New Orleans is a city of culture that is free and cheap. A lot of time can be spent just walking the French Quarter and listening to music. Just remember if you enter a bar to buy a drink and tip the band!
FREE
- Po’boy – the po’boy is a serious NOLA Specialty and can be found everywhere. Make sure you try at least one fried shrimp or roast beef. My favourite was from Johnny’s Po-boys at 511 St Louis Street, New Orleans
Po’Boy - Ghost tour – it might sound naf but it will give you insight into the history an stories of the city you would otherwise miss. A good option is a Free Tours by Foot (just pay a tip based on your budget and how they did)
- Voodoo Museum – NOLA has a long history with Voodoo. This museum is free to enter, it is only small and has a gift shop with it but it is run by voodoo practitioners – and while your there you might as well pick up a love spell! 724 Dumaine Street, New Orleans
- The Old US Mint – a historic mint (circa 1835) that is now used as a venue for the National Jazz Museum. With changing exhibitions and free entry it is a great option for escaping the heat. 400 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans
- Madame Johns Legacy – built in 1788 this house gives an insight to what life
St Louis Cathedral was like for the rich and let you see behind the front door of the Louisiana-Creole design. Make sure you take a tour to see the full house not just the displays in the front rooms!
- French Market – an open air market in the French Quarter. Grab a lemonade and alligator skewer and wander the stalls. It is a great place to get some budget souvenirs or just people watch
- St Louis Cathedral – a beautiful cathedral right off Jackson Square. For a small fee you can climb the bell tower. 615 Pere Antoine Alley, New Orleans
BUDGET
- From the French Market jump in the classic street car and travel along the river to Canal Street.
- National WWII Museum – a vast interactive display set over several buildings that takes you back to WWII to give you a new insight into the war and what it as like for the troops on the ground. Tickets are between $32 and $36. 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans
- The Presbytere – Designed in 1791 the Presbytere houses an excellent exhibition on Hurricane Katrina and Mardi Gras and highlights two sides of the NOLA story. Entry is only $6 for adults.
- The 1850 House – Located in Jackson Square and gives an insight into how the rich lived in 1850. Entry is only $6.
- Hurricane Cocktail – a must try in NOLA is the classic Hurricane Cocktail. The best and original can be purchased at Pat O’Briens on Bourbon Street – don’t forget to get your souvenir cup!
- Cafe du Monde – a trip to New Orleans isn’t complete until you have had a beignet and coffee from this classic open air cafe. It is open 24-7 so miss the lines and get in after a night out on your way back to the hotel! You can get the same beignet and coffee from the stall in the River walk shopping centre but it just isn’t the same experience as sitting in the original venue (will do in a pinch tho!)
SPLURGE A LITTLE
- Cocktail tour!! NOLA has a plethora of outstanding cocktail bars, and you just know each of them has their own history and story to tell. Jump on a tour or find them yourself. I went with Doctor Gumbo Tours and had an absolute blast.
- NOLA is a foodie mecca with so many different cultures having an influence on the cuisine. You can get good food on a budget but if you want to splurge there are a numerous options. I can definitely recommend Muriel’s Jackson Square which is just off Jacksons Square for an excellent meal in a historic setting. Just be warned it is haunted (but it’s NOLA so where isn’t haunted?!)
There is so much more to see and do in NOLA, the Backstreet Cultural Museum, Armstrong Park, the Cabildo not to mention just walking the French Quarter. You will not be at a loss of things to see and do so grab a drink put your feet on the pavement and start dancing to the music I know is flowing through the streets.
Gypsy Heart Adventures 