Jazzin' Up New Orleans on a Budget

Experience the jazz, gumbo and culture of New Orleans without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A budget trip to New Orleans can still provide an unforgettable experience in one of America's most vibrant cities. Free activities include exploring the French Quarter, strolling through the historic Garden District, and listening to live music at local bars. Sampling the city's renowned food can also be affordable at local dives like the beloved Po'Boy sandwich destination, Parkway Bakery.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Jazzin' Up French Quarter

  • Stay at the affordable Royal St. Charles Hotel in the heart of French Quarter
  • Start the day with a beignet and coffee at the famous Cafe Du Monde
  • Visit the jazz landmark Preservation Hall for some live music
  • Experience the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture to learn about the city's festive history
  • Have dinner at Coop's Place, serving up local classics like jambalaya and red beans & rice
Day 2

Ghosts, Voodoo, and Swamp Tour

  • Start the day with brunch at the quirky and colorful Ruby Slipper Cafe
  • Take a ghost tour of the French Quarter with Bloody Mary's Tours to spook yourself silly
  • Visit the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum to learn more about the city's mystical side
  • Take a swamp tour with Cajun Encounters to spot some alligators and see the natural beauty of the area
  • Head to Frenchmen Street for live music and cocktails at some of the city's best bars
Day 3

Gardens, Museums, and Art

  • Visit the lush and beautiful New Orleans Botanical Garden in City Park
  • Explore the National WWII Museum to learn about the city's role in the war
  • Take a stroll through the Warehouse District to check out the contemporary art galleries
  • Have lunch at the iconic Commander's Palace for some upscale Creole cuisine
  • End the day with a sunset riverboat cruise on the Mississippi with Steamboat Natchez.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to New Orleans by plane is to fly to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport from your departure airport. There are several airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, and United that operate flights to the airport from various destinations.

Car

Driving to New Orleans is an option for those who prefer to have more control over their transportation. You can take Interstate 10, which connects New Orleans with major cities across the US. Some popular stops along the way are Houston, TX, and Pensacola, FL.

Train

While there are no direct trains to New Orleans, Amtrak's City of New Orleans route is a popular train option. You can take a train from various cities to Memphis, TN, and then transfer to another train to New Orleans. The nearest train station to New Orleans is the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal.

Boat

New Orleans is a popular port for several ocean and river cruises. Visitors can board a cruise ship from various ports such as Miami, FL, or Houston, TX, and sail into the port of New Orleans. Some popular cruise lines that stop at New Orleans include Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruises, and Royal Caribbean International.

Bus

Taking a bus to New Orleans is a cost-effective option. Greyhound and Megabus are two popular bus companies that provide service to the city from different locations within the US. The Greyhound bus station is located at 1001 Loyola Ave, and the Megabus stop is located at 1001 Howard Ave.

Destination

New Orleans

Welcome to the home of jazz, gumbo and voodoo! A city so vibrant and lively, you'll feel like dancing with a brass band down the street.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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