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Looking for the best things to do in New Orleans? You’re in the right place!
New Orleans is one of the craziest, most vibrant cities that we’ve ever been to! So if you’re planning on visiting, then you’ll definitely want to make the most of your time here. And it just so happens that we’ve written this top 10 list to take you through exactly how to do that!
If reading this blog doesn’t get you excited for your trip, then I don’t know what will! So buckle up, because we’re here to help you plan your perfect New Orleans adventure.
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE New Orleans experience is this food and walking tour in the French Quarter. New Orleans is famous for its food scene, and we loved exploring this historic side of the city with a guide while eating a lot of amazing food!
Check the 4,000+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here.
Tip: This tour is very popular, so book your spot here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before it departs.
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
- Things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana
- 1. Explore New Orleans on a ghost, voodoo, and vampire walking tour
- 2. Taste your way through the French Quarter
- 3. Cruise through the swamp and bayou
- 4. Visit a centuries-old plantation
- 5. Learn how to cook authentic Louisiana cuisine
- 6. Experience New Orleans’ legendary jazz music scene
- 7. Learn about the Garden District’s history and architecture
- 8. Go on a thrilling airboat ride
- 9. Take a Paddlewheel boat cruise on the historic Mississippi River
- 10. Cycle your way through New Orleans
- Where to Stay in New Orleans, Louisiana
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana
1. Explore New Orleans on a ghost, voodoo, and vampire walking tour
- Price: $33 USD
- Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Time: 11 am – 8 pm
- Highlights: exploring the French Quarter, LaLaurie Mansion, Jackson Square, LaFitte’s Blacksmith Shop bar, New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
- Inclusions: local storyteller guide
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 10,800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
New Orleans is probably America’s most supernatural city, thanks to its cultural blend of Catholicism and Voodoo. There’s a strong history of spirituality and mysticism here, so of course we wanted to discover its secrets for ourselves, and so we booked this haunted walking tour.
We booked the latest time slot to ensure that we would get to do this tour completely in the dark. Plus, doing the tour in the evening meant that we weren’t traipsing around town during the heat of the day. It was a win-win!
Our guide, Chris, was just incredible. He had a natural gift for storytelling, and our entire tour group was rapt as he regaled us with tales of Voodoo and vampires in the city. We loved hearing about the legendary figure of Marie Laveau, as well as the serial killer, Delphine LaLaurie! In fact, we even stopped outside of the mansion where she held her victims captive for months at a time.
We also loved hearing the dark history of the Casquette Girls, who were said to be the first vampires in North America due to their bloodshot eyes. Hearing about how these women were brought over from France to marry in Louisiana offered us a super interesting historical insight into the history of New Orleans. And honestly, it was spine-chilling stuff!
In short, exploring the haunted streets of the French Quarter was a blast. It was definitely one of my favorite things we did in New Orleans. It’s truly one of the best cities in the world to do a ghost tour in, so don’t miss out while you’re in town!
Book this tour with over 8,500 5-star reviews to experience it for yourself!
2. Taste your way through the French Quarter
- Price: $75 – $85 USD
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10:30 am – 3 pm
- Highlights: exploring the French Quarter, trying classic New Orleans dishes, seeing iconic landmarks like Cafe du Monde and the St. Louis Cathedral
- Inclusions: fun local guide, lots of food tastings, learning about New Orleans history
- Rating: 5 stars (check 4,700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
New Orleans is an incredible melting pot of different cultures, which means its culinary scene is nothing short of amazing! So of course, we had to book this top-rated food tour and eat as many classic Louisiana goodies as we possibly could in one afternoon.
We opted to do the small group version of the tour, as we figured it would be worth it for the extra $10 USD, and we have no regrets! Our guide, Susan, had a wicked sense of humor and we loved exploring the French Quarter with her. She knew a ton about New Orleans’ food and culture, too. It was so interesting to hear where all of the different foods came from, and how different cultures have blended together over the years to create culinary magic.
