PLAN YOUR TRIP TO NEW ORLEANS FOR UNDER $600

Take advantage of some of the cheap flights to New Orleans this October. With air fare coming in under $60 round-trip, New Orleans a great place to travel to if you are looking to get away on a budget.

Price per person based on 2 people can be as cheap as $700, but to splurge on some nicer hotels the budget for 4 nights is $850 per person. See below for recommendations for each budget

Travel to New Orelans

1. Flights from Chicago
2. Hotel Recommendations in New Orleans
3. Getting Around New Orleans
4. Budget Breakdown - $500
5. Budget Breakdown $800
6. What to do in New Orleans

Flight from Chicago to New Orleans

There are a number of affordable flight options to New Orleans this October starting from $52 per person. The dates are departing Chicago Friday October 13th and leaving New Orleans on Tuesday October 17th.

Hotel Recommendations in New Orleans

The hotels below are some of the most affordable in New Orleans, but still located near or in the French Quarter and within walking distance to most of the sites and great restaurants.

Virgin Hotels New Orleans: This may be controversial, but I prefer to stay just outside of the French Quarter when I visit New Orleans. The French Quarter is my favorite part of the city, but can be loud even at night. If you have a little room in your budget, Virgin Hotels is my favorite hotel that is walking distance to everything, is eclectically decorated, and has a beautiful rooftop bar and pool. This hotel frequently goes on sale for around $250 per night, and is well worth a splurge.

Rathbone Mansions: This is one of the most affordable hotels and it is located in the historic district, just outside the French Quarter. The charming rooms are large and offer all of the modern amenities. It also has a small courtyard pool that is enclosed and private. The average nightly rate is around $175.

The Jung Hotel and Residences: For those looking for a more modern hotel, the Jung Hotel is a great option. It is located in the business district, so this area is much quieter at night but still close to the action. This hotel, located a 10 minute walk away from Bourbon street, has large modern hotel rooms, a fitness center, beautiful rooftop pool, and other amenities. The average nightly rate is $175, making this one of the best options on a limited budget.

The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel: For a splurge hotel, the Roosevelt is located 5 minutes from Bourbon Street and provides a poolside bar, a rooftop terrace, and shopping on site. There is also a full spa, offering massages, hydrotherapy, and a detox wraps. The interior is stunning and offers beautiful old world charm. This hotel comes in around $330 per night, and is well worth the prices.

Getting Around New Orleans

One of the great things about New Orleans is that most of the things your want to do and see are all located in a central area, making this an extremely walkable city. The only cast you will spend on transportation is for getting to and from the airport. This can be around $60 each way.

Budget Breakdown - $500

For those with a very tight budget, you can absolutely do New Orleans for $500 (this includes flights, hotels and transportation). See below for the budget breakdown:

Roundtrip Air Fare: $60
Jung Hotel and Residences $740 (4 Nights): $370
Transportation $120 total $60
Total Cost $490

Budget Breakdown - $800

For those with who can afford a little bit more, I recommend the below hotels to fit within your budget (this is usually where I stay when I am in New Orleans).

Roundtrip Air Fare: $60
Virgin Hotels New Orleans $1,346 (4 Nights) $673
Transportation: $60
Total Cost $1,510

What to do in New Orleans

As you plan your trip below are my favorite activities to do in the city:

Take a Food Tour: Food tours are one of the best ways to see the city and get to experience local food, picked by a local. It also provides unique history and information you won’t get on other types of tours. My favorite option in New Orleans is New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter. It has a small group option, which I highly recommend.

Take a Cooking Class: Similar to a food tour, taking a fun cooking glass is a great way to learn a new recipe, get to try amazing food, and learn about the dish as well as other New Orleans histoyr from a local chef. This New Orleans Hands-On Cooking Class & Meal, is one of the best options in the city.

Visit Bourbon Street: No trip to New Orleans would be complete without a visit to Bourbon street and the French Quarter. Walk around and experience this unique neighborhood on your own, stopping into various bars and shops.