Top Things to do in Louisiana
Countries
Things to do in Louisiana, United States: The Best Sightseeing Tours
Louisiana tourism is centered on New Orleans and the North Shore region in the southeastern corner of the state near the Florida border. West of New Orleans is the Great River Road, with the I-10 running to the Mississippi River port capital city of Baton Rogue. West of New Orleans along the Gulf of Mexico, the I-10 cuts through Lafayette and Lake Charles on its way past Abbeville to Texas. Central Louisiana is Lake Country, and home to cities like Alexandria and Natchitoches. In northern Louisiana, the I-20 runs west from Monroe to Bossier City, Shreveport, and East Texas. Unless Louisiana is very familiar and frequent territory, New Orleans will be the top choice for a Louisiana vacation. Though Mardi Gras, music, and the winning ways of the New Orleans Saints football team get the spotlight, there is much more to explore in New Orleans. Within New Orleans choose among Bourbon Street, Royal Street, the Upper and Lower French Quarters, the Warehouse and Central Business District, the Garden District and Uptown, and Mid-City. With street car lines linking the French Quarter to the Garden District, Convention Center, and everywhere else, it is easy for the whole family to get around. If long walks are your exercise, explore the scenic city on foot. An easy two-hour drive from New Orleans brings you to Baton Rogue, Natchitoches and Lake Country. Explore old Beauregard Town in downtown Baton Rogue, the historic homes of the Baton Rogue Garden District, and tour one or several working plantations. Walk the 33-block Historic Landmark District and tour the historic homes and churches of Natchitoches. Relive Spanish Empire history in Louisiana at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site. Heading west from New Orleans is Cajun Country and Lafayette with its mix of French, French Canadian (Acadian), Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. Besides Cajun and Creole cookery, explore the Civil War heritage at the Lafayette Museum. Stop by Abbeville to view the courthouse designed by Hayes Town, St. Mary Magdalen Church, and have a seafood meal. With 75 annual festivals Lake Charles is Louisiana's Festival City, and home to the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway. Shreveport and Bossier City in northwest Louisiana are casino and entertainment centers. Shreveport is renowned for hosting the Louisiana State Fair in the fall. Plus floral centers, art galleries, and museums. Monroe in the northeast also has notable gardens.
Restaurants in Louisiana
1. New Orleans Drunk Spirits Pub Crawl Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Combine the insatiable nightlife of the French Quarter with the storied past that hangs over our city. Our uniquely qualified, experienced guides will unearth for you what only the locals know but dare not speak. Hear tales of the broken-hearted and murderous, the forlorn and the strong on this 2-hour excursion through New Orleans' oldest neighborhood. … And if you think vampires are merely the lore of superstitious imagination, think again. The vampiric culture, its customs, and strange potions await the brave and the foolish alike. We will take you on a journey back in time to experience the carnage of pirates. This is your chance to delve into the ancient stories that plague New Orleans to this day through the eyes of local concoctions. 21 and over only. Guided tour included. Drinks not included. Tour may be modified due to COVID-19.
Inclusions: Licensed, Local Tour Guide
Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages
Reviewed By K4761SNryanc
So fun! Jody was awesome! We enjoyed every moment! We learned a lot about New Orleans. Highly recommended!
2. The National WWII Museum Campus Pass + Beyond All Boundaries 4-D Film
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
Designated by Congress as the official WWII museum of the United States, The National WWII Museum is located in downtown New Orleans on a six-acre campus, where five soaring pavilions house historical exhibits, on-site restoration work, a period dinner theater, and restaurants. Beyond All Boundaries, showing exclusively in The National WWII Museum’s Solomon Victory Theater, is a 4D journey through the war that changed the world. Time selected below is for your 4-D film. You may enter the Museum any time BEFORE your movie time to begin touring.
Inclusions: 4-D Film "Beyond All Boundaries" at The National WWII Museum, General Admission to The National WWII Museum
Exclusions:
Reviewed By 383chuckb
In NOLA for a delayed birthday trip for my son's 21st. We are history buffs and WWII may be the most important period of modern history. The museum definitely presents and honors the soldiers in a very fitting way. The new interactive oral history allows you to ask questions to one of the soldiers and then he will reply, truly one of a kind and cutting edge presentation. The 4D "Beyond all Boundaries" is a must do. Thank you all veterans and especially the remaining WWII veterans because you truly saved our way of life.