As we wandered around the vibrant French Quarter, we stopped at a ton of local restaurants to try a range of classic dishes. We got to eat so much, including gumbo, jambalaya, po-boys, and andouille sausages. I think that po-boys were my favorites, but honestly, it’s a tough choice!
I also loved the fact we got to try some sweet treats along the way as well, including pralines and beignets. New Orleans beignets are really something special, and trust me when I say that you just have to try them when you’re in town! Drinks weren’t included in the price of the tour but we couldn’t pass up the chance to grab a Sazerac, as it was created in New Orleans!
We absolutely loved this tour, and we would honestly recommend it to anyone visiting New Orleans, as long as you’re okay with some walking! The fact that alcohol is optional means it’s family-friendly, but this is also a fantastic choice for families, groups of friends, or even solo travelers. Do be sure to book it in advance though, because it tends to sell out pretty fast!
Reserve this top-rated food and walking tour here and get FREE cancellation before you go!
3. Cruise through the swamp and bayou
- Price: $70 USD
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 9:30 am – 5 pm
- Highlights: cruising through Honey Island Swamp; spotting alligators, wild boar, snakes, and birdlife; small quiet boat; knowledgeable local guide; gliding past a traditional Cajun village
- Inclusions: transport from downtown, professional guide, 2-hour boat ride, live commentary
- Rating: 5 stars (check 4,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
New Orleans is just as famous for its swamps and bayous as it is for its vibrant downtown, so booking this cruise was a no-brainer for us! Honey Island Swamp is one of Louisiana’s last protected wetlands, and seeing it was honestly incredible. It’s teeming with wildlife and filled with cypress trees that are draped in Spanish moss, so cruising through the area felt like a real adventure.
The scenery alone would have made this tour a great experience, but seeing so much wildlife really took it to the next level. We were so excited to see gators in the water, and wild boar swimming around! I think the boars were actually my favorite, as they were so cute. We also saw herons and snakes, so we really spotted a smorgasbord of swamp wildlife.
Meanwhile, we loved our boat captain, Jacob. He was so personable and helped us to spot a ton of wildlife, as well as sharing lots of Louisiana legends with us. We loved hearing stories of swamp monsters, and will-o’-the-wisp lights that lure travelers into trouble. We also sailed past a Cajun village, and Jacob taught us a little about the Acadian houses and those who live there, which was super interesting.
As far as we’re concerned, you absolutely cannot miss the chance to get out and explore the swamp while you’re in New Orleans. It’s a quintessential Louisiana experience and we couldn’t get enough of the scenery and wildlife. Plus, with over 4,000 5-star reviews, we aren’t the only ones who loved it!
Check availability and book this tour here.
4. Visit a centuries-old plantation
- Price: $82 USD
- Duration: 5.5 hours
- Time: 10 am or 12 pm
- Highlights: touring a 19th-century plantation, beautiful house and grounds, learning about the history of slavery in Louisiana and the Civil War
- Inclusions: round trip coach transport, local taxes, guided tour of Oak Alley Plantation
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 1,500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
The state of Louisiana was part of the antebellum south, so we booked this tour in order to dive deeper into US history. It was a fun half-day trip from New Orleans, and we were fascinated to see the contrast between the grandeur of the on-site mansion, and the cruelty and inhumanity of the slavery that sustained the plantation.
Our guide, Alton, taught us a lot about the history of the Oak Alley plantation on the coach ride there. It was originally established by Valcour Aime, who was known as “the King of Sugar”, and was one of the wealthiest men in the American South. When we arrived, we were instantly wowed by the beauty of the mansion, the tree-lined esplanade, and the sprawling gardens, and we couldn’t wait to start exploring!
Alton took us on a guided tour of the grounds first, which were undeniably beautiful. Then, we went inside the mansion, which was very well-preserved. It took us right back to the 1800s!
We then had some time to explore the rest of the plantation by ourselves. We decided to grab lunch at the on-site restaurant. This was at our own expense, but it was 100% worth it. There were lots of Louisiana classics on the menu – I highly recommend the crawfish etouffee!
