Ever wondered which New Orleans tours are actually worth your time? You’ve come to the right place! To help you skip a few steps of planning, I’ve rounded up the top tours that consistently get rave reviews and keep visitors talking long after their trip ends.
Each option on this list stands out for its knowledgeable guides, memorable experiences, and overall value. But if you’re still unsure where to stay, be sure to check out my guide on the best neighborhoods in New Orleans to choose the perfect home base. Once you’re settled, these are the activities worth booking to make the most of your time in the Big Easy. Ready to explore?
Food Tours Worth Taking in New Orleans
There’s no better way to immerse yourself with the place you’re visiting than having a taste of their local cuisine, and NOLA delivers that experience like no other. These food tours pair iconic dishes with rich history and insider stories, making them a must for anyone who wants to truly savor the city.
New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour
🌟 4.9/5 stars (+1,500 reviews) | ⏳ Tour Duration: 3 Hours | 😋 BOOK NOW
Do you want the perfect introduction to the city’s legendary cuisine and cultural roots? This food and history walking tour will have you sampling classic dishes like gumbo, po-boys, and regional specialties.
It is led by a knowledgeable local guide that will take you to a stroll through historic neighborhoods while listening to stories of immigration, Creole traditions, and the culinary influences that shaped New Orleans’ food scene. Aside from trying out delicious foods, you’d even get to stop by local markets and artisanal shops throughout your tour.
I’d say that this is ideal for first-time visitors and food lovers alike since this tour blends flavor, storytelling, and local insight into one satisfying experience.
Billie (More Reviews)
👍 Highlights Of The New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour:
- Sample iconic Creole dishes like gumbo, po’boys, and pralines.
- Explore the French Quarter with a knowledgeable local guide.
- Visit hidden foodie spots, including hot sauce and praline shops.
- Learn the history and stories behind New Orleans’ culinary traditions.
New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter with Small-Group Option
🌟 4.8/5 stars (+5,900 reviews) | ⏳ Tour Duration: 3 Hours | 😋 BOOK NOW
This French Quarter food tour offers a flavorful deep dive into New Orleans’ most iconic neighborhood, with the added bonus of a small-group option for a more personal experience.
Over three hours, you’ll visit several locally loved spots to sample gumbo, alligator sausages, and jambalaya to name a few. I find it entertaining how, between bites, your guide shares engaging stories about the Quarter’s history, architecture, and vibrant food culture.
There’s also an added variety in the tour that you might appreciate since the stops may include art galleries or cooking schools, not just restaurants alone. With manageable group sizes and generous tastings, this tour is a hit with travelers who want authentic flavors without the crowds.
Carrie (More Reviews)
👍 Highlights Of The New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter:
- Try classic New Orleans dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and po’boys.
- Taste authentic foods from top French Quarter restaurants and specialty spots.
- See iconic landmarks like Café du Monde along the way.
- Upgrade to a small-group experience for a more intimate adventure.
Ghost Tours Travelers Can’t Stop Talking About
Some cities have history, but New Orleans has stories that linger long after the sun goes down. From shadowy alleyways to centuries-old buildings, these ghost tours dive into the city’s most chilling legends and haunted past. Equal parts spooky and fascinating, these are the spooky tours that travelers can’t stop talking about.
Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour
🌟 4.8/5 stars (+6,400 reviews) | ⏳ Tour Duration: 1.5 Hours | 👻 BOOK NOW
Designed exclusively for adults, this ghost tour explores New Orleans’ darkest and most fascinating legends after nightfall. The guide dives into true crime stories, voodoo traditions, vampire lore, and documented hauntings as you walk through eerie streets and historic locations, which I find fascinating.
The storytelling is bold, detailed, and unapologetically gritty, making it ideal for travelers who want more than lighthearted ghost tales. Stops often include infamous buildings tied to real events, adding authenticity to the experience.
I definitely recommend this tour for that perfect blend of spooky and educational, where its depth, atmosphere, and captivating guides will bring the city’s shadowy past vividly to life.
Isaac (More Reviews)
👍 Highlights Of The Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour:
- Discover New Orleans’ haunted history with chilling true-crime and voodoo stories.
- Explore the French Quarter after dark for a spine-tingling experience.
- Visit notorious haunted sites, including the Lalaurie Mansion and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop.
- Upgrade to the VIP tour for immersive Hellvision digital projections.
- Experience the city’s supernatural legends and eerie tales you won’t find on your own.
New Orleans Premier Ghost, Voodoo and Vampire Walking Tour
🌟 4.5/5 stars (+12,600 reviews) | ⏳ Tour Duration: 1.5 Hours | 👻 BOOK NOW
Would you like to have that feeling of ease from joining one of the city’s most popular ghost tours? Because I do! And this walking experience gives just that while delivering a fast-paced and entertaining evening that blends haunted history, voodoo practices, and vampire legends.
