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Top 20 Things To Do in New Orleans

Discover New Orleans's must-see attractions and highly-rated experiences. Our expertly curated guide helps you plan the perfect visit with insider recommendations and traveler favorites.

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New Orleans Travel Guide: Essential Information for Visitors

New Orleans enchants visitors with its unique blend of French, African, and American cultures, where vibrant music, historic architecture, and world-famous cuisine create an unforgettable experience. Explore the lively French Quarter with its colorful buildings, jazz clubs, and iconic Bourbon Street, visit the historic Garden District with its antebellum mansions, and take a steamboat cruise along the Mississippi River. Experience the city's legendary festivals, from the exuberant Mardi Gras parades to the soulful sounds of the Jazz & Heritage Festival. New Orleans' culinary scene is renowned worldwide, featuring Creole and Cajun dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets served in charming cafes and fine dining establishments. The city's rich musical heritage comes alive in live performances ranging from traditional jazz to contemporary blues and funk. With its warm hospitality, vibrant street life, and deep cultural roots,New Orleans offers a truly unique and captivating destination.

Top 20 Attractions in New Orleans

#1
Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery Walking Tour - Top attraction in New OrleansLake Lawn Metairie Cemetery Walking Tour - Additional viewLake Lawn Metairie Cemetery Walking Tour - View 3Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery Walking Tour - View 4Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery Walking Tour - View 5Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery Walking Tour - View 6
Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery Walking Tour
73 Reviews

When you tour with non-profit Save Our Cemeteries you are helping to preserve and protect the historic cemeteries of New Orleans. Our tours are small and historically accurate. Lake Lawn Metairie cemetery was named by Forbes as one of “America’s Best Cemeteries.” This picturesque cemetery boasts some of the grandest funerary architecture and sculpture in the US. Live oaks surround greek temples, gothic and Islamic style tombs, obelisks, and marble monuments with beautiful ironwork and stained glass. The resting place of many of New Orlean's most influential and notorious citizens, Metairie Cemetery holds the graves of over 9,000 people on 65 landscaped acres. Nine Louisiana governors, seven New Orleans mayors, 49 kings of Carnival, and three Confederate generals rest alongside madams, brothel owners, bandleaders Louis Prima and Al Hirt, vampire writer Anne Rice, and former Saints and Pelicans’ owner Tom Benson. An easy walk. Wheelchair accessible.

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#2
Self Guided Kayak Bayou Swamp Tour - Top attraction in New OrleansSelf Guided Kayak Bayou Swamp Tour - Additional viewSelf Guided Kayak Bayou Swamp Tour - View 3Self Guided Kayak Bayou Swamp Tour - View 4Self Guided Kayak Bayou Swamp Tour - View 5Self Guided Kayak Bayou Swamp Tour - View 6
Self Guided Kayak Bayou Swamp Tour
7 Reviews

A self guided adventure just minutes from the French quarter on Bayou Bienvenue. The area is teeming with wildlife; from birds, herons, docile alligators, turtles, and more.

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#3
Private Tour of the Honey Island Swamp - Top attraction in New OrleansPrivate Tour of the Honey Island Swamp - Additional viewPrivate Tour of the Honey Island Swamp - View 3Private Tour of the Honey Island Swamp - View 4Private Tour of the Honey Island Swamp - View 5Private Tour of the Honey Island Swamp - View 6
Private Tour of the Honey Island Swamp
5 Reviews

Venture into the heart of Honey Island Swamp, considered one of the wildest swamps in America. This 2-hour privately narrated nature tour with a professional wetland ecologist takes you aboard a shaded flat-bottom boat, custom-built to accommodate up to 14 passengers. Departing from the West Pearl River in Slidell, your guide points out mossy cypress trees and plenty of Cajun critters in the wildlife preserve.

