THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in New Orleans
Best Free Things to Do in New Orleans
- Traveler favoritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveler rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
Category types
Traveler rating
Neighborhoods
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232 places sorted by traveler favorites
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
French Quarter
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
French Quarter
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Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas
Central City
Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals
French Quarter
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Historic Walking Areas
Ninth Ward
National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
French Quarter
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Speciality Museums
French Quarter
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Distilleries • Speciality Museums
Central Business District
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Churches & Cathedrals
Central Business District
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Flea & Street Markets
French Quarter
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Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
French Quarter
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Antique Shops
French Quarter
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Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
French Quarter
Casinos
Central Business District
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Flea & Street Markets
French Quarter
Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
French Quarter
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Bywater District
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Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals
Tremé
Wineries & Vineyards
Central Business District
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Showing results 1-30 of 232
What travelers are saying
- Lolo624Los Angeles, CA28 contributionsWe enjoyed Frenchman Street so much we went back. Fun clubs, great music and little shops. A must see when in New Orleans!Written June 1, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- cpwatson42Florida Panhandle, FL2 contributionsThe Square and surrounding area are updated and attractive. The three historical buildings contain great exhibits of NewOrlean’s historyWritten June 6, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Chander SGhaziabad, India219 contributionsJust across Westin hotel is French Quarter with a great historical past and many folk lore. The shops and restaurants have French names, delicate grilled terrace cafés, such colours of windows and doorways. Every next outlet has Jazz live or themes of Louis Armstrong. Preservation Hall, is a delightful live performance of six man band on saxophone, drums, trombone, clarinet, bass guitar, jingles and thimbles. “ Down in New Orleans “ - 0 when the saints go marching in” and everyone joins their voices together. Clapping and feet thumping echoes long after you leave the premises. A lady on a bike with a huge snake coiled round her neck; horse driven buggies, an odd police car parked quietly in a corner street; lots of beer and wine flowing out of many quaint French restaurants. You can shop for tops and patch work pants; or bags and souvenirs, and the artefacts that reflect 1756 onward history of Louisiana State. It’s a fun place to be though be wary of late night outings. On the opposite side the American side boasts of big brands and big cars and chain hotels like Marriott and Sheraton. The long winding Mississippi River has been witness to many events in last 250 years, but has unassumingly absorbed them allWritten May 29, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lolo624Los Angeles, CA28 contributionsDefinitely worth it, some beautiful homes and sites. Usually included in most tours but can do on your own as well.Written June 1, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Mixa's TravelsOldsmar, FL3,022 contributionsWe attended the 9:00AM Sunday Mass at the Cathedral. This is a beauitful old Cathederal. It is the oldest Cathedral in continuous use in the United States. The decor inside is amazaing. The service was very good and we were impressed with the Archbishiop and his message. Sadly, we didn't get a chance to tour the Cathedral to learn more of its long and rich history.Written June 4, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TheTravelYogiUnited States211 contributionsBeautiful trees! I enjoyed strolling through this park. Very tranquil. There were also beignets available for purchase but cash only. I recommend visiting.Written May 30, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- colesaysColleyville, TX105 contributionsThis review is not for Royal Street specifically, but for Doreen Ketchens, who plays jazz on Royal and St. Peters Friday - Sunday from 10:30-2:30.
She is so, so good. I could have stood there listening to her for the entire 4 hours she plays!
Initially I wanted to take the kids to Preservation Hall, but the ticket price for 8 people and the waiting/line situation made me nervous it would be a poor use of money with little kids. Instead, we stood on the sidewalk and listened to Ms. Doreen Ketchens for the price of a tip. And it was SO GOOD.
DEFINITELY make this happen on your trip to NOLA. She's the best!Written June 7, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Global509515689713 contributionsSo much to see. I could spend all day there. Loved the paddle boats and Cafe Dumond right next door plus a gift shop .Written April 5, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BeckibeckaAurora, CO434 contributionsThis was our favorite part of our vacation to New Orleans! We went on a walk with a ranger, which is at 10am every morning I think. It's on the national park website. That was great, so when we were done, we took an Uber across the highway and did a swamp tour on a pontoon boat.
If you like wildlife and prefer to get out of the city, I highly suggest a visit here.Written May 22, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - thetravelorganizerTega Cay, SC578 contributionsThe Historic New Orleans Collection, 520 Royal Street, free admission, was host to “Notre Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition” during our visit. We spent more than 2 hours using a trademarked touchscreen tablet to explore the history of the construction of Notre Dame, the tragic and devastating 2019 fire, and the reconstruction that will culminate in the cathedral’s reopening planned for December, 2024. Unfortunately, this exhibit closed on March 19 but be on the watch for it at a museum near you.Written May 27, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- teresahughes65Mobile, AL57 contributionsImpressive that this tour is free! A lot of New Orleans history in an easily digestible presentation. The samples are delicious. Don’t miss this. Reservations are not needed on most days.Written June 2, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MearcatsLetchworth Garden City, UK247 contributionsAfter walking around the Garden District we got back onto the St Charles Streetcar and travelled to Audubon Park. It is a beautiful Oak lined Park with a 1.8 mile path around a lake, golf club and the entrance to Audubon Zoo.
We throughly enjoyed our visit and would recommend this extra stay on the Streetcar to see its beauty.Written May 25, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Tansy2015Brighton, MI333 contributionsOur first stop was to visit a visitor center to get maps of the city. The gal there said it was the cheapest place to park-$5 dollars per day so we parked our car there as well. It is a good location for a walk around the quarter and 5 or so blocks down you can catch all of the trolleys.Written March 18, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- PrincessWashington DC, DC138 contributionsThis place is huge and placed in the perfect secluded spot to peacefully be its own thing. Definitely impressive, grand, and beautiful~Written January 19, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- dothebrittanyWalker, LA45 contributionsWe rented an airbnb on Magazine st and had a great time walking the city. It was safe and beautiful. There was a park not far from Magazine and lots of shoppjng and great restaurants.Written April 29, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
