Top Free Things to Do in New Orleans
Don't miss these budget-friendly activities when visiting New Orleans.
At a Glance
- Find free things to do across New Orleans, from live music and festivals to parks, museums and historic neighborhoods.
- Explore local culture through free experiences like walking tours, art markets and glassblowing demonstrations.
- Plan around free festivals such as French Quarter Fest, Satchmo SummerFest and Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival.
- Spend time in classic New Orleans spots like Jackson Square, City Park, the French Quarter and the Mississippi Riverfront.
This guide covers famous attractions, fun experiences and things to do for couples and families — all of which are free! That makes it easy to save your pennies for the splurge-worthy experiences that are part of a New Orleans getaway.
Top Free Attractions and Things to Do in New Orleans
Festivals in New Orleans
New Orleans hosts fests all year long, and many offer free admission. The French Quarter Fest, held in April, is the South's largest free music festival. Satchmo SummerFest in August, the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival held in October, Oak Street Po-Boy Festival held later in the year and Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival held in November are all beloved by both locals and visitors.
Guided Tours
The knowledgeable guides with Free Tours by Foot take visitors on free walking tours of the French Quarter and the Garden District, as well as on tours featuring cemeteries, hauntings and pub crawls. Nola Tour Guy offers free walking tours, cemetery tours and other specialty tours of New Orleans. This local company is run by local guides who are passionate about the city’s history and culture. While both companies offer free tours, they operate on a “pay as you feel” basis, so tips are appreciated.
Looking for something self-guided? Find famous streets in Louisiana and famous film locations in New Orleans that you can visit.
Jackson Square
The city’s iconic and historical square is a colorful and bustling hub, where musicians, tarot-card and palm readers, chess players, henna stands, carriage rides and many characters mean there’s always something to capture your imagination as you stroll its beautifully landscaped grounds.
Historic New Orleans Collection
Admission to the Historic New Orleans Collection museum is free, though some exhibits may charge admission, and visitors are encouraged to book timed-entry tickets in advance. See a variety of exhibitions and galleries full of art, historic documents and other fascinating artifacts.
Besthoff Sculpture Garden
Also located amid the beauty of City Park, the Besthoff Sculpture Garden features one of the most impressive collections of contemporary sculpture in America. Wander the gardens, take in the art and even have a picnic while soaking in the beauty.
Sazerac House
City Park
Jackson Square
French Quarter Festival
Top Free Attractions and Things to Do for Families
City Park
Many of New Orleans’ famous attractions can be found in City Park. A walk around Big Lake is a feast for the senses, with music and art installations, native plants and trails to explore, and the park's four playgrounds are a great opportunity for the adults to sit in the shade a bit while the kids slide, swing, crawl through tunnels, climb and cross balance beams.
Story and Craft Time at the Library
Three central branches of New Orleans’ Public Library — the Main Library, Central City Library and Children’s Resource Center — offer weekly story times and craft activities. There are often performances, kid-friendly art exhibits and other engaging ways to spend a quiet afternoon.
Audubon Louisiana Nature Center
Walking trails, boardwalks, ranger programs, and an interpretive center wind through the hardwood bottomland forest right in the city’s urban center. Curious families can watch for alligators, swamp rabbits, snapping turtles, blue heron, viceroy butterflies, armadillos and many other local critters.
Check out what else kids love to do in New Orleans.
Top Free Attractions and Things to Do for Couples
Sazerac House
The Sazerac House pays homage to America’s First Cocktail – the Sazerac – that originated right in the Big Easy. The museum offers complimentary tours where visitors can explore thoughtful exhibits in a beautiful setting, enjoy complimentary samples and more.
Picnic at a Park
Enter the levee walkway across the street from Jackson Square. As you stroll south along the scenic Mississippi, you'll find yourself at Woldenberg Riverfront Park, a lushly landscaped open space overlooking the Mississippi River. It’s an ideal spot for a picnic or an easygoing stroll along the riverside.
New Orleans City Park is a popular place to fish, picnic, play outdoors, get a workout in and more. Pick a spot to picnic or do some yoga on the open grassy lawn, explore the walking trails, or simply get some fresh air while people-watching.
Free Concerts at New Orleans Jazz Museum
The New Orleans Jazz Museum, located at the Old U.S. Mint, built in 1835, sits right on the edge of the French Quarter. Head to the museum’s performance center to enjoy their free live concert series, hosted on Friday afternoons. Tickets are first-come, first-served and are available at the front desk.
Art Gallery Hopping
It seems like you can find art on every corner of New Orleans — and you can! Check out the galleries on the French Quarter section of Royal Street, the vendors at Jackson Square and the art markets on Frenchmen Street and Mid-City.
Confederacy of Cruisers bike tour of New Orleans
"Singing oak" tree in New Orleans City Park
Shopping on Magazine Street
Free Hidden Gems and Unique Things to Do in New Orleans
Literary Tours of the French Quarter and Garden District
Go on a self-guided walking tour to see where some of New Orleans’ most renowned authors lived. Among the writers who have called the city home were Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, Truman Capote, Thornton Wilder, Walker Percy and Anne Rice. While crafting your itinerary, explore some of the city’s other self-guided walking tours.
Glassblowing Demonstrations
One of the “hottest” free events in New Orleans is at the New Orleans Glassworks & Printmaking Studio, where free glassblowing demonstrations are offered daily. Watch as talented artists transform molten glass into gorgeous pieces of art. We suggest calling in advance to confirm scheduling.
Discover more uniquely New Orleans experiences and 10 ways to tour New Orleans. Going beyond New Orleans? Explore Baton Rouge on a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Things to Do in New Orleans
What are the best free things to do in New Orleans?
Some of the best free things to do in New Orleans include exploring the French Quarter, visiting Jackson Square, walking along the Mississippi River at Woldenberg Park, and enjoying outdoor art at the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden in City Park.
Can you visit the French Quarter for free?
Yes, the French Quarter is completely free to explore. Visitors can walk its historic streets, enjoy live street music, browse art displays in Jackson Square and experience its architecture and atmosphere without paying admission.
Are there free festivals in New Orleans?
Yes, New Orleans hosts several free festivals throughout the year, including the French Quarter Festival, Satchmo SummerFest and various neighborhood food and music festivals that celebrate local culture.
What free outdoor activities can you do in New Orleans?
Free outdoor activities in New Orleans include walking along the Mississippi Riverfront, exploring City Park trails, visiting Audubon Park and enjoying public art installations across the city.
Can you take a free ferry ride in New Orleans?
Yes, the Canal Street Ferry offers free rides for walk-on passengers between the French Quarter and Algiers Point, providing scenic views of the Mississippi River.
