Free things to do in New Orleans
Plan your trip to New Orleans with up-to-date travel tips and find more helpful info below.
Request a Visitor Guide
Order a free New Orleans Visitor Guide to help plan your trip. This guide lists top free attractions, events, and festivals. Get details on parks, museums, and walking tours. The guide includes maps of local neighborhoods too.
Use the Visitor Guide to find coupons and deals for sightseeing and local cuisine. Request it from the official tourism website before your visit or pick one up at welcome centers around the city.
The New Orleans Visitor Guide is packed with useful tips for exploring the city’s culture, music scene, and historic sites.
Check Rates
After you request a Visitor Guide, check rates for your stay. Many hotels and accommodations in New Orleans offer special deals and discounts. Compare prices online to find the best options.
Websites may list free things to do in New Orleans that are close to each hotel.
Some areas have lower rates during certain times of the year. Look for seasonal offers or last-minute bookings to save money on your trip. Planning ahead helps ensure you enjoy popular attractions without breaking the bank.
Book Your Stay
Booking your stay in New Orleans can be exciting and easy. Many hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals offer a range of options for every budget. Search online to find the best rates that suit your needs.
Look for discounts or special deals that can help save money on your stay.
Consider staying near popular attractions so you can explore the city’s rich culture and history easily. Many neighborhoods have unique offerings, from vibrant music scenes to delicious local cuisine.
Check out options close to parks and historical sites if you want to enjoy outdoor activities during your visit.
Find Discounts & More
After booking your stay, you can find discounts and more deals. Many tourism websites offer special promotions for visitors. Look for coupons and vouchers that make sightseeing easier on your wallet.
Websites often list free attractions in New Orleans, including local festivals and music events.
Explore apps that feature local culture and entertainment options. These resources highlight free walking tours around neighborhoods rich in history. Don’t forget to subscribe to newsletters; they provide updates on upcoming events and discounts at popular attractions like parks or museums.
Enjoy the vibrant city without overspending!
Coupons & Deals
Tourists can find great savings in New Orleans with various coupons and deals. Many attractions offer discounts for entry. Check local websites and social media pages to snag these offers.
Annual festivals often include free admission, allowing you to enjoy the culture without spending much.
Explore restaurants that provide special promotions or discounted menus on certain days. Local stores sometimes feature sales on unique souvenirs, making it easier to take home a piece of your trip.
Use apps or websites that focus on travel deals to discover more opportunities while sightseeing around the vibrant neighborhoods of New Orleans.
Explore 50 Free Attractions in New Orleans
New Orleans offers a vibrant array of free attractions that excite visitors. From colorful festivals to local music, you can experience the city’s unique culture without spending a dime.
Don’t miss out on discovering these amazing spots! Read more about them in our guide.
Annual Free Festivals
New Orleans hosts many annual free festivals that showcase its vibrant culture. The French Quarter Festival celebrates local music, food, and arts every April. Thousands gather to enjoy live performances across several stages while sampling dishes from local restaurants.
In the fall, the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience offers free access on certain days for families and students. Enjoy various genres of music in a lively atmosphere. Festivals like these invite tourists to explore New Orleans’ rich traditions and events without spending a dime.
Next, you can discover more attractions through walking tours and other options available throughout the city.
Follow #VisitNewOrleans
Follow #VisitNewOrleans on social media to stay updated about free things to do in New Orleans. This hashtag connects you with locals and other tourists. You can discover the best attractions, festivals, and events happening around the city.
Social media platforms often showcase stunning sights from various neighborhoods. You will find tips on sightseeing, music events, and local cuisine. This online community makes exploring New Orleans’ culture more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Sign up for our newsletter
Stay updated on the best free things to do in New Orleans by signing up for our newsletter. Receive regular updates about attractions, festivals, and local events. Our newsletter highlights exciting opportunities like free walking tours and music performances around the city.
Join a community of locals and visitors who love exploring all that New Orleans offers. Get tips on hidden gems, parks, and historical sites delivered straight to your inbox. Uncover more about neighborhoods filled with culture and local cuisine at no cost.
Enjoy discovering new activities as you explore this vibrant city!
Top Free Attractions for Families
Families can enjoy a day at City Park, where lush green spaces and playgrounds await. The library offers story and craft time for kids, making it an ideal spot for family bonding.
City Park
City Park offers a beautiful space for visitors to relax and enjoy nature. This 1,300-acre park features lush live oaks, walking paths, and scenic views. You can stroll through the park’s gardens or have a picnic under the trees.
Kids love the playgrounds and open areas for running around.
Visitors can explore attractions within City Park at no cost. The park hosts free festivals throughout the year that celebrate music and culture. Families will find plenty of activities here, like art installations and seasonal events.
Enjoying local cuisine from nearby food vendors adds to your experience without breaking your budget. City Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy free things to do in New Orleans.
Story & Craft Time at the Library
After enjoying the beautiful surroundings of City Park, families can head to their local library for Story & Craft Time. This free program offers a fun and educational experience for children.
Kids listen to engaging stories that inspire creativity. They also participate in hands-on craft activities.
