Last Updated on January 23, 2023
You can have a lot of fun in New Orleans, even if you’re visiting the city on a budget…
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
By Carla Marie Rupp
I hadn’t been back to New Orleans, a city I love, for some time. When I made the decision to visit it once again I knew I’d be going alone, and would need to see New Orleans on a budget.
On my first full day there I was fortunate to be able to get back in touch with Kelley Edmiston, a tour guide for Living History Tours, who I’d met on a previous visit to New Orleans. We met for lunch at Li’l Dizzy’s (1500 Esplanade Avenue), a cozy spot where you can get an authentic Southern/Soul meal for under $20, either buffet or à la carte.
After lunch we left to explore historic Fauburg Treme, a fun thing to do in New Orleans on a budget. It’s the oldest black neighborhood in America, which is more than just pretty pastel creole houses and the setting for award-winning PBS and HBO films. A special attraction in Treme, the Back Street Cultural Museum, displays the largest collection of Mardi Gras Indian regalia. It’s worth touring to see the collection, and also learn about jazz funerals and other African-American traditions. We ended the day having drinks in the Frenchmen Street area, with its string of low-cost music clubs.
Seeing New Orleans on a Budget: A Good Deal on My Well-Located Hotel
I stayed in the French Quarter, a block from Bourbon Street, at the Dauphine Orleans Hotel. It was a great location because I could walk to so many places. It was less than $150 with the 10% off discount, which helped me see the city on a budget). I had a basic King-bed room with refrigerator and the service was excellent. Its heated, saltwater courtyard pool was fabulous.
Guests at the Dauphine are given free breakfast, free bottled water and coffee, and free wireless internet. You also get a free drink in its lovely bar, May Bailey’s Place, which is a former bordello. It’s a good place to stay if you’re seeing New Orleans on a budget.
I think the hotel is worth more than a three-star rating for its amenities, comfort and super-friendly staff, many of whom I got to know on a first-name basis, enjoying their tales. Josh at the front desk even sang for me after I learned he’d studied opera in school.
The hotel’s Carriage House courtyard, is in the historic John James Audubon room. In fact, it was the site of the studio of the famous wildlife artist between 1821 and 1822. I not only admired the artwork of birds and wildlife, but also enjoyed the free daily breakfast (a great help for seeing New Orleans, or any city, on a budget)and the opportunity to be able to eat with congenial people before starting a day of sightseeing. Each morning we enjoyed unlimited free fruit and good coffee, along with make-your-own waffles and other things, all great benefits for a solo traveler on a budget.
Seeing Mardi Gras Floats and 2 Great Museums
The Dauphine Orleans also arranges free shuttle bus service (another saving that kept me within budget) to Mardi Gras World, the largest float design facility in the world. On a tour at Mardi Gras World I watched a video capturing the sights, history and sounds of Mardi Gras, which began in New Orleans in 1837, and saw artists at work, took a ton of photos of the floats and got a free piece of “king cake” in the gift shop. Our admission tickets ($20 adults, $16 for seniors) were real strings of green Mardi Gras beads with a medallion attached to take home as souvenirs. There, as everywhere, I took advantage of senior savings.
I also enjoyed a tour at the National World War II Museum ($22 adult, $19 senior). In the Museum’s interactive exhibit “Final Mission: USS Tang” ($5 additional) where we relived its last epic battle, I met several veterans, also touring, who had served on a submarine. Later at lunch, while listening to big-band music, I got a little bit of the feeling of those wartime days.
Later I walked over to the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and enjoyed viewing its wonderful collection of American South art. Staying within my budget ($10 adults, $8 seniors) for seeing New Orleans, I took advantage of a weekly “Ogden After Hours” evening (6-8 pm) to see journalist John Swenson interview local pianist and vocalist Ed Volker and hear Volker perform. Every Thursday at the Ogden there’s a different program with noted local writers and musicians, after which you can see view the art collection.
A Great Brunch at a Great Budget Price
For me it was very special to be in the city that was the birthplace of jazz, and still resonates with cool music and striking art venues, and has such distinctive architecture and unique restaurants. I enjoyed the experience of leisurely eating at the live jazz brunch buffet (9am – 3 pm daily) at the Court of Two Sisters on Royal Street, with its delicious, Louisiana specialties (60 items!) in a beautiful courtyard-garden atmosphere, the largest outdoor dining courtyard in the French Quarter. And the brunch includes coffee, tea, juice and desert galore, all for $29 – perfect for enjoying New Orleans on a budget.
