Vacation Guide to New Orleans on a Budget

With today's flailing economy, many people are looking for more budget friendly vacations and creative ways to get more bang for their traveling buck. Thankfully, there are many popular destinations that offer free or discounted attractions and accommodations for the budget-conscious traveler. Here's a look at some of those inexpensive options for folks who are heading to New Orleans.

French Market
1008 N Peters St., # 2
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 522-2621
Admission: Free

The French Market is a 200 year old open air market that covers five blocks in the French Quarter area of New Orleans. There are shopping venues, eateries, and music. It's comprised of a large flea market, a Farmer's Market, and several retail outlets.

Carousel Gardens
New Orleans City Park
1 Palm Drive
New Orleans, LA 70124
(504) 482-4888
Admission: $3, ages 4 and up
$2-$4 per ride or $15 for an armband for unlimited rides

Opened in 1906, the Carousel Gardens is home to several amusement rides for adults and kids alike. Aside from the wooden carousel itself, which is one of only 100 in the country and the last one operating in Louisiana, there is a train ride, bumper cars, Fun Slide, a lady bug roller coaster, and more.

New Orleans Jazz Historical Park
916 North Peters St.
French Market
New Orleans, LA 70116
(504) 589-4806
Admission: Free

This national park celebrates the birth place of jazz - New Orleans. Visitors to the park will learn about the origins of the music as well has dates and performers of historical significance. There are various festivals and live performances in the park throughout the year and, as always, the admission and all performances are free.

Algiers Ferry

Algiers is a historic alcove on an island that dates back some 300 years. Algiers is separated from New Orleans by the Mississippi River. The community has several parks and historic sites of interest, as well as shopping venues and restaurants. Visitors to the city arrive by ferry. It is open to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic and utilizes separate boats for each. The vehicle ferry docks at Canal Street on the New Orleans side and boats depart every quarter hour from 5:45am until 11:45pm, seven days a week. The pedestrian ferry operates Monday through Friday from 5:30am until 9:30 am and from 5:30pm until 9:30pm. Vehicle traffic pays $1 per car while pedestrian traffic is free.