Top 15 Must-Experience Tours in New Orleans

New Orleans is renowned for its humidity and business conventions, complemented by a rich cultural tapestry. However, the Louisiana city exceeds these descriptions.

The city has secured its position on the international stage owing to its remarkable jazz music, the globally celebrated Mardi Gras festivities, and a culinary scene that rivals those of New York and Las Vegas.

Perhaps what distinguishes New Orleans is its distinctively relaxed atmosphere, which has earned it the affectionate title of ‘The Big Easy.’

There is an abundance of attractions in New Orleans, with various neighborhoods to discover and a vibrant nightlife to relish.

Here are 15 essential tours to consider for your itinerary when visiting The Crescent City.

1. Take a Tour of New Orleans City by Minibus

If it is your first visit to New Orleans, it is prudent to take some time to familiarize yourself with the city.

An air-conditioned minibus will collect you from your accommodation (if located within the city) and guide you through a three-hour sightseeing experience encompassing the city’s main attractions.

A licensed guide will share the historical narrative of New Orleans while visiting significant landmarks including the St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and The Cabildo, which once functioned as the seat of the Spanish colonial city hall.

It would be unwise to explore New Orleans without understanding the impact of Hurricane Katrina. Witness the site where the devastating hurricane breached the levee, observe the lingering effects and learn how residents continue to rebuild their lives.

Additional notable sites during the tour include the residence of Anne Rice – the celebrated Gothic fiction author, the century-old homes along Esplanade Avenue, and the city’s above-ground tombs.

Furthermore, this tour provides an overview of the French Quarter, which you may wish to explore further at your leisure.

2. Go on a Jazz Cruise aboard the SS Natchez

Embrace the beauty of the Mississippi River aboard the authentic Sternwheeler Steamboat Natchez, regarded as the only genuine steamboat in New Orleans.

This two-hour excursion offers a unique perspective of the city from the water, complemented by narrative descriptions of important sites.

Enjoy an optional Creole lunch while taking in sweeping views of New Orleans. Alternatively, you may partake in a dinner cruise featuring a buffet-style feast accompanied by a live jazz band.

A visit to the impeccably preserved engine room provides a chance to observe the workings of century-old steam engines up close.

Special cruises are available on occasions such as Valentine’s Day, Easter, the festive season, and other holidays.

3. Visit the Garden District

The Garden District epitomizes the image many visitors associate with the Deep South. This area once housed affluent slave owners such as John Burnside and gives insight into the location of historical sugar and cotton plantations.

This affluent neighborhood is characterized by centuries-old trees, lush gardens, and elegant neo-classical mansions – notably the impressive three-story Carroll Crawford House. Unsurprisingly, this locale has attracted several Hollywood elites who reside here.

While many visitors are drawn to the architecture, the rich history also encourages leisurely exploration of the local boutiques and coffee shops.

The experience is sure to leave a lasting impression.

4. Visit the National World War II Museum

A trip to a city rich in history such as New Orleans is incomplete without visiting one of its museums.

History enthusiasts will find significant value in the National WWII Museum, which features engaging exhibits and documentary highlights about the war in Europe and the Pacific theaters.

The museum encompasses three sections: one focused on the European theatre, another on the Pacific theatre, and the third showcasing aircraft used during WWII.

A 4D theater presents a film produced and directed by Tom Hanks called ‘Beyond All Boundaries,’ offering an immersive experience that effectively brings stories to life.

Additionally, the museum provides oral histories that assign visitors the persona of a soldier involved in the conflict, allowing for a more personalized understanding of the war.

The Stage Door Canteen at the complex features 1940s-themed entertainment, including dinner shows and matinees.

5. Marvel at the St. Louis Cathedral

The St. Louis Cathedral stands as one of New Orleans’ most significant landmarks.

Located on the northern edge of Jackson Square in the French Quarter, it was constructed in the 18th century (1794 to be exact), where two earlier churches stood.

For history aficionados, it is recognized as the oldest continuously used cathedral in the United States; furthermore, many may recall the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1987.

The St. Louis Cathedral is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of French architecture in the country. Even if you do not enter, be sure to appreciate its exquisite French façade.

6. Embark on a Total Food, Cocktail and Jazz Tour

This tour delves deep into the cultural core of this internationally recognized city, unveiling the compelling allure that entices food enthusiasts and jazz aficionados to New Orleans annually.

The 9.5-hour journey commences on the banks of the Mississippi River, where you explore the ports that served as gateways to new influences, cultures, and ingredients introduced to the USA.

A stroll through the picturesque Louis Armstrong Park brings you directly to the origins of jazz.

The Total Day Tour also guides you through the French Market, allowing you to savor New Orleans’ signature dishes while exploring local cocktail culture. A coffee break enables you to peruse various souvenir offerings.

This presents an exceptional opportunity to explore historic bars that have hosted famous writers, pirates, and military generals alike.

Conclude your day at the nightly art market, immersing yourself in the creations of the city’s finest artists, including local photography and handcrafted sculptures.

