As the millions of tourists who visit New Orleans each year can attest, there's no shortage of fun things to do in this city. With live music venues, tours, attractions and events, along with great restaurants and shopping, there's more going on here than you can fit into the average vacation. But what if you're on a budget? No worries — there are plenty of free things to do in New Orleans, too. Here are just a few.
1. Audubon Park
Location: 6500 Magazine St.
Ancient live oaks shade the uptown oasis of Audubon Park, where you'll find gardens, a labyrinth, peaceful lagoons, picnic shelters and a playground if you need things to do with kids. Along the riverfront is the Audubon Riverview Park — “the Fly” as locals call it — the perfect spot to relax and watch the sun set over the Mississippi River.
2. Couturie Forest and Scout Island
Location: 1009 Harrison Ave.
Take a walk along the trails through this 60-acre forest in City Park and you'll forget you're in the city. Eight different ecosystems flourish here, and you'll see many species of birds and fish amid the trees and waterways. Look for Laborde Mountain, New Orleans' highest point at 27 feet above sea level. The “mountain” was created using leftover riprap from the construction of Interstate 610, and features an observation deck and benches at the top.
3. Crescent City Farmers Market
Location: multiple locations in New Orleans
Foodies will enjoy the Crescent City Farmers Market, which takes place at four locations throughout the city. On Tuesday at Uptown Square, Thursdays in Mid-City and Sundays at Tad Gormley Stadium, you can listen to live music and see cooking demonstrations by local chefs as you browse the locally sourced meat, produce, seafood and tempting baked goods.
4. Free Concerts
Location: Jackson Square
Jackson Square is a year-round hub for all kinds of street performers, including solo musicians and bands, so you're likely to find live music no matter when you visit. Beginning in March, don't miss Wednesdays at the Square, a free, 11-week evening concert series featuring a variety of great local bands.
5. The Historic New Orleans Collection
Location: 520 Royal St.
If you're a history or architecture buff or simply interested in learning more about the city's past, a visit to the Historic New Orleans Collection won't disappoint. Established in 1966 by Gen. and Mrs. L. Kemper Williams, the museum includes several historic buildings with galleries introducing visitors to city history and regional culture. The Williams Research Center on Chartres Street features art and memorabilia, including around 350,000 drawings, paintings, photos, prints and artifacts.
6. Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
Location: 1 Collins Diboll Cir.
View more than 60 sculptures along paths that wind through five acres of lush gardens at the Sydney and Walda Beshoff Sculpture Garden in City Park. A lagoon divides the sculpture garden into two halves — a magnolia and pine grove, and an area featuring 200-year-old live oaks dripping with Spanish moss. A free audio tour that you can access on your cell phone is available; inquire at the front gate.