New Orleans is a city where vibrant culture, fascinating history, soulful music, and unforgettable food come together. From the lively streets of the French Quarter to peaceful cruises along the Mississippi River, the best New Orleans tours make it easy to experience the city’s unique character in a memorable way. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, there is a tour to suit every type of traveler.
Explore the historic French Quarter on a guided walking tour and discover colorful architecture, legendary landmarks, and stories that have shaped New Orleans. For something more atmospheric, join a New Orleans ghost or haunted history tour and hear intriguing tales about the city’s mysterious past.
For nature and wildlife experiences, consider a swamp tour near New Orleans, where you can explore Louisiana’s distinctive wetlands and learn about its fascinating ecosystem.
With so many experiences available, the best New Orleans tours offer an exciting way to discover the history, culture, cuisine, and spirit of this remarkable Louisiana city.
Best New Orleans Tours
| New Orleans: Evening Steamboat Jazz Cruise | New Orleans: Daytime Steamboat Jazz Cruise | New Orleans: High-Speed 9-Passenger Airboat Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Duration | 2 hours | 2 hours | 1h 40m |
| Starting Time | Check availability | Check availability | Check availability |
| Meeting Point | Depending on the option booked | Depending on the option booked | Depending on the option booked |
| Includes | 2-hour Sightseeing Cruise, Captivating views of the city, Indoor and outdoor seating | 2-Hour Riverboat Cruise, Captivating views of the city , Indoor and outdoor seating | Hotel pickup and drop-off Airboat tour, Captain/guide |
| More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best New Orleans Tours For [2026]
- New Orleans: Evening Steamboat Jazz Cruise
- New Orleans: Daytime Steamboat Jazz Cruise
- New Orleans: High-Speed 9-Passenger Airboat Tour
- New Orleans Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise
- City Sightseeing New Orleans HOHO Bus Tour
- New Orleans: Swamp Boat Ride & Oak Alley Plantation Tour
- New Orleans: Night Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour
Best New Orleans Tours Reviews
#1. New Orleans: Evening Steamboat Jazz Cruise
New Orleans: Evening Steamboat Jazz Cruise
Experience the charm of New Orleans from a different perspective with the New Orleans Evening Steamboat Jazz Cruise along the Mississippi River. Combining live jazz, riverfront scenery, and the atmosphere of an authentic paddlewheel steamboat, this evening experience offers a relaxing way to enjoy one of Louisiana’s most distinctive traditions. Whether you are visiting New Orleans for the first time or looking for something special to do after exploring the city, this cruise adds a memorable touch to your trip.
Cruise Along the Mississippi River
Step aboard the steamboat and settle in as the vessel leaves the riverfront behind. As you cruise along the Mississippi River, you can take in views of the New Orleans skyline and waterfront while enjoying the gentle rhythm of the journey. The changing light of the evening creates an appealing backdrop, making the cruise particularly enjoyable for travelers who want to see the city away from its busy streets.
The experience is designed to let you slow down and appreciate New Orleans from the water. Instead of rushing between landmarks, you can simply enjoy the scenery, music, and relaxed atmosphere throughout the cruise.
Enjoy Live Jazz on the Water
Jazz is an essential part of New Orleans culture, and live music is at the heart of this experience. Aboard the steamboat, musicians provide a lively soundtrack inspired by the city’s celebrated musical heritage. The combination of traditional riverboat surroundings and live jazz creates an atmosphere that feels distinctly New Orleans.
Music lovers can sit back and enjoy the performance while watching the river pass by. Even if you are new to jazz, the relaxed setting makes it an enjoyable introduction to one of the city’s most important cultural traditions.
Optional Dinner Experience
Depending on the option selected, you may also be able to include dinner during your cruise. An evening meal on the Mississippi adds another dimension to the experience, allowing you to enjoy local flavors while surrounded by river views and live entertainment.
