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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Feb 23 - Mar 1
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New Orleans: Haunted Cemetery Bus & City Tour
218 ratings
2 Hrs.
Experience a BYOB Nightly Cemetery Bus Tour in New Orleans, LA. 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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108
New Orleans: Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise with Dinner Buffet
414 ratings
2 Hrs.
Step aboard one of last authentic steam-powered sternwheelers for a memorable cruise around New Orleans on the Mississippi River. Hear stories of the Big Easy's rich history, sit back, relax and enjoy the New Orleans atmosphere as the smooth jazz of the world-acclaimed Dukes of Dixieland fills your ears. This cruise from the heart of the French Quarter will take you along the graceful Mississippi River. Book today!
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60
New Orleans: Creole Queen Jazz Cruise with Optional Dinner Buffet
356 ratings
2.5 Hrs.
Join an unforgettable experience in New Orleans 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 NOLA from the water. Book today!
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60
History & Haunts Nighttime Carriage Tour
362 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.
90
New Orleans: River Parishes Large Airboat Tour with Optional Transportation
34 ratings
1.5 - 2 Hrs.
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, 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!
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44
French Quarter Cooking Studio - Gumbo, Jambalaya, Bread Pudding & Pralines
24 ratings
2.5 Hrs.
The New Orleans School of Cooking is a place where food, fun, and folklore are all on the menu! The authentic cooking demonstrations are entertaining and incredibly delicious! Located in a renovated molasses warehouse built in the early 1800's in the heart of the French Quarter, these Creole and Cajun experts teach New Orleans specialties such as Gumbo, Jambalaya, Bread Pudding, and Pralines. The entire experience is well seasoned with history, trivia, and tall tales! Book your spot today!
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32
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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38
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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25 22
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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23
New Orleans French Quarter, Voodoo, and Cemetery Tour
182 ratings
2 Hrs.
Learn about Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans & discover the reason for the above cemeteries. This tour is led by a master storyteller that will captivate guests and teach travelers about the history of above ground burials. Tour guides also teach the history and culture of Voodoo as well as the rich history of the French Quarter. Guest will visit Congo Square in the beautiful Louis Armstrong Park. Book this tour today!
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111
Oak Alley & Laura Plantation Combo Admission & Guided Tour with Transportation from New Orleans
49 ratings
6.5 Hrs.
Spend the day along River Road visiting Louisiana’s most famous plantations. Laura Plantation: A Creole Heritage Site focuses on the generations of a real Louisiana Creole family history. Your guided tour will reveal the fascinating stories of the home, the people, and the culture. Oak Alley Plantation, located just a few miles away, portrays a powerful testimony to the wealth that Americans gained during the antebellum era. See the beauty, history, and culture of two of the most popular plantation homes and book today!
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47
New Orleans: Historical Mississippi River Cruise with Optional Lunch
141 ratings
2 Hrs.
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!
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.
