New Orleans is a city where every corner seems to whisper a story. Its lively streets, historic cemeteries, and mysterious bayous make it a perfect place for a variety of guided tours and unique experiences. Whether you’re eager to spot wild alligators, explore haunted houses, or walk through grand mansions, the city has a lot to offer. We particularly enjoy the Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise for a close-up look at Louisiana’s wildlife and Cajun culture, and the French Quarter Ghost Tour for a spine-tingling peek into the city’s haunted past. These tours don’t just tell stories—they immerse you in the local flavor.
If you’re after a well-rounded experience, the Garden District Tour offers a leisurely stroll through beautiful mansions and historic cemeteries, perfect for sightseeing and photography. For those interested in deep cultural stories, the Treme African American & Creole History Tour provides insight into New Orleans’ musical roots. Whatever your style, this list of the best tours & experiences in New Orleans will help you make the most of your visit.
1. New Orleans Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise W/ Optional Pick-Up
At number one, the Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise offers an accessible way to see Louisiana’s bayou wildlife. With a 4.7/5 rating from over 1,300 reviews, it’s clear this tour hits the mark. The cruise lasts between 1.5 to 4 hours, depending on your choice, and includes a ride on a typical swamp boat through lush wetlands. You’ll encounter wild alligators, raccoons, and a variety of bird life, all while your guide shares stories about Cajun culture and the wetlands’ history.
What makes this tour special is the optional pick-up service from New Orleans, making logistics simpler. The guide, Captain Danny, is praised for his knowledge and friendliness. Reviewers love the humor, the wildlife sightings, and the educational aspect—”Incredible voyage, it’s a must-see when you go to New Orleans,” one wrote.
Bottom line: Perfect for families and nature lovers eager for a hands-on, wildlife-filled adventure close to the city.
2. New Orleans: Walking Tour Inside St. Louis Cemetery No. 1
This 1-hour tour takes you inside the famously restricted St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, rated 4.6/5 by over 1,270 reviews. It’s one of the few cemeteries open to guided tours, allowing you to get close to the tombs of notable figures like Marie Laveau, the legendary Voodoo Queen. You’ll also see Nicolas Cage’s pyramid-shaped tomb, a unique sight in the city’s above-ground burial tradition.
Your guide will explain how New Orleans’ burial customs work, revealing the stories behind these historic tombs. Reviewers highlight the engaging storytelling and the chance to see a cemetery that’s usually off-limits. The tour is concise but packed with fascinating anecdotes about the city’s past residents.
Bottom line: Ideal for history enthusiasts interested in the city’s unique cemetery architecture and voodoo lore.
3. New Orleans: French Quarter Ghost and Haunted House Tour
For those drawn to the supernatural, this 2-hour ghost tour has a solid 4.6/5 rating from nearly 940 reviews. Walking through the haunted streets of the French Quarter, you’ll hear tales of ghostly apparitions, murders, and the city’s dark past. The tour includes visits to iconic sites like the Lalaurie Mansion and the Old Ursuline Convent.
What sets this tour apart is the only inside visit to a real haunted house, adding a spooky touch that’s hard to beat. The tour also includes stops at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, one of America’s oldest bars, where you’re welcome to bring a drink and soak in the eerie atmosphere.
Reviewers love the engaging guides, especially Leah and Gomez, who keep the stories lively and fun. It’s perfect for history buffs, ghost hunters, or anyone curious about New Orleans’ haunted reputation.
Bottom line: A must-do for ghost fans wanting a mix of history, architecture, and paranormal tales.
4. New Orleans: Garden District Tour
On the list’s fourth spot, the Garden District Tour is a 1 hour 45-minute walk rated 4.8/5 by over 430 reviews. It showcases the grand mansions and celebrity homes of those who once called this neighborhood home, including Anne Rice, John Goodman, and Sandra Bullock.
The tour highlights the Southern live oak trees, Crepe Myrtles, and the Lafayette Cemetery #1. Your guide shares stories about the architecture, local legends, and why the above-ground burials are a distinctive feature of New Orleans. Reviewers praise guides like Erin and Eva for their knowledge and storytelling flair, making this a relaxed yet informative experience.
Bottom line: Great for architecture buffs, photography lovers, and fans of Southern charm.
5. New Orleans: French Quarter, Voodoo and Cultural Experience
This 2-hour walking tour (rated 4.5/5 by 970 reviews) offers a deep dive into the culture and history of the French Quarter. Starting at the Witches Brew Gallery, the tour explores the Creole culture of Treme and the voodoo traditions linked to Marie Laveau. Along the way, you’ll visit Jackson Square and other historic sites.
What makes this tour stand out is the focus on Voodoo and local customs, providing context for the city’s mystical reputation. The guides are known for their engaging storytelling, making complex cultural topics accessible. It’s suitable for those wanting an immersive experience that combines history, culture, and local legends.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers interested in Creole traditions and voodoo lore, offering a well-rounded cultural overview.
6. New Orleans: Cemetery Tour
Rated 4.6/5 from over 590 reviews, the Cemetery Tour lasts about 2 hours and explores the above-ground tombs of New Orleans. It’s a fascinating journey through the “cities of the dead”, visiting several cemeteries and learning why New Orleans buries its dead above ground.
Your guide explains the history of voodoo, notable residents, and the significance of the tombs. The tour is highly recommended by travel channels and offers a chance to see tombs of both famous and infamous residents. It’s perfect for anyone interested in the city’s unique burial customs.
Bottom line: A compelling option for those curious about New Orleans’ mysterious funeral traditions.