If you’re ready to dive deep into Louisiana’s complex and somber history, then we highly recommend booking this tour.
This tour is likely to sell out – book it in advance here!
5. Learn how to cook authentic Louisiana cuisine
- Price: $162 USD
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am or 6 pm
- Highlights: learning how to make Louisiana classics like yam-crab bisque and gumbo, eating a sit down meal with complimentary beer and wine, cooking in a traditional kitchen
- Inclusions: all ingredients and equipment, professional chef instructor, wine and local beer, iced tea, lemonade, coffee, copy of the recipes used, souvenir chef apron
- Rating: 5 stars (check 980+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
This Louisiana cooking class was hands-down the best thing that we did in New Orleans – no contest! We cannot say enough good things about it, and we would recommend it to absolutely anyone.
Food is a huge part of the New Orleans identity, so there’s no way that we were going to pass up the chance to do a cooking class while we were in town. And our expectations were not only met, but exceeded, thanks in large part to Chef Rene, who was one of the best cooking instructors we’ve ever had the pleasure of learning from!
The class was incredibly hands-on, and we got to dive deep into Louisiana culture by making the state’s heartiest and most flavorful dishes. I’m talking about yam-crab bisque, gumbo, and remoulade. We also got to make the classic BBQ shrimp and grits, which really made us feel like real New Orleanians!
For dessert, we made bananas foster, and honestly, I was so surprised by how delicious it was! Setting it alight was certainly a lot of fun! Then, when we had finished cooking, our class sat down together to enjoy the meal we had created, family-style. It was so delicious and we got to wash it down with a generous helping of wine and local beer, which naturally made it even better.
This class was the best experience that we had in New Orleans, and that’s really saying something! We’ve done cooking classes all over the world but this one was truly exceptional, and we would love to do it again. Do not miss this while you’re in town!
Check out the 950+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Experience New Orleans’ legendary jazz music scene
- Price: $61 USD
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 5 pm
- Highlights: learning about the origins of jazz, watching live jazz, visiting famous jazz landmarks, customized route to ensure you hear the best music, tons of recommendations
- Inclusions: complimentary drink, friendly local guide, live jazz show
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 350+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
New Orleans is the home of jazz! You really cannot say that you’ve experienced the city until you’ve dived deep into the heart of its jazz scene, so we booked this tour not long after we booked our flights to the city. It was an absolute blast, so we strongly suggest that you do the same.
We met our guide, Harris, in the early evening and set off on a walking tour of the city. Harris taught us how the cultural melting pot of New Orleans led to the creation of jazz, and he showed us lots of famous jazz-related landmarks, such as Louis Armstrong Park, Bourbon Street, Frenchman Street, and Congo Square. It was so interesting to learn about how jazz mirrors the vibrant spirit of New Orleans itself, blending African, Caribbean, and European cultures.
We also loved learning about (and hearing) lots of different styles of jazz, from dixieland to big brass. Honestly, hearing all of the music spilling out of various venues and stopping by different shows was so magical, and we really didn’t want the tour to end! Harris also took us to his personal favorite jazz club, where we enjoyed a complimentary drink and an incredible performance.
I think that this tour would be the perfect thing to do on your first night in New Orleans, as it’s the perfect introduction to the city’s thriving jazz scene. Harris gave us some excellent recommendations on other jazz bars to check out during the rest of our time here, and all of them proved to be spot on.
Reserve this popular jazz tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
7. Learn about the Garden District’s history and architecture
- Price: $35 USD
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 10 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: admiring the Garden District’s opulent homes, visiting Lafayette Cemetery, learning about the city’s history, small group tour, lots of local recommendations
- Inclusions: professional guide, small group sizes
- Rating: 5 stars (check 2,400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
The Garden District is hands down the most beautiful area of New Orleans. It’s home to the Gothic Lafayette cemetery as well as leafy green boulevards, opulent homes, and the historic St. Charles streetcar. Basically, this place is postcard-perfect, so we booked this walking tour in order to get to know the area a little better.