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#4
New Orleans Drunken History Tour - Top attraction in New OrleansNew Orleans Drunken History Tour - Additional viewNew Orleans Drunken History Tour - View 3New Orleans Drunken History Tour - View 4New Orleans Drunken History Tour - View 5New Orleans Drunken History Tour - View 6
New Orleans Drunken History Tour
4 Reviews

The ultimate combination of booze & nefarious history, this tea-spilling tour reveals the truth behind New Orleans sketchy history. Think pirates, convicted felons, and ladies of the night, and that only just scratches the surface! Overall, this boozy-and-fascinating city exploration is the perfect way to let one's hair down, throw a few drinks down, and get to know the legendary French Quarter. How cool is that? Drink your way through one of the oldest, most cultured and historic neighborhoods in the United States on this innovative, interactive tour. A real EMF Meter - Ghost/Paranormal Detector will be used during this tour to add the the entertainment for our guests. Learn how New Orleans has developed into the magnificent city that it is today from a knowledgeable local guide. Boozers, history buffs, and paranormal enthusiasts alike are sure to have a blast on the drunk history of New Orleans walking tour, surely a memorable experience.

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#5
Crescent City History Tour - Top attraction in New OrleansCrescent City History Tour - Additional viewCrescent City History Tour - View 3Crescent City History Tour - View 4Crescent City History Tour - View 5Crescent City History Tour - View 6
Crescent City History Tour
3 Reviews

Experience America's oldest & most mysterious living city from the perspective of a local with this walking tour of the French Quarter. Hear about the secrets lurking in numerous alleys named after past sinners and saints. Enjoy the gorgeous architecture of the St. Louis Cathedral at Jackson Square, and inhale the abundant scents of Creole cooking that waft in the air. Guests will be allowed to stop in bars along the tour route to grab a to go drink (adult beverages or soft drinks) and use the restrooms. Then the tour group will head out to the next location. Please keep in mind that some bars allow children inside however some do not.  Real paranormal equipment will be used during the tour for those interested in the paranormal aspect of the tour.  Welcome to the home of the New Orleans Drunken Tour....  Where learning is intoxicating.

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#6
45 minutes in Jackson Square  - Top attraction in New Orleans45 minutes in Jackson Square  - Additional view45 minutes in Jackson Square  - View 345 minutes in Jackson Square  - View 445 minutes in Jackson Square  - View 545 minutes in Jackson Square  - View 6
45 minutes in Jackson Square
1 Reviews

This is the only tour that focuses on the heart of New Orleans - Jackson Square! There are so many stories to tell in this one iconic block. At first a gathering place for Native Americans, then a tiny French outpost, the Square holds the collective memories of all the people who have made this diverse city what it is today. Choctaw, French, African, Spanish, American, Italian, Vietnamese, Caribbean, and more have contributed to the Creole culture that makes this place unlike any other. We are passionate about this city and we love telling our stories. Today, the Square is a community gathering place as well as the best place to see and buy great art, eat great food, and hear authentic jazz played by multi-generation musicians. This tour covers a very small area and the Square has lots of benches, so it is particularly suited to anyone with limited mobility (or simply on a hot day!). Since it is only 45 minutes, you can squeeze it in among the rest of your New Orleans itinerary.

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#7
Creole Architecture of the Marigny Tour - Top attraction in New OrleansCreole Architecture of the Marigny Tour - Additional viewCreole Architecture of the Marigny Tour - View 3Creole Architecture of the Marigny Tour - View 4Creole Architecture of the Marigny Tour - View 5Creole Architecture of the Marigny Tour - View 6
Creole Architecture of the Marigny Tour
41 Reviews

Discover the history of New Orleans through its architecture! On this 2-hour Marigny Tour,  you'll go off the beaten path to discover this culturally and architecturally important neighborhood.  This diverse neighborhood was the home to Creoles, Haitian Refugees, Free People of Color, and various immigrant groups. Their stories are shared through their dwellings - from the Mansions on the Esplanade Ridge to the Creole Cottages that dot the landscape. Your group will be no more than 14 people allowing for a more intimate, personal experience.

