Things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana (LA): The Best City Tours

October 21, 2021 Marlin Saiz

Laissez les bons temps rouler! In New Orleans the good times are perpetually rolling down Bourbon Street, which, thanks to the city’s annual Mardi Gras celebration, has quite a party animal reputation. Once you’ve soaked up the scenery of the historic French Quarter, tour the elegant Garden District and meet the colorful characters of Frenchmen Street. Experience the city's supernatural vibe at the Voodoo Museum or by taking a guided ghost or vampire tour through taverns, alleyways, and cemeteries.
Restaurants in New Orleans

1. Glamorous Garden District & Lafayette Cemetery Tour

2800 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA Unique NOLA
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5.0 based on 31 reviews

Learn the history & architecture of the beautiful Garden District & Magazine Street. Your guide will take you to see residences of Anne Rice, Sandra Bullock, John Goodman, and more. Enjoy a visit to the Lafayette Cemetery & the Coven House of American Horror Story in a small group, walking tour.

Inclusions: Local guide

Exclusions: Gratuities, Transportation to/from attractions, Food and drinks

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.

2. New Orleans City Lights Night Helicopter Tour

8221 Lloyd Stearman Dr, New Orleans, LA 70126, USA Heli Co. New Orleans
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5.0 based on 15 reviews

Marvel at the sparkling lights and unparalleled views of New Orleans by night as you soar overhead on a helicopter tour.

Inclusions: Noise Cancelling Headsets, Window Seat for each passenger, On-site parking

Exclusions: Gratuities

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.

3. Private New Orleans City Tour with Local Expert Guide

Omni Royal Orleans, 621 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA Nola DeTours
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5.0 based on 18 reviews

We will explore the original suburbs of the old town… the hip Marigny, the funky Bywater and Bayou St John, the true gateway to New Orleans. We will ride through Tremé, the birthplace of Jazz, and so much more. Marc will cover the entire city, the American sector of uptown and cities now turned neighborhoods of Lafayette and the Irish Channel. Your guide knows all the right people and has both relationships and insight into this rich culture.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle

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Reviewed By W5295MZcharlesm

Mark is AMAZING.... . We cant say enough wonderful things about him and the experiences he pulled together for us in the 11th hour. He picked us up from the airport and from then on it was a volcano of information. For just a minimal extra fee he was able to include sites from some of his other tours because my daughter and I are very much into abandoned buildings and street art, of which Mark happens to offer separate tours on both. He even took extra time out with us to show us some of the best local food spots. We are incredibly grateful to have met Mark and to have booked NOLA Detours.

4. New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour

Gracious Bakery, 2854 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA Lucky Bean Tours
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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. Whitney Plantation and Large Airboat Tour

CRESCENT CITY TOURS & TRANSPORTATION
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4.9 based on 13 reviews

This is a half day tour of the Whitney Plantation and a Tour of the Louisiana swamp in a 16 to 20 passenger airboat through the marsh and swamps of southeast Louisiana.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle

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Reviewed By yeraldinu2021

Brian was great, funny and educational. On our way to the Whitney Plantation, he pointed out several landmarks and showed us a lot of movie sites without the extra cost, including evergreen plantation, oak alley plantation and other locations. We even stopped for food, Brian was very generous and very hospitable. The entire experience was made 100 times better thanks to "Derek". Recommend this 100%.

6. New Orleans True Murder Tour: Sinister Criminal Intentions

400 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA Unique NOLA
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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.

7. New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour Including Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

1427 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA TOURS by STEVEN
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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.

8. New Orleans Cocktail History Walking Tour in the French Quarter

Tiki Tolteca, 301 N Peters St 2nd floor, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA Doctor Gumbo Tours
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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!

9. New Orleans French Quarter Architecture Walking Tour

523 St Ann St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA New Orleans Architecture Tours
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4.9 based on 28 reviews

Discover the history of New Orleans through its architecture on a 2-hour walk around the French Quarter. Enjoy a leisurely stroll with a local guide to explore the many building styles prevalent in this neighborhood, with special attention to the history and the features of French and Spanish architecture. Hear the stories of the 18th and 19th century architects and families who made their mark on this unique area. Buildings included in this tour range from Creole Colonial buildings such as the Ursuline Convent and Madame John's Legacy to the 20th Century Louisiana Supreme Court.

Inclusions: Licensed, insured, local guide with an extensive knowledge of the area

Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By martaafalk

Katrina was amazing!!! Very knowledgeable about the architecture and history of New Orleans, and you can tell there is a true passion for the city that cannot be replaced. She was very respectful of the properties we talked about and their residents, and gave us a great insight into the neighborhood. We loved every minute of it, and easy to say, this was our favorite tour in NOLA! 10/10 would recommend.

10. New Orleans Sightseeing City Tour

620 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA Tour Orleans
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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!

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