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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
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.
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Top 20 Ranked
Best Attractions in New Orleans
Our expertly curated list of the top experiences, tours, and attractions based on traveler reviews and ratings.
#1
Top Rated
Historic Metairie Cemetery Walking Tour by Save Our Cemeteries
4.980392 (102)
As a department of the Preservation Resource Center, Save Our Cemeteries is the only non-profit tour operator directly supporting restoration, education, and advocacy in New Orleans cemeteries. No city honors life – and death – like New Orleans, and few cemeteries in the world are as captivating as Metairie Cemetery. As the official tour provider for Metairie Cemetery, we are excited to share it with you. This historic space is famed for its grand monuments, temples, and structures, which are the final resting places of more than 100,000 people across 127 acres. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, you’ll learn the stories of New Orleans’ most influential citizens, including nine Louisiana governors, seven New Orleans mayors, more than 80 kings and queens of Carnival, musicians Louis Prima and Al Hirt, and writer Anne Rice. As Metairie’s Cemetery’s official tour provider, join us and our expert licensed tour guide on a walk through history.
#2
Top Rated
New Orleans VIP Jazz Club Crawl
5 (10)
Join the leader of one of New Orleans' best-known bands for a behind-the-scenes musical experience in the Big Easy. You'll venture to three different jazz clubs, such as Fritzel's, in the French Quarter and be treated to premier seats while your host plays during live shows. Meet local band members and sip a cocktail at each venue during this 3-hour VIP experience. This experience needs a minimum of 10 guests to operate. Thank you for your understanding.
#3
New Orleans Self-Guided Kayak Bayou Swamp Tour
4.7272725 (11)
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. When you enter the marnina (Nola Party Barge) please go all the way down the driveway on the left hand side of the gas station into the back parking lot. On the right hand side of the parking lot you will see a sign that says kayak rentals, guiding you to the rentals and the launch site. Lifejackets must be worn at all times.
#4
Top Rated
Crescent City History Tour
5 (3)
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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#5
Top Rated
Destrehan Plantation Tour - Transportation & Lunch Included
5 (1)
Established in 1787, Destrehan Plantation is the oldest documented Plantation in the lower Mississippi River valley. Take a step back in time on a French Creole plantation, and let our historical interpreters captivate you with stories of free and enslaved families who lived there. Experience a true-life storytelling of the Destrehan family and enslaved plantation workers. See an original document signed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison and an exhibit and intimate account of Charles Paquet, an enslaved mulatto and master builder components. Explore the Education Center displaying the 1811 Slave Revolt and the Rost Home Colony/Freedman’s Bureau exhibits. The Legacy Room showcases original artifacts and documents from the family members. Destrehan Plantation is only 30 minutes from New Orleans and 10 minutes from the New Orleans International Airport, and your tour includes pickup from most centrally located New Orleans locations.
#6
Top Rated
Soul of NOLA French Quarter, Marigny, and City Park Combo Tour
5 (1)
We begin in the picturesque French Quarter. We'll discuss geography, architecture and the folks that made this fabled city in the swamp. Next we’ll head downriver to the Marigny & Bywater neighborhoods - dubbed the “hippest” parts of the city, this area is currently experiencing a cultural renaissance. We’ll proceed along Esplanade Ridge, lined with historic homes, toward Bayou St. John & City Park. Inside the park we’ll take time to stroll amongst the majestic live oaks and sample some beignets & café au lait. These are the best beignets in the city - trust us! We'll have transportation, but some walking, in areas like the Jackson Square & City Park is ideal. This excursion, features the highlights of the French Quarter and downriver neighborhoods.
#7
Top Rated
Private New Orleans 3-Hour Historical and Sightseeing Tour
5 (1)
Discover New Orleans' heritage and the beauty of its period homes during this private historical tour for your group of up to 14 travelers. Ride along the city’s stately streets, passing jewels of architectural styles in the French Quarter, Bayou St John and Garden District, and enjoy guided walking tours of St Louis Cemetery #3.
#8
Top Rated
Creole Architecture of the Marigny Tour
4.979592 (49)
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.
#9
Top Rated
Small-Group French Quarter History Walking Tour
4.975 (40)
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!
#10
New Orleans Ghost Tour for Tweens Ages 8–12
4.733333 (15)
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!
#11
St. Joseph Plantation Tour
4.5128207 (39)
St. Joseph Plantation is one of the few fully intact sugar plantations in the River Parishes. In addition to the Manor Home, this historic site features many outbuildings for guests to explore. These include original homes of enslaved people, a detached kitchen, blacksmith’s shop, school house, and chicken coop. Several buildings have been moved to their present day location from other parts of the property, but most remain where they were built. The initial structure of the St. Joseph House was built by the 1830’s and expanded by the 1850’s. The expansion was funded by dowry money that was given to Josephine Aime Ferry by her father, Francois Gabriel “Valcour” Aime. In 1877, Joseph Waguespack purchased the plantation and named it after his patron saint. Later, one of his grandsons purchased Felicity Plantation. In 1901, his grandchildren formed the St. Joseph Planting and Manufacturing Co., LTD. and merged the two plantations.
