When visiting New Orleans on a budget, there are still plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy. Many options are available for free, if you are willing to not buy any souvenirs. New Orleans is a city of fun and excitement for everyone, even those who cannot afford the expensive restaurants and fancy hotels.
Activities
Street Performers
There are many street performers up and down all of the tourist areas. There is no fee for taking a stroll on the sidewalks and listening to the music or watching the performances. Even though the performances are free, it is always recommended that you leave a tip.
Crawfish Boils
If you are looking to try the local crawfish, there are generally free crawfish boils throughout the city. Enjoy crawfish, potatoes, cabbage, lemon, sausage and many other extras that are thrown into the pot. Every person has his/her own way of making the crawfish taste original and unique.
Streetcars
The Garden District is full of historical architecture to be enjoyed. Anyone can walk along the route and view the homes, buildings, and horticulture. For a small fee, you can buy a self-guided tour, and you can get an educational experience as you take in the sights. If you grow tired of walking, you can always catch one of the streetcars to take you back to your hotel, and they only cost $1.25 per person.
Places
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is a great place to go if you want to see ancient medical equipment and learn about the history of voodoo in the area. The pharmacy was the first ever licensed apothecary in the United States, and the cost of admission is only $5.
Presbytree
The Presbytree is a Mardi Gras museum where people can see many exhibits that explain the Mardi Gras tradition in New Orleans. There are floats, beads, historical facts and many other exhibits where one can learn about everything Mardi Gras related. The cost of admission is only $6, and it is well worth the money.
Farmers' Market
The Crescent City Farmers' Market is a great place to visit on Saturday mornings. The admission is absolutely free, and the environment is very exciting. If you decide to make a purchase or two, the prices are generally very reasonable.
Café du Monde
The Café du Monde is a bakery style cafe. If you order a small drink and fresh baked beignets, you will pay less than $5 for the meal. Not only is the Café du Monde a great place to taste fresh pastries, but it is a wonderful place to sit and chat for a bit if you are tired.
New Orleans is not a place for the rich and famous, but instead it is a city for the average “Joe”. There are so many activities that one can do for a fraction of the cost of a bus ride through the city. Even a stay at one of the local Motel 6 locations is generally under $60 per night. People traveling to New Orleans on a budget have a variety of options to keep them busy throughout the duration of their trip.
