Excursions in New Orleans

Hop On Hop Off Bus

Experience the unique charm of New Orleans aboard an iconic open-top tourist bus, allowing you to explore renowned landmarks like the French Market, Jackson Square, Bourbon Street and the Garden District at your own pace, while a live guide enriches your journey with fascinating insights into the city's rich history and vibrant culture.

New Orleans French Quarter Food Tour

Begin your culinary journey through the heart of New Orleans, starting with the iconic beignet in Old Town and venturing to The French Market for a taste of Cajun cuisine, exploring the city's rich flavors and diverse culinary history along the way, including spicy sauces, gumbo and sweet pralines made from locally sourced ingredients.

Garden District Tour

Embark on a small group tour through the charming Garden District of New Orleans, led by a local guide, where you'll explore historic cemeteries, majestic Antebellum homes and the diverse architecture of the neighborhood, immersing yourself in the rich convergence of cultures that define this unique area.

Slavery in Louisiana Tour

Discover a unique perspective on plantation life with this popular tour, which delves into the history of slavery at Destrehan Plantation, highlighting its global impact and focusing on the experiences of enslaved individuals rather than plantation owners' wealth or influence.

Honey Island Swamp Tour

Embark on a professionally narrated boat tour led by native guides through the stunning Honey Island Cypress Swamp, offering ample opportunities for nature photography, wildlife observation and a non-commercialized exploration of Louisiana swamp ecology, with smaller-sized boats providing access deep into the swamp interior and shallow backwater areas.

French Quarter History and Voodoo Tour

Discover a captivating journey through the French Quarter led by a master storyteller, as you delve into the early history of voodoo, the slave trade and Louisiana politicians while exploring iconic sites such as Congo Square and the former residence of the renowned Voodoo Priestess Marie Laveau, offering enriching insights into the city's music, food, architecture and culture along the way.

Hurricane Katrina Driving Tour

Take a comprehensive citywide driving tour, spanning approximately 50 miles within the city limits, to explore historic neighborhoods and sites while focusing on the state of storm protection before, during and after hurricanes, highlighting efforts to enhance the city's resilience and safeguard its citizens.

Oak Alley Plantation Tour

Experience the grandeur of New Orleans' antebellum south on a half-day tour of Oak Alley Plantation, journeying through time to explore the manicured estate, stunning architecture, oak-lined esplanades and enduring sugar cane fields while learning about its fascinating and often somber histories from expert guides.

Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting

Discover the secrets behind award-winning rum production in New Orleans with a personalized private tour, where you'll delve into fermentation, distillation and aging processes while enjoying included tastings and the undivided attention of a rum maker.

Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour

Embark on a small-group kayak tour of the Louisiana bayous, venturing into the Manchac and Maurepas swamps near New Orleans to explore lush landscapes and encounter wildlife such as alligators, with expert guides providing paddling instruction for both beginners and experienced kayakers alike.

Jean Lafitte National Park Bayou Tour

Embark on a guided pontoon excursion through Louisiana's Jean Lafitte National Park and Preserve, where you'll learn about the region's ecology and encounter native wildlife such as alligators and egrets.

New Orleans offers a diverse range of excursions, from exploring its vibrant neighborhoods and historical sites to delving into its rich cultural heritage through guided tours covering topics such as food, history, voodoo and swamp ecology, providing visitors with immersive and educational adventures that showcase the city's unique charm and allure of excursions in New Orleans.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to New Orleans. In need of further inspiration? Check out Pamela Murphy’s guide, A Love Letter to New Orleans.