Fun Stuff To Do in New Orleans

New Orleans Airboat Ride

Embark on a thrilling airboat adventure through the wild bayous of New Orleans, navigating the moss-draped cypress swamps near the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. This family-friendly journey offers a glimpse into the area's rich ecosystem, home to alligators, turtles, and various bird species, with engaging commentary from a native guide enhancing the experience. Available in both morning and afternoon slots, the tour accommodates small groups on either intimate or larger airboats, with optional hotel pickup starting 75 minutes before departure for added convenience.

New Orleans Ghost,Voodoo and Vampire Experience

Discover the mysteries of New Orleans after dark on a ghost, voodoo, and vampire walking tour, guided safely through the city's most chilling locales. With stops at infamous sites like the LaLaurie Mansion and the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, you'll delve into tales of the paranormal and macabre under the guidance of an expert. This evening adventure provides not just a unique insight into New Orleans' eerie history but also ensures a worry-free experience with a group, starting from an easy-to-locate meeting point in the French Quarter.

New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter

Dive into the heart of New Orleans' culinary scene with a guided exploration that takes you to the French Quarter's most celebrated eateries. Savor a variety of local delicacies, including seafood gumbo, Creole brisket, and beignets, while picking up intriguing tidbits about the city's food heritage from your knowledgeable guide. For a more personalized experience, consider upgrading to a small-group tour, limited to no more than 13 guests, allowing for a deeper dive into Louisiana's famous flavors and the stories behind them.

City Sightseeing New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Explore New Orleans at your own pace with a one-day hop-on hop-off bus tour, offering the freedom to visit iconic stops like Jackson Square, the French Market, and the Garden District from an open-top double-decker bus. Enjoy panoramic views of 'The Big Easy' along with entertaining onboard commentary, making for an ideal way to absorb the historic charm of the city.

New Orleans Cemetery Bus Tour After Dark

Experience the eerie allure of New Orleans on a bus tour that unveils its haunted history, including visits to chilling cemeteries and ghostly locations, all while sipping your favorite drink and soaking in tales of the paranormal from an expert guide. This journey not only promises security in numbers but also enriches your adventure with captivating stories and the chance to detect the supernatural with EMF readers.

Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise

Embark on a memorable journey down the Mississippi River aboard a classic paddlewheeler on this New Orleans river cruise, featuring engaging historical commentary from a licensed historian and a stop to delve into the Battle of New Orleans. Choose from multiple departure times to best suit your schedule, and enjoy the convenience of a cash bar and food available for purchase as you take in the stunning riverside views.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Walking Tour

Secure your visit to one of New Orleans' most sought-after attractions, St. Louis Cemetery No.1, with a pre-bookable guided tour, ensuring you gain access to this historic "City of the Dead" with limited daily entry. Led by an official guide, this tour offers a deep dive into the cemetery's history since its opening in 1789, including visits to the final resting places of notable figures like Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau and the infamous Delphine LaLaurie.

Oak Alley Plantation Tour

Embark on a journey back to the antebellum south with a half-day tour of the Oak Alley Plantation, a stunning example of historical grandeur and architecture, built in 1839. As you wander through the beautifully manicured estate and its iconic oak-lined esplanade, you'll delve into the plantation's rich and complex history, brought to life by expert guides. This tour not only highlights the picturesque beauty of one of the South's most photographed plantations but also offers insight into the lives and legacies that shaped Oak Alley Plantation.

New Orleans City Tour

Discover the vibrant heart of New Orleans on a comprehensive three-hour coach tour, led by a professional guide, that showcases the city's most iconic landmarks, including the historic French Quarter, the elegant Garden District, and the lakefront area impacted by Hurricane Katrina. As you journey through these fascinating districts, enjoy expert commentary that brings to life the architecture, culture, and history, including a closer look at New Orleans' best museums. This tour offers the added convenience of round-trip transportation from major hotels in Downtown New Orleans, ensuring a comfortable and enlightening experience.

New Orleans Hands-On Cooking Class and Meal

Dive into the flavors of New Orleans with a half-day cooking class, where you'll join a professional chef and a group of culinary enthusiasts to master the art of Louisiana cooking. This engaging session not only teaches you how to prepare iconic dishes but also culminates in a communal meal where you can savor your creations, complemented by complimentary wine and local beer. Participants leave with a souvenir apron, a collection of recipes to recreate the magic at home, and a rich understanding of New Orleanian cuisine.

New Orleans Zipline Swamp Tour

Experience the exhilaration of Louisiana's swamps from above with a zipline adventure in the Maurepas Swamp near Lake Pontchartrain. Choose a convenient start time, gear up, and soar through the cypress canopy across five ziplines and a suspension bridge, offering a unique vantage point of the swamp's wildlife and landscapes. This beginner-friendly activity provides all necessary safety equipment and guidance, making it a thrilling way to observe nature, including potential sightings of alligators, egrets, turtles, and armadillos.

The National WWII Museum

Explore the multifaceted history of World War II with a visit to the National WWII Museum in New Orleans, a top-rated institution featuring immersive exhibits, personal stories, aircraft displays, and interactive experiences like the train car journey and the USS Tang Submarine Simulator. This world-class museum offers a deep dive into the wartime era through artifacts and engaging narratives, providing a comprehensive look at the global impact of WWII.

New Orleans French Quarter Photo Shoot

Enhance your visit to New Orleans with a guided photo tour of the French Quarter, where a professional photographer captures high-quality images of you and your group against the backdrop of the city's most picturesque locations. Not only will you discover the best photo spots, but you'll also learn about the area's rich history, ensuring no one is left behind the camera and you leave with memorable souvenirs and a deeper understanding of the sights.

Shrimp Boil Cabaret - Dinner and a Show

Indulge in a quintessential New Orleans culinary adventure with Mister Gregory’s French Quarter Shrimp Boil VIP access pass. Begin the experience with a taste of the city's iconic muffaletta, followed by appetizers featuring local blue crab and alligator tail, all set against the scenic backdrop of Armstrong Park. As you watch chefs expertly prepare the shrimp boil, get ready to enjoy this classic dish, leaving space for dessert, while local performers provide captivating entertainment to enrich your dining experience.

New Orleans stands as a vibrant testament to cultural richness and lively spirit, offering an abundance of fun stuff to do that caters to every taste and interest. From its world-famous cuisine and jazz music to its historic sites and lively festivals, the city ensures that every visitor leaves with cherished memories. Whether you're a foodie, a music enthusiast, or simply in search of adventure, the fun stuff to do in New Orleans will undoubtedly leave you enchanted and eager for a return visit.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to New Orleans. In need of further inspiration? Check out Danielle Feder’s guide, New Orleans 4-Day Itinerary.