Scott and Yanling.com

LEARN MORE ABOUT PENCILS OF PROMISE

How to Spend $1,000 on a Vacation in New Orleans

Edited By: Scott Sidders

Updated on November 6, 2023

Share on LinkedInShare on PinterestShare on InstagramShare on Youtube

This webpage contains affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through our link, we receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

If you're looking for a vacation destination that offers a little bit of everything, New Orleans is the place to go. With its rich history and vibrant culture, there's always something to do in the Big Easy. On top of all that, it's also one of America's most affordable cities.


And thanks to its location on the Gulf Coast, New Orleans is also known for its amazing food and world-class jazz music scene. Best of all, it's possible to enjoy all of this without spending a fortune. The number one thing that can make or break a vacation is the money you spend. Whether you're traveling with your family, friends, significant other, or alone, it's important to know how much to budget for each day of your trip.


But what if there were a way to have an affordable and enjoyable vacation without spending too much? Well luckily for you, there are plenty of ways to spend less on travel while still having fun in New Orleans!

Things To Do In New Orleans Under $1000


The easiest way to save money on a vacation is by knowing exactly where and what you want to do. Since New Orleans has so much history and culture, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tourist attractions.


Make sure that you plan out your trip ahead of time, putting moderate activities as well as those that are more expensive and luxurious. That way, you can save your money for the things that really matter to you most.


But one of the biggest ways to save money is by choosing where you want to sleep when in New Orleans. You can find cool accommodations as low as $60 a night if you plan your trip in advance. Regardless of how much you spend, there are plenty of activities that everyone can enjoy. So without further ado, here are some fun activities that won't cost more than $1,000.


1. New Orleans Saints Game


Attending a New Orleans Saints football game is an excellent way to kick off any trip to the Big Easy. Not only will you get to enjoy some great food and be entertained by the cheerleaders, but you'll also see some of the best players in NFL history play on one of America's most famous fields.


A decent ticket to see one of America's most exciting football teams will cost $80 on average. And since New Orleans is known far and wide for its finely crafted beers, martinis and cocktails, you can wash down your NOLA delicacies with a cold one. You can also purchase food and drinks at the concession stands, which are known for their reasonably priced snacks.

CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION

2. New Orleans Jazz Festival


If you love music, there's no better way to enjoy it than by attending the New Orleans Jazz Festival. Usually taking place from the last week of April to the first week of May, the festival is a great way to meet new people while seeing some of the best up-and-coming jazz artists perform.


Not only that but you'll also be treated to some amazing food if you come hungry. New Orleans is known for its rich cuisine, so there's no better way to enjoy it than by tasting it during a festival. For those who are really looking to splurge on a great experience, you can even book a hotel room close to the festival so that you don't have to worry about getting there on time.


While admission is usually around $220 amounting to three days of the festival, it's definitely worth seeing if you're a fan of jazz music. You'll be able to spend your time appreciating the culture and history of New Orleans all while listening to some great music.

3. Take a Cruise on the Mississippi River


Another fun way that you can have a unique experience in New Orleans is by going on a cruise along the Mississippi River. A 3-hour cruise will usually cost around $50-$100, and you'll be able to see some of the most beautiful sites that Louisiana has to offer. The cruise is a great way for those who are looking to take a short trip from the city, since not only will you see the historic downtown, but also some of the French Quarter's most notable landmarks.


But if you're feeling a little adventurous and really want to make your trip worthwhile, I recommend going on a cruise at night. That way, you'll be able to experience New Orleans' spectacular views from a unique perspective. Plus, you can enjoy your favorite cocktails on one of the best-looking ships in the city.
It's also a great way for you to pass the time if you're planning on having a long stay in New Orleans. In fact, some travelers even choose to extend their trip for as long as they can just so that they can spend more time on the cruise before heading back home.

4. A Walking Food Tour of the French Quarter


If you're looking to really experience the amazing food culture of New Orleans, consider taking a walking food tour of the French Quarter with a guide. You'll get to stop by some of the most famous restaurants in the area and enjoy tastings of some of the best local cuisine. From seafood gumbo to Creole brisket, you're sure to find something delicious to eat. Plus, your guide will give you lots of interesting information about the history of cooking in New Orleans.


You'll also get to visit some of the most famous bars in New Orleans. Your guide will teach you about the history of these bars and how they came to be known as some of the best in the city. The tour costs around $60-$80, depending on how long you take it. However, I think that it's definitely worth it if you're looking to really get a taste of what New Orleans has to offer.

