Free Things to Do in New Orleans

Looking to have a great time on a tight budget? New Orleans offers several free things you can see and do everyday whether you are a nature lover, an art enthusiast or an inspiring musician.

1. Spend the day in Audubon Park. Audubon Park is between the Mississippi River and St. Charles in Uptown. The park offers a 1.8 mile paved jogging track nestled under 100 year old Oak trees surrounded by lagoons. There are also playgrounds for the kids and green spaces for the dogs. If you feel like taking it easy, pick a spot on one of the many benches in what is known by the locals as "the Fly", a stretch of riverbank that offers an expansive view of the Mississippi River.

2. Take your dogs to the Dog Levee. This unofficial spot, located on Leave Avenue- right next to Audubon Park, is a favorite for dog owners. The levee offers plenty of green space to let your dog run and play free of a leash and there is always at least one other dog owner for you to socialize with while your dog is playing.

3. Window shop on Magazine. The stretch of Magazine Street through the Lower Garden District and parts of Uptown has several dozen store fronts selling everything you could imagine. All of the stores have excellent window displays for browsing and the walk could take you just a few hours or an entire day to complete. If you plan to do more then window shop, keep in mind that a majority of the stores close before 7 p.m.

4. Visit the New Orleans Museum of Art. The New Orleans Museum of Art, often called NOMA, is free for Louisiana residents. The museum's permanent collection includes more then 40,000 pieces ranging from pre-Christian era paintings to modern art sculptures. The museum is open on Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 8 pm. and Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

5. Stroll through the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. Located just outside of the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is a free attraction for Louisiana residents. The garden itself is beautiful; complete with ancient oaks, magnolias and lagoons. There are 50 sculptures in the garden ranging from modern artists to works pre-dating 1960. A free audio tour is available through your cell phone. The sculpture garden is open on Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 8 pm. and Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

6. Explore City Park. What was once the Allard Plantation is now City Park. The park is comprised of 1,300 acres of playgrounds, green spaces, lagoons and oak trees. Take the kids to the playground or spend some time walking through the trees. City Park is home to the largest collection of mature oak trees in the world, some of which are over 600 years old.

7. Tour the Cities of the Dead. There are 42 cemeteries in New Orleans, famously known as the "Cities of the Dead" that are free and open to the public during the day. St. Louis No.1 and No.2 are home to famous voodoo priestesses, politicians, and celebrities. The cemeteries showcase above ground tombs, detailed artwork and sculptures. Most of the city cemeteries are open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

8. Watch boats pass by on the Riverwalk. Run by the Audubon Institute, the Riverwalk is a riverside walkway stretching from downtown to the French Quarter. The walkway is great for strolling or sitting on a bench and watching the ships pass by. There is an impressive view of the city of Algiers, the Crescent City Connection Bridge, downtown and Jackson Square to keep your eyes entertained while you sit and relax in the cool breeze of the Mississippi River.

9. Take a ride on the Algiers Ferry. The Algiers Ferry is free for all passengers and connects the city of Algiers to New Orleans across the Mississippi River. The ride is short, usually around a half hour, but the view of the New Orleans skyline is impressive. The ferry departs at Canal Street, right by the Aquarium of the America's. The Algiers Ferry runs daily from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m.

10. Listen to a concert in Lafayette Square. The Lafayette Square Conservancy, located in the Central Business District area, is home to free concerts every Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. during the summer and fall months. You can hear music from local bands and jazz artists as well as nationally recognized musicians while sitting under a canopy of trees in the park.