Free things to do in New Orleans
Some of the best of New Orleans costs nothing at all. The city's streets, squares, music and neighborhoods are the main event — here's how to fill a trip without opening your wallet. Always confirm hours and event details on official sites before you go.
Jackson Square & the riverfront
The historic heart of the French Quarter is free to explore. Watch street performers and artists around the square, admire St. Louis Cathedral from the outside, then walk up to the Moonwalk riverfront path for Mississippi River views and passing steamboats.
- Best in the morning before crowds build.
- The cathedral is free to enter outside of services — check visitor hours.
- Woldenberg Park stretches along the river just steps away.
Wander the French Quarter
The Quarter itself is the attraction: cast-iron balconies, hidden courtyards, antique shops and galleries along Royal Street, and music spilling from doorways. A self-guided walk costs nothing and rewards slow exploring.
- Royal Street for galleries and architecture.
- Bourbon Street after dark for the spectacle — no cover to walk through.
- Look up: the balconies and cornices are the show.
Garden District & Lafayette Cemetery
Live-oak streets, columned mansions and wrought-iron details make this one of the city's best free walking areas. The St. Charles streetcar ride there costs only a standard transit fare.
- Go in the morning for softer light and quieter streets.
- Check Lafayette Cemetery access before visiting — entry rules change.
- Magazine Street window-shopping continues the walk.
Free music everywhere
You don't need a ticket to hear great music. Brass bands and buskers play Jackson Square, Frenchmen Street and Royal Street most days, and many clubs have no cover early in the evening.
- Tip the street musicians — that's how the tradition survives.
- Frenchmen Street venues often post free early sets.
- Sunday second-line parades roll through neighborhoods seasonally.
City Park & the sculpture garden
One of the largest urban parks in the country, with centuries-old live oaks, lagoons and walking paths. The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden beside the museum is free to enter.
- The sculpture garden is free daily — confirm hours before visiting.
- Great picnic spot if you're watching your food budget.
- Reachable by the Canal streetcar line.
Free festivals & seasonal events
New Orleans runs on free public celebration. French Quarter Festival in spring is one of the largest free music festivals in the country, and Carnival season parades are always free to watch from the route.
- Mardi Gras parades: free, with throws flying.
- French Quarter Festival: free stages across the Quarter each April.
- Check official event calendars for exact dates each year.
Make a free day of it
A sample no-spend day:
- Morning: beignets-viewing stroll through the Quarter to Jackson Square.
- Midday: streetcar to the Garden District for a walking loop.
- Afternoon: City Park and the free sculpture garden.
- Evening: Frenchmen Street for free early music sets.
Book this trip
Some booking links on this page earn us a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.