3. New Orleans Helicopter City Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 29 reviews
- Aerial tour covering 15 miles of the beautiful Crescent City. - Approximately 15 minutes of flight. - Beautiful sights of the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, and the Bywater. - Gorgeous views of the Mississippi River. - Glimpses of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome from a distance.
Inclusions: Personalized narrated tour from the pilot. , Safety briefing before every flight. , Upgrade options for each flight.
Exclusions: Gratuity is not included.
Reviewed By 383chuckb
I surprised by son on a 30 mile tour around New orleans for his delayed 21st birthday trip. We had an amazing flight, the weather was clear and perfect for the trip. I want to comment the pilot and the ground person for being very knowledgeable, experienced and professional. My son is still talking about the experience and we would both highly recommend it for anyone considering a unique way to see New Orleans.
4. New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 310 reviews
Enjoy the stories on a walking tour through New Orleans’ elegant 19th Century garden neighborhood. You will get to look through the gates at Lafayette Cemetery #1, currently closed to the public. This neighborhood and its cemetery tells the story of New Orleans from the Louisiana Purchase to the Civil War. Stunning antebellum mansions, lush gardens, unforgettable stories, and beautiful photo opportunities await! We keep our group size under 12 guests to make in a fun, personal experience.
Inclusions: Local guide, Small-group walking tour
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By stephanierH7722ZV
Loretta was our guide and was amazing! We had such a good time that the time flew by. She was so informative and entertaining that we came away with some historical facts we didn’t know (despite having history degrees in the group) and also some great entertaining conversational information for those in our family that didn’t come along. They really missed out! Overall, the best compliment I can give is that Loretta was someone I would happily share a drink with and just listen to for hours — likeable, fun loving, entertaining and delightful. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5. New Orleans True Murder Tour: Sinister Criminal Intentions
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 421 reviews
On this adults-only murder tour you will learn of the sordid details behind New Orleans' dark history. Not for the faint of heart! We take you on a journey through NOLA's real-life horror stories including Madame LaLaurie, The Trunk Murders and The Katrina Cannibal. You'll see where it all happened, understand the history behind it, and how the echoes of gruesome crimes still cry out.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Private tours are available
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By teiag0310
Always ask for Randy! He was great at keeping everyone's attention, and even better at the story telling. So many beautiful places to see, and so much humor. Randy was great with everything and makes you feel like you've known him forever.
6. New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour Including Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 556 reviews
This New Orleans Historic Garden District Walking Tour highlights the American settlement and their beautiful homes, gardens, wealth and how life was changed because of their amazing contributions. This multifaceted tour includes the unique history of our incredible city, culture, and architecture. The Americans early settlements, lavish lifestyles and immense wealth are obvious as we walk through this opulent and super astonishing neighborhood. Our Tour begins outside of the gates of Lafayette Cemetery #1, as you learn of the basic burial information and customs and discuss why New Orleans cemeteries are so unique (NOTE: PUBLIC ACCESS IS NOT ALLOWED IN THIS CEMETERY) We then walk around the neighborhood where you'll see the architectural styles of the Americans. You will see celebrity homes, perfectly manicured landscapes and movie hotspots as well. Walk with a local, see it through our eyes!
Inclusions: Professional guide, Insider tips for local hangouts, Recommendations for food, music and fun
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By 917candyj
Great walking tour of the Garden District! Our tour guide Angie was wonderful! She did a great job explaining the history of the town and architecture. You get to see many beautiful homes and also hear the history of the cemeteries.
7. New Orleans Cocktail History Walking Tour in the French Quarter
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 276 reviews
Savor tasty cocktails in the French Quarter of New Orleans on a walking tour with an expert local guide. Visit hidden gems enjoyed by locals for centuries, learning from your fun and knowledgeable guide about the historic venues you see and legendary cocktails you sip. Discover the origins of the Daiquiri, learn the truth about absinthe, and sample a Sazerac concocted from a 19th-century recipe. Each stop features a classic cocktail, mixed by renowned bartenders who add a signature twist. It's a perfect tour for cocktail and culture enthusiasts!
