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Best Culture & Museums in New Orleans
Explore the top-rated culture & museums in New Orleans. Our curated guide features 10 highly-rated experiences, averaging 5 stars, to help you plan the perfect visit.
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4.9/5 from 200+ reviews
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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 (10)
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. 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.
#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
Private New Orleans 3-Hour Historical and Sightseeing Tour
5 (1)
From $495 USD
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.
#4
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.
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#5
Top Rated
New Orleans Street Food Tour With A Local Guide
5 (1)
From $62 EUR
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.
#6
Top Rated
Pirate Pub Crawl in New Orleans
5 (2)
From $40 USD
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!
#7
Top Rated
Historic Metairie Cemetery Walking Tour by Save Our Cemeteries
4.9880953 (84)
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.
#8
Top Rated
Creole Architecture of the Marigny Tour
4.9787235 (47)
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.
#9
Top Rated
Small-Group French Quarter History Walking Tour
4.975 (40)
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!
#10
Twilight Tour- Hauntings for Tweens (8 - 12 y.o.)
4.733333 (15)
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!
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 $30 to $495, with an average price of $94. 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 5 stars across 207 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.
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