Tours
The Ultimate Guide to Guided Tours
New Orleans is a city bursting with vibrant culture, rich history, and a unique blend of French, Spanish, Creole, and African influences. This article will delve into the diverse range of guided tours available in New Orleans, from walking and bus tours to culinary and adventure tours. Guided tours offer an immersive way to experience the city’s charms, providing insights and stories that bring New Orleans to life. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or an adventure seeker, there’s a tour that’s perfect for you.
Types of Tours Available
Walking Tours
Walking tours are a fantastic way to explore the intimate details of New Orleans’ neighborhoods and landmarks. These tours are often led by knowledgeable local guides who share fascinating stories and historical facts.
French Quarter Walking Tour
Contact Information: French Quarter Phantoms, 718 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116
What It Offers: Explore the heart of New Orleans, including Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and Bourbon Street. Learn about the history, architecture, and culture of the French Quarter.
Unique Feature: Includes a visit to a historic voodoo museum.
Garden District Walking Tour
Contact Information: Free Tours by Foot, 2613 Laurel St, New Orleans, LA 70130
What It Offers: Discover the beautiful mansions and gardens of the Garden District. See historic homes and learn about the famous residents of this picturesque area.
Unique Feature: Includes a visit to the Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.
Treme Walking Tour
Contact Information: Treme’s Petit Jazz Museum, 1500 Governor Nicholls St, New Orleans, LA 70116
What It Offers: Explore the historic Treme neighborhood, the birthplace of jazz. Learn about the cultural and musical heritage of the area.
Unique Feature: Includes a live jazz performance.
City Sightseeing New Orleans
Contact Information: City Sightseeing New Orleans, 700 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
What It Offers: Hop-on, hop-off bus tour that covers major attractions such as the French Quarter, Garden District, and Warehouse District.
Unique Feature: 2-day pass with unlimited rides and live commentary.
Swamp and Bayou Tour
Contact Information: Cajun Encounters Tour Company, 55345 US-90, Slidell, LA 70461
What It Offers: A scenic drive to the Honey Island Swamp for a guided boat tour through the bayous. See wildlife and learn about the swamp ecosystem.
Unique Feature: Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Plantation Tour
Contact Information: Gray Line New Orleans, 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130
What It Offers: Visit two historic plantations: Oak Alley and Laura Plantation. Learn about the history of the plantations and their significance.
Unique Feature: Includes guided tours of both plantations with transportation.
Bus Tours
Bus tours provide a comfortable and comprehensive way to see the highlights of New Orleans, covering more ground than walking tours.
Adventure Tours
For those seeking a thrill, New Orleans offers various adventure tours that provide unique and exciting experiences.
Airboat Swamp Adventure
Contact Information: Airboat Adventures, 5145 Fleming Park Rd, Lafitte, LA 70067
What It Offers: High-speed airboat tour through the swamps and bayous. See alligators and other wildlife up close.
Unique Feature: Small group sizes for an intimate experience.
Zipline Swamp Tour
Contact Information: Zip NOLA, 301 Peavine Rd, Laplace, LA 70068
What It Offers: Zipline through the cypress swamps, offering breathtaking views and an adrenaline rush.
Unique Feature: Night tours available.
Kayak Swamp Tour
Contact Information: New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours, 405 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116
What It Offers: Guided kayak tour through the serene bayous. Learn about the ecosystem and wildlife.
Unique Feature: Eco-friendly and quiet, perfect for nature lovers.
New Orleans Food Walking Tour
Contact Information: Doctor Gumbo Tours, 823 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
What It Offers: Taste the best of New Orleans cuisine, including gumbo, po’ boys, and beignets. Visit local eateries and learn about the city’s food culture.
Unique Feature: Includes seven food tastings.
Cocktail Tour
Contact Information: Drink & Learn, 533 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130
What It Offers: Explore the history of New Orleans through its iconic cocktails. Visit historic bars and sample classic drinks like the Sazerac and Hurricane.
Unique Feature: Led by a cocktail historian.
Creole Cooking Class
Contact Information: New Orleans School of Cooking, 524 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130
What It Offers: Hands-on cooking class where you learn to make traditional Creole dishes. Enjoy the meal you prepare.
Unique Feature: Includes recipes to take home.
Culinary Tours
New Orleans is renowned for its food, and culinary tours offer a delicious way to explore the city’s culinary heritage.
Historical Tours
For history enthusiasts, New Orleans offers tours that delve into its rich and complex past.
Cemetery and Voodoo Tour
Contact Information: Haunted History Tours, 723 St Peter St, New Orleans, LA 70116
What It Offers: Visit historic cemeteries and learn about New Orleans’ voodoo culture. Hear stories of famous voodoo queens and practices.
Unique Feature: Includes a visit to the tomb of Marie Laveau.
Civil War Tour
Contact Information: Civil War Tours of New Orleans, 514 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130
What It Offers: Learn about New Orleans’ role in the Civil War. Visit significant sites and hear about the impact of the war on the city.
Unique Feature: Led by historians with in-depth knowledge.
Hurricane Katrina Tour
Contact Information: Tours by Isabelle, 12621 Patterson Rd, New Orleans, LA 70131
What It Offers: Understand the impact of Hurricane Katrina and the city’s recovery efforts. Visit affected neighborhoods and learn about the resilience of the community.
