No city in the United States offers quite the mix of history, culture, food, and wild scenery like New Orleans. Its unique charm comes from a blend of French, Spanish, and Creole influences, which is reflected not just in its architecture but in every tour offered. Whether you’re eager to glide through the bayous on an airboat ride, explore historic cemeteries, or sample the city’s renowned cuisine, New Orleans delivers. Tours like the High Speed Airboat Ride promise an adrenaline-filled trip into the wetlands, while a small-group city tour by van offers a cozy, comprehensive look at both its natural and urban sights. We’ve handpicked 16 of the best, each offering a slice of what makes this city so special.
Quick Overview
Our list includes adventurous swamp and bayou tours, like the Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour, perfect for nature lovers, as well as cultural and historical explorations such as the French Quarter Carriage Ride. Food and drink fanatics will appreciate the Signature Flavors Food Tour, while those seeking entertainment can hop on a jazz cruise or a murder mystery tour. All these options balance unique experiences with solid reviews, making it easier to find your perfect match.
1. New Orleans: High Speed 16 Passenger Airboat Ride
At number 1, the High Speed 16 Passenger Airboat Ride delivers an adrenaline rush right through Louisiana’s swamps and wetlands. This 4-hour adventure takes you on a high-speed airboat, where you’ll see alligators, raccoons, wild pigs, and other swamp wildlife up close. The tour also offers a chance to learn about Cajun life outside the city, making it both exciting and educational. With a 4.8-star rating from over 2,100 reviews, it’s clear that thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike love this ride. The guides are skilled at spotting wildlife and sharing stories that bring the wetlands to life. For anyone craving a quick yet intense immersion into Louisiana’s wild side, this tour offers great value at $90 per person. Expect to get a real sense of the swamp’s raw beauty—and maybe even hold an alligator if you’re lucky.
Bottom Line: Perfect for adventurous travelers who want an active, wildlife-filled experience with a dash of local culture.
2. New Orleans Small-Group City Tour by Van
The Small-Group City Tour is ideal if you want an intimate exploration of New Orleans’ diverse neighborhoods and history. Led by a guide with extensive local knowledge, this 3-hour tour covers the French Quarter, Garden District, cemeteries, and sites like the WWII Museum. The small group size means you’ll see areas larger buses can’t access and get personalized insights. The tour also includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making it convenient. Guests rave about guides like Oz, who share fun facts and hidden gems while ensuring a comfortable experience. With a perfect rating of 5.0 and reviews highlighting their engaging guides and comfortable transportation, this trip balances sightseeing with storytelling. At $62 per person, it’s a great deal for a deep dive into NOLA’s culture and history.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, personal tour of New Orleans’ highlights with local flavor.
3. New Orleans French Quarter and More Carriage Ride
A gentle ride through the French Quarter on a horse-drawn carriage is a classic way to soak in the city’s charm. The French Quarter Carriage Ride combines history, legends, and stunning architecture in just about an hour. Your guide will point out landmarks like St. Louis Cathedral, Napoleon House, and the French Market while sharing stories about the Great Fire and battles that shaped the city. Limited to eight people, this tour offers a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Reviews praise guides like Marty for their knowledge and engaging storytelling. At $60, this is a cost-effective way to see the city with a personal touch. Plus, it’s perfect for those who prefer a leisurely pace over walking or bus tours.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history buffs and anyone looking for a romantic, laid-back experience of New Orleans.
4. Small-Group Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour
At number 4, the Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour offers a quieter, more hands-on nature experience. Over approximately 2.5 hours, you’ll paddle through lush cypress forests and wetlands, guided by an expert who shares details about swamp flora and fauna. Perfect for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike, the tour includes a short lesson before setting out. Kayaking allows a close-up view of wildlife like alligators, turtles, and herons, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts. Reviewers mention how knowledgeable guides like Ali make the experience memorable, and many say it’s the highlight of their trip. For $90, you get an authentic, immersive experience that combines exercise with discovery.
Bottom Line: Best for adventurous travelers who want a personal, hands-on look at Louisiana’s swamp ecosystem.
5. New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure with Transportation
The Swamp Tour Boat Adventure offers a full 2-hour boat cruise through the Barataria Swamps, complete with narration about the area’s geology and culture. It includes stops at Indian Burial Mounds, Cajun cemeteries, and a historic fishing village. The tour features a comfortable, covered boat with restroom facilities and plenty of room to move around. With a 5-star rating from nearly 900 reviews, visitors appreciate the knowledgeable guides and wildlife sightings, including alligators and snakes. The tour also provides round-trip transportation from your hotel, making logistics hassle-free. At $60 per person, it’s a solid value for a scenic, informative experience.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a comprehensive swamp adventure with convenient logistics.
6. French Quarters Best Food Tour: Signature Flavors of New Orleans
Food lovers should not miss the Signature Flavors Food Tour, which takes you through the culinary heart of the French Quarter. Over around three hours, you’ll sample dishes like po-boys, muffaletta, Creole specialties, and handmade candies, all at top local eateries. Your guide shares stories behind the food, introducing you to the city’s gastronomic traditions. With a focus on authentic, hearty cuisine, this tour is praised for its generous tastings and lively atmosphere. Reviewers mention that it’s a perfect blend of eating, learning, and sightseeing, all for $75. It’s especially suited for foodies eager to explore more than just the sights.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those wanting a delicious, culture in New Orleans’ food scene.