7. Party on Bourbon Street

A night owl?

Prepare for an unforgettable evening in New Orleans as you socialize and revel with other nightlife enthusiasts on the celebrated Bourbon Street.

Join a three-hour pub crawl through the iconic bars and clubs of this legendary street, which includes complimentary entry and drink specials at all participating venues.

The tour encompasses four venues, allowing you to spend approximately 45 minutes in each before moving to the next, all within a short distance from one another. Embrace the Southern spirit by joining in on the rodeo festivities along the way!

After visiting all four venues, feel free to linger at your favorite establishment and continue enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

8. Hang out at Jackson Square

Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Jackson Square is a historic park and has been one of the most significant landmarks in the area since the 18th century.

Today, it continues to be one of New Orleans’ most recognizable sites; the square serves as a gathering place for local artists who showcase their talents through sketches, paintings, and artwork sales.

This is an essential stop for art enthusiasts—not only for viewing art but also for purchasing unique souvenirs, such as personal portraits or caricatures.

If Southern art piques your interest, visiting the Ogden Museum of Southern Art is highly recommended.

9. Visit Haunted Houses and Grace the Cities of the Dead

If you are intrigued by the more macabre aspects of the city, New Orleans offers numerous attractions focused on its darker history.

Long associated with voodoo culture, the city presents various locations tied to unsolved murders and documented sightings of ghosts and vampires roaming the French Quarter.

Take a tour of Lafayette Cemetery or St. Louis Cemetery No 1 to explore above-ground burial sites, including the crypt of Marie Laveau, often referred to as the Queen of Voodoo.

Complete your exploration by visiting reputed haunted houses throughout the city (the Mistress of Death’s Lalaurie Mansion stands out), and delve into accounts of paranormal activities that might pique your interest.

10. Experience Mardi Gras Year-round

Mardi Gras is the most iconic celebration in New Orleans. The festivities unfold over a fortnight, culminating on Shrove Tuesday—the day before Ash Wednesday.

Although Mardi Gras itself occurs only once annually, you can experience the essence of it at Mardi Gras World.

This venue houses the production warehouse for event floats, where you can view costumes from previous celebrations and various artifacts showcasing the behind-the-scenes preparations of this annual festival.

Guided tours are available daily at hourly intervals.

If you visit New Orleans in the spring, consider attending the BUKU Music & Art Project, a two-day arts and music festival held at Mardi Gras World.

11. Visit another Museum at The Cabildo

The Cabildo was constructed in 1795 as the residence for the Spanish governor.

Adjacent to the St. Louis Cathedral, it is now celebrated for its historic significance and for hosting the Louisiana State Museum, which boasts an impressive collection.

The museum is recognized as a national treasure and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Most collections focus on the history of New Orleans and the state of Louisiana, particularly the diverse ethnic groups that comprise the population today.

12. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

The Audubon Aquarium, situated in downtown New Orleans—just a short walk from the French Quarter—is an essential attraction.

This facility showcases marine species from across the Americas—North, Central, and South—with exhibits highlighting everything from local fish in the Mississippi River to marine life from the Gulf of Mexico, including sea turtles, stingrays, and sharks.

Notably, the Great Maya Reef can be viewed through a 30-foot tunnel that mimics a sunken Maya city, with fish swimming among the ruins.

The Amazon Rainforest exhibit offers stunning views of exotic fish, colorful birds, and even snakes indigenous to South America.

13. Discover the New Orleans Audubon Zoo

The city features a magnificent zoo, home to a diverse assembly of both domestic and exotic animals.

Among the numerous residents, one can find alligators, leopards, jaguars, lemurs, giraffes, rhinos, elephants, and orangutans.

The New Orleans Audubon Zoo is located in the uptown area, a distance from the French Quarter. It serves as a delightful getaway from the bustling city.

14. Ride a Bike around New Orleans

Cycling is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience New Orleans, as the city is divided into distinct areas.

While some roads may be slightly uneven, this does not detract from the enjoyment of outdoor activities available in the city.

RideThisBike, a full-service bicycle rental shop conveniently located in the accessible French Quarter, offers various tours. Consider a two-hour bike rental to explore different sections of the city.

15. Join a Demonstration Cooking Class

New Orleans is celebrated for its exceptional culinary culture, ranked among the finest in the United States. Hence, it is no surprise that sampling the city’s cuisine is a highlight of any visit to The Big Easy.

Moreover, consider elevating your experience by joining the New Orleans School of Cooking, where you can master the fundamentals of Louisiana cooking. Located in the French Quarter, this culinary school has been offering hands-on demonstration classes since 1980 at reasonable rates.

Participants can select between a three-hour morning or afternoon class, accommodating up to 10 individuals and operating Monday through Saturday, with one session available on Sundays.

After the cooking segment, students enjoy a meal that includes beverages, wine, and beer.

This presents a delightful conclusion to your New Orleans adventure.