5. Oak Valley Plantation Tour


If you're looking to add a little culture to your vacation, why not take a plantation tour? You can consider taking a tour of either Oak Alley or Laura Plantation. These plantations are steeped in history, and offer visitors a unique look into the lives of slaves in the South. Both plantations have beautiful grounds, architecture, and offer guided tours that will give you a better understanding of what life was like on a plantation.


Plus, all entrance tickets and transportation are included, so you don't have to worry about a thing. So if you're looking for an interesting and informative way to spend your vacation in New Orleans, consider taking a tour of an old plantation. These tours cost around $60, but it's definitely worth seeing if you're interested in learning more about the history of New Orleans. You can spend 4 hours getting a unique look into the lives of slaves in New Orleans back in the 1800s.

6. Taking a Swamp Tour


Another great way for you to spend your time in New Orleans is by taking a swamp tour. A swamp tour can be an interesting way for you to see the wildlife of Louisiana, particularly the gators. You can also see some of the beautiful cypress swamps that Louisiana is known for. You'll be able to get up close and personal with the wildlife of Louisiana since these tours usually take you through swamps. You can expect to see lots of alligators, birds, turtles, and even other reptiles.


You can take a swamp tour in New Orleans for around $55 depending on how long the tour is. However, I think that it's definitely worth the price since you're getting to see some of Louisiana's native wildlife and swamps. It's a great way to spend a day, and I guarantee that you'll have a lot of fun.

7. Sign up for a Ghost Tour of New Orleans


If you're looking to learn more about the spooky side of New Orleans, consider taking a ghost tour.
You'll get to hear all about some of the more famous ghost stories in the French Quarter, and you'll also get to explore some of New Orleans' most haunted locations.

A lot of the restaurants and bars in New Orleans have their own ghost stories, so they make great stops on a ghost tour. You'll get to hear all about the hauntings that have taken place at each location, and you might even see or hear something spooky. I think that it's a great way to spend your time in New Orleans, and it might even be fun for people who don't believe in ghosts. Plus, you'll hear some great local ghost stories!

8. Sightseeing Tour


Another great way for you to get to know New Orleans is by taking a sightseeing tour. You'll take a tour of the French Quarter and learn about the history and culture of New Orleans. These tours will take you to famous attractions in New Orleans like Jackson Square, Bourbon Street, and the French Market. You'll also visit the cemeteries of New Orleans, which are rich with history and lots of ghost stories!


There are even hop on hop off bus tours. So if you're interested in sightseeing, taking a tour of New Orleans is definitely a great way for you to spend your time.


I think that it will give you a good overview of the city and get you interested in seeing more of it. Plus, you'll hear some great stories about the city and get to see lots of its most famous attractions.

9. Fly Over the City


One of the best ways for you to get a great aerial view of New Orleans is by taking a helicopter tour. You can see all of the famous landmarks, such as the Superdome and the French Quarter. You'll also get to see some of the historic neighborhoods, the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar, and even Bourbon Street. You will even get a bird's eye of Lake Pontchartrain. What can be more spectacular than that? If you're looking for something different to do in New Orleans, I'd recommend taking a helicopter tour. It's a unique way to see New Orleans, and it doesn't cost as much as you would think. It's $110 for a 12-minute tour but it will be a tour that you'll never forget.

10. VIP Pub Crawl


One of the best ways for you to have absolute fun in New Orleans is by taking a VIP pub crawl. You'll be able to visit several of the famous bars in New Orleans and meet lots of great people. You'll also get to explore all of the best bars in the French Quarter, and you'll do it with a group of new friends.

This is a great way to meet people and have a good time, so I think that it's a must-do when you're in New Orleans. It will cost around $65 and last for 5 hours. I think that it's a great way for you to spend your evening in New Orleans, and you will meet plenty of new people.

11. The Cemetery Tour


One of the most famous things to do in New Orleans is to explore one of its many cemeteries. The St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the oldest and most famous cemetery. There are lots of great ghost stories connected to this particular cemetery and some people who have visited it claim that they have seen ghosts there. No matter if you believe in ghosts or not, a cemetery tour is definitely one that you won't want to miss when you're in New Orleans!

If you're looking for a good way to spend your time when in New Orleans, I would recommend taking one of the many tours available. Whether it's exploring the French Quarter or going on a pub crawl with locals, there are plenty of ways that you can have fun and get a real feel for what makes this city so unique. Even if you don't visit all of these places, visiting at least two or three will make your trip to New Orleans one that you'll never forget!

Scott and Yanling Contact Us Photo

CONTACT US

Need some assistance for your trip?
Send us a message and we will do our best to help you out.

Try to be as detailed as you can with exactly what you need help with so we can best serve you.

Please complete the reCAPTCHA challenge