Things to Do in New Orleans, Louisiana

The National WWII Museum is a journey through time. This history museum offers a lesson on the country’s challenges and triumphs with other warring nations in a blend of sweeping narrative and poignant personal detail. Be fully immersed in the past with features like interactive exhibits, an expansive collection of artifacts, and first-person oral histories. Details

Take a step back in time and visit The Crown Jewel of Louisiana’s River Road! Restorations and enhancements highlight the wealthy lifestyle of the sugar barons who once lived there in the 19th century. You will see guides dressed in period-specific clothing as you tour the mansion and explore 38 acres of lavish gardens. Houmas House will steal your heart and is a must-see piece of history! Details

Airboats are flat-bottomed, which allows easy access to shallow waters and protects the wildlife that lives below the surface; they are the perfect vessel for exploring the marshlands of Louisiana! Enjoy thrilling encounters with alligators, turtles, and many other species, and along the way, take in the priceless views! Airboat Adventures provides a unique and fun learning experience that is great for all ages! Details

Hop aboard and take a New Orleans swamp tour with adept boat captains hailed from the bayous of South Louisiana. A Cajun Pride swamp boat tour offers an up-close experience with American alligators, abundant wildlife, and the Louisiana swamp’s mesmerizing flora and fauna while learning the unique history of the Cajun town of Frenier within the Manchac Swamp. Details

Add a little nature to your New Orleans trip on this relaxing pontoon ride through the bayous of Louisiana! A knowledgeable guide will take you to the best viewing locations to see alligators and other indigenous wildlife, and will keep you entertained with lots of fun facts and information about the region. Witness the beauty of the Louisiana swamps with Adventures of Jean Lafitte! Details

Savor a scrumptious Jazz Brunch in New Orleans at the legendary Court of Two Sisters. Located in the French Quarter, the Court of Two Sisters has served as a city staple since 1726. Look forward to mouthwatering local cuisine such as turtle soup, chicken and sausage gumbo, and shrimp etouffee, while enjoying live jazz in their stunning courtyard. Details

Experience the best of New Orleans with the Go City New Orleans All-Inclusive Pass! Enjoy unlimited access to 25+ attractions, including the National WWII Museum, an ultimate swamp adventure, and the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Save on admission and explore freely for up to 5 days. Immerse in the vibrant culture of New Orleans with a Go City New Orleans pass! Details

Centered around the lives of the family and slaves that once lived there, Laura Plantation: Louisiana's Creole Heritage Site was named the best history tour in the United States! Hidden from the road behind branches of large oak trees stands the beautiful main house. Around the property, you will find several outbuildings, slave cabins, gardens, and a museum. See what the hype is about and snag your tickets today! Details

Join this thrilling journey where the alcohol spirits meet the night's ghosts! This ghost walking tour is not for the faint of heart– or ones with delicate sensibilities. Learn about the shady and sinister history of some of New Orleans' haunted locations and enjoy a few drinks at some of the city's favorite neighborhood pubs in between. Details

This historic cruise focuses on 300 years of New Orleans’ history and is narrated by a true local. Hear all the river lore while scarfing down Cajun and Creole flavors from the on-ship buffet. View the French Quarter, the Port of New Orleans and have a shore excursion at the Jean National Historical Park. The whole family will enjoy cruising the river and learning about the rich culture of New Orleans’. Details

Uncover the secrets of voodoo in the city’s rich folklore on this 3-in-1 New Orleans Walking Tour. Explore iconic French Quarter landmarks and visit St. Louis Cemetery #1 to learn about the legendary Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Led by licensed guides, this 1.5-hour adventure dives into the city's intriguing history. An unforgettable experience awaits! Details

The 4 in 1 Witches, Ghosts, Vampires & Walking Tour explores the dark side of New Orleans. Learn the truth about characters of American Horror Story, visit structures where documented hauntings and paranormal activity have occurred, and discuss chilling stories of witches and vampires! This tour is known as one of the scariest experiences in The Crescent City! The truth can be stranger than fiction. Details

Everyone knows how haunted the French Quarter is. But have you experienced the haunts in person? On the History & Haunts Carriage Tour, you’ll discover 300 years worth of frights, history, and spooky ghost stories. As you travel through the French Quarter via carriage, you’ll listen to your local tour guide tell you all about the notable people… oops, ghosts… who roam the area. Perhaps you’ll get the chance to meet one! Details

This Unique NOLA guided New Orleans ghost tour will surely leave you awestruck and afraid as you stroll throughout the French Quarter – a must for every paranormal chill-seeker! Expert storytellers will guide you from one eerie site to another as you learn about the bone chilling ghosts and history of the local guides’ favorite haunted locations. Details

Explore St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans, renowned for its unique above and below-ground tombs and historic significance since 1789. This revered burial site, rich with the city's multicultural heritage, serves as the final resting place for notable local figures such as Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, civil rights activist Homer Plessy, and former city mayors. Details