The guides are known for their energetic storytelling and their willingness to share raw, lesser-known details of New Orleans’ darker past. For me, the highlight is visiting the haunted buildings, hearing chilling firsthand accounts, and discovering how folklore and real history intertwine in the French Quarter.
While undeniably spooky, the tour balances scares with humor and cultural insight, making it welcoming even for first-time ghost tour guests. It’s a memorable way to experience the city after dark.
Brandon (More Reviews)
👍 Highlights Of The New Orleans Premier Ghost, Voodoo and Vampire Walking Tour:
- Explore the French Quarter at night with tales of ghosts, witches, and vampires.
- Visit eerie landmarks like the LaLaurie Mansion and Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar.
- Hear chilling stories about voodoo, witchcraft, and New Orleans’ haunted past.
- Learn about historic sites like the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum and Jackson Square.
Swamp Tours That Show You the Real Bayou
Venture beyond the city streets and step into the wild heart of Louisiana on a swamp tour. Glide through moss-draped cypress trees, spot unique wildlife, and discover the hidden waterways that make the bayou so magical. These tours give travelers an up-close look at the real Louisiana landscape that few get to see.
New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation
🌟 4.9/5 stars (+5,300 reviews)|⏳ Tour Duration: 5 Hours | 🍃 BOOK NOW
It’s such an effortless escape when your swamp and bayou tour includes a round-trip transportation from New Orleans. Once on the water, you’ll cruise through serene wetlands filled with cypress trees, Spanish moss, and abundant wildlife.
I appreciate how knowledgeable the captains are as they point out alligators, birds, and other native animals while explaining how Cajun communities live in harmony with the swamp. The ride is also suitable for all-ages, so if you’re planning a family trip then you should consider this for your itinerary.
With plenty of wildlife sightings and scenic photo opportunities, this tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Louisiana’s natural beauty without the hassle of arranging your own transport.
Melissa (More Reviews)
👍 Highlights Of The Swamp and Bayou Boat Ride with Round-Trip Transport:
- Explore one of Louisiana’s last protected wetlands on a 2-hour boat tour.
- Spot wildlife including alligators, wild boar, snakes, and a variety of birds.
- Learn about Cajun culture and the swamp’s unique ecosystem from a local guide.
- Visit an authentic Cajun village accessible only by boat.
- Enjoy round-trip transportation from New Orleans and scenic views along the way.
New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure
🌟 4.8/5 stars (+1,800 reviews) |⏳ Tour Duration: 1.5 Hours | 🍃 BOOK NOW
Short on time but still want a thrilling bayou experience? This swamp boat adventure delivers big excitement in just an hour and a half. Led by expert captains who know the waterways inside and out, the tour takes you deep into alligator territory while sharing fascinating facts about swamp ecosystems.
It amazes me that you’d get to see gators up close, along with birds, turtles, and other wildlife native to southern Louisiana. The smaller tour format also keeps things engaging and interactive, with plenty of opportunities for questions and photos. It’s a fun, efficient way to experience the swamp without committing to a full-day excursion.
Heather (More Reviews)
👍 Highlights Of The New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure:
- Cruise through the Barataria Swamps and explore Louisiana’s unique wetlands.
- Spot wildlife such as alligators, snakes, and turtles along the way.
- Pass by cultural landmarks including a Cajun cemetery, Indian burial mound, and fishing village.
- Learn about the region’s nature and history from a professional local guide.
- Relax in a comfortable swamp tour boat with cushioned seats and panoramic views.
Plantation Tours That Bring History to Life
Step back in time on a plantation tour that brings the history of Louisiana to life. Explore grand antebellum homes, lush gardens, and historic grounds while learning the stories of the people who lived and worked there. These tours give travelers a deeper understanding of the region’s past in a way that’s both engaging and unforgettable.
Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans
🌟 4.8/5 stars (+3,200 reviews) |⏳ Tour Duration: 7.5 Hours | 🏡 BOOK NOW
Combo tours are especially convenient for travelers who want to see more in one day without worrying about logistics, and in this experience, the plantation visit is the clear highlight since you’d get to spend around two hours in the location.
The full-day itinerary centers on a guided tour of Oak Alley Plantation, renowned for its breathtaking oak-lined avenue and well-preserved antebellum architecture. I like how there’s meaningful time to explore the grounds and learn about the plantation’s complex history and legacy before having a look at Louisiana’s natural environment and local wildlife.
With transportation handled from start to finish, the tour is smooth and stress-free, making it an easy and enriching way to experience one of the region’s most iconic plantations.
Jennifer (More Reviews)
👍 Highlights Of The Swamp Boat Ride and Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans:
- Tour historic Oak Alley or Destrehan Plantation and learn about antebellum life.
