Don’t Break the Bank: 10 Fabulously Free things to do in New Orleans
~ Words by Vickie Sam Paget, Sky Blue Content ~
Hey big spender, you don’t have to go crazy with the cash to have a great time in the Big Easy. Just check out these 10 fabulous ways to have a blast in New Orleans without breaking the bank…
1. Free Jazz
Take a glorious stroll along Frenchmen Street or Bourbon Street. The jazz literally pours out onto the street, giving you the opportunity to enjoy some fine jazz tunes without spending a single dime.
2. Free Oysters
If you’re in the city on a Friday, make your way to Magazine Street and check out Le Bon Temps Roule. This club serves up free oysters as the band plays some incredible funk sounds.
3. Free Cooking Class
Want to learn a little more about some of the amazing New Orleans’ cuisine you’re discovering? Then head to the Crescent City Farmers’ Market to catch one of the free cooking demonstrations.
4. Free Show
The legendary Tipitina’s music venue on Napoleon Avenue hosts a free homage show in honour of Professor Longhair on Fridays during the summer months.
5. Free Education
Learn all about the city’s musical heritage at the New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park, which is located in the gorgeous Old US Mint building.
6. Free Festival
Take your pick: Check out the Creole Tomato Festival (June), the Cajun-Zydeco Music Festival (June) or the Louisiana Seafood Festival (September).
7. Free Cruise
The free Canal Street ferry boasts some of the best views of the New Orleans skyline before dropping you off in historic Algiers.
8. Free Renaissance-Spotting
Take a stroll down Freret Street to see a revitalization in action. Lined with cool stores and eateries, this is the heart of New Orleans’ post-Katrina renaissance.
9. Free Literary Tour
Grab a map and check out the New Orleans’ addresses of luminaries like Tennessee Williams (722 Toulouse), William Faulkner (624 Pirate’s Alley), Truman Capote (711 Royal) and Anne Rice (1239 First).
10. Free Scare
Fancy a fright? Take a walk around the famous above-ground tombs at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 in the Garden District or St Louis Cemetery No.1 on Basin Street. The St Louise cemetery is believed to be final resting place of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Knock three times on her crypt and make a wish.
Just across the Mississippi River, Harvey is a quiet and peaceful community just a 15-minute drive from all the hustle and bustle of the big city. It’s the perfect destination for anyone wishing to avoid all the noise and high prices of staying downtown. The Best Western Plus Westbank is the perfect option if you look forward to a good night’s sleep after enjoying all the free music and mayhem of downtown New Orleans!
Image: flickr.com/photos/23438569@N02/
This blog first appeared at bestwesternwestbank.com/blog.