Unique Feature: Includes personal stories from local guides.
Ghost Tour
Contact Information: Ghost City Tours, 409 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
What It Offers: Explore the haunted history of New Orleans. Visit haunted sites and hear ghost stories.
Unique Feature: Night tours with a spooky atmosphere.
Jazz Tour
Contact Information: New Orleans Music Tours, 1205 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116
What It Offers: Discover the history of jazz in New Orleans. Visit historic music venues and hear live performances.
Unique Feature: Includes a visit to Louis Armstrong Park.
Mardi Gras World Tour
Contact Information: Mardi Gras World, 1380 Port of New Orleans Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130
What It Offers: Go behind the scenes of Mardi Gras preparations. See floats and costumes being made.
Unique Feature: Includes a slice of King Cake.
Specialty Tours
Unique to New Orleans, these tours offer a different perspective on the city’s attractions.
Wildlife Tours
Experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Louisiana with these tours.
Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour
Contact Information: Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours, 6601 Leo Kerner Pkwy, Marrero, LA 70072
What It Offers: Boat tour through the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. See alligators, turtles, and birds.
Unique Feature: Led by knowledgeable local guides.
Audubon Zoo and Insectarium Tour
Contact Information: Audubon Nature Institute, 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118
What It Offers: Guided tour of the zoo and insectarium. Learn about conservation efforts and see exotic animals.
Unique Feature: Includes hands-on exhibits.
Birdwatching Tour
Contact Information: Crescent City Birding, 1239 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116
What It Offers: Guided birdwatching tour through local parks and wetlands. See a variety of bird species.
Unique Feature: Suitable for all skill levels.
Creole Culture Tour
Contact Information: Historic New Orleans Tours, 2727 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70130
What It Offers: Learn about Creole culture and history. Visit historic Creole homes and neighborhoods.
Unique Feature: Includes a visit to a Creole plantation.
Literary Tour
Contact Information: Literary New Orleans Tours, 624 Pirate Alley, New Orleans, LA 70116
What It Offers: Explore the literary history of New Orleans. Visit sites associated with famous writers like William Faulkner and Tennessee Williams.
Unique Feature: Includes readings and discussions.
Art and Architecture Tour
Contact Information: New Orleans Architecture Tours, 124 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
What It Offers: Discover the architectural gems of New Orleans. Learn about different architectural styles and the history behind the buildings.
Unique Feature: Includes a visit to historic homes and buildings.
Cultural Tours
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans with these tours.
Pricing and Booking Information
Cost
The cost of tours in New Orleans varies depending on the type of tour, duration, and exclusivity. Walking tours typically range from $20 to $50 per person, while bus tours can cost between $30 and $100. Adventure and specialty tours may range from $50 to $150 or more. Private or customized tours tend to be on the higher end.
Booking Process
Most tours can be booked online through the tour company’s website or through travel booking platforms. Some tours also allow on-site registration. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Cancellation Policies
Cancellation policies vary by tour company. Some offer full refunds if canceled within a certain timeframe (typically 24-48 hours before the tour), while others may have a non-refundable deposit or partial refund policy. Always check the specific cancellation terms before booking.
What to Expect
Preparation
- Clothing: Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended. For outdoor tours, consider bringing a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Gear: Depending on the tour, you might need a camera, binoculars (for wildlife tours), or water and snacks.
- Weather: Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly. Bring a raincoat or umbrella if rain is expected.
Physical Demands
- Walking Tours: Expect to walk for 1-2 hours. Some tours may involve stairs or uneven terrain.
- Bus Tours: Minimal physical exertion, but may involve getting on and off the bus multiple times.
- Adventure Tours: Vary in physical demands. Airboat and zipline tours may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. Kayak tours require paddling.
Benefits of Guided Tours
Knowledge and Insights
Guided tours provide in-depth knowledge and unique insights that you might not get from exploring on your own. Local guides share stories, historical facts, and cultural context that enrich the experience.
Convenience
Guided tours take care of the logistics, including transportation and itineraries. This is especially helpful for remote or logistically complicated destinations.
Exclusive Access
Some tours provide exclusive access to areas or experiences not available to general visitors, such as behind-the-scenes tours or private viewings.
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Expert Knowledge: Gain insights and knowledge from experienced local guides.
- Convenience: Hassle-free experience with transportation and planning taken care of.
- Exclusive Access: Access to special areas or experiences.
Potential Downsides
- Less Flexibility: Fixed schedules and itineraries may not allow for spontaneous changes.
- Group Sizes: Some tours may have large groups, which can be less personal.
- Cost: Guided tours can be more expensive than exploring independently.
Safety and Comfort
Safety Measures
Adventure and wildlife tours often have specific safety measures in place, such as life jackets for boat tours or harnesses for zipline tours. Always follow the guide’s instructions and safety protocols.
Comfort Tips
- Bring Essentials: Snacks, water, and sun protection are important for comfort.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes.
- Rest Stops: Check if the tour includes breaks for rest and refreshments.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans offers a wide variety of guided tours that cater to every interest, from history and culture to adventure and culinary delights. Guided tours provide an enriched experience with expert knowledge, convenience, and unique access to the city’s treasures. Whether you’re exploring the haunted streets of the French Quarter, savoring Creole cuisine, or gliding through the swamps, a guided tour can enhance your New Orleans adventure.