Libraries across New Orleans host these events regularly. In addition to fostering love for reading, they encourage social interaction among children. These sessions create opportunities for kids to develop new skills while having fun.
Parents enjoy the chance for bonding time with their little ones in a relaxed atmosphere too.
Audubon Louisiana Nature Center
Audubon Louisiana Nature Center offers visitors a chance to connect with nature. You can explore over 86 acres of preserved wetlands, forests, and trails. Look for unique plants and animals native to Louisiana.
The center also features an interactive learning center that focuses on local ecology.
Families enjoy free programs throughout the year, including guided nature walks. Bring your kids to discover wildlife up close while soaking in the beautiful scenery. This destination blends education with exploration, making it one of the top attractions for families visiting New Orleans.
Top Free Attractions for Couples
Couples can enjoy the charm of Sazerac House while learning about New Orleans’ famous cocktail. They can also have a romantic picnic in one of the city’s lush parks, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere together.
Sazerac House
Sazerac House offers a unique glimpse into New Orleans’ cocktail culture. Visitors can learn about the history of the Sazerac cocktail, one of America’s oldest mixed drinks. The house features interactive exhibits that showcase local history and ingredients.
Enjoy free guided tours to see how this iconic drink is made.
The experience includes tastings and informative displays on the art of mixology. Explore the beautifully restored building and its vibrant atmosphere. This attraction celebrates New Orleans music, culture, and cuisine while providing an entertaining way to spend time with friends or family in a historic setting.
Picnic at a Park
Picnicking at a park in New Orleans offers a relaxing way to enjoy the city’s vibrant culture. City Park is an excellent choice for families and couples alike. Here, you can spread out your blanket on lush grass and savor local cuisine from nearby eateries.
Explore the scenic views while listening to live music that often fills the air. Enjoy moments of peace or engage in activities like frisbee or reading under shady trees. Each park provides unique attractions, so you’ll find something special no matter where you choose to picnic.
New Orleans Jazz Museum’s Free Concerts
After enjoying a picnic at a park, head over to the New Orleans Jazz Museum’s free concerts. This museum celebrates the rich jazz culture of the city. Every week, visitors can enjoy live music performances without spending a dime.
These concerts feature talented musicians from around the area and beyond. Guests can relax in an inspiring atmosphere filled with lively sounds. The New Orleans Jazz Museum also offers insights into local history and culture through its exhibits.
Attending these events is one of many free things to do in New Orleans that highlights its vibrant music scene.
Art Gallery Hopping
Explore the local art scene by hopping between New Orleans’ many galleries. You can find diverse styles, from traditional paintings to modern sculptures. Stroll through the Bywater and Warehouse District for a mix of established and emerging artists.
Many galleries offer free admission, making it easy to appreciate culture without spending money.
Engage with local artists during openings or exhibitions. Some places even host events where you can meet creators and learn about their work. Enjoying the vibrant atmosphere adds excitement to your experience in this unique city.
Don’t miss out on these artistic treasures as you explore New Orleans’ neighborhoods.
Free Hidden Gems & Unique Things to Do
Explore the literary tours that showcase New Orleans’ rich history and vibrant culture. Experience glassblowing demonstrations, where you can watch skilled artisans create stunning pieces.
Literary Tours in the French Quarter and Garden District
Literary tours in the French Quarter and Garden District let you walk through history. These neighborhoods inspired many famous writers, like Tennessee Williams and William Faulkner.
You can join free walking tours that showcase their lives and works. Guides tell stories about their experiences while capturing the essence of New Orleans’ culture.
Explore charming streets filled with beautiful architecture too. As you stroll, discover local bookshops that offer unique finds related to Louisiana’s rich literary heritage. Experience the magic of words against a vibrant backdrop of music and art.
Engaging with literature here adds depth to your sightseeing adventure in this lively city.
Glassblowing Demonstrations
Glassblowing demonstrations in New Orleans captivate visitors. You can watch artisans create stunning glass pieces right before your eyes. These events showcase both skill and artistry, making them a unique attraction.
The atmosphere buzzes with creativity and excitement.
Many locations offer free demonstrations throughout the year. Notable spots include local studios and art galleries where you can see talented artists at work. It’s an opportunity to learn about the process of glassmaking while enjoying New Orleans’ vibrant culture.
Make sure to check their schedules for upcoming shows; these events are popular among tourists and locals alike.
FAQs
1. What are some free attractions to visit in New Orleans?
You can explore parks, historical sites, and famous neighborhoods without spending money. City Park and the French Quarter offer great sightseeing.
2. Are there any free music events or festivals in New Orleans?
Yes, you can enjoy live music at street corners or attend local festivals that showcase jazz and other styles throughout the year.
3. Can I join walking tours for free in New Orleans?
Several groups host free walking tours around historic areas; these cover culture, history, and unique architecture.
4. Where can I learn about local culture at no cost?
Visit museums with free admission days or stroll through neighborhoods rich in tradition to experience authentic culture firsthand.
5. Is it possible to sample local cuisine for free during my stay?
Some markets provide samples of regional dishes; also check out food festivals where vendors often give small tastings of classic foods like beignets or gumbo.
