7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for New Orleans

Day 1: Exploring New Orleans

New Orleans, Louisiana

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Cafe Du Monde

Start your day with beignets and coffee at the iconic Cafe Du Monde in the French Quarter.
$10, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Jackson Square

Explore the historic Jackson Square, known for its street artists and the stunning St. Louis Cathedral.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Central Grocery

Try a muffuletta sandwich at Central Grocery, a New Orleans institution since 1906.
$12, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Tour Frenchmen Street

Stroll down Frenchmen Street for live music, art markets, and a vibrant local scene.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Dat Dog

Enjoy gourmet hot dogs with unique toppings at Dat Dog, a budget-friendly eatery.
$15, 1 hour

Day 2: French Quarter & Garden District

New Orleans, Louisiana

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Ruby Slipper Cafe

Start your day with a delicious Southern breakfast at Ruby Slipper Cafe in the Garden District.
$15, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore French Quarter

Wander through the charming streets of the French Quarter, admiring the historic architecture.
Free, 3 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Coop's Place

Try authentic Creole cuisine at Coop's Place, known for its flavorful jambalaya and gumbo.
$20, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Visit Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

Explore the hauntingly beautiful Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 in the Garden District.
Free, 1 hour

7:00 PM

Dinner at Felipe's Taqueria

Enjoy tasty and affordable Mexican fare at Felipe's Taqueria for dinner.
$10, 1 hour

Day 3: Historic Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Louie's Cafe

Start your day with a hearty Southern breakfast at Louie's Cafe in Baton Rouge.
$10, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Visit Louisiana State Capitol

Explore the stunning Louisiana State Capitol building and its beautiful grounds.
Free, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Poor Boy Lloyd's

Try a classic po' boy sandwich at Poor Boy Lloyd's for a taste of local cuisine.
$12, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Tour LSU Campus

Take a leisurely walk around the scenic Louisiana State University campus.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Chimes Restaurant

Enjoy Cajun specialties at Chimes Restaurant, a popular spot among locals.
$20, 1 hour

Day 4: Cultural Lafayette

Lafayette, Louisiana

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The French Press

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The French Press, known for its Southern comfort food.
$15, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Explore Vermilionville

Step back in time at Vermilionville, an immersive living history museum showcasing Acadian culture.
$10, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Johnson's Boucaniere

Savor authentic Cajun flavors with a plate of boudin and cracklins at Johnson's Boucaniere.
$12, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Acadian Village

Explore the charming Acadian Village, a replica of a 19th-century Cajun bayou settlement.
$8, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Olde Tyme Grocery

Indulge in a classic shrimp po' boy at Olde Tyme Grocery, a local favorite.
$10, 1 hour

Day 5: Return to New Orleans

New Orleans, Louisiana

9:00 AM

Breakfast at Surrey's Cafe & Juice Bar

Start your day with a healthy breakfast at Surrey's, known for its fresh juices and hearty dishes.
$15, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Explore City Park

Spend the morning exploring the expansive City Park, home to beautiful gardens and the New Orleans Museum of Art.
Free, 3 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Parkway Bakery & Tavern

Try a famous po' boy sandwich at Parkway Bakery, a local institution since 1911.
$12, 1 hour

4:00 PM

Visit French Market

Shop for souvenirs and local crafts at the historic French Market in the heart of the French Quarter.
Free, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Port of Call

Enjoy a delicious burger and famous monsoon cocktail at the quirky Port of Call restaurant.
$20, 1 hour

Day 6: Swamp Tours & Music

New Orleans, Louisiana

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Elizabeth's

Start your day with a hearty Southern breakfast at Elizabeth's, known for its praline bacon.
$20, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Swamp Tour

Embark on an exciting swamp tour to encounter Louisiana wildlife up close.
$30, 3 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Bacchanal Wine

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at Bacchanal Wine, offering gourmet bites and live music in a backyard setting.
$25, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Music on Frenchmen Street

Immerse yourself in the vibrant music scene of New Orleans with live performances on Frenchmen Street.
Free, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at The Praline Connection

Feast on traditional Creole dishes at The Praline Connection, a local favorite for soul food.
$20, 1 hour

Day 7: Biloxi Beach Day

Biloxi, Mississippi

9:00 AM

Breakfast at The Greenhouse on Porter

Start your day with a cozy breakfast at The Greenhouse on Porter, a charming cafe in Biloxi.
$12, 1 hour

11:00 AM

Relax on Biloxi Beach

Spend the day relaxing on the sandy shores of Biloxi Beach, soaking up the sun and sea breeze.
Free, 4 hours

3:00 PM

Lunch at Mary Mahoney's Old French House

Indulge in a seafood feast at Mary Mahoney's, a historic restaurant with a charming ambiance.
$30, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Explore Beauvoir

Visit Beauvoir, the historic home of Jefferson Davis, and stroll through its beautiful gardens.
$15, 2 hours

8:00 PM

Dinner at Shaggy's Biloxi Beach

Enjoy a casual seafood dinner with ocean views at Shaggy's Biloxi Beach.
$25, 1 hour