NEW ORLEANS
The best of New Orleans.
The 13 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“Thought we booked the air boat but ended up on large boat. Saw two baby gators. Could barely hear tour guide.”
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.
“Took a little longer than an hour coming out of New Orleans . The map instructions says an hour but I would allow at least an hour and a half so you don’t feel like you need to rush and to allow for a stop. Enjoy the trip and give yourselves plenty of time.”
Slip into the Barataria Swamps on a guided New Orleans swamp cruise, see gators and birds, and learn Cajun life on the water.
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.
“Even in winter its so beautiful. Being practically on the water in a kayak is the best way to see the bayou. All skill levels will find this fun.”
Stroll New Orleans’ Garden District with a great guide, learn antebellum architecture, and peek into Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.
“Libby was a fabulous tour guide - full of facts and energy, giving us a fabulous glimpse into the lives and history of the Garden District. The tour felt informative, unhurried, and just the right size and duration. Would absolutely recommend!”
High Priestess-led voodoo walking tour in New Orleans with Congo Square, the Egun Tree in Armstrong Park, and Marie Laveau’s site.
“If you want to learn the true spiritual history of new orleans, I cannot recommend this tour enough. Our experience with high priestess Malika was exactly on point. She took extra time to answer our questions and took us on a very educational and informed tour of the Treme and explained many aspects of the…”
French Quarter Creole tour with a local guide. Small group, landmark sights, secret corners, and story-first history in 2 hours.
A 2-hour French Quarter walk blending Voodoo sites, true crime like the Axe-man, and haunted stops for adults.
Private New Orleans city tour by car with local guide Marc. Door-to-door pickup, flexible stops, and neighborhood views beyond the French Quarter.
“Mark, our tour guide, provided an excellent city drive through with detailed narratives of various neighborhoods and events. In addition, to his city narrative, he was flexible in the itinerary to accommodate my family ranging in age from 20-80 with riding and selected stops. I was raised in New Orleans and this tour hit the…”
Respectful voodoo history walk from Congo Square to the French Quarter, ending at Voodoo Authentica with music and a gift.
“Our guide (Matthew, I believe, I'm embarrassed that I don't remember) was literally a walking encyclopedia of all things voodoo but also all things history based in NOLA. We felt lucky to have him for this tour. He provides a non- judgmental space for learning & asking questions. We learned so much. This was exactly…”
Adults-only Voodoo history walk in New Orleans with Marie Laveau, Congo Square, Gates of Guinee, and a calm end at Jackson Square.
“This was a great tour! Doug is absolutely amazing. So committed to the tour and knowledgeable of the information he shared. Thank you!”
Roulaison Distilling Co offers a 1-hour owner-led rum tour with five tastings and special-release samples for $15 in New Orleans.
“Got a Lyft to go a bit off the beaten path of the French Quarter for this one. Very quaint and small rum distillery, and all of the information that was shared was by the owner! Absolutely loved this very personal experience. More than enough rum tasting. All of it was delicious! Got there a…”
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