Whether you’re in town for a midweek business trip, visiting relatives, or you just have a schedule that’s flexible, New Orleans on a weekday is always a great choice.  Beat the rush and experience the host of nonstop live music, exclusive deals, and special events that the Crescent City has to offer during the weekday.

Early bird gets the worm

One of the best things about the weekend is brunch, but one of the best things about the weekday is breakfast! Rise and shine with breakfast specials across the city. Toast offers a classic breakfast with eggs, bacon, grits, and a biscuit to start your day off strong. If you want to try a classic New Orleans brunch, head to Brennan's in the French Quarter.

Beat the crowds while sightseeing

New Orleans has a big city appeal and a small town feel. During the weekend, some of the city’s most popular attractions and destinations can become predictably more crowded. If you’re new to New Orleans and want to make the most of your time, visiting on a Monday-Thursday will give you optimal views of Jackson Square, plenty of space to explore the French Market, and a comfortable ride along the streetcar.

Make sure to take advantage of other attractions throughout the city as well.

Catch happy hour 

Weekend happy hour deals are found few and far - weekdays are where the specials truly lie. Uptown, downtown, Mid-City, and everywhere in between are bustling with happy hour deals on drinks and bites. Superior Seafood offers $1.25 raw oysters, frozen large drinks for the price of a small, $5 a glass house wine, and $5 per pint draft beer during happy hour which is daily from 4-6:30 p.m. In addition to their daily specials, Capulet’s happy hour takes place every Monday-Thursday from 4-6 p.m. Monday Restaurant + Bar has an all-day happy hour every Monday with small plates and low price cocktails. For more happy hour deals in New Orleans, see here.

Special deals for LA residents

For our local friends looking to plan a day trip to New Orleans, weekdays are ideal. A selection of museums across the city offer free admission for Louisiana residents with a valid ID. Thanks to the generous donations of the Helis Foundation, the New Orleans Museum of Art offers free admission on Wednesdays, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art offers free admission on Thursdays, and the Contemporary Arts Center offers free admission on Sundays (should your stay extend to the weekend).

Listen to live music 

Seven days a week, New Orleans is known for its live music scene. Iconic locations such as Frenchmen Street, Preservation Hall, Tipitina’s, and Kermit’s Treme Mother-in-Law-Lounge are just a few places to catch live music on weekdays. Outdoor live music events like Thursdays at Twilight at Longue Vue House & Gardens are popular among locals and visitors. 

Browse our Guide to Daily Live Music and our WWOZ Live Music Calendar for more inspiration. 

Secure the reservation you wanted

Newly-opened, buzz-worthy eateries and longstanding, iconic restaurants can be hard to get into during peak periods of time. Take advantage of the weekday and secure the dinner reservation you’ve been hoping for. Osteria Lupo, Miss River, Dooky Chase, and Elizabeth’s are just a few on our must-try restaurant list. And for those restaurants that don't take reservations, like Hungry Eyes, dining midweek is key to beating the crowds.