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#8
Small-Group French Quarter History Walking Tour  - Top attraction in New OrleansSmall-Group French Quarter History Walking Tour  - Additional viewSmall-Group French Quarter History Walking Tour  - View 3Small-Group French Quarter History Walking Tour  - View 4Small-Group French Quarter History Walking Tour  - View 5Small-Group French Quarter History Walking Tour  - View 6
Small-Group French Quarter History Walking Tour
37 Reviews

SEMI-PRIVATE EXPERIENCE New Orleans is so much more than nightlife! Join us for this French Quarter tour showcasing its historic sights, sounds…and amazing food smells! On this walking tour, we will discuss interesting history, admire the beautiful architecture, provide insight to Creole cuisine, and divulge movie filming locations. We may even sneak a peek into some of the beautiful Creole courtyards! Perfect as a French Quarter orientation or for those looking to enrich their New Orleans stay. You’ll also learn about some of the best New Orleans restaurants and the city’s most famous dishes…and where to get them! Plus, in this small group of just 9 people (max!), you will have the opportunity to get personalized recommendations from your guide on where to go and what to do during the rest of your stay, specific to your interests!

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#9
Twilight Tour- Hauntings for Tweens (8 - 12 y.o.) - Top attraction in New OrleansTwilight Tour- Hauntings for Tweens (8 - 12 y.o.) - Additional viewTwilight Tour- Hauntings for Tweens (8 - 12 y.o.) - View 3
Twilight Tour- Hauntings for Tweens (8 - 12 y.o.)
13 Reviews

Our Twilight Tour was created for upper elementary aged kids- those ready for deeper questions, critical thinking, and curiosity about the "what-ifs". Like our Spooky Tour, we focus on the real history, documented accounts, and actual experiences witnessed on tours. However, the Twilight Tour digs deeper than the Spooky Tour. The stories are more detailed with more opportunities to interact with the spirit realm. The tour is interactive- kids will never be put on the spot but encouraged to try something new, something they won't soon forget. New Orleans is a magical, mysterious city. On this tour for 8 - 12 year old kids, they will leave intrigued, enchanted, and perhaps a little spooked. Our tour is unique because it is kid friendly: no violence, no gore, nor "adult" topics and language. We keep it clean!

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#10
NOLA Distillery Tour - Top attraction in New OrleansNOLA Distillery Tour - Additional viewNOLA Distillery Tour - View 3NOLA Distillery Tour - View 4NOLA Distillery Tour - View 5NOLA Distillery Tour - View 6
NOLA Distillery Tour
29 Reviews

Tour a modern state of the art Distillery and have the opportunity to sample handcrafted spirits, cocktails, daiquiris as well as purchase bottles direct from distillery.

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#11
Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of French Quarter Sights & Hidden Stories - Top attraction in New OrleansSmartphone-Guided Walking Tour of French Quarter Sights & Hidden Stories - Additional viewSmartphone-Guided Walking Tour of French Quarter Sights & Hidden Stories - View 3
Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of French Quarter Sights & Hidden Stories
2 Reviews

Our smartphone-guided tour brings the facts and stories behind New Orleans to life because we've taken the same stops and sights in the French Quarter that we share with our friends and families when they come to town and created an interactive web-based tour for you! Read the stories behind the city, answer questions to reveal fun facts, and experience what makes this classic American city incredible! Purchase your tour and then navigate to our website to enter your access code and launch the tour. You can either start immediately or create an account and come back when you are ready to explore. Please note that you and your group read the tour aloud to one another - there is no audio functionality at this time.

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#12
A Locals' Music Tour - Top attraction in New OrleansA Locals' Music Tour - Additional viewA Locals' Music Tour - View 3A Locals' Music Tour - View 4
A Locals' Music Tour
1 Reviews

Come tour this Music Mecca with a 6th generation New Orleanian. We will tour the French Quarter, Treme and Marigny neighborhoods talking music history and listening to local street performers and bands on Frenchmen Street and keeping our eyes and ears peeled for a second line!

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#13
Half-Day Oak Alley Plantation Tour in Vacherie - Top attraction in New OrleansHalf-Day Oak Alley Plantation Tour in Vacherie - Additional viewHalf-Day Oak Alley Plantation Tour in Vacherie - View 3Half-Day Oak Alley Plantation Tour in Vacherie - View 4Half-Day Oak Alley Plantation Tour in Vacherie - View 5Half-Day Oak Alley Plantation Tour in Vacherie - View 6
Half-Day Oak Alley Plantation Tour in Vacherie
8 Reviews

