New Orleans is one of the most popular destinations in the US for domestic and international tourists… but do you know how to actually explore the city?
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I was there two years ago for a wedding. At the time, there were plenty of adventures to be found simply by wandering through the Garden District, French Quarter, Treme, and so on.
But to really dig into the city’s identity and lesser-known hotspots, I relied on tours.
If you want to avoid the city’s growing number of tourist traps to focus on a more meaningful trip, start with the tours listed below. They’re unique, they’re highly rated, and they’re going to showcase a side of the city you might not know very well.
Let’s dive in.
Looking for walking tours that focus on history? Start here. The tours listed below are geared to take you further into the weeds when it comes to NOLA culture.
Best New Orleans tours for all types of travelers
New Orleans Premier Ghost, Voodoo, & Vampire Walking Tour
This highly acclaimed tour was one of the first to cover ghosts and ghouls in New Orleans. You’ll benefit from plenty of experience as guides take you around the Big Easy, imparting folklore and historical tales in equal measure.
Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour
This tour offers a more hardcore look at NOLA’s terrifying underbelly. I’d prefer this tour over the one above because it includes more true crime tales. But if you’re more into getting a little spooked than losing sleep over murder trials, then stick with the option above. This tour is best geared toward fans of true fear.
Steamboat Natchez
Quick fact about New Orleans: It still plays a key role in river trade in the US. Though its historic boats aren’t quite as high-profile as they once were, I’m listing two on this list (the Creole Queen is listed below). The Natchez is the city’s most famous paddle-wheel boat that offers jazz dinners with sweeping city views.
Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise
If the Natchez doesn’t catch your interest, I suggest heading to the Creole Queen instead. But keep in mind that these tours are distinct in terms of content. The Natchez offers a jazz dinner, while the Creole Queen takes you on a historical adventure around the city’s bay.
French Quarter Small-Group Cocktail and Foodie Crawl
You’re not going to be short on options for small-group food and cocktail crawls. This option looks to offer a good balance between food and drinks. It also includes some historical facts about the French Quarter, the city’s most famous and highly trafficked neighborhood.
New Orleans Garden District History and Architecture Walking Tour
The Garden District is home to some of New Orleans’s most gorgeous and sprawling mansions. Learn more about individual homes, the history of the neighborhood, and the key features of its architecture in this walking tour.
Cajun and Creole Cooking Class
This offer from the New Orleans School of Cooking showcases some of the tastiest and most well-known Creole and Cajun dishes. You’ll leave with a full belly and plenty of recipes to take home. Just keep in mind that you won’t actually be cooking; this is a demonstration only.
Early Evening Cocktail History Tour
Some of the tastiest and most well-known cocktails in the US were born in New Orleans, from the historic sazerac to the brightly colored Hurricane. Just be sure to slam some water between your tastings.
French Quarter: Pirate History Walking Tour
The crux of this tour is to showcase what life was like in New Orleans in the 1800s for the average pirate. I had no idea there were pirates in New Orleans at the turn of the century, but I’m not surprised. I’m actually very intrigued.
Daytime City Helicopter Tour
To be blunt, New Orleans is way too haunted for me to risk a helicopter ride—but I doubt everyone feels that way. If you want to get a bird’s-eye view of NOLA, start here. You’ll be treated to plenty of factoids about the city during your ride.
Honey Island Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour
I said it once and I’ll say it again—Honey Island Swamp Tours should be at the top of your list when it comes to bayou excursions. They know what they’re doing.
Walking Tour Inside St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
Cemeteries in New Orleans are a bit deal thanks to their unique and above-ground plots. Here at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, you can learn more about some of the city’s most infamous ghosts, including Marie Laveau herself.
The Badly Behaved Women Who Made New Orleans Tour
While you learn about the badly behaved women who made New Orleans, you also get to sample some tasty cocktails and learn about history. Don’t worry—it’s not all slander here. These women are historical standouts that you’ll find in history books.
Kill Theater Murder Mystery
This is a great option for visitors who aren’t wooed by New Orleans’ extremely dark history. If you want a little spooky fun without all the disturbing factoids, head to this cheeky and interactive murder mystery experience.
African American Heritage Walking Tour
New Orleans is home to proud Creole culture—and the best way to learn about the complexities of modern Creole identity is to take a tour with those who understand it best. Delve into the powerful history of African Americans in New Orleans, uncovering the lesser-known origins of music, culture, architecture, food, and just about every other facet of the city’s identity.