Choosing the dinner option can be particularly convenient if you want to combine sightseeing, music, and an evening meal into one activity. It also means less time spent planning separate activities during your New Orleans visit.
A Memorable New Orleans Evening
The New Orleans Evening Steamboat Jazz Cruise is a great choice for travelers who want a more relaxed way to experience the city. Rather than exploring New Orleans entirely on foot, this cruise gives you an opportunity to appreciate its riverfront character while enjoying live entertainment.
It can also be a pleasant addition to a wider New Orleans itinerary. Spend the afternoon discovering the French Quarter, sampling Creole cuisine, or visiting historic attractions, then finish your day on the Mississippi River with jazz and city views.
Whether you choose the cruise-only experience or an option that includes dinner, the combination of a traditional steamboat, live jazz, and an evening on the Mississippi makes this tour an appealing choice for visitors.
If you are searching for New Orleans tours that combine sightseeing with authentic local culture, the New Orleans Evening Steamboat Jazz Cruise offers a distinctive way to experience the city after sunset.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#2. New Orleans: Daytime Steamboat Jazz Cruise
New Orleans: Daytime Steamboat Jazz Cruise
Discover the character of New Orleans from the Mississippi River on the New Orleans Daytime Steamboat Jazz Cruise. Combining scenic river views, live jazz, and the timeless atmosphere of a traditional paddlewheel steamboat, this cruise offers a relaxing way to experience one of Louisiana’s most recognizable traditions. With an optional lunch available, it can easily become a memorable part of your New Orleans sightseeing itinerary.
Cruise the Mississippi River
Step aboard the steamboat and leave the busy streets of New Orleans behind as you travel along the mighty Mississippi River. During the cruise, take time to admire views of the city, riverfront, and surrounding scenery from the water. The daytime setting provides excellent opportunities to appreciate the landscape and watch activity along one of America’s most famous waterways.
Rather than following a packed sightseeing schedule, the cruise gives you the chance to slow down and enjoy the journey itself. Find a comfortable spot on board, take in the scenery, and watch the river change as the steamboat moves along its route.
Experience New Orleans Jazz
No visit to New Orleans feels complete without experiencing its famous musical heritage. Live jazz forms an important part of this cruise, providing entertainment as you travel along the river. The combination of traditional steamboat surroundings and authentic New Orleans-style music creates an atmosphere that reflects the city’s deep connection with jazz.
Music enthusiasts can enjoy the performance while taking in the views, while first-time visitors get an easy and enjoyable introduction to an essential part of local culture. The relaxed setting also makes the cruise suitable for travelers who simply want to enjoy good music during a scenic afternoon on the river.
Optional Lunch on Board
For travelers who want to make the experience more complete, an optional lunch can be included depending on the selected ticket. Enjoying a meal while cruising the Mississippi offers a pleasant alternative to stopping at a restaurant in the middle of your sightseeing day.
The lunch option can also make planning easier, especially for visitors who want to combine sightseeing and dining into one experience. You can enjoy your meal, listen to live music, and continue watching the river without having to interrupt the cruise.
A Relaxing Way to See New Orleans
The New Orleans Daytime Steamboat Jazz Cruise is ideal for travelers looking for a slower-paced activity that still captures the spirit of the city. Instead of exploring only through crowded streets, you can see New Orleans from the river and gain a different perspective on its waterfront.
It works particularly well as part of a full day in the city. You might explore the French Quarter in the morning, enjoy the steamboat cruise around midday, and continue discovering New Orleans attractions afterward. The cruise provides a welcome break from walking while still giving you an entertaining sightseeing experience.
Whether you are traveling with family, friends, or simply looking for a distinctive way to spend part of your day, this Mississippi River cruise combines scenery, music, and classic New Orleans atmosphere in one experience.
