Budget-Friendly New Orleans Bachelorette Weekend

New Orleans is known for being an affordable bachelorette destination, and we’re here to tell you why. From hotel and dining deals to inexpensive tours and attractions, it’s easy to have an incredible experience on a fifth of a luxury budget. Check out the ideas below for the ultimate girls’ trip or bachelorette weekend.

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1. Book a budget hotel

When traveling in the low season (think June through September), it’s possible to find great deals at just about any hotel. Check out our page on hotel deals here. You may also consider booking a bed & breakfast, which offers a unique stay at a similar price.

2. Eat on the cheap

New Orleans is full of decadent dining options, but you don’t need to spend a ton to dine like a queen. Some of our favorite cheap eats include happy hours, oyster specials, tacos, BBQ, and Creole cuisine. Plan your bachelorette weekend around an annual culinary event, such as Restaurant Week in June. Every August, COOLinary returns, where typically more than 100 New Orleans restaurants offer two-course lunches for $25 or less, and three-course dinners and brunches for $50 or less.

3. Enjoy free or cheap attractions

Looking to plan a group outing during your bachelorette weekend? Enjoy free and cheap attractions in New Orleans. Discover New Orleans’ cocktail culture at Sazerac House, a free attraction in downtown New Orleans. The Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is also a free attraction, located conveniently in New Orleans City Park (have a picnic while you’re there!). Booking a group rate may help save money. We recommend Zip NOLA (Louisiana’s only swamp zipline), Stumpy’s Hatchet House, or Pole Perfect Fitness for a fun and unique group outing.

4. Take a tour

Another inexpensive way to make the most of your trip to New Orleans is by booking a tour. Culinary and cocktail tours showcase the best in New Orleans cuisine without paying full price on each meal or drink. Haunted tours offer a glimpse into the spooky side of New Orleans, and neighborhood tours are a great way to see the city beyond Bourbon Street. You may also opt to explore the French Quarter with The Historic New Orleans Collection’s free walking tour app. Check out our coupons page for discounts on tours and attractions.

5. Listen to live music

For some shows in the French Quarter, you don’t have to pay a dime to catch awesome live music. However, make sure you have some cash on hand to tip the hardworking musicians! Frenchmen Street is music central with clubs lining the corridor. Learn more about New Orleans’ live music scene here.

6. Utilize public transportation

Splitting a rideshare or taxi amongst your group may work, but there are low-cost public transportation options that visitors can utilize. The streetcar runs from Uptown New Orleans all the way to the foot of the French Quarter, plus from downtown to Mid-City, and along the riverfront in the French Quarter. Check out our streetcar cocktail crawl here. Public buses run throughout the city. Blue bikes are a convenient way to get from one place to another. The ferry can take you across the Mississippi River from the Quarter to the quaint neighborhood of Algiers, where you can grab tacos and margs at Barracuda or wine and charcuterie at the backyard-style wine garden Little House. Download the Le Pass app or keep cash on hand; check out public transportation fares and routes here.

For more ideas on fun and cheap ways to explore New Orleans, check out our blog on 50 free things to do.