Discover Vue Orleans atop Four Seasons Hotel, offering 360-degree views of vibrant New Orleans. Dive into interactive exhibits showcasing the city's rich history, art, music, and culture. Explore the only panoramic viewing platform in town, capturing the essence of the Big Easy's evolution. A must-visit destination for an immersive New Orleans experience. Details

Discover Destrehan Plantation, where history comes alive. Meet the individuals whose portraits adorn this historic home and learn about the enslaved men and women who established it. Costumed interpreters guide you through the Big House, sharing stories from the yellow fever outbreaks and Civil War. Don’t miss this historic New Orleans plantation tour. Details

Explore New Orleans' Garden District on a private tour filled with historic homes and gardens. See famous landmarks, including the Commander’s Palace and Anne Rice House, while your guide shares the fascinating and complex history of the neighborhood. Your tour ends with a refreshing drink and local tips for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Details

Go back in time on the Felicity Plantation tour—sister plantation to St. Joseph and part of the Louisiana Sugarcane Museum. Built in 1844–1847, it was the filming location for Skeleton Key and 12 Years a Slave and remains a working sugarcane farm. See its stunning scenery, Greek Revival-Creole architecture, and learn about its old dwellers’ rich history. Details

To maximize your time in New Orleans, book a seat on the French Quarter Carriage Tour. You’ll see all of the French Quarter’s top sights including the St. Louis Cemetery, the Napoleon House, Jackson Square, The Saint Louis Cathedral, Bourbon Street, and more. From the comfort of your carriage, you’ll discover more than 300 years of New Orleans’ history over the course of an hour! Details

Step outside the French Quarter and delve into the glamorous New Orleans Garden District! Learn about the Garden District’s rich history and architecture as you stroll past celebrity homes and sights like the Lafayette Cemetery with your local expert guide. This walking tour is a must-do on your next NOLA visit! Details

Climb aboard a New Orleans Hop-on Hop-off bus tour and discover the iconic landmarks and hidden gems of New Orleans at your own pace. Whether you're soaking in the elegance of the Garden District, shopping on Canal Street, or exploring the historic French Quarter, the iconic open-top buses ensure you won't miss a thing. Details

A native Cajun guide will share the wisdom of the wilderness while you cruise the Louisiana Swamplands. Alligators, snakes, and other wildlife are just outside the boat! These coast guard certified vessels are the ideal way to explore the marshlands in comfort. During the hour and a half tour, you will experience priceless moments and stunning beauty. Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours is an adventure you can’t miss! Details

Cruise the Louisiana bayous on a thrilling swamp boat ride, then step back in time with a visit to the historic Oak Alley Plantation in one full-day tour from New Orleans. Get up close with alligators and soak in the wild beauty of Manchac Swamp. Then, continue up the historic River Road for a guided tour of the Oak Alley Plantation Home by a costumed guide. Details

The dark side of humanity might spark your curiosity even if ghost stories don't fully grab your attention! Glimpse into the corrupt history of the French Quarter and darker side of humanity on this New Orleans true crime tour. Discover why echoes of gruesome crimes can still be felt today. This New Orleans walking tour is rated for mature audiences (ages 16+). Details

This spooky yet family-friendly New Orleans ghost tour strikes the perfect balance between exciting and creepy. Join Unique NOLA’s informative guide on this walking tour of the French Quarter’s most haunted locations jam-packed with supernatural activity. You’ll hear ghoulish and ghostly tales designed to entertain, but not keep the little ones up at night. Details

Unveil the tapestry of Louisiana’s rich history and charm on this New Orleans plantation tour. Explore the dual perspective of St. Joseph Plantation-Felicity Plantation during the Antebellum era. Immerse yourself in the opulence and complexity of these two distinct yet interconnected working sugarcane plantations, each with its own unique story to tell. Details

Explore St. Joseph Plantation, a real working cane sugar plantation and filming location for numerous TV shows and films. Tour the house and grounds, original slave cabins, blacksmith’s shop, schoolhouse, and more. Take a fascinating glimpse into life on a sugar plantation and the lives of the free and enslaved people who've lived there throughout its history. Details

Get an in-depth look at the culture and history of New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood! This French Quarter walking tour takes you to all the sights, from Bourbon Street to historic buildings and present-day locales. Along with insider tips from your local guide, you’ll discover how this “crown jewel of New Orleans” has captivated locals and visitors for centuries. Details

Immerse yourself in colorful history, soulful culture and all that jazz with the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass. Choose from over 45 attractions and special offers, including the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Jazz Cruise, National WWII Museum, Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour, and more. Hassle-free Day and Flex Pass options are available to be tailored to your budget and liking. Details

Join the Private Walking Tour of New Orleans to explore the eccentric and hip side of the Big Easy. New Orleans Is known as a melting pot of cultures with gorgeous architecture, jazz music genre, and marvelous cuisine. Learn about the rich history of the French Quarter, and immerse yourself in the vibrant music and local scenes that define this vibrant city. Details