New Orleans on a Budget (Affordable Fun in The Big Easy)

A New Orleans vacation can be very expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, visiting New Orleans on a budget is easy with so many free and affordable things to do in The Big Easy. From pretty places to wander to low-cost attractions and beyond, there’s no need to spend big bucks in this welcoming Louisiana city. Here’s what to do, where to eat, and where to stay in New Orleans without breaking the bank.

Travel Mamas and Grownup Getaways sometimes receive compensation and/or hosted travel and sample products related to blog posts. This story may include affiliate links for which we receive a small commission at no extra cost to consumers. As an Amazon Associate, we earn money from qualifying purchases.

French Quarter

It costs nothing to stroll through the historic French Quarter. Wander through Jackson Square, taking in the horseback statue of Andrew Jackson and the pretty Cathedral-Basilica of St. Louis. Look for live free musical performances, dancing, or acrobatics throughout the Quarter. (Tips are appreciated!) Be sure to spend some time shopping the French Market Community Flea Market, which bursts with booths selling everything from New Orleans souvenirs to plumeria plants.

Mississippi River

Take a walk along the Mississippi River to hear the calliope of the Steamboat Natchez. If you want to save money on sailing Steamboat Natchez, book a Day Jazz Cruise and skip the onboard meal. Then spend some time in the Spanish Plaza at Riverwalk Marketplace, looking at boats on the river and the Spanish Plaza Fountain.

New Orleans Botanical Garden

All ages will enjoy the beautiful New Orleans Botanical Garden. Open year-round, this botanic garden located in City Park features 2,000 plants from around the world. Entry fees are affordable and children under age 3 can visit for free. Plus, admission is free to all Louisiana residents on Wednesdays.

Louisiana Children’s Museum

Also in City Park, kids can play for hours and hours at the interactive and surprisingly affordable Louisiana Children’s Museum. It encompasses a whopping 8.5 acres of space to play and learn.

New Orleans Streetcars

Climb aboard New Orleans streetcars for a fun and unique way to explore the city. Take a ride on the St. Charles Streetcar to see Tulane and Loyola Universities as well as beautiful homes. The Canal Street Line will deliver your family to City Park and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Meanwhile, the Riverfront Line takes tourists from the French Market to the Aquarium of the Americas and beyond.

New Orleans Museum of Art

View paintings, photography, textiles, a sculpture garden, and more at the New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park. Parents will be happy to know children 12 and younger visit the museum for free.

Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

If your kids are fascinated with animals and sea life, then your family will love the Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium. In addition to seeing the Audubon Zoo’s many animal residents, kids love its multiple playgrounds, the Endangered Species Carousel, and the Cool Zoo splash park with its Gator Run lazy river. Located along the Mississippi River, the impressive Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is home to 10,000 animals representing 530 species. For the best prices, purchase your tickets in advance.

Dining in New Orleans on a Budget

To save money for activities when visiting New Orleans on a budget, my family cuts costs in other areas like dining out. We carry hearty snacks like homemade granola and snack mixes with us while we are exploring. Our family also brings sandwich fixings to make our own lunches back at the hotel room. Also, my two little ones share a meal at dinnertime. Read more tips for saving money when traveling with kids.

Crescent City Brewhouse

Of course, you may want to splurge on some delicious meals when visiting the Big Easy. When I think of dining in New Orleans, I automatically think of Decatur Street. It boasts numerous restaurants and shops but is more family-oriented than Bourbon Street. We always head to the Crescent City Brewhouse where families are welcomed and the food is delicious. 

Aunt Sally’s Pralines

While wandering down Decatur Street, be sure to stop by Aunt Sally’s Pralines for a free sample. Pralines are a signature New Orleans sweet made from brown sugar, pecans, milk, and butter. And Aunt Sally’s makes the very best ones.

Café du Monde

For a scrumptious snack or breakfast, walk to Café du Monde for beignets and chocolate milk. If it’s crowded, skip the wait for a table and get in the take-out line. Often, an employee will take your order before you even get to the window. When you have picked up your beignets, walk to the Mississippi River to enjoy your treat with a view.

Affordable New Orleans Hotels

Accommodations are one of the biggest travel expenses for families. Thankfully, finding an inexpensive hotel in New Orleans is not impossible. Staying outside or on the outskirts of the French Quarter can help cut hotel costs.

Q&C Hotel on Camp Street is just a 10-minute walk from many of the French Quarter’s famous attractions. If you like more space to spread out, then take a look at SpringHill Suites New Orleans Downtown with its kid-pleasing outdoor pool. Although Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Convention Center is further in distance from the Quarter, the price is reasonable.

New Orleans for Families

When most people think of New Orleans, they picture beads tossed to a rowdy crowd drinking Hurricanes. I picture my kids covered in powdered sugar from beignets, the smiles on their faces as they dance to the calliope, and the many adventures we’ve had exploring the town as a family. For me, New Orleans is the perfect destination for a fun and affordable getaway with the kids.

Explore More

For more activities in this fascinating city, read about what to do in New Orleans with kids.

If you’re dreaming of N’awlins with your sweetheart, discover the most romantic things to do in New Orleans.

Will you be visiting the Big Easy during the holiday season? See how to enjoy Christmas in New Orleans like a local.

For another budget-friendly destination, view the best free things to do in Atlanta, Georgia.

Save These New Orleans on a Budget Tips

Be sure to keep these budget-friendly New Orleans vacation tips. Simply save the image above to Pinterest! We hope you’ll follow Travel Mamas on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Do you have any tips or questions about visiting New Orleans on a budget? Let us know in the comments below!

Guest author Jennifer Close loves to explore and take on new adventures with her family down the street, across the country, and around the world. Travel Mamas did not receive any discounts or payments related to this blog post.

Sharing is caring!