NEW ORLEANS
The best of New Orleans.
The 15 most popular guided tours in New Orleans. What each one is really like, what it costs, and who runs it.
Pontoon through Lafitte’s cypress swamps with a live guide. Look for alligators, birds, turtles, and more, with pickup options.
Most Popular“Swamp and nature flora and fauna. Feeding wild animals and that too marshmallow was lowlight of trip. The nature lover would not like it. The music in boat ride is unnecessary and too loud.”
Guided tour of Laura Plantation near New Orleans: Creole family stories, 1840s slave cabins, gardens, and frank slavery history.
“Beautiful surroundings, friendly people, and we learned a lot! You get a very interesting picture of all the different kinds of people who lived on the plantation, both free and enslaved.”
Tour Houmas House with a costumed guide, explore room-by-room sugar-plantation history, then wander 38 acres of gardens.
“The grounds and mansion were just beautiful. The young lady who was our guide was very knowledgeable and funny. Every one on the property was very welcoming and friendly. Would definitely recommend.”
Slip into the Barataria Swamps on a guided New Orleans swamp cruise, see gators and birds, and learn Cajun life on the water.
“It was PERFECT! The guide was very funny but also professional, explained everything we needed to know, answered all the questions and it was so much fun! 10 out of 10, highly recommended!!!! And there’s even a little surprise towards the end… So worth it!”
Glide through the Manchac Swamp by kayak with a local naturalist, learning Louisiana history and wildlife stories on a small-group outing from New Orleans.
“Well organized pick up, outstanding experience in the swanks of Louisiana - Terry and his helpers made sure to give us an unforgettable and delightful experience. The tour took around 3 hours total, it was worth each dollar spent.”
Stroll New Orleans’ Garden District with a great guide, learn antebellum architecture, and peek into Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.
“We had Libby as our guide and she was fantastic! This was exactly the tour I had hoped for, lots of historical and architectural information, engaging stories, and a fun personality! Can’t say enough good things about our guide and this tour!”
High Priestess-led voodoo walking tour in New Orleans with Congo Square, the Egun Tree in Armstrong Park, and Marie Laveau’s site.
“It was so interesting and informative. We learned so much and really enjoyed our guide. Thanks so much for a great experience!”
French Quarter Creole tour with a local guide. Small group, landmark sights, secret corners, and story-first history in 2 hours.
“Super visite avec plein d’anecdotes et l’histoire de la Nouvelle Orleans. On a appris plein de choses !”
A 2-hour French Quarter walk blending Voodoo sites, true crime like the Axe-man, and haunted stops for adults.
“My tour was amazing and super informative! My guide Josh (I think) was amazing! He was so funny and kept it at such a good pace that I got the most information possible in our amount of time!”
Private New Orleans city tour by car with local guide Marc. Door-to-door pickup, flexible stops, and neighborhood views beyond the French Quarter.
“We went on a very detailed private tour of the entire city. Stopped at multiple places and saw everything that was on our bucket list.”
Respectful voodoo history walk from Congo Square to the French Quarter, ending at Voodoo Authentica with music and a gift.
“Historically based and very walkable. Lots of time to ask follow up questions. Just the right amount is sites in the right amount of time.”
Adults-only Voodoo history walk in New Orleans with Marie Laveau, Congo Square, Gates of Guinee, and a calm end at Jackson Square.
“Mac was a wonderful tour guide. He provided a fun and spooky history of the dark and spooky past of The French Quarter. He made sure everyone could hear all the stories and he gave great advice and answered all questions.”
Roulaison Distilling Co offers a 1-hour owner-led rum tour with five tastings and special-release samples for $15 in New Orleans.
“It's off the main street in the back. Once you arrive, you enter the shop to a warm welcome. The tour guide, co-owner was knowledgeable, friendly and didn't shy away from any questions asked.”
Walk the eerie French Quarter with a local guide on a 1.5-hour haunted ghost tour hitting Jackson Square, Pirates Alley, Lalaurie Mansion and more.
“Tour guide never showed up. Waited awhile and sent several messages, no response. Asked if we needed to reschedule. Nothing. I then Submitted a refund request, which told me that It may take 7 days to approve or deny refund, and then 30 days to receive my money back. Wow, what a disappointing experience. So,…”
A 2-hour guided New Orleans donut-and-beignet walk with tastings at four shops on Magazine Street and the Garden District.
“AMAZING!! This tour was exactly as advertised. We were very full after the tour - stopped at 4 delicious spots. The last one was unexpectedly not serving beignets but our tour guide knew the area so well, he was able to find us an alternative spot close by that was also delicious. I also loved…”
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