Hop aboard our luxury-style vehicles to explore the beautiful Oak Alley Plantation. On the morning of your tour, our driver will give you a courtesy call before he arrives to your designated location. While traveling out to the plantation he or she points out interesting facts along the way, listening to various types of New Orleans jazz music. Upon arrival at the plantation, they will check you in and give you information for the beginning to the end of the tour, such as what to explore after the tour and where to meet once the tour is over. The tour is thirty minutes, we allow our guests time to explore the grounds and have lunch at the cafe at your expense if you choose to. This is a half-day tour beginning at 8:00 a.m. to approximately 1:30 p.m., this time includes tour and travel time. Our pick up locations are in the Downtown NO and Garden District areas. Sheraton Canal St. The Quisby Hotel (GD) Best Western Landmark (FQ) Canal & Baronne Poydras & Baronne Poydras & South Peters

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#14
Ghost Hunt in New Orleans: Quest Experience - Top attraction in New OrleansGhost Hunt in New Orleans: Quest Experience - Additional viewGhost Hunt in New Orleans: Quest Experience - View 3Ghost Hunt in New Orleans: Quest Experience - View 4Ghost Hunt in New Orleans: Quest Experience - View 5Ghost Hunt in New Orleans: Quest Experience - View 6
Ghost Hunt in New Orleans: Quest Experience
3 Reviews

As you journey through the French Quarter in this city exploration game, you'll discover the neighborhood’s haunted history—from the shocking past of Jackson Square to the gruesome horrors of the LaLaurie Mansion. Follow step-by-step instructions and solve challenges to unlock local stories. Are you ready for a spooky night walk in New Orleans?

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#15
New Orleans French Quarter Private Walking Tour with a Guide - Top attraction in New OrleansNew Orleans French Quarter Private Walking Tour with a Guide - Additional viewNew Orleans French Quarter Private Walking Tour with a Guide - View 3New Orleans French Quarter Private Walking Tour with a Guide - View 4New Orleans French Quarter Private Walking Tour with a Guide - View 5New Orleans French Quarter Private Walking Tour with a Guide - View 6
New Orleans French Quarter Private Walking Tour with a Guide
3 Reviews

Embark on an unforgettable tour through the soul of New Orleans, guided by an expert through its oldest graveyard, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Discover the resting place of influential Louisiana families and unravel the cemetery's intriguing secrets, including tales of voodoo queen Marie Laveau. Continue through the historic French Quarter, a vibrant neighborhood rich with architectural marvels. Marvel at the majestic St. Louis Cathedral and the iconic Jackson Square, a hub of artistic and social activity. Meander along the storied Bourbon Street, pulsating with the rhythm of the city, and admire the elegant Pontalba Buildings framing Jackson Square. At every step, absorb the city's rich tapestry of history and culture, from its colonial roots to its vibrant present. This immersive journey promises profound insight into the essence of New Orleans, where each landmark narrates a chapter of its captivating narrative.

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#16
Private Vacation Photography Session with Photographer in New Orleans - Top attraction in New OrleansPrivate Vacation Photography Session with Photographer in New Orleans - Additional viewPrivate Vacation Photography Session with Photographer in New Orleans - View 3Private Vacation Photography Session with Photographer in New Orleans - View 4Private Vacation Photography Session with Photographer in New Orleans - View 5Private Vacation Photography Session with Photographer in New Orleans - View 6
Private Vacation Photography Session with Photographer in New Orleans
2 Reviews

Flytographer Private Vacation Photo Shoot Connect with a local hand-picked professional photographer in New Orleans and capture your most memorable moments during this private photo shoot. Get insider tips on the best things to do in New Orleans, including where to eat & what to see from your vacation photographer. Return from your trip with beautiful, high-quality vacation photos — the best souvenir ever. We specialize in: - honeymoons - family trips - engagements - anniversaries - romantic getaways - multi-generational trips - babymoons - solo travellers - and just because! With over 10,000 5-star reviews, Flytographer is the global leader in vacation photography and has captured over 3 million memories for travellers across six continents. We’ve been featured across A-list media, including Conde Nast Traveler, Oprah, Forbes, Travel + Leisure, New York Times, BRIDES, Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle Magazine, Elle, Buzzfeed, Refinery29, Huffington Post, & many more.