A great New Orleans brunch at a great budget price and the Court’s servers, so hospitable and looking so elegant, help me feel so relaxed, and I remembered nostalgically coming here with my family years ago. But I found it impossible to feel lonely as I heard many of my favorite jazz standards, including “Bye Bye, Blackbird.”
During the band’s break I said hello to Amy, a longtime banjo player at the Court and leader of the jazz trio, as well as to Alex Fein, the restaurant’s co-owner with his sister Aynsley Fein. They are to be congratulated: “We’re keeping this place going,” said Alex. “Fifty years now.” Their grandfather Joe Fein, Jr signed the lease for the Court in 1963, and restored the building to its former glory. It was once the site of the Louisiana’s Governor’s mansion.
A Budget-Friendly Trip
My desire to see New Orleans on a budget didn’t break my wallet even with traveling all over the city. Although I walked a lot, my transportation also included streetcars (a bargain at $3.00 for the whole day, or 40¢ a ride if you’re a senior), a few taxis, the City Sightseeing New Orleans hop-on-hop-off bus, and even once a pedicab from the French Market to Jackson Square, where my friend Linda showed me some great shops.
For me there is no other place like New Orleans, and I love it more each time I visit. And I miss it already – the music, the people, its cuisine, just everything about it – as in the song, “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?”
But don’t worry, I’ll be back, since it’s so easy to see New Orleans on a budget.
You may also enjoy: Budget Travel / 7 Big Mardi Gras Celebrations (Not in New Orleans) / Soulard: Where St. Louis Blows Its French Horn
If You Go:
New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau
3030 St. Charles Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70130-5210
www.neworleanscvb.com
Tel: (800) 672-6124, (504) 566-5011
Back Street Cultural Museum
1116 Henriette Delille Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
http://www.backstreetmuseum.org/
Tel: (504) 522-4806
Mardi Gras World
1380 Port of New Orleans Place
New Orleans, LA 70130
http://www.mardigrasworld.com/
Tel: (504) 361-7821
The National World War II Museum
945 Magazine St,
New Orleans, LA 70130
http://www.nationalww2museum.org/
Tel: (504) 528-1944
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
925 Camp St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
https://ogdenmuseum.org
Tel: (504) 539-9650
Court of Two Sisters
613 Royal St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
http://www.courtoftwosisters.com/
Tel: (504) 522-7261
Dauphine Orleans of the New Orleans Hotel Collection
415 Dauphine St.
New Orleans, LA 70112
https://www.dauphineorleans.com/
Tel: (855) 798-6642
This is a wonderful written article on the wonderful place. Makes you want to go and see it for yourself. I will maybe in the future visit this wonderful entertaining place!!
Paula, thank you for the compliment. I really enjoy writing about New Orleans because it is so wonderful, with great people, history, lovely accommodations, and amazing entertainment, attractions and food.
As you can see by my story, it is also easy to get around, too. I hope you will visit Louisiana one day in the near future! There are festivals all the time, even if they aren’t the really big ones you hear about. The smaller ones are fun, too!
As a huge fan of New Orleans myself, I enjoyed Carla’s descriptive article. I love the World War 2 Museum more than anything in the city but the French flavor is fabulous, along with the Dixieland jazz and riverfront setting. The streetcars of course too along with some of the inns and hotels Carla mentioned. Her article makes me want to hop the next plane south
Thanks Dan! I know what you mean: when I see your comment and I re-read what I wrote I want to be In New Orleans, too, and go south!
As a globe trotter myself this article stirred some fond memories of my previous visit to New Orleans. Thank you Carla for such an interesting and informative commentary. A pleasant reminder of the fine southern hospitality and I really enjoyed your mention of the city’s jazz heritage.
Thank you, David. I am glad you have such fond memories and that my story stirred them up. I went to so many jazz clubs and some jazz and blues music festivals: the great music is endless!
Great article! It sounds like you had a wonderful time.
Thank you Linda. Yes, as you can see I had a really good time.
Yes it was a great time! I miss you too.
The Jazz buffet is what interests me the most at the moment. Glad jazz is still alive and all over town! great article.
Thank you, Joyce. Yes, I really enjoyed Court of Two Sisters a lot during my leisurely visit. I even have their cookbook and now get recipes by email from the beautiful restaurant. There are a number of restaurants and bars with good jazz in New Orleans. Thank you for the compliment on my writing.
Nice write-up on my favorite city in the US (not counting NYC). Brought back lots of good memories for me!
