Free Activities in New Orleans
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We recognize that cruisers will arrive in New Orleans at various times. For guests who plan to arrive super early to dive into what New Orleans has to offer, here's a list of free actives to indulge in the culture and history.
1. Wander along Woldenberg Riverfront Park
From Canal Street to the Moon Walk along the French Quarter, stroll down the riverfront and watch ships of all kinds ply the Mighty Mississippi. Also on the riverfront, Crescent Park offers stellar city views, accessed just past the French Market at Elysian Fields. You can go all the way to Bywater.
2. Window shop
Wander down Royal and Chartres streets to admire art, antiques, and oddities. Wander Magazine Street, famous for its eclectic shops and cozy eateries.
3. Visit the Lower 9th Ward Living Museum
Explore the history of New Orleans' historic Lower 9th Ward pre, during, and post Hurricane Katrina. Admission is always free.
4. Catch street music, live
Take a stroll of the French Quarter and you’re bound to run into spontaneous live music on the street. The show is free, but tipping a few dollars is encouraged.
5. Watch the sunrise from Algiers Point
Just across the Mississippi River from the French Quarter is historic Old Algiers. Wake up extra early to catch the sunrise from the levees of Algiers Point.
6. Take a bike ride down Lafitte Greenway
Enjoy a scenic bike ride on the greenway, which spans multiple neighborhoods and has several cafes, breweries, and hangout spots along the way.
7. Browse the shops on Oak Street
Stop into the eclectic mix of shops on quiet Oak Street, including a comic book shop, a guitar repair shop and a used book store.
8. Learn about the historic New Orleans cocktail: the Sazerac
Sazerac House opened in 2019 and is a state-of-the-art experience: for free! Learn about the history of cocktail culture in New Orleans and how the famous drink is made. The museum is all ages, but you must be 21+ to enjoy samples.
9. Support Black-owned businesses at this market
The New Orleans African American Museum hosts a monthly pop-up market featuring Black vendors and artisans, plus music and more. Check their website for more details.
10. Walk around the lake in City Park
The Big Lake at City Park is full of activity and walking paths. You just might sneak up on a dozing turtle or surprise a yellow-footed egret into flight.
11. Familiarize yourself with New Orleans history
Read the historic plaques that are scattered on noteworthy buildings and public art all over the city.
12. People watch along Jackson Square
Mule-drawn buggies line up, artists sell their creations and tarot card readers tell you your future throughout Jackson Square.
13. Relax on the banks of Bayou St. John
Watch canoes and other non-motorized watercrafts float along the bayou.
14. Explore Mardi Gras Collections at restaurants
Go upstairs at Arnaud’s for a tour of Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum, or check out the collections at Antoine’s and Brennan’s.
15. Wander through the Garden District
Admire the beautiful mansions and wrought iron fences and balconies throughout the Garden District neighborhood.
16. Dance down Frenchmen Street
Any night of the week, music fills the air from the many clubs that rock till the wee hours.
17. Access the Historic New Orleans Collection
Learn about the history of the Crescent City. Visits and self-guided tours of the museum galleries are always free.
18. Visit a cemetery
Explore the above-ground cemeteries that are so famous in New Orleans, including St. Patrick Cemetery No. 2 and St. Louis No. 3. Feel thankful in the chapel in the back of St. Roch Cemetery, a shrine filled with ex-votos.
19. Visit Milton H. Latter Memorial Library
The New Orleans Public Library is in a stately mansion on St. Charles Avenue that once belonged to silent film star Marguerite Clark.
20. Peruse the French Market
Browse stalls of souvenirs and clever baubles at the French Market.
21. Take a tour of Saint Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square.
The historic church is open to the public and is beautiful.
22. Learn how to saber champagne
Every Friday, head to the Brennan’s courtyard at 5 p.m. for champagne sabering. Glasses of champagne, champagne cocktails, and small bites are all available for a charge, but the spectacle itself is free to attend.
23. Visit the TEP Center
The TEP (Tate, Etienne, and Prevost) Center is a renovated mixed-use facility housed in what used to be the historic McDonogh 19 Elementary School in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. Once central to the New Orleans school desegregation crisis of the 1960s, the abandoned school was purchased in 2020 by the Leona Tate Foundation for Change, Inc. (LTFC)-Alembix development partnership. Call ahead and visit the center for a free tour M-F 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
24. Watch artists demonstrate glass blowing
Rosetree Blown Glass Studio, Studio Inferno, or New Orleans Glassworks all create beautiful pieces.