The Best Free Things To Do In New Orleans
New Orleans is one of the most vibrant, culture-rich cities in the United States, and luckily you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy it. From live music in the streets to centuries-old architecture and beautiful parks, there’s no shortage of free things to do in the Big Easy.
Whether you’re strolling through the French Quarter, exploring moss-draped cemeteries, or catching a sunset along the Mississippi River, this city offers unforgettable experiences at every turn.
These are the best free things to do in New Orleans to help you make the most of your visit without breaking the bank.
The Best Free Things To Do In New Orleans
St. Louis Cathedral & Jackson Square
St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest Catholic cathedral in the United States, rising in grandeur beside the Mississippi River. You can visit for free during non-mass hours, just be respectful of services and quiet reflection times.
Right outside sits Jackson Square, alive with street performers, local artists, and people-watching galore. This area pulses with energy – it’s historical, artistic, and completely free to enjoy.
Moonwalk Promenade & Woldenberg Riverfront Park
Just steps from Jackson Square, the Moonwalk is a brick promenade that follows the curve of the Mississippi River, offering sweeping skyline views without the crowds.
Continue a bit further and you’ll hit Woldenberg Park, a green stretch dotted with art installations, shaded benches, and occasionally free concerts. Bring a blanket and settle in, or snap photos as cargo ships drift by. It’s a peaceful escape with waterfront charm.
City Park & Besthoff Sculpture Garden
City Park is a lush urban oasis with towering oaks, winding walking paths, and wide open green spaces perfect for a picnic or leisurely afternoon. I especially like Couturie Forest, a little-known trail network inside City Park.
Adjacent lies the free Besthoff Sculpture Garden, an impressive 11-acre outdoor art gallery featuring over 90 sculptures among moss-draped oaks and quiet fountains.
It’s a tranquil escape from the city bustle, and a standout for architecture, contemporary art, and serene reflections. No doubt this is a beautiful spot to relax in New Orleans.
Free Live Music
Music breathes life into every corner of New Orleans, and some of the best performances can be experienced for free (or nearly free!).
On Frenchmen Street, you’ll often find impromptu outdoor jazz sessions and brass bands playing in doorways or behind cafes, and New Orleans Jazz Museum hosts free courtyard concerts each Tuesday.
Additionally, many bars and cafes host live music without a cover charge, but you will need to purchase something from the establishment.
Note: While performances may be free, it’s customary to tip the artist at least a few dollars.
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 & The Garden District
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is one of New Orleans’ most unique attractions, featuring elaborate, above-ground tombs, which are rare to see in the United States. It’s free to visit and open to self-guided exploration, just double check the hours online ahead of your trip.
Afterward, wander into the neighboring Garden District to admire jaw-dropping mansions and elegant live oaks. Together, they make a perfect morning in New Orleans.
Free Festivals & Parades
New Orleans is a celebration year-round, and many of its best events won’t cost you a dime. Keep an eye out for second line parades, spontaneous brass band processions that wind through neighborhoods during weekends or funeral celebrations.
Community festivals, like French Quarter Fest or Jazz in the Park, often offer free stages and performances in squares and parks. There may be food vendors you’ll want to try, but entrance and music cost zero.
The Historic New Orleans Collection
The Historic New Orleans Collection is more than a museum, it’s a living chronicle of New Orleans. From the facade of Creole homes and private courtyards to interactive galleries on jazz, literature, and social history, it offers a layered exploration of the city’s past and present, without costing a dime.
This is a great way to learn about the city’s vibrant history. While a majority of the exhibits are free they do require tickets, which can be reserved online in advance.
Visit The French Market
During your time in New Orleans explore the six-block, open-air French Market in the French Quarter, where you’ll find local crafts and fresh produce.
The historic marketplace has been a mainstay since the 1700’s and still today you can easily spend an entire afternoon roaming through this historic market.
Walk Through New Orlean’s Historic Neighborhoods
New Orleans is overflowing with interesting shops, historic homes, live music, parks, lush greenery, and fabulous people watching.
Plan to spend an afternoon exploring the likes of Magazine Street, Congo Square, Canal Street, or Algiers Point. There is no shortage of vibrant places here, you’ll be sure to find something to do.
Barataria Preserve In Jean Lafitte National Historical Park
Barataria offers a rare and authentic glimpse into Louisiana’s wild wetlands, without hopping on a boat tour or driving far from New Orleans.
This urban oasis is operated by the National Park Service and offers free access to 23,000 acres of wetlands. Here you’ll find abundant wildlife such as alligators, otters, and armadillos, as well as hundreds of bird species and 400 different plant species.
Throughout the week the park also offers a free ranger guided swamp tour.
Go For A Walking Tour (Budget-Friendly!)
Exploring the city yourself is great, but there’s so much you can learn through a guided tour! Free Tours By Foot offer guided walking tours of areas such as The Garden District and French Quarter, even ghost tours!
Some tours do operate for a small fee and tips are suggested.
Ride the Streetcar (Budget-Friendly!)
Though not free, fares are just $3 and riding one of New Orleans’s historic streetcars is like stepping back in time.
Hop on the St. Charles route to glide past grand mansions, moss-draped oaks, and charming neighborhoods.
It’s a budget-friendly, scenic tour that delivers history and sightseeing without a tour guide.
As you can see, there are plenty of great free things to do in New Orleans! I hope you’ve found this helpful in planning your trip and have the best time!
Looking for more ideas? Below are additional New Orleans or head on over to Visit New Orleans!
More Ideas For Your New Orleans Vacation:
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