New Orleans: A 5-Day Budget Adventure

Experience the lively culture of New Orleans without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to New Orleans on a limited budget can still offer an unforgettable experience. Visitors can opt for affordable accommodations in the French Quarter or Mid-City, which offer easy access to local attractions. Enjoying the delicious local cuisine and exploring the city's rich history and culture, such as the vibrant music scene and historical sites like Jackson Square, are also great ways to experience New Orleans without breaking the bank.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Getting Acquainted with New Orleans

  • Stay at The Quisby, a budget hostel that offers a free continental breakfast every day.
  • Make your way to the French Quarter for coffee and beignets at Cafe du Monde.
  • Take a stroll through Jackson Square and snap a few shots of St. Louis Cathedral.
  • Grab lunch at Killer PoBoys, where you can get inventive PoBoy sandwiches made with local ingredients.
  • Swing by the National WWII Museum for a fascinating look into America's involvement in the Second World War.
  • Have dinner at Dooky Chase's Restaurant, a historic spot known for its Creole cuisine and rich history.
Day 2

Art & Architecture

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Elizabeth's Restaurant, where you can fuel up on classic Southern fare like praline bacon and grits.
  • Head over to the Garden District for a walking tour of the area's stunning historic homes.
  • Make your way to the New Orleans Museum of Art for a look at the city's extensive art collection.
  • Stop by the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, one of the city's oldest and most interesting cemeteries.
  • Dinner tonight is at Coquette, a farm-to-table spot that serves up creative takes on classic Southern dishes.
Day 3

Music & Booze

  • Begin your day with breakfast at the famous Camellia Grill, a New Orleans institution.
  • Head to Frenchman Street, where you can hear live music at venues like the Spotted Cat Music Club and Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro.
  • Take a tour of Bourbon Street, where you can drink like a local and revel in the street performers and colorful energy.
  • Have dinner at Sylvain, where you can sip on one of their famous cocktails and indulge in elevated pub fare.
  • Finish the night with a nightcap at the swanky Carousel Bar & Lounge.
Day 4

Bayou Adventure

  • Start your day with a beignet from Morning Call, a cafe located on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain.
  • Take a drive out to Honey Island Swamp, where you can explore the bayou on a wildlife tour.
  • After working up an appetite, have lunch at Cajun Seafood, a casual spot known for its fried seafood platter.
  • Pay a visit to the Ogden Museum of Southern Art for a deeper look into the region's art and culture.
  • Have dinner at Cochon, a popular spot known for its Cajun-style pork dishes.
Day 5

A Day in the Park

  • Grab coffee and breakfast at Mojo Coffee House, a local favorite.
  • Spend the day in City Park, where you can rent a bike to explore the lush grounds and sculpture garden.
  • Visit the New Orleans Botanical Garden for a serene look into the region's flora.
  • Grab lunch at Morning Call Park, where you can indulge in more sweet beignets and coffee.
  • End your trip with dinner at Commander's Palace, a high-end traditional spot where you can dress up and indulge in great food and live jazz tunes.

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.

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