Tours in New Orleans

Handpicked tours and experiences that showcase the best of
New Orleans history, culture, music, food and beyond.

The Best Ways to Experience the City

New Orleans isn’t a city you just “see”—it’s a city you experience. And the best way to do that? Take a tour led by people who live and breathe this place. Whether you want ghost stories that give you chills, swamp adventures with alligators, or a deep dive into the food and history that make this city legendary—there’s a tour for you.

 

Ghost & Haunted Tours

Explore the city’s haunted past with guides who bring the Fench Quarter’s spooky stories to life.

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Swamp & Bayou Tours

Get outside the city and into the bayou for airboat rides, wildlife and unforgettable scenery.

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Food & Drink Tours

Taste your way through New Orleans with local favorites, hidden gems, and classic Creole flavors.

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History & Walking Tours

Discover the rich history, architecture and culture that make New Orleans so unique.

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Riverboat Tours

Relax on the Mississippi with scenic cruises, dinner jazz, and iconic steamboat rides.

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Music & Culture Tours

Celebrate the sounds and traditions of New Orleans, from jazz to second lines and more.

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Plantation Tours

Step back in time with tours of historic plantations and learn the stories that shaped Louisiana.

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Choosing the Right Tour

Not sure which tour is right for you? We break down the best options by interest, time and budget.

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Pro Tips (from a local)

Get the most out of you tours with this valuable advice from an experienced local.

Read Local Tips

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Once you land in New Orleans, this is what you’ll wish you knew…

Your Own Personal New Orleans Tour: Seven Things You Must Do to Have a Fabulous Time in the Crescent City

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Choosing the Right Tour

With so many incredible experiences available in New Orleans, choosing the right tour often comes down to what kind of atmosphere and adventure you’re looking for.

 

• First-time visitors usually love classic walking tours, riverboat cruises, and French Quarter experiences that introduce the city’s history, architecture, and culture.

 

• If you enjoy spooky stories and nightlife energy, ghost and haunted tours are one of the city’s signature experiences — especially after sunset.

 

• Food lovers should consider culinary or cocktail tours, where you can experience local favorites like gumbo, po’boys, beignets, and classic New Orleans cocktails while learning about the city’s rich culinary traditions.

 

• Looking for something uniquely Louisiana? Swamp and bayou tours offer unforgettable scenery, wildlife encounters, and a glimpse into Cajun country just outside the city. Plantation tours are very popular as well.

 

• Music fans may enjoy jazz and cultural tours that explore the roots of New Orleans music and the neighborhoods where the city’s sound was born.

 

• If you prefer a slower pace, carriage rides and river cruises provide a more relaxed way to take in the beauty and history of New Orleans.

 

No matter which experience you choose, the best tours are the ones that match your interests and allow you to experience the city at your own pace.

 

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Looking for even more local insight?

Your Own Personal New Orleans Tour explores the city’s hidden corners, history, food, music, and unforgettable local experiences.

Available in Kindle, Paperback, and Audible

 

 

Pro Tips (from a local)

New Orleans is one of the best walking and touring cities in America, but a few insider tips can make your experience even better.

 

• Wear comfortable shoes. The French Quarter’s historic sidewalks and uneven streets can be tough on your feet after a few hours of exploring.

 

• Don’t underestimate the heat and humidity, especially from late spring through early fall. Bring water, dress lightly, and consider morning or evening tours during the summer months.

 

• The winter time can be chilly one day and warm the next. So come prepared for both. And yes, although New Orleans is sub-tropical we can get freezing cold weather, and it can sometimes snow.

 

• Ghost tours are usually most atmospheric after dark, while architecture and walking tours are often best enjoyed earlier in the day when the streets are quieter and temperatures are cooler.

 

• During busy seasons like Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and major holiday weekends, popular tours can sell out quickly. Booking ahead is highly recommended.

 

• Some of the best New Orleans experiences happen away from the busiest Bourbon Street crowds. Smaller neighborhood tours, food tours, and local music experiences often provide the most memorable moments.

 

• Parking in and around the French Quarter can be expensive and difficult. Rideshares, streetcars, or walking are often easier than driving.

 

• Most importantly, take your time. New Orleans isn’t a city meant to be rushed — the magic is often found in the small moments between the major attractions.

 

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Looking for even more local insight?

Your Own Personal New Orleans Tour explores the city’s hidden corners, history, food, music, and unforgettable local experiences.

–Available in Kindle, Paperback, and Audible