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.




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:
Find deals on Booking.com or Hotellook
Reserve airport pickup via Kiwitaxi
Ready to experience New Orleans without overspending? Let the good times roll—on a budget!
Table of Contents
Why Visit New Orleans on a Budget?
Best Time to Visit New Orleans (and Save Money)
Budget Breakdown: How Much You’ll Actually Spend
Where to Stay in New Orleans on a Budget
How to Get Around New Orleans Cheaply
Best Free & Cheap Things to Do in New Orleans
Budget-Friendly Food You’ll Love (Local & Delicious)
New Orleans 3-Day Itinerary for Budget Travelers
New Orleans 7-Day Itinerary (Deeper Dive)
Bonus Tips to Save Even More
Final Thoughts + Travel Resources






About Budget Trips Guide
BudgetTripsGuide.com is your trusted resource for smart, affordable travel. We specialize in practical budget travel tips, low-cost destination guides, and insider hacks to help you explore the world without overspending. Whether you're a solo traveler, digital nomad, or first-time backpacker, our goal is to make cheap travel easy, safe, and unforgettable. Discover the best value travel insurance, cheap flights, and affordable accommodation options—all in one place.
GET FREE TIPS SEND DIRECTLY TO YOU
© 2025. All rights reserved.
Contact Us: team@budgettripsguide.com