For anyone searching for the best New Orleans tours, the Daytime Steamboat Jazz Cruise is a memorable choice for experiencing the city’s riverfront while enjoying live jazz and, if selected, lunch on board.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#3. New Orleans: High-Speed 9-Passenger Airboat Tour
New Orleans: High-Speed 9-Passenger Airboat Tour
Escape the busy streets of New Orleans and head into the wild landscapes of Louisiana on the New Orleans High-Speed 9-Passenger Airboat Tour. This exciting adventure takes you into the state’s distinctive wetlands, where open waterways, lush vegetation, and native wildlife create a completely different side of the New Orleans experience. Traveling by high-speed airboat adds an adventurous edge to the journey while allowing you to explore areas that are difficult to reach by conventional boats.
Explore Louisiana’s Wetlands
Louisiana is famous for its swamps and wetlands, and an airboat tour provides an exciting way to experience these remarkable ecosystems. As the boat glides across shallow waterways, you can look around at the surrounding marshes and dense vegetation while learning more about the environment from your guide.
The open design of an airboat gives passengers an unobstructed perspective of the landscape. Keep your eyes open as you travel through the wetlands, because wildlife can appear unexpectedly along the water or among the vegetation. The constantly changing scenery makes the journey engaging from beginning to end.
Ride a High-Speed Airboat
The highlight of this experience is the high-speed airboat ride itself. Designed to travel across shallow water and marshy terrain, an airboat offers a distinctive way to navigate Louisiana’s wetlands. The speed and maneuverability of the vessel make the adventure particularly appealing to visitors looking for something more exciting than a traditional sightseeing cruise.
With space for up to nine passengers, the tour provides a smaller-group atmosphere compared with larger sightseeing boats. You can enjoy the adventure alongside family or friends while your guide handles navigation and points out interesting features throughout the journey.
Look for Local Wildlife
One of the most exciting aspects of exploring Louisiana’s wetlands is the opportunity to observe wildlife in its natural surroundings. Depending on conditions and the season, you may encounter animals living in or around the waterways.
Keep an eye along the banks, beneath the vegetation, and across open stretches of water as your guide searches for wildlife. The tour also provides an opportunity to learn about how different species have adapted to the unique wetland environment.
While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, the natural setting itself makes the experience worthwhile. Every journey through the swamp can offer different views and unexpected discoveries.
An Adventure Near New Orleans
The New Orleans High-Speed 9-Passenger Airboat Tour is an excellent option for travelers who want to step away from the city and experience Louisiana’s natural side. It combines sightseeing, adventure, and education without requiring a full-day commitment to exploring the region independently.
The smaller passenger capacity makes the experience especially appealing for groups who prefer a more intimate tour. Instead of navigating the wetlands on your own, you can relax and let an experienced guide lead the way while sharing information about the surrounding ecosystem.
For visitors planning a trip to New Orleans, this airboat adventure can complement more traditional activities such as exploring the French Quarter, listening to live jazz, or taking a Mississippi River cruise. It provides a refreshing contrast to the city’s architecture and lively neighborhoods.
If you are searching for the best New Orleans tours and want to experience something adventurous beyond the downtown area, the High-Speed 9-Passenger Airboat Tour offers an exciting opportunity to discover Louisiana’s fascinating wetlands, scenic waterways, and natural surroundings from a unique perspective.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#4. New Orleans Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise
New Orleans Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise
Leave the energy of downtown New Orleans behind and discover the peaceful wetlands of Louisiana on the New Orleans Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise. This scenic boat tour takes you into the fascinating Manchac Swamp, a natural environment filled with waterways, cypress trees, marshland, and native wildlife. It is an excellent choice for travelers who want to experience the natural side of Louisiana while learning more about the region’s unique ecosystem.
Discover Manchac Bayou
Located outside the heart of New Orleans, the Manchac area offers a striking contrast to the city’s historic streets and lively neighborhoods. As the boat travels through the bayou, you can enjoy views of calm waterways surrounded by thick vegetation and towering trees.
The slow pace of the cruise allows you to appreciate the landscape without rushing from one attraction to another. Your guide can share information about the wetlands, local history, and the plants and animals that depend on this environment. Along the way, the scenery changes as the boat moves through different sections of the swamp.
