An Affordable Weekend Getaway to New Orleans
Want to take a weekend trip to New Orleans? It can be more affordable than you think!
NEW ORLEANS
Dreaming of a weekend filled with beignets, jazz, and historic charm but worried about the cost? I've got good news, your Big Easy dreams can become a reality! New Orleans is definitely famous for its vibrant energy, but it can also be surprisingly affordable. It's one of those places that can be as affordable or expensive as you want it to be.
A couple years ago, I took a girl's trip to NOLA and proved you can experience the best of The Big Easy without breaking the bank. Here’s my practical guide to planning your own affordable weekend getaway — with a few suggestions on where to splurge.
Getting There: Finding Flight Deals
The biggest expense for a weekend trip to New Orleans is often the flight, but deals are out there. On our trip, we flew American Airlines to use up some points, but after our trip, we discovered Allegiant Air, which offers round-trip flights from some regional airports to New Orleans for around $100. Lesson learned: always check budget carriers first for the best deals!
Note: Allegiant no longer does the Charlotte area to New Orleans hop. However, if you are in Cincinnati or Fort Myers, FL, you're in luck.
Where to Stay: Our Perfect Airbnb Find
The key to an affordable trip is splitting a great accommodation. We scored an incredible Airbnb in the Garden District for under $800 for a 3-night stay. Split four ways, that's a steal!
Our place had two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and was just three blocks from the St. Charles streetcar line. It was stocked with essentials, had fast Wi-Fi, and was around the corner from a grocery store with a fantastic deli counter for cheap po'boy sandwiches.
Pro Tip: Look for rentals just outside the French Quarter in neighborhoods like the Garden District or Marigny. You'll get more space for your money and a more authentic, local experience.
If Airbnb's are not your thing, you still have plenty of affordable options to consider. All three of these clock in at around $100 per night in non-peak season. (All bets are off during Mardi Gras!)
The Fairchild House is in the Lower Garden District and is a lovely, authentic place to stay for a New Orleans weekend trip. I stayed at the Fairchild on a different trip to the city and was quite pleased. The bed wasn't the most comfortable I've ever slept in, but you don't actually sleep that much in New Orleans anyway!
The pet-friendly St. Charles Inn is another good budget-friendly option that is also located near the streetcar line in the Garden District. The St. Charles offers discounts on two and three-night stays.
If you really want to stay closer to the French Quarter, Hotel Indigo is a solid option. The rooms start under $100, and it is just feet away from Bourbon Street. It's a clean and basic option with friendly staff and an on-site Cajun restaurant.
Getting Around: Uber and The Streetcar
From the Airport: An Uber/Lyft from MSY to downtown costs around $35-$40. We got lucky with a new-user credit, but splitting a ride makes it affordable.
The Streetcar is King: This is the best way to get around. A day pass is only $3 and is valid for a full 24 hours from the time of purchase. We bought ours at 2:30 PM on Thursday and used them until Friday afternoon! The passes also work on city buses.
NOLA Travel Tip: Don't toss your streetcar ticket! That $3 day pass is good for a full 24 hours.
Our Itinerary: A Mix of Iconic Sights and Local Gems
Day 1: Dive into the French Quarter
After settling in, we took the streetcar to the French Quarter. You (obviously) have to walk down Bourbon Street for the experience, but be prepared for strong smells — urine and puke— and loud crowds. Bourbon Street is iconic, but honestly I prefered hanging out on Royal.
Budget Drinking: Many bars run happy hour specials. We found a "3-for-1 hurricane" deal, which resulted in a giant, strong drink for a great price. Remember, you can take your drinks to-go in New Orleans as long as they are in plastic cups!
Must-Do's: Eat beignets at Café du Monde, browse the voodoo shops, sample pralines, and just wander. The people-watching and street performers are free entertainment.
Day 2: Swamp Tour and Ghost Stories
On the second day of our girl's trip, we got news that a hurricane may or may not make landfall that weekend. Sooooo... we packed our second day with our two most wanted activities: the swamp and a ghost tour.
We started with breakfast at Gracious Bakery—their almond croissant and iced coffee are worth the trip alone.
Highlight: Honey Island Swamp Tour. Don't skip this! I was skeptical, but it was a trip highlight. Our guide was incredible at spotting wildlife (alligators, herons, wild pigs) and luring gators close to the boat with marshmallows. It was educational, beautiful, and so much fun.
Evening Ghost Tour: It was more of a morbid history lesson than a scary experience, but it was a fun way to see the city at night and hear fascinating stories. Alas, no ghosts.
If you can only budget one of these activities, I would go with the swamp tour unless you are really into history.
Day 3: Lafayette Cemetery and the Garden District
For our last day in NOLA, we planned to see the famous Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, but it was closed (likely due to the hurricane). So, we pivoted to exploring more of the Garden District and French Quarter. Walking the streets in the Garden District is an amazing way to immerse yourself in historical houses and stunning landscaping.
Our final stop before the rain was the original Cafe du Monde for souvenir coffee cups (a great gift idea!). They are the old school ceramic kind that you are served coffee in at local diners or Waffle House.
When the rain hit, we grabbed snacks and enjoyed a cozy afternoon at our Airbnb, telling our own ghost stories and scrolling through our vacation pics. Sometimes the best vacation moments are the unplanned, relaxing ones.
How to Keep Your New Orleans Trip Affordable:
Travel with a Group: Splitting accommodations is the #1 way to save.
Eat Like a Local: Skip overpriced tourist traps. Hit up grocery delis for po'boys, bakeries for breakfast, and grab food to-go.
Use Public Transit: The $1.25 streetcar ride is the best value in the city.
Embrace Happy Hour: Day drinking is a NOLA pastime for a reason. Look for drink specials before the evening crowds hit.
Seek Free Entertainment: Walking tours, street music, and exploring the beautiful Garden District are completely free and unforgettable.
New Orleans is a city that captures your heart. With a little planning, you can enjoy an incredible, memorable, and affordable weekend getaway.
Headed to New Orleans?
As a certified FORA travel adviser, I’m here to help you book the perfect hotel (with VIP perks), find your ideal activities, and plan your transportation to and around New Orleans. I can even create a full-blown itinerary for your trip! When you are ready to get started, hit that contact button below ⬇️