#12
A Locals' Music Tour
4 (1)
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!
#13
Half-Day Oak Alley Plantation Tour
3.75 (8)
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
#14
New Orleans City Park: Self-Guided History Puzzle Walk
4.2 (10)
Explore one of America's largest urban parks in this self-guided puzzle adventure through New Orleans City Park. Across 13 stops, uncover 800 years of history beneath ancient oaks, world-class sculptures, and landmarks most visitors walk right past. Something in the park has gone out of balance. Solve puzzles at the Museum of Art, decode clues at a duelling ground where gold spectacles were buried under the roots, and follow a pigeon through hidden islands and forgotten fountains. Discover an 800-year-old oak draped in resurrection fern, a fairytale village with Captain Hook's ship, a 1907 dance pavilion guarded by stone lions, and a tree that sings when the wind blows. The route covers 3.5 km through shaded trails and lagoon paths. Best during the day. Start anytime and play at your own pace. Great for couples, families, and nature lovers. Download the Questo app, enter your booking code, and head to the Museum of Art entrance to begin.
#15
New Orleans French Quarter: Stolen Art Puzzle Adventure
3.857143 (7)
A priceless painting has vanished from a historic French Quarter mansion. Follow coded messages from the mysterious thief through 10 iconic New Orleans landmarks on this self-guided puzzle adventure. Begin at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, the oldest bar in America with ties to pirate treasure. Decode puzzles at the Old Ursuline Convent, where vampire casket girl legends haunt the corridors, then trace jazz history past Danny Barker’s birthplace. Navigate past St. Louis Cathedral and through Jackson Square before uncovering secrets at America’s first licensed pharmacy. Each stop reveals a new clue and stories hidden behind famous facades. Your chase ends with beignets at Cafe du Monde and the birthplace of the muffuletta sandwich, where a twist ending reveals the truth behind the stolen masterpiece. Play anytime at your own pace using the Questo app. Best in the evening when the Quarter comes alive. Perfect for couples, families, and mystery lovers.
#16
Top Rated
Awesome Scavenger Hunt: Getting Down To Business
5 (1)
Calling all adventurers and trivia buffs! Let's Roam is the ultimate champion of app-led scavenger hunts, guiding you through a quest to discover your city's coolest landmarks and most elusive hidden gems. Picture yourself soaking up the sights, cracking brain-teasing trivia, and tackling challenges that'll keep you on your toes! Whether you're out with your squad, competing for bragging rights, or teaming up for some serious bonding, Let’s Roam turns every outing into an epic adventure. It's not just an everyday activity—it's the perfect recipe for bachelorette bashes, birthday blowouts, and team-building triumphs that leave you with stories to cherish. What's even cooler? Everyone gets to pick their own interactive role, so whether you're the puzzle solver, the navigator extraordinaire, or the trivia titan, there’s a challenge just for you. Ready to dive in? Grab your crew and let's Roam—the thrill of the hunt awaits!
#17
Ghost Hunt in New Orleans: Quest Experience
3.6666667 (3)
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?
#18
Top Rated
New Orleans French Quarter Private Walking Tour with a Guide
5 (4)
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.
#19
A Spectacular Ghost Tour in New Orleans
0 (0)
Let’s Roam leads the way as the #1 app-led adventure hunt company! Embark on a journey to discover the top landmarks and hidden gems, where you'll tackle trivia questions and conquer challenges. Whether you collaborate with your team or compete against them, you'll uncover fascinating facts and forge unforgettable memories. Let’s Roam Adventure Hunts are perfect for everyday fun, bachelorette blowouts, birthday celebrations, corporate team-building, and beyond! Each participant selects a dynamic role with personalized challenges, ensuring everyone enjoys a thrilling adventure.
#20
Top Rated
Pirate Pub Crawl in New Orleans
5 (2)
A salty Pirate will lead you through some of the more questionable bars of the French Quarter. You’ll hear about the Pirates, prostitutes, sword fights, torture and just plain filthy things from New Orleans darker side of history. You will drink and learn things! Real history is brutal. Our incredible story-telling Pirate guide will have you laughing and wincing with these brutal stories. It’s sure to make for a wild evening in the French Quarter!
Review counts and ratings based on Viator and Tripadvisor data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do tours cost in New Orleans?
Tours in New Orleans range from $5 to $495, with an average price of $100. The highest-rated tour is "New Orleans VIP Jazz Club Crawl" at 5 stars.
What are the best experiences in New Orleans?
Our guide features 20 top experiences in New Orleans, averaging 4.7 stars across 308 reviews. The top-rated is "New Orleans VIP Jazz Club Crawl".
When is the best time to visit New Orleans?
The ideal time to visit New Orleans depends on your preferences. Plan your trip with Plan Harmony to organize all your activities and make the most of your visit.
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