For photographers and nature enthusiasts, the peaceful surroundings provide plenty of opportunities to capture the distinctive character of Louisiana’s bayou country.
Look for Louisiana Wildlife
Wildlife is one of the main attractions of a Manchac Bayou swamp cruise. The wetlands provide an important habitat for a wide variety of species, making every trip a chance to observe nature in its own environment.
As you travel through the waterways, keep an eye along the banks and among the vegetation. Depending on the season and conditions, you may spot birds, turtles, fish, and other creatures associated with Louisiana’s wetlands. Your guide can help identify wildlife and explain how the different species interact with the surrounding ecosystem.
Wildlife sightings naturally vary, but the opportunity to explore such a distinctive habitat makes the journey worthwhile even when animals remain hidden.
Learn About the Bayou
The cruise is more than a sightseeing trip. It also offers an introduction to the environmental and cultural importance of Louisiana’s wetlands. Your guide can provide fascinating details about the bayou, its history, and the challenges involved in preserving these valuable natural areas.
Listening to local stories while moving quietly through the swamp gives the experience an authentic sense of place. Instead of simply looking at the landscape, you gain a better understanding of why Louisiana’s wetlands are such an important part of the state’s identity.
Optional Pickup from New Orleans
Depending on the ticket option selected, transportation from New Orleans may be available. An optional pickup can make the experience more convenient for visitors who do not want to arrange their own transportation to the Manchac area.
Once you arrive, you can focus on enjoying the cruise and exploring the wetlands rather than worrying about the logistics of getting there and back.
A Peaceful Escape from the City
The New Orleans Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise is a great addition to an itinerary filled with French Quarter sightseeing, jazz performances, historic attractions, and local food experiences. It offers a completely different perspective on Louisiana and provides a chance to slow down and connect with nature.
Whether you are interested in wildlife, photography, local history, or simply want to experience something beyond the city center, this swamp cruise offers a memorable way to explore the region.
For travelers searching for the best New Orleans tours, the Manchac Bayou Swamp Cruise stands out as an opportunity to discover Louisiana’s mysterious waterways, beautiful wetlands, and fascinating natural environment while enjoying a relaxed guided boat ride.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#5. City Sightseeing New Orleans HOHO Bus Tour
City Sightseeing New Orleans HOHO Bus Tour
Explore the best of New Orleans at your own pace with the City Sightseeing New Orleans HOHO Bus Tour. A hop-on hop-off bus tour is a convenient way to discover the city’s historic neighborhoods, famous landmarks, vibrant streets, and cultural attractions without having to navigate public transportation or walk long distances between stops. With the freedom to get off and explore whenever something catches your attention, you can create a sightseeing day that matches your interests.
See New Orleans from an Open-Top Bus
Climb aboard the sightseeing bus and enjoy panoramic views as you travel through the city. The elevated perspective makes it easier to take in New Orleans’ distinctive architecture, colorful buildings, historic streets, and lively neighborhoods.
The open-top design can also make sightseeing feel more engaging, especially when passing through areas known for their atmosphere and character. Bring your camera along and keep an eye out for interesting details as you move between attractions.
For first-time visitors, the bus is also a useful way to get an overview of New Orleans before deciding which areas deserve more time.
Hop Off and Explore
The biggest advantage of the New Orleans HOHO bus tour is flexibility. Rather than staying on the bus for the entire route, you can hop off at selected stops and explore nearby attractions on foot. When you are ready to continue, simply return to a designated stop and board another bus according to the tour schedule.
This approach allows you to spend more time in places that interest you most. You could explore historic streets, visit cultural attractions, browse local shops, or stop for a meal before continuing your sightseeing journey.
It is particularly useful for travelers who want to see several parts of New Orleans without committing to a rigid guided itinerary.