We met our guide, Caroline, near the gates of the Lafayette Cemetery #1. We learned about the unique above-ground burial traditions that have arisen in New Orleans due to the humid climate and annual flooding. It was dark, sure, but incredibly interesting!
After checking out the iconic Gothic cemetery, we then began our walking tour of the idyllic Garden District. We were really blown away by the stunning architecture here, which Caroline taught us is a unique recombination of Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian styles! We also loved hearing about the lavish lifestyles that the residents of this neighborhood were known for.
It was so worth exploring the Garden District with a guide, because Caroline was adept at pointing out details that most people miss – I know we would have! She also shared tons of stories that certainly aren’t in the guidebooks, and gave us a ton of recommendations for local cafes, bars, and restaurants to check out.
I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who hasn’t been to the Garden District before. I actually think that this area might be my favorite section of the city! After the tour, we came back to the area and enjoyed exploring by ourselves, but we probably wouldn’t have done this had we not had such a great time on Caroline’s tour. There’s just something so magical about this area, so don’t miss the chance to explore it with a local guide!
Don’t miss out on this unique cultural experience – secure your spot on this tour here.
8. Go on a thrilling airboat ride
- Price: $59 – $149 USD
- Duration: 2-4 hours
- Time: 9:45 – 4 pm
- Highlights: exciting airboat ride, cruising through bayou country, entertaining commentary from a local guide, spotting alligators and turtles, seeing a variety of birdlife
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected), boat cruise, professional guide, ear protection
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 4,000+ reviews)
- Free cancellation: yes
I don’t know about you, but when I think of New Orleans I think of jazz, Creole cuisine, and those famous airboat rides through the swamp! I was so excited to book this airboat cruise, and it more than met my expectations.
I truly can’t express how much fun these airboat rides are! We decided to book the small group cruise in order to get closer to the wildlife, but larger shared boats are also available for those on a budget. A bigger boat could also be a great choice for a big group of friends, but the premium small boat would be my top pick for families. Basically, there’s something for everyone!
The airboats themselves are great, but the real draw of this tour is the incredible scenery. We loved cruising through the dramatic, mossy swamp. It felt as though we had gone through the looking glass into a totally different world!
I was so impressed by how much wildlife we saw during our airboat ride, too. We got close to alligators and turtles, and spotted tons of snakes. The swamp is home to a ton of birdlife, too, so we were able to see egrets, herons, ibis, and anhingas.
We also have to give a shoutout to our guide, Ronnie. Not only did he ensure that we saw as much wildlife as possible, we were constantly laughing thanks to his witty commentary. The tour truly wouldn’t have been the same without him!
An airboat ride is one of the best ways to explore the swamps and bayous that surround New Orleans. We cannot recommend booking this tour strongly enough! If you’re not hiring a car in New Orleans, do be sure to book the tour with pickup, though, because there are no Uber or taxi services that travel out to this area.
Book this tour with over 4,000 glowing reviews here, before it sells out.
9. Take a Paddlewheel boat cruise on the historic Mississippi River
- Price: $42 – $62 USD
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 2 pm
- Highlights: ride on a traditional paddle steamer boat, Chalmette Battlefield, cash bar available
- Inclusions: boat cruise, local guide, meal (if selected), admission to Chalmette Battlefield
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 1,500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
One of our favorite parts of visiting New Orleans is stepping back in time and experiencing the traditions of the American South. And I’d say that this paddlewheeler boat cruise along the Mississippi River fits that bill pretty well, wouldn’t you?
In our opinion, this cruise is one of the most entertaining ways to dive into New Orleans’ history. We loved stepping on this old-school steamer and enjoying views of the city’s skyline as we sailed off along the Mississippi towards Chalmette Battlefield, where the Battle of New Orleans took place in 1815. It was so interesting to learn about how the United States Army fought the British here, when they tried to gain control of a critical American port.
