New Orleans on a Budget

Explore New Orleans for under $80/day! 2025 budget travel guide with cheap eats, free things to do, 3 & 7-day itineraries, transport hacks & more.

DESTINATIONSNORTH AMERICA

Jason A Ellis

7/20/20255 min read

New Orleans on a Budget: How to Explore the Big Easy for $80 or Less Per Day

New Orleans might be famous for its live jazz, Creole cuisine, and all-night parties, but here's a secret: you don’t need a big wallet to soak up the soul of this city. Whether you're traveling as a couple or a family, you can experience the best of the Big Easy without going broke.

A lively street scene in New Orleans at sunset featuring a couple walking past jazz musicians playing saxophone and guitar, a
A lively street scene in New Orleans at sunset featuring a couple walking past jazz musicians playing saxophone and guitar, a
Image of Author: Jason A Ellis traveling the world, local area in Singapore
Image of Author: Jason A Ellis traveling the world, local area in Singapore

About the Author
Hi, I’m Jason—an avid traveler with a passion for discovering new places, cultures, and perspectives. Born and raised in the United States, I now call the Philippines home as I continue to explore the world, one destination at a time. My travel journey has taken me across vibrant cities and serene landscapes in places like Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Okinawa, Canada, and Mexico (to name a few). Through this blog, I share real-world travel insights, budget tips, and stories to help you explore smarter and deeper—no matter where your passport takes you.

Like This? You Might Also Love:

This guide covers everything you need to know to do New Orleans on a budget, including cheap eats, free things to do, where to stay, how to get around, and a full 3-day and 7-day itinerary. Let’s roll.

Why Visit New Orleans on a Budget?

New Orleans is one of the most culturally rich cities in the U.S., and the best part? Many of its top attractions cost little to nothing. From soulful street music to historic neighborhoods and tasty street food, it's a paradise for travelers who love experience over extravagance.

Whether you're into jazz, architecture, food, history, or just people-watching, there's something here for you, often free or incredibly cheap.

Best Time to Visit New Orleans (and Save Money)

Spring (March–May): Great weather, but big festivals like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest drive prices up. Avoid if you're on a tight budget.

Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, but hotel rates drop dramatically. This is the best time to score deals.

Fall (September–November): Still warm, fewer crowds, and better rates. Early fall can be a sweet spot.

Winter (December–February): Mild temps and some of the lowest hotel prices, except right around Mardi Gras. Visit in January for quiet vibes and cheap stays.

Budget Breakdown: How Much You’ll Actually Spend

You can absolutely keep your trip within $40–$80 per day. Here's a quick breakdown:

  • Accommodation: $20–$40 (hostel/shared) or $40–60 (budget hotel/Airbnb split with others)

  • Meals: $20–30 (cheap breakfast, po'boys for lunch, casual dinner)

  • Transport: $3 (Jazzy Pass for unlimited streetcar/bus rides)

  • Attractions: $0–10 (most things are free or cheap)

  • Extras: $5–10 for souvenirs, snacks, or a drink

Where to Stay in New Orleans on a Budget

Here are a few top picks that are affordable and well-located:

Hostels

  • HI New Orleans Hostel: Clean, central, and perfect for travelers. Dorms from $35. Check rates on Booking.com

  • The Quisby: On St. Charles Avenue with a fun vibe and easy access to streetcars. Dorms and private rooms.

Budget Hotels & Guesthouses

  • Hotel St. Pierre: Historic charm in the French Quarter.

  • Inn on St. Ann: Cozy and walking distance to Bourbon Street.

Airbnbs

  • Look for apartments in the Garden District, Marigny, or Mid-City. They’re quiet, charming, and often cheaper than the Quarter.

Use Hotellook to compare rates across platforms easily.

How to Get Around New Orleans Cheaply

  • Streetcar: $1.25 per ride or $3 for a full-day pass (Jazzy Pass). Rides along St. Charles Avenue are scenic and historic.

  • Bus: Included with your Jazzy Pass.

  • Ferry: Take the Algiers Ferry for skyline views—just $2 each way.

  • Walking: The French Quarter, Marigny, and Garden District are super walkable.