Discover New Orleans’ Historic Neighborhoods
New Orleans is famous for its unique mix of architecture, music, food, and history. The sightseeing route provides an easy way to travel between some of the city’s notable areas while learning more about the places you pass.
As you ride, take in the character of the French Quarter and other historic parts of the city. Depending on your chosen route and stops, you can combine sightseeing with visits to landmarks, museums, restaurants, and other attractions.
The onboard commentary can also add context to what you see, helping you understand more about New Orleans’ history and culture as you travel.
Bookable Extras for a More Complete Experience
Depending on the ticket selected, additional experiences or sightseeing options may be available. These extras can help you customize your visit and combine the bus tour with other ways of discovering New Orleans.
For travelers with limited time, adding an extra activity can be an efficient way to experience more of the city during one trip.
A Convenient Way to Sightsee
The City Sightseeing New Orleans HOHO Bus Tour is suitable for visitors who want flexibility, convenience, and a broad introduction to the city. It can be especially helpful for first-time travelers who are still getting familiar with New Orleans and want an easy way to move between major sightseeing areas.
Whether you spend the day exploring historic streets, sampling local cuisine, visiting attractions, or simply enjoying the views from the upper deck, the tour gives you control over how you experience the city.
If you are looking for the best New Orleans tours, the City Sightseeing New Orleans HOHO Bus Tour offers a practical and flexible way to see more of the city while creating your own sightseeing schedule.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#6. New Orleans: Swamp Boat Ride & Oak Alley Plantation Tour
New Orleans: Swamp Boat Ride & Oak Alley Plantation Tour
Experience two very different sides of Louisiana in one memorable day with the New Orleans Swamp Boat Ride & Oak Alley Plantation Tour. This combination tour takes you beyond the city to explore the atmospheric wetlands of the Louisiana bayou and visit the historic Oak Alley estate. From peaceful waterways and native wildlife to grand historic grounds, the experience offers an engaging look at the landscapes and history that have shaped the region.
Explore Louisiana’s Swamp Country
The adventure begins with a journey into Louisiana’s distinctive wetlands. A guided swamp boat ride offers a chance to see the natural environment from the water, where winding channels, marshes, and dense vegetation create a landscape unlike anything found in downtown New Orleans.
As the boat moves through the wetlands, keep an eye out for local wildlife. Depending on the season and conditions, you may encounter birds, turtles, fish, and other animals that inhabit the bayou. Your guide can share information about the ecosystem and explain how Louisiana’s wetlands support a diverse range of plant and animal life.
The relaxed pace of the boat ride gives you plenty of time to appreciate the scenery and capture photographs of the surrounding landscape.
Visit Oak Alley Plantation
After exploring the wetlands, continue to Oak Alley Plantation, one of Louisiana’s best-known historic estates. The property is recognized for its striking approach lined with mature oak trees, creating a dramatic entrance that has become one of the area’s most recognizable sights.
During your visit, explore the grounds and learn about the history of the estate and the people who lived and worked there. The experience provides an opportunity to understand more about plantation life and the complex history of Louisiana.
A visit to Oak Alley should be approached as a historical experience rather than simply an architectural attraction. Learning about the lives of enslaved people and the plantation system provides important context for understanding the estate and the broader history of the American South.
Discover Louisiana Beyond New Orleans
One of the biggest advantages of this combination tour is the variety it offers. New Orleans is famous for its music, cuisine, architecture, and lively neighborhoods, but the surrounding region reveals another side of Louisiana.
The swamp boat ride introduces you to the state’s natural environment, while Oak Alley provides insight into its historical landscape. Experiencing both in a single outing allows you to see how nature, agriculture, culture, and history have influenced the region over generations.
For visitors with limited time, combining these attractions can also be a convenient alternative to arranging separate trips outside the city.
A Full-Day Experience
The New Orleans Swamp Boat Ride & Oak Alley Plantation Tour is well suited to travelers who want more than a typical city sightseeing experience. It combines outdoor exploration with cultural and historical discovery, creating a varied day away from the busy streets of the French Quarter.
