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Last Updated: Thursday, May 16, 2024 12:58 PM by Mariah Hickman
Don’t get us wrong, weekends are great. But the true unsung pleasures of New Orleans are weekday visits! If you’ve ever been during the week then you know that Monday through Thursday in the Crescent City is an entirely different ball game from the weekend. The streetcars are cleared for exploring, reservations are available and attractions are not as crowded.
Whether you have a work-from-home schedule that allows it, or you’re plotting how to spend some vacation days, beat the rush and crowds of the weekend and experience New Orleans during the week. Here are 8 reasons to book a midweek visit to NOLA.
Don’t break the bank booking weekend flights. Airlines typically offer cheaper fares for flights booked midweek - leaving you with more money to spend once you touch down. Additional savings can be found when booking accommodations. Keep an eye out for weekday deals and offers like free parking, breakfast-in-bed and discounted nightly rates by checking our hotel packages page.
Let’s face it, most of us visit New Orleans for the FOOD! While there’s always enough to eat, sometimes there isn’t room to sit. The best way to combat booked restaurants and overflowing reservations is with a weekday visit. Iconic eateries like Dooky Chase, Commander’s Palace, Willie Mae’s and of course, Cafe du Monde are far easier to enjoy midweek. No lines, wait or hassle.
Ever wonder how influencers get those jaw-dropping pictures where it looks like nobody else in the world exists? Yep. That’s right. Weekday visits! Snap your selfies, TikToks and reels without the rest of the world cramping your style. You’re guaranteed to get an amazing shot at an epic location.
Don’t know where to go? Check out our Guide to the Most Instagrammable New Orleans Locations for some inspiration.
What’s a weekday without a happy hour? Luckily, New Orleans is home to some of the best happy hour deals that go way beyond well drinks and house wines. Take advantage of $6 craft cocktails specials at Vessel, $3 mimosas and $3.50 Frozen Irsish Coffees from Erin Rose, discounted bites and bubbles from Vintage during their morning AND afternoon happy hours, and not to mention, Oyster Happy Hours across the city! That’s right, oysters on the half shell are as low as 25 cents per oyster.
Check our roundup of New Orleans’ best happy hours and oyster happy hours for more ideas.
Airboating in the swamplands, haunted history tours of the French Quarter and sightseeing along the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line are exciting itinerary fillers that are always in high demand. Take your time and soak in the experience by checking them out during the week.
You can book ahead of time and have peace of mind that your visit will be jam packed with fun and adventure. Explore our endless list of Things to Do for help planning.
While folks in most other cities are pulling out scarves, boots and jackets for cooler weather come fall, New Orleanians are making their way to rooftop bars, restaurants with patios and other outdoor activities. In winter, the weather is mild, and in spring, the weather is gorgeous. Summertime brings the heat, but we've got plenty of indoor activities for keeping cool.
NYC might be the city that never sleeps, but New Orleans is the city that never stops dancing! Our world-renowned jazz clubs and music venues keep the beat going. You can enjoy live music seven days a week in New Orleans - HERE’s where to find it.
Above all, a weekday visit to New Orleans affords you the opportunity to experience New Orleans in its most authentic state, the way that New Orleanians live. You can soak in the sounds, flavors and feel of the city like a local. If you’re looking to avoid the rush, beat the crowds and still have a memorable time in New Orleans, a weekday visit is perfect for you.
Mariah Hickman is a Minneapolis native who landed in the Crescent City by way of Dillard University, and stayed to feed her festival fever. She loves writing about the hidden stories of New Orleans, and shedding light on diverse and locally-owned businesses. She is a self-proclaimed listicle queen, so get ready to write down a few of her suggestions for food and fun in New Orleans.
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