New Orleans · Orleans County, LA

Free things to do in New Orleans

Scout analyzed 133 New Orleans places and surfaced the ones that actually fit free.

Places analyzed

133

Matches

Typical spend

$70

Typical visit

1.6 hr

Scout-verified spots

French Quarter

St. Louis Cathedral

Visit St. Louis Cathedral for a brief historical and architectural stop in the French Quarter. It's a free, indoor activity that pairs well with exploring Jackson Square or nearby shops and cafes.

ArtsHistoryViews

★ 4.8$0–$5 typical30 min visithard parking

French Quarter

Pop City Boutique & The Crescent Collection Boutiques

This boutique is suitable for a quick browse for eclectic women's apparel and accessories, possibly as a stop during a French Quarter exploration. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and potentially $50-$150 if making a purchase.

ShoppingRelaxedQuirky

$50–$150 typical1 hr visithard parking

Sports & Recreation

Chateau Golf & Country Club

This is a golf course suitable for a morning or afternoon outing. Expect to spend a few hours playing a round and budget for green fees, cart rental, and potentially pro shop purchases or refreshments.

OutdoorsSportsRelaxed

$50–$150 typical4 hr visiteasy parking

Family

Surge Entertainment

Surge Entertainment is good for a family afternoon or evening, offering diverse activities like bowling and arcade games. Plan for a 2-3 hour visit, costing roughly $25-75 per person depending on activities and food.

FoodCocktailsSports

$25–$75 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

Central Business District

The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel

Visit The Roosevelt for an upscale evening, perhaps starting with cocktails at the famous Sazerac Bar and followed by dinner or a special event. Expect to spend a few hours and a significant amount per person.

FoodCocktailsWellness

$50–$200 typical3 hr visitmoderate parking

Family

K1 Speed New Orleans

K1 Speed offers indoor electric go-karting, making it a good energetic activity for families or groups, especially on weekends. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and about $30-$70 per person for races and a snack.

FoodSportsAdventurous

$30–$70 typical1.3 hr visiteasy parking

French Quarter

Hotel Monteleone

Visiting the Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone offers a classic New Orleans cocktail experience, typically lasting 1-2 hours for a few drinks. Expect to spend $30-$75 per person and potentially wait for a seat at the revolving bar.

CocktailsViewsFood

$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

French Quarter

The Carousel Bar & Lounge

Visit The Carousel Bar & Lounge for a unique cocktail experience in a historic hotel setting. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $35-75 per person, perhaps before or after dinner nearby.

CocktailsFoodViews

$35–$75 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

Central Business District

Ghost Bar

Ghost Bar is a casual stop in the French Quarter for drinks, often good for a pre or post-dinner cocktail or a low-key hangout. Expect to spend $10-30 per person for a drink or two.

CocktailsFoodRelaxed

$10–$30 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

Mid-City

Woodhouse Spa - New Orleans

This is a good spot for a relaxing few hours, typically for a solo treat, a girls' day, or a special occasion. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and at least $150 per person for services.

ShoppingWellnessRelaxed

$150–$400 typical1 hr visitmoderate parking

Central Business District

Copper Vine Restaurant

Copper Vine is a chic spot for New American fare, wine, and cocktails. It's suitable for a relaxed dinner or brunch on the patio, expecting to spend $30-75 per person for about 1.5 hours.

FoodCocktailsOutdoors

$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

French Quarter

Hemline French Quarter

Hemline French Quarter is a women's clothing store good for an hour of browsing or trying on clothes. It pairs well with a stroll through the French Quarter and is likely to involve a moderate spend if purchasing items.

ShoppingRelaxedSocial

$50–$200 typical1 hr visithard parking

Family

Airborne X Harvey

Airborne X is an indoor playground and trampoline park suitable for families and kids, typically lasting 1-2 hours for around $15-25 per person. It's a good standalone activity for active children.

OutdoorsSportsPlayful

$15–$25 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking

French Quarter

The Presbytère

The Presbytère is a good stop for 1-2 hours to learn about Louisiana history, particularly Mardi Gras and Hurricane Katrina. Expect to spend $10-15 per person on admission. It pairs well with other French Quarter attractions.

ArtsHistoryViews

$10–$15 typical2 hr visithard parking

St. Thomas Development Neighborhood

Lotus Head Spa

This head spa is good for a relaxing solo treat or a special pampering experience, typically lasting about an hour and costing between $50-$150. It pairs well with a quiet meal afterward.

WellnessFoodRelaxed

$50–$150 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Central Business District

The Windsor Court

The Windsor Court offers an upscale setting for a sophisticated evening, whether for drinks at the bar, dinner, or afternoon tea. Expect to spend a few hours and between $75-$500 per person depending on the activity.

FoodCocktailsWellness

$75–$500 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

French Quarter

Spa Atlantis

Spa Atlantis is suitable for a relaxing solo or couples' wellness experience, typically lasting 1.5 to 3 hours. Expect to spend $100-$300 per person for services like massages or skin care.

WellnessRelaxedQuiet

$100–$300 typical1.3 hr visithard parking

French Quarter

Audubon Insectarium

The Audubon Insectarium offers an interactive look at insects, suitable for families or solo exploration as part of a New Orleans trip. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and around $25 per person.

ArtsAnimalsEducational

$20–$30 typical2 hr visitmoderate parking

French Quarter

Voodoo Lounge

Voodoo Lounge is a bar likely offering drinks and live music, good for an evening outing. Expect to spend $15-40 per person for an hour or two of drinks and entertainment.

CocktailsLive musicRelaxed

$15–$40 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

Warehouse District

The NOW Massage Downtown New Orleans

This massage spa is good for a solo wellness break or to unwind during a weekend adventure. Expect to spend 60-90 minutes and $70-150 per person for a relaxing experience.

WellnessRelaxedQuiet

$70–$150 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

French Quarter

Steamboat NATCHEZ

The Steamboat NATCHEZ offers a scenic river cruise with dining and jazz, ideal for visitors to New Orleans. Expect a 2-hour experience costing $50-100 per person, best paired with exploring the French Quarter.

FoodLive musicViews

$50–$100 typical1.3 hr visithard parking

French Quarter

Thrive NOLA Spa

Thrive NOLA Spa is a good option for a solo wellness treatment or a relaxing start to a special occasion, usually lasting 1.5-3 hours. Expect to spend $100-$300 per person.

CocktailsWellnessRelaxed

$100–$300 typical1.5 hr visithard parking

Faubourg Lafayette

Hot Tin

This chic rooftop bar is ideal for an evening cocktail or two, offering city views. Expect to spend $30-75 per person for drinks, with visits typically lasting 1.5 to 2 hours.

FoodCocktailsViews

$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

French Quarter

Boutique Du Vampyre

This is a unique gift shop good for a quick stop during a stroll through the French Quarter, offering gothic goods for gifts or personal novelty. You can browse for free or spend up to $50 on a unique item.

ShoppingArtsQuirky

$0–$50 typical1 hr visithard parking