7. New Orleans: Voodoo Queen Tour of French Quarter
Rated 4.6/5 from 479 reviews, this 1.5-hour tour focuses on Marie Laveau and her influence on the city’s voodoo scene. Walking through the French Quarter, you’ll learn why she’s called the Voodoo Queen, see her burial site, and explore how voodoo intertwines with New Orleans’ identity.
The tour combines historical facts with local legends, revealing how voodoo has shaped the city’s culture. It’s ideal for those interested in spiritual traditions and the city’s mystical side. Many visitors appreciate the storytelling, which makes complex cultural ideas easy to understand.
Bottom line: A concise, immersive experience for anyone keen on voodoo history and Marie Laveau’s legacy.
8. New Orleans: Haunted Pub Crawl
Rated 4.6/5 from 367 reviews, the Haunted Pub Crawl is a lively, 2-hour adventure through the haunted bars and taverns of the French Quarter. It’s perfect for those who want to combine drinks with ghost stories.
You’ll visit historic establishments like Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and learn about the city’s dark lore. The routes may shift due to events, but the focus remains on combining entertainment and history. The guides are known for their humor and storytelling skills, making it a fun night out.
Bottom line: Great for social travelers who enjoy a drink while hearing spooky tales.
9. New Orleans Garden District Tour
Rated 4.8/5 from 190 reviews, this 2-hour walk takes you through one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city. The tour showcases 19th-century mansions, historic homes, and the Commander’s Palace restaurant.
Your guide shares stories about celebrity homes and details about the Lafayette Cemetery #1. Reviewers like Orion and DJ mention the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge, making this a highlight for architecture and history lovers.
Bottom line: A relaxed, scenic tour ideal for those wanting to see the city’s elegant side.
10. New Orleans: Treme African American & Creole History Tour
Rated 4.8/5 from 169 reviews, this 1 hour 45-minute tour explores the Treme neighborhood, the birthplace of jazz. It highlights African American culture, the influence of Congo Square, and local music legends.
The guide shares insights about the area’s musical evolution and its role in shaping New Orleans’ sound. Fans of jazz and cultural history especially appreciate this tour. Many reviews praise the guide’s passion and depth of knowledge.
Bottom line: Perfect for music lovers and those interested in Creole culture.
11. New Orleans: Drunk History Walking Tour
Rated 4.5/5 from 162 reviews, this 2-hour tour mixes comedy, history, and drinks. You’ll learn about pirates, voodoo, and the darker stories of New Orleans’ past while enjoying a few drinks at local bars.
The tour’s humorous approach makes history accessible and entertaining, suitable for casual visitors wanting a relaxed, fun experience. Reviewers enjoy the humorous storytelling and lively atmosphere.
Bottom line: Great for those looking for a lively, humorous look at the city’s darker side.
12. New Orleans: 2-Hour Homes of the Rich & Famous Walking Tour
Rated 4.6/5 from 115 reviews, this tour takes you through the Garden District, visiting homes of celebrities like Sandra Bullock and John Goodman. Expect about two hours of walking with plenty of photo opportunities.
Your guide shares gossip about neighborhood scandals and points out movie and TV filming locations. Reviewers find the tour engaging and informative, with guides like Charmaine and Bob providing lively commentary.
Bottom line: A fun, celebrity-focused walk for architecture fans and pop culture enthusiasts.
13. New Orleans: 2-Hour French Quarter History and Voodoo Tour
Rated 4.8/5 from 76 reviews, this tour covers history and voodoo in the French Quarter. Visiting Congo Square, Jackson Square, and Marie Laveau’s home, it offers a comprehensive look at the city’s mystical roots.
The guide explains the early voodoo practices, the slave trade, and indigenous influences, making the complex connection between religion and culture clear.
Bottom line: Excellent for those wanting an in-depth, balanced overview of voodoo and early city history.
14. New Orleans: 5 in 1 Ghost & Mystery Evening Tour
The final spot goes to the 5 in 1 Ghost & Mystery Evening Tour, rated 4.2/5 from 264 reviews. Over two hours, you’ll hear stories about ghosts, vampires, and unsolved mysteries. The tour combines paranormal tales with a lively narration by Haunted History Tours’ storytellers.
It’s perfect for those who want a little bit of everything—ghosts, secret societies, and spooky legends. Reviewers love the engaging guides and the immersive storytelling style.
Bottom line: Best suited for thrill-seekers and mystery lovers wanting a comprehensive spooky experience.
How to Choose the Right Tour in New Orleans
When selecting among these tours, consider your interests, budget, and time constraints. For wildlife lovers, the Swamp Cruise offers an authentic bayou adventure (see details here). History enthusiasts might prefer the cemetery or French Quarter walking tours—both rich in stories and visuals.
If you love music and culture, the Treme tour or the Garden District walk will satisfy your curiosity. For a fun, social evening, the Haunted Pub Crawl or Ghost & Mystery Tour combine entertainment with storytelling. Book early, especially in peak season, and choose a tour that matches your travel style and energy level.
Final Thoughts
From swamp adventures to ghostly walks and celebrity mansion tours, New Orleans offers a variety of experiences tailored to every traveler. If you’re interested in Louisiana’s wildlife, the Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise delivers an immersive, family-friendly journey. For lovers of history and architecture, the Garden District Tour and cemetery visits reveal the city’s grandeur and strange customs. And for thrill-seekers, the Ghost & Mystery Tour offers spooky stories and paranormal encounters.
Be sure to book your preferred experiences early, as these popular tours fill up quickly. Whatever your interests, New Orleans provides memorable ways to connect with its stories, culture, and spirit.