is still alive nowadays; go on a Sunday and watch or be a part of the rhythmic drumming and dancing in the square.
Nature and Outdoors
Woldenberg Park River Walk
This is an urban park on the riverfront at 1 Canal St. where you can observe huge riverboats and barges passing on the Mississippi River. When the weather is not too hot, it is a wonderful, airy affair, with a good many benches to rest on.
Sculpture Garden
You can find more than 70 original pieces of art by world-renowned artists within the City Park in 1 Collins Diboll Cir. It is also open to the general population and can be easily incorporated with a picturesque walk in the remainder of the park grounds.
City Park
Make the most of the lovely live oaks, take pictures of the picturesque lagoons, and walk the winding walks. You see, when you come at the right time in spring, you will be able to view the well-known City Park tulips in full blast.
Audubon Park
A visit to this Uptown gem is sure to pay off. Make time to appreciate the large trees and grab a picnic basket to the Fly, the popular riverfront resort where residents go to have the sunset on the water.
Walk or Bike the LaFitte Greenway
This former rail-to-trail line is a good place to walk or ride a bicycle, as it is 2.6 miles long, and spans the Mid-City down to the French quarter. It provides a freeway that is safe and car-free, connecting different areas of the city, which have different character.
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
In order to read natural marshes and swampland, we are going to the city of Marrero that is about 40 minutes out of the city, we are going to Barataria Preserve. It is the best location to see alligators, turtles and exotic birds in the wild, and free of charge.
Relax at Bayou St. John
Take a relaxing break out of the city at this historic waterway. It is a smooth and lovely water body which is ideal in having picnic at the water and many locals carry their own kayaks or paddleboards and have a quiet afternoon on the water.
Festivals and Culture
Catch a Second Line
An actual New Orleans parade with a band of brass players leading the first line, and a second line of dancers and revelers. You can most usually see them in the Treme or French Quarter on Sunday afternoons and are always welcome to join in.
New Orleans Museum of Art
This museum is situated in the center of the City Park and has a great collection of world art. Although it generally requires a fee, Louisiana residents will have a chance to get free admission every Wednesday.
Attend a Free Festival
One of the best things to do in New Orleans depends on the season is to visit a local festival.Local food without the expensive cost of a concert ticket is a common element of these events.
Treme Creole Gumbo Festival
This festival is held in November in Louis Armstrong Park and is in honor of the city and its cuisine and music. You will be able to listen to free jazz music and explore local food stands which sell some of the best gumbo in the city.
French Quarter Fest
It is one of the biggest free music festivals in the country held in April. You can listen to traditional jazz or modern brass with dozens of stages located all over the historic area.
French Market Creole Tomato Fest
This festival, which takes place in June, is a celebration of the local agriculture and the beginning of the tomato season. Listen to live music, cooking lessons, and any tomato snacks and beverages.
Cultural Parades
The season of the parades begins on the 6th of January and continues up to Mardi Gras. Get a Parade Tracker App to keep up to date and have a glimpse of the spectacular floats and marching bands that fill the streets.
Wednesdays at the Square
These are free spring outdoor concerts that are held in downtown Lafayette Square. It is a favorite after work place to the locals where they can have a drink, listen to local bands and take in the beautiful spring weather.
Free Things to Do in the French Quarter
Jackson Square
It is a French Quarter institution and the location that cannot be overlooked. Gaze at the beautiful architecture of the St. Louis Cathedral or observe the skilled street musicians and artists who are lined up around the square.
Window Shop and Admire the Balconies
Exploring the French Quarter without any particular plan is an activity in itself. The balconies made of iron are lovely and the neighbourhood is particularly festive when it is lit up during the major holidays.
Peruse the Royal Street Galleries
There are dozens of amazing art galleries and antique shops on Royal Street, all of high end. There is no charge to come in and choose some of the ones that interest you and enjoy the world-class paintings on display.
People Watch on Bourbon Street
Regardless of the time of the day, Bourbon Street has some of the most distinctive people-watching in the world. You will see street actors, elaborate costumes and lots of only in New Orleans characters.
Fitness and Low-Key Activities
Move Ya Brass
This is a local fitness group that provides free and donation-based workouts classes that are fun and inclusive. It is also an excellent method of staying on the move and losing those beignet as well as making friends within the society.
Crescent City Yoga
This organization holds two classes a week which are yoga sessions based on donations and relaxing under a beautiful pavilion in the City Park. It offers an affordable means of stretching and relaxing in the midst of the natural beauty of the park.
Silent Book Club
Make new friends among other readers in a non-obvious, introverted-friendly atmosphere. The participants sit down to read their own books quietly during an hour and this gives them some time of tranquility and literacy.
Cheap Things to Do in New Orleans (Almost Free!)
Ride the Streetcar
The famous St. Charles or Canal street cars can be ridden at a low cost of 1.25 in a period of up to 2 hours. It is a terrific, picturesque means to see the historic houses of Uptown or the traffic of Mid-City at a very inexpensive rate.
Take the Ferry to Algiers Point
You can ride over the Mississippi River in the ferry at the same price as a ride in a street car. The ride also provides great skyline views of the city, especially during sunset, and it leaves you in the picturesque and peaceful Algiers Point.
If you’re planning to extend your journey beyond the Big Easy, the East Coast offers some of the most historic and vibrant cities in the country. From the monuments of the capital to the artistic streets of Philly, don’t miss my curated guides on the top things to do in Philadelphia, the most fabulous things to do in Washington D.C. for first-timers, and the ultimate 2026 weekend guide to Baltimore.