Angela & Alan: Van Life & Hidden UK Beaches

New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its rich history, jazz culture, and iconic French Quarter, but exploring it on a budget can be a bit tricky—especially if you want to experience everything without breaking the bank. In our latest trip, we discovered some great ways to see the city while keeping costs down. Here's how you can enjoy New Orleans without overspending:

Skip the Expensive Tours

While the Hop On Hop Off bus is a convenient way to explore most cities, the New Orleans version is priced at $51—more expensive than its London counterpart and the trip here is only 1 hour! Instead, grab a Jazzy Pass, a one-day local transit card, for a fraction of the price. It allows unlimited rides on the iconic streetcars that run through the city. We took full advantage of this, hopping on and off the trams, especially around the French Quarter.

The St. Charles line—the green streetcar—is the oldest in the city and gives you a scenic route through the Garden District, similar to the bus tour but at a fraction of the cost. Walking through the French Quarter is also doable, and the streets are compact enough that you can take in most of the area by foot.

Must-Visit Spots

• Jackson Square: A picturesque square in the heart of the French Quarter. Surrounded by artists, fortune-tellers, and musicians, it's a great spot to soak in the local culture.
• Bourbon Street: A lively (sometimes chaotic) street filled with bars and entertainment. If you're looking for something more laid-back, head to Royal Street for art galleries and a quieter atmosphere.

Local Cuisine on a Budget

Trying out local food is a must, but be mindful of where and how much you spend. We found that gumbo—a hearty, spicy dish with seafood and sausage—is perfect for getting a real taste of New Orleans cuisine without spending a lot. And, of course, no trip to New Orleans is complete without a beignet. These fried dough pastries, covered in powdered sugar, are delicious, but a word of advice: don’t wear black when you eat one, or you'll be dusted in sugar!

Scenic Experiences

One of the most iconic experiences is taking a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River. Though we almost missed ours, we managed to catch a ride on the City of New Orleans (since the famous Natchez was out for repairs). The cruise offered live jazz music and beautiful views of the river, all while learning some history about the boat itself. Plus, it didn’t rock much at all, so even those prone to seasickness can enjoy the ride.  We got our trip for free by going to a time share presentation.

A Hidden Gem: The Garden District

While New Orleans' French Quarter may get most of the attention, we found the Garden District to be a hidden gem. Home to stunning historic mansions and lush gardens, it’s one of the best-preserved neighborhoods in the U.S. If we were to visit again, we’d definitely spend more time in this area.

Final Tips

• Street Safety: We were warned about theft and had to be cautious with our belongings. Be vigilant, especially around tourist-heavy areas.
• Jazz and Steamboats: For a quintessential New Orleans experience, combining a jazz show with a steamboat ride is highly recommended.

As always, if you enjoyed this guide and want more budget travel tips, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for regular updates and vlogs of our adventures: Angela & Alan's Travel Adventures.