After visiting the battlefield, we climbed back on board the boat and enjoyed our meal. This is optional, but we figured that it was well worth paying an extra $20 USD for a big meal on board! It included cajun-rubbed steak, gumbo, and pasta salad, so we were more than happy with what we got.
There was a cash bar on board, and the drinks were pretty strong, so we definitely got our money’s worth there, too. Enjoying the views of the Mississippi on deck with a drink in hand was the perfect way to end the tour, and as we disembarked the boat we both remarked that we would definitely do it again. We’re clearly not the only ones, as this tour has over 1,000 5-star reviews (see them all here!).
Check availability and book this historic cruise in advance here!
10. Cycle your way through New Orleans
- Price: $55 USD
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9:45 am, 10 am, or 1 pm
- Highlights: French Quarter, Lafayette Cemetery, Lower Garden District
- Inclusions: local guide, bike rental with basket, bottled water
- Rating: 5 stars (check 350+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
This cycling tour of New Orleans offered us the best of both worlds: a great workout, and a deep-dive into the city’s history!
We spent three hours cycling through two of the city’s most iconic and picturesque areas, and we honestly loved every moment of it. Also, I definitely found cycling in the heat a bit easier than walking around.
The tour kicked off in the French Quarter, right alongside the Mississippi River. We loved following our guide, Betsy, through the area’s most scenic streets, and we made lots of stops outside the area’s oldest buildings. There were a ton of great photo opportunities and we loved hearing Betsy’s stories about legendary figures who have called the French Quarter home!
After the French Quarter, we crossed into the Garden District, which has a totally different feel to it. If you’re short on time, then we would say that this tour is the perfect way to experience the diversity of New Orleans! We loved cycling past the antebellum mansions, including some celebrity homes. We also passed the famous Lafayette Cemetery #1, where Betsy taught us about New Orleans’ above-ground burials.
We loved this tour, and we think it’s ideal for anyone who’s short on time in New Orleans. We saw so much more in three hours than we ever could have on foot, and Betsy was an incredible guide.
Due to its stellar reputation, this is a very popular tour, so we definitely recommend booking it early to ensure that you don’t miss out on the adventure.
Reserve this tour now and get FREE cancellation before you take off!
Where to Stay in New Orleans, Louisiana
When looking for the perfect place to stay in New Orleans, location is everything! Do you want to be near the action by Bourbon Street, close to the historic charm of the French Quarter, or a quiet luxury stay?
To help you narrow it down, I’ve found three fantastic hotel options in New Orleans for a luxury stay, a mid-range option, or for budget travelers!
Luxury – $$$
Maison Metier is a boutique hotel by Hyatt, so you know it will be high quality! Located within walking distance to the French Quarter, you’re close to all the top things to do, but can separate from the lively atmosphere. This hotel takes care of every detail, from luxurious rooms with local art, a fantastic onsite restaurant, an eclectic design, and helpful staff.
Prices fluctuate throughout the year, but start around $350 USD and get up to $700 USD. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Hotel de la Monnaie has a historic charm and that New Orleans hospitality you hope to find! Located in the French Quarter, you’re within walking distance to the best part of the city. Rooms are basic but comfortable and clean, and they are all suite style rooms. There’s even an outdoor pool, perfect for those hot nights!
Prices range from $150 – $350 USD and can be booked on Booking.com.
Budget – $
HI New Orleans Hostel is a top-rated hostel, located in downtown New Orleans. There are budget dorms available for around $30 USD per night or you can book a private room starting at $130 USD. This hostel is super clean and modern, with friendly staff, a restaurant, and bar. It’s great for budget travelers or those looking to meet people while in NOLA!
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Check out all the hotels in New Orleans here for even more options!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
New Orleans is a captivating city, with its Voodoo culture, lively Bourbon Street, unique food scene, and friendly locals. Even if you only check off a few items on this list, I know you’ll have a fantastic experience here. We certainly did and are already looking forward to our next trip back!
If you found this blog helpful, be sure to check out our other USA travel guides. We have even more resources to help plan your adventures, no matter where you’re going, so I’ll leave a few related reads below. Happy travels!
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