7. New Orleans: Sightseeing Bus Tour
For a classic overview, the Sightseeing Bus Tour is a 2.5-hour ride that covers neighborhoods like Tremé, the 9th Ward, and the Garden District. With a 4.8-star rating from over 1,500 reviews, it’s a reliable way to get a broad sense of the city’s different districts. The bus stops at landmarks and offers storytelling about local culture and history, including visits to historic cemeteries. It’s an economical option at $59, ideal for travelers with limited time or those who prefer not to walk long distances. You’ll get a good sense of the city’s layout and diversity without breaking the bank.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a quick, rundown of New Orleans.
8. New Orleans Zipline Swamp Tour
The Zipline Swamp Tour combines adrenaline with nature. Over roughly 75 minutes, you’ll soar across the Maurepas Swamp on five ziplines and a suspension bridge, all while enjoying views of cypress trees and wildlife. It’s ideal for those who want a thrill and a different perspective on Louisiana’s wetlands. Rated 5 stars from 836 reviews, many guests mention how guides like Ali make the experience fun and safe. The tour is beginner-friendly and includes safety gear. For $89, it’s a fantastic way to add excitement and see the swamp from a high vantage point.
Bottom Line: Perfect for adventure seekers wanting a thrill and scenic views.
9. New Orleans Cemetery Walking Tour
Exploring the above-ground graves of New Orleans is an absolute must, and the Cemetery Walking Tour is a top-rated way to do it. For about two hours, a licensed guide leads you through historic cemeteries, revealing stories behind famous tombs, including the Hurricane Katrina memorial. Reviewers value guides like V, who share insights into the city’s unique burial customs and legends. The tour runs in the morning or afternoon, making it flexible for most schedules, and costs $30 per person. It’s especially suited for those interested in architecture, local lore, and the city’s ghosts.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history and architecture enthusiasts wanting a meaningful cemetery experience.
10. New Orleans: Evening Steamboat Jazz Cruise + Optional Dinner
The Evening Jazz Cruise offers a classic New Orleans experience on the Mississippi River. For two hours, enjoy live jazz by the Dukes of Dixieland while taking in scenic river views. You can upgrade with a dinner buffet to complement the music. Guests praise the photo opportunities, lively atmosphere, and Captain’s narration. The cruise costs $44, making it an affordable, memorable way to see the city’s riverfront and enjoy its musical heritage.
Bottom Line: Perfect for music lovers and those looking for a relaxing, scenic night out.
11. New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour
This Cocktail and Food History Tour combines tastings of local dishes and drinks with stories that trace the city’s culinary roots. Over about four hours, you’ll visit six spots and sample up to eight dishes and four drinks. Guides share the story of NOLA’s distinctive cocktails and Creole cuisine, making each sip and bite meaningful. Reviewers mention how knowledgeable and friendly guides like Ben make the tour fun and informative. It’s a great option for foodies and first-timers at $160, offering a well-rounded taste of New Orleans.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a full-flavor tour of the city’s culinary and cocktail heritage.
12. Honey Island Swamp Boat Tour
A little further afield but well worth the trip, the Honey Island Swamp Boat Tour offers a peaceful 2-hour narrated boat ride through one of Louisiana’s most protected swamp areas. The guide shares tales of pirates, Bigfoot, and local legends while you watch for alligators, otters, and bald eagles. Many reviews highlight how Kris, the guide, makes the trip enjoyable and informative. The tour features visits to a Cajun fishing village and offers a great chance to see Louisiana wildlife in its natural habitat. Costing just $34, it’s an excellent value for those wanting a tranquil yet engaging nature experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wildlife lovers and those seeking a less touristy swamp outing.
How to Choose the Right Tour in New Orleans
When deciding which tour to book, think about your interests, mobility, and time constraints. If you want a thrilling wildlife encounter, the High Speed Airboat Ride or ziplining will suit you. For a deep dive into local culture, the small-group city tour or the French Quarter Food Tour are excellent options. Those wanting a more relaxed, scenic experience might prefer the carriage ride or the river cruises. Budget-conscious travelers can find value in the sightseeing bus, while adventure seekers should consider the zipline. For wildlife lovers, the Honey Island Swamp Tour stands out as an affordable, peaceful alternative.
Practical tips: Book early, especially for popular tours like the Cemetery Walking Tour or French Quarter Carriage Ride, to secure availability. Consider weather and physical activity level—some tours involve walking or paddling, while others are more leisurely.
New Orleans offers a diverse array of tours, suited to adventurers, history buffs, foodies, and families alike. Whether you choose to glide through swamp waters, explore historic cemeteries, or indulge in Creole cuisine, each experience helps you uncover a different layer of this city’s irresistible character. To make the most of your trip, plan ahead and book early—these tours fill up quickly, especially in peak season. Whatever your interests, there’s a tour in New Orleans waiting to turn your visit into a memorable story.