Trusted by 1,000+ trip planners
Best Culture & Museums in New Orleans
Explore the top-rated culture & museums in New Orleans. Our curated guide features 10 highly-rated experiences, averaging 4.9 stars, to help you plan the perfect visit.
JD
MK
AS
RW
4.9/5 from 200+ reviews
2,847
trips planned this month
Top 10 Ranked
Best Culture & Museums in New Orleans
Our expertly curated list of the best culture & museums in New Orleans, ranked by traveler reviews and ratings.
#1
Top Rated
New Orleans Self-Guided Kayak Bayou Swamp Tour
5 (9)
From $40 USD
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.
#2
Top Rated
Crescent City History Tour
5 (3)
From $35 USD
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.
#3
Top Rated
New Orleans French Quarter Private Walking Tour with a Guide
5 (4)
From $110 EUR
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.
#4
Top Rated
Private Vacation Photography Session with Photographer in New Orleans
5 (2)
From $325 USD
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.
Plan Together
Start Planning Your New Orleans Trip
Build the perfect itinerary, find activities, track your budget, and plan an unforgettable experience with friends.
Plan Your Trip Free
#5
Top Rated
Historic Metairie Cemetery Walking Tour by Save Our Cemeteries
4.9871793 (78)
From $35 USD
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.
#6
Top Rated
Pirates of the Quarter Tours
4.9831934 (119)
From $38 USD
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!
#7
Top Rated
Creole Architecture of the Marigny Tour
4.978261 (46)
From $40 USD
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.
#8
Top Rated
Small-Group French Quarter History Walking Tour
4.974359 (39)
From $49 USD
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!
#9
Twilight Tour- Hauntings for Tweens (8 - 12 y.o.)
4.769231 (13)
From $30 USD
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!
#10
St. Joseph Plantation Tour
4.4333334 (30)
From $24 USD
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.
Review counts and ratings based on Viator and Tripadvisor data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do culture & museums cost in New Orleans?
Culture & Museums in New Orleans range from $24 to $325, with an average price of $73. The highest-rated option is "New Orleans Self-Guided Kayak Bayou Swamp Tour" with a 5-star rating.
What are the best culture & museums in New Orleans?
New Orleans has 10 culture & museums available, averaging 4.9 stars across 343 reviews. The top-rated experience is "New Orleans Self-Guided Kayak Bayou Swamp Tour".
How do I plan a trip to New Orleans?
Plan Harmony makes it easy to organize your New Orleans trip. Browse experiences, build a collaborative itinerary with friends, and track your budget in one place.
More Things To Do in New Orleans
Ready to explore New Orleans?
Start planning your trip with Plan Harmony and create the perfect itinerary with your travel companions.
Plan Your New Orleans TripReady for your next adventure?
Plan your next New Orleans adventure together
Join thousands of travelers who plan smarter, not harder. Create your first trip in minutes.
Free forever plan
4.9/5 rating
No credit card required