Free Things to Do in New Orleans

... And That Are Actually Worth Your Time

New Orleans is one of those rare cities where you don’t need a big budget to have a big experience. In fact, some of the best moments you’ll have here—music in the streets, hidden courtyards, riverfront sunsets—don’t cost a dime. If you know where to go.

Here’s your local guide to the best free things to do in New Orleans.

🎺 Catch Live Street Music

You don’t need a ticket to hear incredible music in New Orleans—it’s everywhere.

Walk through the French Quarter or head over to Frenchmen Street and you’ll find:

  • Brass bands playing on corners
  • Solo musicians that stop you in your tracks
  • Full-on second line parades if you’re lucky

👉 Tip: If you stop and enjoy it, toss a few bucks in the tip bucket. That’s how this city keeps the music alive.

 

🏛️ Explore the French Quarter

You could spend an entire day just wandering here and never get bored.

Don’t rush it—this is a place to get lost on purpose.

Highlights:

  • Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral
  • Royal Street (quieter, more artistic than Bourbon)
  • Hidden courtyards and historic architecture

👉 Tip: Go early morning or late evening for the best atmosphere.

 

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🌳 Relax in Our Parks

One of the largest urban parks in the country—and one of the most beautiful.

What you can do for free:

  • Walk under massive oak trees draped in Spanish moss
  • Explore the outdoor areas around the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
  • Picnic, stroll, or just sit and breathe

👉 Tip: This is a perfect break from the intensity of the Quarter.

 

🚶 Walk the Mississippi Riverfront

There’s something about the Mississippi River that slows you down—in a good way.

Head to:

  • Woldenberg Park
  • The Moonwalk promenade

Watch:

  • Steamboats roll by
  • Street performers doing their thing
  • Sunsets that hit just right

🎭 Visit Jackson Square Artists

Around Jackson Square, artists line the fences with their work—and it’s like a free open-air gallery.

You’ll see:

  • Painters
  • Portrait artists
  • Tarot readers
  • Local crafts

👉 No pressure to buy—just walk, browse, and enjoy.

 

🏘️ Stroll the Garden District

This is a completely different side of New Orleans—quiet, elegant, and full of history.

Take a walk and you’ll find:

  • Stunning antebellum mansions
  • Tree-lined streets
  • Historic cemeteries like Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (view from outside if closed)

👉 Tip: Combine this with a walk down Magazine Street.

 

🎉 Experience a Second Line (If You Catch One)

This is one of the most authentic New Orleans experiences—and it’s completely free.

A second line is:

  • A moving street parade
  • With a brass band
  • And a dancing crowd that grows as it goes

👉 If you see one… follow it. No questions asked.

 

⛪ Step Into Historic Churches

Many of New Orleans’ historic churches are open to the public.

The most famous:

  • St. Louis Cathedral
  • St. Patrick’s Church with its beautiful Latin Mass at 9:15am Sundays

Quiet, beautiful, and a nice pause from the energy outside.

 

Ride the Streetcar

OK. It is not exactly free but almost. It is only $1.25 to ride and you can pay with cash, card and even online with your phone.

There are several streetcar lines in town. Did you know the St. Charles line is the oldest in the world and is on the national historic registry. The two main lines are:

  • St. Charles Ave
  • Canal St
  • the spur from Canal St to City Park
  • Riverfront line

Easy, relaxing. The St. Charles line goes through the Garden District and uptown. Passed beautiful homes, wonderful hotels, and access to some of the best restaurants, and the university district.

The Canal St. line goes past the French Quarter from the river all the way to the end of Canal and a spur to City Park where you’ll find nice restaurants on Carrollton Ave.

 

🎯 How to Make the Most of Free in New Orleans

  • Walk more than you plan—this city reveals itself slowly
  • Start early, rest midday, go back out at night
  • Mix free experiences with 1–2 paid highlights (like a tour)

💡 A Local Tip You Won’t Hear Everywhere

Some of the best moments in New Orleans aren’t planned.

They happen when:

  • You turn down the wrong street
  • You hear music and follow it
  • You stop instead of rushing

That’s when the city really shows up.

 

🎉 Ready to Explore New Orleans—Without Spending a Dime?

You don’t need a big budget to fall in love with this city.

You just need a little time… and the willingness to wander.

👉 Want to take it up a notch? Pair these free experiences with one unforgettable guided tour.

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