Top Things to do in Louisiana
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What to do and see in Louisiana, United States: The Best City 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. Glamorous Garden District & Lafayette Cemetery Tour
Overall Ratings
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
Overall Ratings
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
Overall Ratings
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
Exclusions:
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
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. Whitney Plantation and Large Airboat Tour
Overall Ratings
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
Exclusions:
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
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.
7. 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.
8. 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!
9. New Orleans French Quarter Architecture Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
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
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!
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