Things to do
Things to do in New Orleans, LA
With endearing nicknames like "Big Easy" and "Crescent City", New Orleans has a culture all-its-own. Some of the most memorable things to do in New Orleans, LA, involve history and the creole/cajun culture. Sightseeing tours like Riverboat Cruises and Bus Tours reveal the many things to see, while food, drink, and ghost tours tell the story of NOLA in spectacular fashion. Don't forget to visit the area's many museums and local attractions including Plantation Country and Audubon Nature Institute.
Read moreTop New Orleans Attractions, Tours & Rentals
Featured New Orleans Activities
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Sep 7 - Sep 13
The French Quarter & Marigny Carriage Tour
176 ratings
60 Min.
Hop aboard a comfortable carriage and see the French Quarter & its picturesque neighborhoods the way it was meant to be seen! These award-winning carriage tours feature licensed tour guides and are fully narrated, providing guests with a ride that is both scenic, entertaining, and fact-filled. This particular route travels through the quieter, lesser trafficked areas of the French Quarter and the neighboring areas known for its colorful Creole architecture and live jazz music venues NOT on Bourbon Street.
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Creole Queen Jazz Cruise with Optional Dinner Buffet
356 ratings
2.5 Hrs.
USE CODE CREOLE10 & SAVE 10%
Join an unforgettable experience aboard the Creole Queen, a stunning paddlewheel boat that will take you on a cruise along the Mighty Mississippi River. With the swinging sounds of Sullivan Dabney, Jr. and the Muzik Jazz Band, you'll be transported back to the golden era of jazz music. Take a stroll along the promenade deck, where you can admire the city lights and soak up the romantic atmosphere under a canopy of stars. For an even more indulgent experience, indulge in an optional dinner buffet of Creole delicacies, carefully crafted by talented chefs. Experience the magic of New Orleans from the water and make unforgettable memories with friends, family, or that special someone. Book today!
BYOB Nightly Cemetery Bus Tour
217 ratings
2 Hrs.
A visit to the famous “Cities of the Dead” has become a must-do during any visit to New Orleans. So many travelers want to see the hauntingly beautiful and elaborately ornate cemeteries at night. Expert paranormal investigators and tour guides provide stories of ghosts, past and present, which will chill guests to the core! Use EMF Meters in the cemetery to detect paranormal activity. Book now for a spooky cemetery tour guests don't want to miss!
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Large Airboat Tour with Optional Transport From New Orleans
34 ratings
1.5 - 2 Hrs.
USE CODE AIRBOATS10 & SAVE 10%
Zoom through the bayous and marshlands on this airboat tour and make some Cajun memories to last a lifetime! Each tour varies according to the mood of the area's wildlife. You may see American alligators, bald eagles, raccoons, wild boars, turtles, snakes, and numerous bird species. Witness majestic live oak trees draped in mysterious Spanish moss, black willow trees, swamp red maples, wild iris, and spider lilies. While on the tour, your captain will tell the stories of the swamp and show you just how the locals live. By the end of the tour, you will be planning your next adventure!
History & Haunts Nighttime Carriage Tour
361 ratings
1 Hr.
USE CODE CARRIAGE10 & SAVE 10%
Royal Carriages is the premier carriage tour company in New Orleans and the History & Haunts Carriage Tour is a thrilling insider's view of the French Quarter after dark. With a knowledgeable and hospitable tour guide, guests will trot around the Quarter's streets hearing tales of ghosts and ghouls. What a wonderful way to see the town, learn a bit of history, and experience a one of a kind adventure.
4-in-1 Ghost, Voodoo, Vampires & French Quarter Tour
355 ratings
2 Hrs.
Join a spine-tingling adventure through the haunted streets of the French Quarter, where New Orleans' spooky past comes alive. The city is infamous for its tales of voodoo, vampires, ghosts, and the French Quarter, and the 4-in-1 Ghost, Voodoo, Vampires & French Quarter Tour is the perfect way to experience it all. Your expert guide will show you the quickest routes around the Big Easy, saving you time and energy as you explore the eerie streets. Walk if you dare, through the beautiful yet haunting streets of the French Quarter on this unforgettable walking tour. Book ahead to secure your spot and prepare for an evening of spooky thrills!
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New Orleans Double Decker Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
516 ratings
USE CODE CITY10 FOR 10% OFF!
See New Orleans in a whole new way. City Sightseeing is the most convenient, fun, and affordable sightseeing tour around. Ride along on one of the classic red, double-decker, open-top buses with live guided commentary. You are free to exit the buses whenever and wherever, spending as much time as desired in your preferred locations. The tour route includes stops at all New Orleans’ top attractions, shops, and restaurants with discounts and deals all along the way, so don't miss the bus, hop on a New Orleans Double Decker Hop-On Hop-Off Bus today!
French Quarter Cooking Studio - Shrimp Creole, Corn & Crab Bisque, and Bananas Foster
1 rating
2 - 2.5 Hrs.