Chip, I am so happy my story brought your good times back to you in my writing! Thanks.
I’m putting a visit to New Orleans on my bucket list! I’ll want to keep your article so I’ll know some great places to visit! Thanks for sharing your discoveries with us.
You’re welcome Karen. Each person will also make some of their own discoveries, too.
Looks like you’re touring with Nawlins’ top lady tour guide [and guide trainer too!] Linda Thomas, of the Louisiana State Museum, who knows the town inside and out! Why that looks like Obama himself is on the road again, this time manning a freshly painted French Quarter pedicab taking you ladies around. Like you, I sure hope to get back one day soon.
Yes, I’m with Linda Thomas in the pedicab, and she’s such a wonderful local who’s a tour guide for the Friends of the Cabildo and knows he city inside and out. Thanks for your comment. We were just talking today on the phone about all the great places. And don’t forget about the free music at the Old Mint at noon on Wednesday. It’s great, and what great things to see at the Louisiana State Museum!
Your article made me jealous. I hope to visit the places you mentioned in this article. I heard there’s great food to be had too! Must be fantastic during Mardi Gras!
Entertaining and informative.
Thanks!
Carla, sounds like you had a great time visiting one of Charles Kuralt’s favorite places. I will go there someday just to visit The National WWII Museum that author Stephen Ambrose helped to develop.
Great, Rob. You’ll learn a lot at The National WWII Museum; it’s awesome, and there’s also a 45-minute film to take in as well. I was able to catch the Bob Hope exhibit; there will always be something fascinating to see and people to meet as I did.
Carla
Very well done!
This brings back so many memories of New Orleans. Love the French Quarter and the times i spent on Bourbon Street.
Love the culture.
Thanks for great story.
Larry Rupp
I can just picture the good times, Larry! There’s a lot to love there! Thanks, brother!
The pedicabs look fun. Last time I was in the Big Easy, pedicabs were just being approved. I hope the recitals at the cathedral and the concerts at the Mint are still going on, they made my visit very special. I’m glad things are looking up in New Orleans, can’t wait to get back.
I enjoyed the tour I just got and am happy to hear your adventures. Will go again to New Orleans. Carla, did you see much Katrina damage?
Thanks, Tim,
Hi Tim! I was mostly in the French Quarter (no damage), the Treme area (no damage), in the Warehouse and Arts District (where the Ogden and WWII Museum are, no damage) and in the Garden District (didn’t see any damage, just beautiful homes, the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau on the St Charles streetcar line and quaint shops on Magazine Street). These are the main visitor areas, and Denise and Rev. Leonard Parker (pastors of the New Orleans Bible Church) told me there still is a lot of work to be done in the Ninth Ward–where Brad Pitt pitched in with some homes I saw with Denise on a previous visit–and other areas and residential neighborhoods.
Great story! I would have gone to all the same places! Love Court Of Two Sisters. Glad that you had such a great time. You clearly covered both the “off the beaten trail” places as well as the famous tourist sites. I hope to go back someday soon myself. Have not been there in 10 or 15 years!
Thanks, Anne! Well, time to go back.
Good article about the many places in New Orleans. It made me hungry.
Thanks, Monty. I know: makes me hungry thinking about all the gumbo & good things!
Linda Thomas says hello, Carla. You know she doesn’t go online, so she asked me to look up the article,which I enjoyed and was also glad to learn about this website. If you had Kelley and Linda show you around town, you are blessed far above the average tourist 🙂 You did a good job of scratching the surface of N.O., though I wished for more depth on the music (not just jazz) and the vibrant artist, literary and entrepreneurial spirit of the city. Recovery from Katrina doesn’t mean only restoring buildings and opening new restaurants. It’s the spirit of the place that has rebounded in ways we natives could not have imagined. Thanks for inviting others to experience N.O.for themselves.
love this article I went New Orleans for Mardi Gras two years ago, now I’m considering going for Jazz Festival
Great post and great photos! You can really get a feel for the city’s quirks that draw you in. Next time you visit (we hope it’s sooner, rather than later), you need to tour New Orleans’ other neighborhoods: The Garden District, Uptown, Algier’s Point and more. Each one has a completely different personality.
Trust us; we’re locals. 🙂
https://joieful.com
Found my way here from your Twitter link and enjoyed reading about your visit to New Orleans. I will be 60 next year and am truly looking forward to seniors discounts! 🙂
Hey, Carl. Once you hit 55, you were already part of the group! Don’t worry. You’re in!