Experience New Orleans on a Weekday: Your Ultimate Guide
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 crowded and difficult to navigate for a first-timer. 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 cozy 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. Lula Distillery offers $5 apps and cocktails made with Lula Spirts daily from 4-7 p.m. In addition to their daily specials, Capulet’s happy hour takes place every Monday-Thursday from 4-6 p.m. Sofia serves drink specials and small bites during their weekday exclusive happy hour. Or have happy hour on the lake with the Blue Crab’s $1.10 chargrilled oysters, $5 apps, $3 wines, and more.
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 special weekday deals 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.
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. Places like Mother’s, Justine, Saba, Neyow’s, Galatoire's, and others are easier to dine at during the week.