The New Orleans School of Cooking is regarded worldwide as one of the top culinary travel experiences available. Located in a 1800s molasses warehouse in the heart of the French Quarter, the food, fun, and folklore of NOLA's famous cuisine comes to life right before your eyes. Expert chefs will prepare guests for a full meal consisting of Creole and Cajun classics like Shrimp Creole, Corn & Crab Bisque, and Bananas Foster, all seasoned with history, trivia, and tall tales. Complimentary local beer, Abita Amber, is available for all travelers ages 21 and up.This activity sells out fast, so book now to guarantee a seat at the table!
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Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Optional Dinner Buffet
414 ratings
2 Hrs.
Be a part of the action on this jazz cruise on an authentic steamboat! Enjoy dancing to Jazz music performed by the Grammy nominated Dukes Of Dixieland in an outside area, and a history of jazz. Take in the skyline of New Orleans from one of the relaxing decks as guests cruise the mighty Mississippi River. The optional dinner includes endless Creole and Cajun dishes to indulge in. Book your Jazz cruise today!
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New Orleans City & Cemetery Tour
21 ratings
3 Hrs.
Explore the history and mystery of New Orleans on this New Orleans City & Cemetery Tour! Join an experienced and entertaining tour guide as you visit and learn all about famous destinations like the French Quarter, Jackson Square, historic cemeteries, and a Hurricane Katrina Tour. Enjoy expert narration and even visit the levee breach, the homes of former Kings and Queens of Mardi Gras, the Garden District, Tulane and Loyola Universities, Audubon Park, and so much more! Grab your tickets and get outside! Book your tour today!
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Destrehan Plantation Admission & Guided Tour
19 ratings
1 Hr.
Step back in time at the oldest documented plantation along the lower Mississippi River Valley with this guided tour of the Destrehan Plantation. Located just 30-minutes from the French Quarter and 10-minutes from the New Orleans International Airport, drive out to discover the legacy of the Destrehan family. Historical interpreters will intrigue you with the storytelling of the plantation owners, enslaved laborers, and free people of color who made the plantation one of the top sugar producers in Louisiana. Marvel at the unique architectural features designed and built by enslaved master builder, Charles Parquet. Book this experience today!
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Oak Alley or Laura Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans
23 ratings
5 - 6 Hrs.
Take a day trip to plantation country on this Oak Alley OR Laura Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans Hotels. Choose from either Oak Alley or Laura Plantation and take a tour to remember. Travel by air conditioned mini bus from New Orleans to Plantation Country to visit guest's choice of plantation. Both plantations convey the historic beauty of Louisiana and the memories of Creole traditions of yesterday. Book your tour today!
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Honey Island Swamp Boat Tour With Optional Transportation from New Orleans
146 ratings
2 Hrs.
See the untamed beauty of Louisiana with the Honey Island Swamp guided swamp boat tour. On smaller, 22-passenger boats, you will enjoy up-close interactions with the local wildlife and premium opportunities for photos and videos of the action as it unfolds right before you. Some of wildlife to be expected include alligators, raccoons, and even hogs. With limited availability, secure your seat on these small boats in Honey Island Swamp today and see one of few remaining preserved wetlands in Louisiana. Book today!
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Adventures of Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour with Optional Transportation from New Orleans
90 ratings
1.5 Hrs.
Take a journey into the bayous and swamplands of south Louisiana on this incredible swamp tour! Located just 35 minutes south of downtown New Orleans, this is the perfect chance to see the beauty that Louisiana has to offer. From the comfort of a pontoon boat, discover an abundance of fantastic wildlife like alligators, blue herons, bald eagles, wild boars, and more. Uncover the secrets of the swamp, book an this amazing excursion today!
Read moreFrequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best time of year to visit New Orleans?
February to May is the best time of year to visit New Orleans. The weather is warm, but not too hot and muggy, and there is plenty to do! Mardi Gras takes place during this time, and there is likely to be less traffic and congestion compared to summer.
2. Where are the best areas to visit in New Orleans?
There are tons of great places to visit in New Orleans. The most popular areas in New Orleans include the French Quarter, Frenchmen Street, the Garden District, Plantation Country, and the Audubon Nature Institute Parks
3. Is New Orleans safe?
Like most major cities, New Orleans is safe for most travelers. Most of the crime that tourists encounter is petty crime (stolen wallets, watches, purses). A few tips for safety: Do not walk alone at night, avoid dark alleys, and hide valuables in your vehicle.
4. How much money do you need in New Orleans?
New Orleans is not a very expensive city overall. Many of the popular tourist destinations like Harrah's Casino and French Quarter pubs and restaurants charge "tourist" rates, there are plenty of places to find affordable dining, shops, and souvenirs. Attractions like walking tours, pub crawls, and zoo tickets, range from $20-$40 per person. Between food, drink, activities, and transportation, it's recommended to budget around $100 per person, per day you are in New Orleans.
