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.
Top New Orleans Attractions, Tours & Rentals
Featured New Orleans Activities
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Jan 21 - Jan 27
Steamboat Natchez Daytime Jazz Cruise with Optional Lunch
718 ratings
2.5 Hrs.
Explore the history of New Orleans with a ride aboard the Steamboat Natchez, the city’s only authentic steam-powered paddle wheeler. Arrive early for a calliope concert atop the boat. Enjoy captivating views and informative narrative, delicious food, Jazz music performed by the Steamboat Stompers in an outside area, and a history of jazz. Also get an opportunity to check out the steam room to see how the boat operates. Let the good times roll on the Steamboat Natchez! Book your spot now!
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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 dinner includes endless Creole and Cajun dishes to indulge in. Book your Jazz cruise today!
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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!
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. Admire the city lights and soak up the romantic atmosphere under the stars as you walk along the deck. 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 book today!
New Orleans Large Airboat Adventure
224 ratings
2 Hrs.
Prepare for some excitement in the swamps with a [New Orleans](https://www.tripshock.com/attractions/New-Orleans/) Large Airboat Adventure! Take part in a thrilling inside view into the wild bayous and backwater of south Louisiana. Inhabited by massive alligators and other marshland creatures like snapping turtles, wild hogs, raccoons, and more, there is never a dull moment! Floating on a large airboat, surrounded by the beautiful cypress trees covered in Spanish moss makes travelers appreciate the fierce beauty of this unique ecosystem. Book your adventure today!
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Manchac Swamp Tour with Optional Transportation from New Orleans
122 ratings
1.5 Hrs.
Immerse yourself in Louisiana's backcountry bayous and wetlands at the historical Manchac Swamp on this Swamp Tour with optional transportation from New Orleans. Venture where creatures of the swamp see boats daily and recognize them as part of the normal environment. As the boat drifts through the waterways guests will learn about the Louisiana wildlife in the swamp such as the American alligator, herons, eagles, wild boars, and more. Don't miss your chance to learn all about these critters, book your spot now!
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French Quarter Ghost & Vampire Storytelling Walking Tour
131 ratings
2 Hrs.
Join New Orleans #1 award-winning haunted tour as you discover historical lore of hauntings and vampires with these master storytellers. Begin the tour in a voodoo lounge, with 2-for-1 hurricane cocktail specials. Walk the streets with your guide and find haunted homes like the Lalaurie Mansion and the Sultan's Palace, whose countless murders directly inspired, "American Horror Story: Coven." If you like history and paranormal activity, book now for an evening of frightful fun in NOLA's French Quarter.
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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 your spot 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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Historical Mississippi River Cruise with Optional Lunch
141 ratings
2 Hrs.
USE CODE CREOLE10 & SAVE 10%
A river voyage aboard the Creole Queen Paddlewheeler is one of the most iconic activities to be enjoyed in New Orleans. View the French Quarter and the Port of New Orleans from the river, while enjoying historical narration and delicious Creole and Cajun cuisine! Disembark at the site of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, and tour the Chalmette Battlefield. Enjoy the history, nature, taste, and culture of New Orleans, all on one tour! Book now!
New Orleans Original Cocktail Walking Tour
32 ratings
2.5 Hrs.
Take a tipsy stroll through the French Quarter with a New Orleans Original Cocktail Walking Tour. From the Sazerac and Pimm's Cup to the Hurricane and Hand Grenade, enjoy history through the lens of drinks and fine dining. Be entertained with classic stories of the unique concoctions made famous, and even go behind the scenes at the oldest restaurant in the city to visit the wine cellar and the private dining rooms. Guests will be shaken (not stirred) by the recipes of the city's most delicious and notable cocktails along the way. Book your New Orleans Cocktail tour today!
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Voodoo Queen Tour
28 ratings
1.5 Hrs.
Deep dive into the fascinating world of the unknown with this Voodoo Queen Tour. Learn how the culture of New Orleans helped shape Voodoo and spark the start of Jazz. No family in history had a greater impact on voodoo than the Laveau family and no place in the world had a greater impact on Jazz than Congo Square. Hear the controversies and conspiracies surrounding Marie Laveau’s final resting place and visit the location of her original homestead. Learn about the founding of the first free black neighborhood in American history. Book your Voodoo Queen Tour today!
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New Orleans Bayou & Swamp Tour with Optional Transportation
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 this amazing tour today!
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Houmas House Plantation & Gardens w/ Guided Tour
30 ratings
Once you've visited Houmas House Plantation and Gardens in person, you'll know why it is called "The Crown Jewel of Louisiana's River Road." The mansion and grounds have been thoroughly restored and enhanced to reflect the opulent lifestyle and grandeur of the successful sugar barons who once lived in Houmas House. Inside, guests will find history reflected in the many antique furnishings and works of art that grace the home's 16 glorious rooms. Outside, stroll through 38 acres of breathtaking, lush gardens, which are replanted throughout the year to reflect the season. Book 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.
