14 Free Things to Do in New Orleans

Don't miss these budget-friendly activities when visiting New Orleans.

Visitors wandering through a glowing exhibit at the Sazerac House Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Explore the rich history of New Orleans cocktails at the Sazerac House Museum.

Enjoying live music and festival energy at the French Quarter Fest in New Orleans, Louisiana.
French Quarter Fest

Explore a weekend full of live music at the free French Quarter Festival each spring.

Unique artistry of the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

Admire the unique artistry of the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

This guide covers famous attractions, fun experiences and unique things to do for couples and families — all of which are free. That makes it easy to save your pennies for the many splurge-worthy experiences that await during a New Orleans getaway.

Top Free Attractions and Things to Do in New Orleans

1. Let the Good Times Roll During a Free Festival in New Orleans

New Orleans hosts fests all year 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 or Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival held in November are beloved by both locals and visitors.

2. Free Guided Tours

The knowledgeable tour guides with Free Tours by Foot take visitors on free walking tours of the French Quarter, the Garden District as well as cemetery, ghost 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 unique culture. While both of these tour companies offer free tours, they operate with a “pay as you feel” method, so tips are appreciated. Don't forget to check out the city's expansive list of culinary, ghost and Mardi Gras tours, too. Looking for more? Find famous streets in Louisiana and famous film locations in New Orleans that you can visit.

3. Soak Up the Jackson Square Vibe

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.

4. 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.

5. 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. 

Top Free Attractions and Things to Do for Families

6. City Park

Many of New Orleans’ other 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. Its four amazing 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.

7. Story & 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 storytimes and craft activities. There are often performances, kid-friendly art exhibits and other engaging ways to spend a quiet afternoon.

8. Audubon Louisiana Nature Center

Walking trails, boardwalks, ranger programs and an interpretive center wind curious families through hardwood bottomland forestland right in the city’s urban center. 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

9. 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.

10. 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 River Front 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.

11. New Orleans Jazz Museum's Free Concerts

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 serve and are available at the front desk. 

12. 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.

Find fun date-night things to do in New Orleans.

Free Hidden Gems & Unique Things to Do in New Orleans

13. Literary Tours of the French Quarter and Garden District

See where some of New Orleans’ most renowned authors lived on a self-guided walking tour. Among the writers who called the city home were Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, Truman Capote, Thornton Wilder, Walker Percy and Anne Rice. While you’re crafting your itinerary, explore some of the city’s self-guided walking tours.

14. 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 these talented artists transform molten glass into gorgeous pieces of art. We suggest you call 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.