In the next paragraphs, I will tell you how you can explore MOST (if not all) of New Orleans on $50 a day. There many tips and secrets you can use to turn your low budget trip into a vacation you will never forget. Don't let a lack of money stop you from traveling!
New Orleans is famous for its architecture, culture, history, music and nightlife. To thoroughly explore every inch of the city, all you need is $50 USD. There are several local spots and hidden gems that will give you a an authentic New Orleans experience.
Check out at my itinerary for $50 a Day Budget in New Orleans! There are recommendations for things to see and do in several different neighborhoods of the city.
1. Day 1 - Lower Garden/ Mid-City
(Neighborhoods with Local Favorites)
Breakfast: For an inexpensive breakfast head over to Mojo Coffeehouse in the Lower Garden District ($5).
Activity 1: After coffee, take a 15-minute walk to meet your Lower Garden Tour Guide. Book a free tour of the neighborhood through Free Tours by Foot. The tour is free, but you can pay what you want ($10).
Lunch: Walk (or splurge on Uber $6) to The Ruby Slipper ($12). The Ruby Slipper is a popular spot in New Orleans so be prepared to wait.
Activity 2: Ride the St. Charles trolley ($3 round trip) to City Park and enjoy the 1,300-acre park in New Orleans for FREE.
Dinner: Go to Happy Hour at Vessel and enjoy a drink for ($6). Small Plates and Flatbread will cost you $9-13.
Total: $49 tax not included
Splurge Total: $55
2. Day 2 – French Quarter
(Historical neighborhood)
Breakfast: Get cheap beignets at Café De Monde. You can order 3 French doughnuts ($2.14). The place will be packed, but it is a historical icon of the city. Splurge and get a large coffee for $3.64.
Activity 1: Walk across the street and stroll through the French Quarter. Be sure to stop and view the artwork of local merchants in the Jackson Square. You can also find the 1850 House. The 1850 House Tour ($3) provides you with a historical background of the city.
Lunch: Head to the Green Goodness ($15) vegetarian/vegan-friendly meal.
Activity 2: See The Cabildo Museum ($6) and/or splurge by going to Pat O’Brien’s, New Orleans’ oldest bar. Order The Hurricane ($8.50).
Dinner: Walk 15 minutes to Dreamy Weenies for gourmet hot dogs ($9). Vegetarian/Vegan options are available!
Total: $35.14 tax not included
Splurge Total: 47.28 tax not included
3. Day 3 – French Quarter Cont’d / Bywater
(Historical/ Artistic Neighborhoods)
Breakfast: Addiction Coffee ($4).
Activity 1: Cycle around the French Quarter by renting a bike ($25 for 4 hours) or splurge and book a 3-hour bike tour ($50). For bike rentals and tours book trough Free Wheelin’ Bike Tours ($90). The Tour Guides are all natives.
Lunch: Walk to 13 Monaghan for Tachos (Nachos but with Tater Tots). Vegetarian/Vegan options are available ($10)
Activity 2: Stroll through the Bywater neighborhood to Crescent Park (FREE).
Dinner: Grab pizza at Pizza Delicious ($10 or splurge for a deluxe pizza $20)
Activity 3: Explore the Frenchmen Art Market at night. Buy goods at your risk (splurge $25)!
Total: $49 tax not included
Splurge Total: $109 tax not included
4. Day 4 – Uptown
(Neighborhood with Louisiana Charm)
Breakfast: Grab coffee and a snack at Hivot Coffee ($6).
Activity 1: Take the trolley ($1.50) to Audubon Park for free outdoor fun. Be sure to soak up the sights on your ride.
Lunch: Ride the trolley ($1.50) from the park to Surrey’s ($10). There will be a wait, but the food is unbelievable! Vegetarian/Vegan options are available.
Activity 2: Walk through a public cemetery (FREE) with a self-guide.
Dinner: Take the trolley ($3 round trip) to a vintage hotel named The Columns and enjoy happy hour ($10). After drinks, walk to Bar Frances for dinner ($15).
Total: $47 w/o tax
Exploring New Orleans on $50 a Day is possible. It is proven and tested by me! Along the way I splurged on certain activities, like the Bike Tour, to gain more memories and cultural knowledge.
Question: Have you traveled on a small budget? What are your tips and tricks for having cheap fun? Please comment and share on social media!
Until Next Time,
Tay
“Your life is happening now. Make it amazing!”