- Walk beneath the famous alley of 28 majestic oak trees at Oak Alley Plantation.
- Glide through Manchac Swamp on a boat ride while spotting alligators, raccoons, and native birds.
- Hear fascinating stories about Louisiana’s history, culture, and wetland preservation from a local guide.
- Enjoy round-trip transportation from New Orleans in a comfortable air-conditioned coach.
Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans
🌟 4.6/5 stars (+1,300 reviews) | ⏳ Tour Duration: 5 Hours | 🏡 BOOK NOW
For travelers seeking a deeper understanding of the region’s past, this Whitney Plantation tour stands out as one of the most impactful and thought-provoking excursions available. I appreciate that the stories center around those who lived and labored on the grounds through memorials, exhibits, and preserved structures.
It provides a powerful and educational experience focused on the history of enslaved people in Louisiana so you could get meaningful context and historical depth that makes this tour both sobering and enlightening.
There’s even an included transportation from New Orleans, an added bonus that allows visitors to fully focus on the experience without any worries.
Marthie (More Reviews)
👍 Highlights Of The Whitney Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans:
- Explore the Whitney Plantation Museum and learn about the history of slavery in Louisiana.
- See original and restored slave cabins and the historic Big House with Spanish Creole architecture.
- Tour the grounds at your own pace with an audio guide via the Whitney Plantation app.
- Gain insight into the lives of enslaved people through first-person narratives and museum exhibits.
- Round-trip transportation from New Orleans is included for a hassle-free visit.
River Cruises for a Different View of New Orleans
See New Orleans from a whole new perspective on a river cruise along the Mississippi. Drift past iconic landmarks, enjoy scenic views of the city skyline, and soak in the rhythm of the river while learning about the city’s history and culture. These cruises offer a relaxing and memorable way to experience the Big Easy.
Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise
🌟 4.4/5 stars (+1,900 reviews) | ⏳ Tour Duration: 2.5 Hours | 🛳️ BOOK NOW
Step aboard the Creole Queen for a classic paddlewheeler cruise along the Mississippi River for a relaxing experience that offers panoramic views of New Orleans’ skyline. The onboard guide shares stories about the river’s role in shaping the city as you pass historic neighborhoods and industrial ports, gaining a new perspective on life along the Mississippi.
Throughout the ride, you’d have spacious decks that allow plenty of room to move around, take photos, or simply enjoy the breeze. With its laid-back pace and informative narration, the Creole Queen cruise is ideal for travelers looking to unwind while still learning about New Orleans’ history.
Melonie (More Reviews)
👍 Highlights Of The Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise:
- Sail the Mississippi River aboard a classic Paddlewheeler and enjoy scenic city views.
- Learn about local history, including the Battle of New Orleans, from an onboard historian.
- Disembark for a guided tour of Chalmette Battlefield and its historic landmarks.
- Relax on board with food and drinks available for purchase at the cash bar.
- Multiple departure times throughout the day make it easy to fit into your schedule.
New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise
🌟 4.3/5 stars (+5,200 reviews) | ⏳ Tour Duration: 2 Hours | 🛳️ BOOK NOW
I think if you want to fully immerse yourself in New Orleans’ classic steamboat culture, the Steamboat Natchez jazz cruise is one of the most iconic ways to do it. It is the last authentic steam-powered sternwheeler operating in the Crescent City, offering a rare opportunity to experience the Mississippi River like travelers did generations ago.
Guests could take in the sweeping river views while live traditional jazz by local musicians creates a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. I also noticed how the optional lunch, featuring a hearty Creole-inspired menu, added to the experience without feeling rushed.
Overall, it offers a timeless, easygoing way to experience New Orleans’ music, culture, and hospitality from the water.
Dolores (More Reviews)
👍 Highlights Of The New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise:
- Sail the Mississippi River aboard a classic Paddlewheeler and enjoy scenic city views.
- Learn about local history, including the Battle of New Orleans, from an onboard historian.
- Disembark for a guided tour of Chalmette Battlefield and its historic landmarks.
- Relax on board with food and drinks available for purchase at the cash bar.
- Multiple departure times throughout the day make it easy to fit into your schedule.
Endless Ways to Experience the Big Easy
From unforgettable meals and haunted legends to swamp adventures and river cruises, New Orleans offers tours that bring every side of the city to life. No matter your interests— food, history, nature, or nightlife— there’s an experience waiting to match your travel style. Booking the right tour doesn’t just fill your itinerary; it deepens your connection to the city and the stories that define it.
PS. If your itinerary is looking a bit empty, I prepared a list of famous historical sites and landmarks in NOLA that you can check out to spice your trip up a bit.
- Best Things To Do In New Orleans On Your First Trip
- Areas To Stay In New Orleans For First Timers Based on Travel Preferences
- 20 Interesting And Fun Facts About New Orleans LA