Bring a camera to capture the scenery, wear comfortable clothing and footwear, and be prepared for changing outdoor conditions during the swamp portion of the trip.
Whether you are interested in Louisiana wildlife, historic estates, photography, or regional culture, this tour offers several ways to experience the character of the area.
For travelers searching for the best New Orleans tours, the Swamp Boat Ride & Oak Alley Plantation Tour is a rewarding choice for discovering Louisiana beyond the city, combining an unforgettable bayou adventure with a thoughtful look at the region’s complex and fascinating past.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#7. New Orleans: Night Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour
New Orleans: Night Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour
Discover the mysterious side of New Orleans after dark with the New Orleans Night Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour. Known for its distinctive cemeteries, historic neighborhoods, and centuries of fascinating stories, New Orleans offers a completely different atmosphere when the sun goes down. This nighttime sightseeing experience combines a comfortable bus journey with cemetery visits, local history, and entertaining tales about the city’s supernatural legends.
Explore New Orleans After Dark
As evening arrives, New Orleans takes on an atmospheric character that makes it ideal for exploring its lesser-known stories. Rather than following a traditional daytime sightseeing route, this tour focuses on the city’s historic cemeteries and mysterious past.
Travel by bus between different locations while your guide shares stories connected to New Orleans history, folklore, and local legends. The nighttime setting adds to the experience, creating an intriguing way to discover parts of the city that you might otherwise overlook during the day.
The bus also provides a convenient way to travel between locations, allowing you to enjoy the tour without having to navigate unfamiliar streets at night.
Discover Historic Cemeteries
Cemeteries are an important part of New Orleans’ cultural landscape. The city is famous for its above-ground tombs, which reflect local traditions, architectural influences, and the challenges created by the region’s high water table.
During the tour, you can learn about the history behind these distinctive burial grounds and the traditions associated with them. Your guide may also share stories about notable figures, unusual events, and legends connected with the city.
Rather than simply visiting cemeteries as sightseeing attractions, the experience provides context about why they look different from many burial grounds elsewhere in the United States.
Hear Ghost Stories and Local Legends
The supernatural stories of New Orleans are deeply connected to its folklore and popular culture. During the New Orleans ghost tour, your guide shares tales involving mysterious events, historic personalities, and locations that have developed reputations for being haunted.
The stories are presented as part of the city’s legends and folklore, making the experience entertaining while also providing insight into how these narratives became part of New Orleans culture.
For visitors who enjoy unusual history, storytelling, and atmospheric sightseeing, the nighttime setting makes these tales particularly engaging.
See a Different Side of New Orleans
New Orleans is celebrated for its jazz, Creole cuisine, colorful architecture, and lively French Quarter, but its history extends far beyond its most famous attractions. This tour provides an opportunity to explore another dimension of the city and hear stories that may not appear in conventional guidebooks.
The combination of transportation, guided storytelling, and nighttime sightseeing also makes the experience an easy addition to a busy New Orleans itinerary. You can spend your day exploring museums, historic streets, and local restaurants before heading out for an evening of legends and cemetery history.
An Entertaining Evening Tour
The New Orleans Night Cemetery and Ghost BYOB Bus Tour is a good choice for travelers interested in local folklore, historic cemeteries, and unusual stories. The BYOB format refers to bringing your own beverages, subject to the tour operator’s rules and applicable laws; visitors can also simply enjoy the tour without bringing a beverage.
With its nighttime atmosphere, engaging storytelling, and exploration of New Orleans’ distinctive burial traditions, the experience offers something different from a standard city tour.
If you are searching for the best New Orleans tours and want to explore the city’s mysterious side, this cemetery and ghost bus tour offers an entertaining way to discover local history, legends, and fascinating stories after dark.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
Francis Porter is a seasoned traveler and tour guide with over 15 years of experience in the industry. I have explored countless destinations around the world and have a deep passion for helping others discover new places and cultures.