Cheap things to do in Baton Rouge
Farmers markets, free culture, po-boys, and a speakeasy in a tunnel.
This is a Baton Rouge trip built on cheap plates, free admission, and the kind of bars where locals actually go. It moves through downtown, Mid City, and the LSU corridor, so you get a real cross-section of the city without ever needing a reservation or a big budget.
Day 1: Downtown and the river
Start at the Saturday farmers market, then free Gothic Revival history, a po-boy at a 1967 counter, ramen and a beer in the old King Hotel.
- 9:30 AM
Red Stick Farmers Market
Saturday morning farmers market with local produce and makers, free, lively, and a perfect cheap start to the day.
Map - 10:30 AM
Louisiana's Old State Capitol
Free Gothic Revival gem, the stained-glass dome and Ghost of the Castle immersive show are unmissable and cost nothing.
Map - 12:30 PM
Poor Boy Lloyd's
Downtown po-boy counter since 1967; get the fried shrimp or roast beef po-boy, fully dressed.
Map - 2:00 PM
Mississippi River Levee Trail
Free paved levee trail with Mississippi River views the whole way, easy walk to shake off lunch.
Map - 7:30 PM
- 9:00 PM
King Bar & Bistro
The old King Hotel's bar, said to be the far end of Huey Long's tunnel; a local beer on tap to finish.
Map
Day 2: Mid City and City Park
Beignet fingers at a 50-year institution, a free artists' co-op gallery, Zeeland Street's soul-food lunch, and drinks under the Perkins overpass.
- 9:30 AM
Coffee Call
50-year BR institution, get the crisp-edged beignet fingers and a café au lait to start the day right.
Map - 10:30 AM
Baton Rouge Gallery at City Park
One of the oldest artist co-ops in the US, free (donation-based), browse the mid-city creative galleries.
Map - 12:30 PM
Zeeland Street
One of America's best, order the soul-food Zeeland Slam; a serious lunch for a very cheap price.
Map - 2:30 PM
Government Street wander
Wander the Mid City arts strip, vintage shops, local galleries and the Circa 1857 complex; free to browse.
Map - 7:30 PM
Zippy's Burritos Tacos & More
Cheap, tasty Tex-Mex in the Highlands/Perkins pocket, great value dinner before the bar.
Map - 9:00 PM
The Overpass Merchant
Gastropub under the Perkins overpass, a short walk from dinner; a burger and a local draft.
Map
Day 3: Highlands and LSU campus
A dive diner, ancient Native American mounds, a live tiger, honest deli sandwiches, and cheap tacos followed by wings and cold beer.
- 9:30 AM
Louie's Cafe
Classic Baton Rouge all-night diner, grab a cheap coffee and soak in the local dive vibe.
Map - 11:30 AM
LSU Campus Mounds
Two earthen mounds built by hunter-gatherers about 11,000 years ago, among the oldest in North America.
Map - 1:00 PM
Roul's Deli
Family-run burger and po-boy shop by the north gate since 1999; get the Roul Burger or a shrimp burger.
Map - 2:30 PM
Mike the Tiger's Habitat
Swing by Mike the Tiger's massive habitat, the only live tiger mascot on a US college campus, totally free to visit.
Map - 7:30 PM
Modesto Tacos Tequila Whiskey
Tex-Mex with a local following in Highlands/Perkins, good tacos at a price that won't hurt the wallet.
Map - 9:15 PM
Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Burbank Restaurant
The original Walk-On's, opened near Tiger Stadium in 2003; wings, a cold beer and whatever game is on.
Map
Where to stay
Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
The 1927 Heidelberg Hotel on the riverfront, steps from the levee trail and the old capitol.
The Cook Hotel and Conference Center at LSU
Right on the LSU campus, which makes Day 3 a walk out the front door and keeps you close to the Highlands dining strip.
Make Baton Rouge your trip
Swearby drafts the days from places people swear by. Swap any stop, then invite the crew by text, even friends without the app. Vote on dates, track costs as you go, and everyone gets one number at the end.
Get Swearby on the App StoreBefore you go
Book ahead
- Tiger Stadium: months ahead
- Santa Maria Golf Course: a few days ahead
- Last Wilderness Swamp Tours: a few days ahead
- Topgolf Baton Rouge: a few days ahead
- The Cook Hotel and Conference Center at LSU: months ahead
- Elsie's Plate & Pie: a few days ahead
Skip these
- Plantation tours that sanitise slavery. Choose Whitney for history centred on enslaved lives.
- The downtown riverboat casino as a destination. L'Auberge is the casino stay instead.
- Mall of Louisiana and Perkins Rowe dining presented as Baton Rouge food.
- Tigerland for anyone over about 23, and downtown on Sunday or Monday night expecting nightlife.
The full Baton Rouge travel guide: when to go, safety, getting around