Download the Le Pass app to manage fares easily.

Best Free & Cheap Things to Do in New Orleans

  • Jackson Square: Street performers, artists, and the iconic cathedral.

  • French Market: Window-shop or grab cheap bites.

  • City Park & Sculpture Garden: Massive green space and free art.

  • St. Louis Cathedral: Step inside the oldest cathedral in the U.S.

  • Frenchmen Street: Free live jazz from the sidewalks.

  • Crescent Park: Great views of the skyline and river.

  • Garden District: Self-guided walking tours past historic homes.

  • Algiers Point Ferry Ride: A cheap way to see the city from the water.

  • Wednesdays at the Square (spring): Free live music downtown.

Budget-Friendly Food You’ll Love

Must-Try Eats Under $15

  • Beignets at Cafe du Monde: $4 for three powdered-sugar delights.

  • Po’boys at Parkway Bakery: Shrimp or roast beef from $10.

  • Muffuletta at Central Grocery: Big enough to share. $14.

  • Gumbo at Coop’s Place: Hearty and spicy. Around $8.

  • Fried Chicken at Willie Mae’s: James Beard award-winning and just $12–15.

  • Snoballs from Hansen’s: Refreshing and about $4.

Don’t forget to check out happy hour deals—many places offer $1 oysters or half-price cocktails before 6pm.

3-Day Itinerary for Budget Travelers

Day 1: The French Quarter + Jazz Night

  • Cafe du Monde breakfast

  • Explore Jackson Square and the French Market

  • Lunch: Muffuletta from Central Grocery

  • Afternoon: Free walking tour or visit the Jazz Museum

  • Dinner: Coop’s Place

  • Evening: Free jazz on Frenchmen Street

Day 2: Garden District + Magazine Street

  • Ride the St. Charles streetcar

  • Walk through Lafayette Cemetery and historic homes

  • Lunch: Po'boy at Mahony's or Guy's

  • Explore Magazine Street shops

  • Picnic dinner in Audubon Park

Day 3: City Park + Algiers Point

  • Streetcar to City Park, visit the sculpture garden

  • Beignets at Cafe du Monde (City Park location)

  • Lunch: Parkway Bakery

  • Ferry ride to Algiers Point

  • Dinner: Pizza or local eats in Bywater

7-Day Budget Itinerary

Build on the 3-day plan and add:

  • Day 4: Bywater street art + Crescent Park + Bacchanal Wine (live music)

  • Day 5: Free museum day or swamp tour (budget ~$25)

  • Day 6: Chill at Audubon Park, ice cream at Creole Creamery, explore Uptown

  • Day 7: Souvenir shopping, final beignets, sunset at Woldenberg Park

Bonus Tips to Save Even More

  • Avoid Bourbon Street bars—buy drinks at convenience stores for half the price.

  • Ask for student, teacher, or military discounts.

  • Share large dishes—portions are huge.

  • Book stays and flights midweek for better rates.

  • Consider travel insurance like World Nomads to protect your budget trip.

Final Thoughts + Travel Resources

You don’t need big bucks to have a big time in New Orleans. From jazz in the streets to budget-friendly bites, there’s magic around every corner—you just need to know where to look.

Book Your Trip:

Ready to experience New Orleans without overspending? Let the good times roll—on a budget!

Table of Contents

  1. Why Visit New Orleans on a Budget?

  2. Best Time to Visit New Orleans (and Save Money)

  3. Budget Breakdown: How Much You’ll Actually Spend

  4. Where to Stay in New Orleans on a Budget

  5. How to Get Around New Orleans Cheaply

  6. Best Free & Cheap Things to Do in New Orleans

  7. Budget-Friendly Food You’ll Love (Local & Delicious)

  8. New Orleans 3-Day Itinerary for Budget Travelers

  9. New Orleans 7-Day Itinerary (Deeper Dive)

  10. Bonus Tips to Save Even More

  11. Final Thoughts + Travel Resources

Jackson Square at sunset with St. Louis Cathedral, palm trees, and visitors walking along brick paths.
Jackson Square at sunset with St. Louis Cathedral, palm trees, and visitors walking along brick paths.