Inclusions: 4 cocktails, 4 venues, Local Guide
Exclusions: Food (food is available for purchase at some stops), Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By USAMaineTravelers
We did the combo cocktail and food tour with Ben. He was excellent and the food and drinks at each stop were good to excellent. The tour was seven stops with four cocktails included. We only needed a light meal for dinner! You get a wide overview with muffuletta, gumbo, pralines and rice and beans plus a hurricane and a daiquiri. And more besides all that!
8. New Orleans Sightseeing City Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 184 reviews
Experience New Orleans with us on this 2.5-hour sightseeing bus tour. Venture out of the French Quarter to explore the beautiful Garden District, Treme, Marigny, 9th Ward, and many other unique American neighborhoods. Learn about the city's fascinating history and awe in the sights and sounds of America's greatest city.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (only from hotels listed at checkout), Air-conditioned vehicle, Entrance to Cemetery on 9:00AM and 12:30PM tour
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By stefanier381
Kari was amazing!!! This was our second tour with her and she is extremely friendly and knowledgeable as a native to New Orleans! You can tell that she has a love and passion for her native city!
9. New Orleans Small-Group French Quarter Food Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 247 reviews
Dig into the rich and varied flavors that make New Orleans one of the USA’s top foodie destinations. From the most famous local haunts to some delectable hidden gems, you’ll leave with not only a full stomach and a smile, but a greater understanding of how New Orleans food, culture and history all go hand-in-hand.
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, Food samples. Food options and portion sizes vary - total amount of food equals a full meal.
Exclusions: Tips/gratuities for your guide
Reviewed By NikumanDet
I booked this tour for March 27th and paid via Paypal. I never received an email voucher until I emailed them days later and they said they never received my payment but sent me a voucher anyway as "an act of good faith". They did eventually inform me that they did receive my payment and all was good. Then the day of the tour I go to the designated meeting area, no tour, no tour guide. I wait a good 30 minutes before calling the number on the voucher, they tell me I cancelled the tour (obviously I didn't) and since I was the only one who booked the tour that day it was cancelled entirely. I was disappointed but I said as long as they issue me a refund, things will be fine. I wait a good two weeks and no sign of a refund, I emailed them again and they said it was "processing". It wasn't until I reported them through PayPal that I was issued my refund immediately. Needless to say I will not be doing business with Urban Adventures again.
10. Haunted Crawl: New Orleans Exclusive Haunted Tour
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 42 reviews
New Orleans is infamous for it's savage and tumultuous past which allegedly has left much of the historic French Quarter, haunted. The Haunted Crawl takes you on a 90-minute tour through the most haunted neighborhood in America, taking you to REAL buildings and homes where these horrors took place. Your tour guide will answer any questions about the stories and hauntings of the eerily creepy history of the oldest sector of the city. You will hear the REAL story and timeline behind the Lalaurie Mansion, Marie Laveau and everything that wasn't explained in American Horror Story. As a bonus, you will find out which celebrities have and still own homes in the French Quarter, where the scenes from famous movies were filmed and who loves this city so much they purchased a mausoleum to be buried in. We have ONE guide and he has over 3,000 tours under his belt and we're confident you will love his stories. This is a boutique haunted tour, we believe in QUALITY, not quantity.
Inclusions: Experienced guide
Exclusions: We encourage you to bring a beverage on the CRAWL, after all it's New Orleans and you can have your drink outside! However, drinks are not included in the price of the CRAWL.
Reviewed By austim
I had just done a photo tour earlier in the week for 3x as much money and had to wait 2 days to get the photos. While I got a couple good shots, I could have everything from the shots I got on this tour. The locations the angles, inspiration for poses. It also felt very collaborative, the guide knew exactly what to do to get the best Instagram shots but was also 100% open to my ideas. On the website there is a private tour option. If you can, I would highly recommend it. What is even better, if you know how to edit or what your preferred filters are, you will be ready to post the same day, not having to wait.
TAGS
