Top Things to do in Louisiana
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What to do and see in Louisiana, United States: The Best 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 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. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2. French Quarter Historical Sights and Stories Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 588 reviews
This tour of New Orleans' oldest and most vibrant neighborhood has history, culture, architecture, and all the great stories that help you really understand what this city is all about! We keep our group size at 12 or fewer guests to make in a fun, personal experience.
Inclusions: Professional guide
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By 667sonyaw
Bobby was a great tour guide today. Our Garden District tour was awesome with our guide being very knowledgeable about the area. Gave us the most interesting facts and kept it moving. I would recommend his tours to everyone.
3. 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.
4. 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!
5. Adults Only - New Orleans Ghost, True Crime, Voodoo and Vampire Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 920 reviews
"When friends and family ask me what they shouldn’t miss when they visit New Orleans, I tell them, “Take a tour with Hottest Hell.” - Michael Cerveris, Star of 'Mindhunter' Do you believe there are things in this life that simply cannot be explained? Come take a walk through the haunted French Quarter stories that may leave you questioning what you ever thought possible. Our 8PM tour will be available with the VIP option of HELLVISION™! We use handheld projectors to bring the bloody images of New Orleans out of the archives and onto the streets for your tour. Our new 7PM tour is for those that prefer the road less traveled - an alternative to our popular main route, starting at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, telling oft-forgotten true crime gems. Tours go out rain or shine. Intoxicated travelers will not be permitted.
Inclusions: Paranormal walking tour with in-person guide, Lincensed, insured, and bonded tour operator
Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, We do not go inside of haunted structures
Reviewed By Vilmarie M
Ricardo Guerra was our tour guide and he was EXCELLENT! He made the tour super interesting and knowledgeable! Super recommended!
6. New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 674 reviews
This New Orleans food tour has every culinary taste covered. With a history-savvy guide leading the way, you’ll walk from classic Creole restaurants and neighborhood sandwich shops to hot sauce bars and artisanal candy stores. Visit up to six locations to sample diverse foods representing the breadth of Louisiana’s culinary heritage, including dishes like seafood gumbo, po-boys, muffulettas and pralines. Learn about the historical origins of each cuisine and, when possible, hear the chefs discuss their influences. Enjoy plenty of food on this afternoon tour. Please note: all venues are subject to change based on availability. This tour features a set menu and does not have a gluten-free, pork-free or vegetarian option. However, please notify us of any food allergies (not aversions) during check-out.
Inclusions: Lunch, Gratuities for servers at establishments
Exclusions: Beverages other than water, Gratuity for guide (optional), This tour features a set menu and does not have a gluten-free, pork-free or vegetarian option, Please notify us of any food allergies (not aversions) during check-out
Reviewed By mirandahardy
Amazing! Beth was an incredible tour guide, knew so much history. Made friends on this trip and would 100% recommend and do it again!
7. 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.
8. The National WWII Museum Campus Pass Ticket New Orleans
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 745 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. Step inside with a general admission ticket, and then spend as long as you like exploring this must-visit attraction independently. Discover thousands of World War II memorabilia and artifacts, and learn all about wartime events from the museum's information displays.
Inclusions: Admission ticket
Exclusions: Food and drinks (own expense), Beyond all Boundaries (4-d) and Final Mission
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.
9. Adults Only Ghost, Voodoo, Vampire & Horror Tour
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 446 reviews
Let's embark on a journey together as we unearth New Orlean’s most sinister figures. Listen to the haunting whispers of a tragic lover and sink into the madness of vampirism. Partake of Elixirs, leave offerings of baubles and beads, and pray it's enough to keep the demons at bay. Raven’s Omen will pull you into the seductive spirits of murder, suicide, and the paranormal. Every tour is unique and brought to you by a member of our community that is well-versed in the dark history of New Orleans. This tour is strictly for 18 and over. Please be advised, we do not enter any buildings. This is an outdoor walking tour. Please arrive at the check in location 30 minutes prior to departure. Late arrivals will not be guaranteed a spot on tour.
Inclusions: Narrated walking tour with licensed 5-star tour guide
Exclusions: Please be advised, we do not enter the locations mentioned
Reviewed By K4761SNryanc
So fun! Jody was awesome! We enjoyed every moment! We learned a lot about New Orleans. Highly recommended!
10. New Orleans Cooking Class
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 1,097 reviews
Take an entertaining and informative cooking class at the New Orleans School of Cooking! Located in a renovated molasses warehouse built in the early 1800s, this cooking class brings you to the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Learn the basics of Louisiana cooking from professional chefs and learn how to make classic New Orleans specialties such as gumbo, jambalaya and pralines. Enjoy the finished delectable dishes accompanied by complimentary beer, iced tea and coffee, and take the recipes home with you!
Inclusions: New Orleans cooking demonstration class, Generous sampling of all items, Coffee, iced tea and beer, Recipes
Exclusions: $5 fee payable on site for special requests due to dietary restrictions
Reviewed By Mainprize_Travel
My wife and I, and her sis and our brother-in-law had a DELICIOUS time at the 2 hour presentation by the very friendly and informative staff of the NOLA School of Cooking! We didn't take the do-it-yourself class, which is a little longer, but watching the master chef, Rene' Burnet, prepare the 4 course meal, and getting to eat it all as well, was a true highlight of our week, which also included some plantation tours, a swamp tour, and the WW2 museum. All of those were great, but DO NOT leave this cooking class off of your list when you next visit New Orleans, first time or not. Oh, and it's 'Prah-leens", not "Pray-lines", and "New Orlins", not "New Orleens" or "Nawlins," according to Mr. Burnet, a NOLA local resident!
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