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#17
New Orleans Street Food Tour With A Local Guide - Top attraction in New OrleansNew Orleans Street Food Tour With A Local Guide - Additional viewNew Orleans Street Food Tour With A Local Guide - View 3New Orleans Street Food Tour With A Local Guide - View 4New Orleans Street Food Tour With A Local Guide - View 5New Orleans Street Food Tour With A Local Guide - View 6
New Orleans Street Food Tour With A Local Guide
0 Reviews

Immerse yourself in the vibrant food culture of New Orleans with a street food tour through the iconic French Quarter. Led by a guide, explore a curated selection of eateries and hidden culinary gems, gaining insight into the rich traditions that shape the city's unique cuisine. Savor classic dishes like seafood gumbo, a hearty Creole stew brimming with seafood, and indulge in tender Creole brisket, slow-cooked to perfection. Experience the French Quarter's lively ambiance as you walk through its historic streets, taking in the vibrant energy and colorful architecture. Enjoy the sweetness of beignets, a quintessential New Orleans treat, while learning about the history and heritage of these iconic foods. Engage with local chefs, listen to their stories, and discover the deep-rooted culinary heritage that makes New Orleans a food lover's paradise.

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#18
New Orleans : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide (Private) - Top attraction in New OrleansNew Orleans : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide (Private) - Additional viewNew Orleans : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide (Private) - View 3New Orleans : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide (Private) - View 4New Orleans : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide (Private) - View 5New Orleans : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide (Private) - View 6
New Orleans : Private Custom Walking Tour with A Guide (Private)
2 Reviews

Get to know the city through the eyes of a local guide. With no set itinerary, you can customize the tour or leave it to the local for an enlightening introduction to the city. With our private walking tours, you'll skip the mundane historical tours and experience the city through the eyes of a real local. Our local guides are passionate about their city and eager to share their knowledge and insights. The will offer an authentic and personal experience. By the end of the tour, you will feel comfortable navigating the city and confident that you have all the information you need to make the most of your stay. - Private tour for just you and your group - Your guide customizes your tour to your interests and personality - Get a deeper insight into NOLA life than possible alone - See New Orleans through the eyes of a local and discover its hidden gems Choose from 2 or 3-hour tour options.

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#19
New Orleans Scavenger Hunt Adventure - Top attraction in New OrleansNew Orleans Scavenger Hunt Adventure - Additional viewNew Orleans Scavenger Hunt Adventure - View 3New Orleans Scavenger Hunt Adventure - View 4New Orleans Scavenger Hunt Adventure - View 5New Orleans Scavenger Hunt Adventure - View 6
New Orleans Scavenger Hunt Adventure
8 Reviews

Looking for a way to turn New Orleans into a giant game board? Urban Adventure Quest has created an interactive scavenger hunt that combines the fun of the Amazing Race with a three-hour sightseeing tour of New Orleans. Guided from any smart phone, groups make their way among well-known and overlooked gems of the city, solving clues and completing challenges while learning local history. The adventure begins near the downtown waterfront and takes you on a journey alongside the Mississippi River and through some of the city's famous marketplaces. From Jackson Square to the many fabled streets of this pirates' port of call, your team will truly experience it all. The tour requires approximately 1.6 miles of walking. Using a smartphone as “the guide” allows participants to start when they want and determine their own pace of play. Stop midway for some jambalaya or a beignet… why not, it’s your schedule? Offered at a fixed price for a group vs. per person pricing.

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#20
Pirates of the Quarter Tours - Top attraction in New OrleansPirates of the Quarter Tours - Additional viewPirates of the Quarter Tours - View 3Pirates of the Quarter Tours - View 4Pirates of the Quarter Tours - View 5Pirates of the Quarter Tours - View 6
Pirates of the Quarter Tours
109 Reviews

Explore the vibrant French Quarter with a Pirate and discover its rich history and fascinating tales. These incredible storytellers are going to explain what life was really like for a Pirate in New Orleans in the early 1800’s. You’ll hear about the sword fights, the smuggling and the rum. You’ll learn about the Pirate’s involvement in the Battle of New Orleans, customs, traditions, and you will find out where the treasure is buried! History buffs, Pirate fans, families, friends and even co-workers love this tour! Book this French Quarter Pirate Tour before it sells out!

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