Louisiana · GUIDED

The 15 Most Popular Guided Tours in New Orleans

56 tours  ·  from $5 a head

The 15 guided tours below are the ones people keep booking, with the price, the length and who each one suits. Number one holds the spot for good reason.

Guided Boat Tour of New Orleans Bayou - What you might see among the trees
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Guided Boat Tour of New Orleans Bayou

1.Guided Boat Tour of New Orleans Bayou

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,452 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $35Our pick

Take a 90-minute pontoon boat ride through the cypress swamps near Jean Lafitte National Historical Park. A local captain points out wildlife and shares live commentary as you look for alligators, turtles, wading birds, and more. Hotel pickup is available with selected bookings. Wildlife sightings vary, and some trips include alligator feeding.

“The boat captain was very entertaining and enthusiastic. I was born and raised in Louisiana and I’ve took so much for granted or I would say, that’s for the tourists. I was wrong!”

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Laura Creole Plantation Guided Tour - Inside the 24,000-square-foot main house
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Laura Creole Plantation Guided Tour

2.Laura Creole Plantation Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,279 reviews · 1 hour 10 minutes (approx.) · from $32Top rated

At Laura Plantation, about an hour from New Orleans, a local guide leads you through the main house, gardens, and original 1840s slave cabins. In roughly 70 minutes, you’ll hear about four generations of the Duparc family, the enslaved people who lived and worked there, and Louisiana Creole culture. The English-language tour costs $32.06 per person; transportation is not included.

“The tour guide was excellent and the house and grounds were beautiful. It was captivating to hear the stories of the people that had lived at Laura, and of the people who worked at Laura, the slaves who actually built the home and kept it running.”

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Houmas House Estate and Gardens Guided Tour - Inside the Mansion With a Costumed Guide
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Houmas House Estate and Gardens Guided Tour

3.Houmas House Estate and Gardens Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 632 reviews · 1 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $38

At Houmas House in Darrow, a costumed local guide leads you through an antique-filled mansion tied to Louisiana’s sugar trade. Guides including Ruby, John, Jennifer, and Sami have led tours, though your guide may vary. Afterward, explore 38 acres of gardens at your own pace, with a museum and restaurants on site for an additional cost.

“Cheryl was our tour guide and she was very knowledgeable and kind. There were 4 of us on our tour and she took her time and allowed us to take pictures throughout the tour. Cheryl was happy to answer all of our questions about the beautiful Home and Gardens. We visited Oak Alley Plantation before Houmas House. Our visit to Houmas House was our favorite experience while visiting NOLA. If you are visiting the plantations, you won't want to miss Houmas. There's also a beautiful gift shop, restaurant and museum on the property.”

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New Orleans: Guided Swamp Cruise by Tour Boat - What the 100-minute boat ride is really like
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New Orleans: Guided Swamp Cruise by Tour Boat

4.Guided Swamp Cruise by Tour Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 570 reviews · 100 minutes - 4 hours · from $35

Ride through Louisiana’s Barataria wetlands with a local captain who explains swamp ecology and Cajun life. The 100-minute cruise passes moss-draped trees and quiet waterways, with chances to see alligators, raccoons, turtles and birds. Captains such as Ernie and Dewey have earned praise for lively storytelling. Optional bus pickup from New Orleans adds about 45 minutes each way.

“This was AWESOME! If I come back to New Orleans I would honestly do this again and would definitely book with Louisiana Tour Company. To start, transportation was easy and convenient. Barbara my driver was very sweet and even informative too, almost like an extra tour. She was running a bit late so I called the company and they gave me an exact ETA in seconds. My swamp guide was amazing too. Very informative and funny and really allowed us to feel up close and personal with the gators and wildlife. The wildlife around here clearly loves the workers and come speed swimming when they hear the boats pass so…”

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New Orleans: Garden District Guided Walking Tour - Read the mansions as clues to the district’s past
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New Orleans: Garden District Guided Walking Tour

5.Garden District Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 514 reviews · 2 hours · from $35

Spend two hours walking the Garden District’s leafy streets with an English-speaking guide. Hear how the neighborhood grew, spot antebellum-style homes and gardens, and look through the gates of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, which is closed to the public. Guides have included James, Lesley, Renee, Jackie, and Libby. The walk ends near Magazine Street.

“Our tour guide James was exceptional. He was very friendly, knowledgeable, and made our experience amazing. Would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to visit the Garden district.”

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Small-Group Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour with Local Guide - What the Guide Adds
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Small-Group Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour with Local Guide

6.Small-Group Manchac Swamp Kayak Tour with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 480 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $93

Leave New Orleans by van or meet the group at the Manchac launch, about 30 minutes away, for a guided paddle through quiet bayou channels. Your guide shares local wildlife and Louisiana history, including the lost logging town of Ruddock. Groups are capped at 14, and beginners get an introduction before setting out.

“The kayak tour was a beautiful way to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city for a while. Although we were still able to catch glimpses of multiple animals we would recommend coming a little later into spring to see the fully bloomed floral landscape. Our guide Josh was lively, did well participating with every member of the group and knew his history well.”

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New Orleans: Laura Creole Plantation Guided Tour - Inside the 1805 Maison Principale
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New Orleans: Laura Creole Plantation Guided Tour

7.Laura Creole Plantation Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 396 reviews · 1h 15m · from $32

Laura Plantation’s 75-minute guided tour links its 1805 Maison Principale, three gardens and original 1840s cabins through personal stories of free and enslaved family members. Guides including Renee, Lindie, Pam and James have led tours in English and French. You can then explore the slavery exhibit on your own. Bring comfortable shoes and plan your ride to the West Bank site.

“Lindie was amazing! You could feel her passion for the topics covered. Educational and entertaining. She even spoke French to a member on the tour. The gift shop was super cute as well.”

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Avery Island Experience- Tabasco & Jungle Gardens Self-guided tour - Restaurant 1868 makes a useful pause
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Avery Island Experience- Tabasco & Jungle Gardens Self-guided tour

8.Avery Island Experience- Tabasco & Jungle Gardens Self-guided tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 297 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

At Avery Island, follow Tabasco from pepper seed to bottling on a self-guided factory and museum route, then explore a three-mile loop through Jungle Gardens by car, bike, or on foot. You’ll have tasting stops, a complimentary mini bottle, a country store, and Restaurant 1868. The garden audio guide is available only there.

“The whole place and it’s atmosphere was great. The tour was informative and I highly recommend drivibg through the park area. We saw beautiful landscaping and also two alligators .”

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Nola Voodoo Walking Tour with High Priestess Guide in New Orleans - Louis Armstrong Park and the Egun tree
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Nola Voodoo Walking Tour with High Priestess Guide in New Orleans

9.Nola Voodoo Walking Tour with High Priestess Guide in New Orleans

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 172 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $40

Walk through Congo Square, Louis Armstrong Park, and the French Quarter with an initiated High Priestess of Louisiana Plantation Vodou. Guides including Malika explain ancestor offerings, Marie Laveau, and the truth behind Voodoo doll myths. The 1-hour-45-minute tour starts at 10:00 am and returns to its meeting point.

“This was such an informative tour. Make sure you dress in layers for the weather. Our tour guide Malika was so thorough.”

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French Quarter Tour with Local Guide and Creole Stories - Let the guide shape the walk
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French Quarter Tour with Local Guide and Creole Stories

10.French Quarter Tour with Local Guide and Creole Stories

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 159 reviews · 2 hours · from $35

Walk the French Quarter with a certified local guide who connects its landmarks and quieter corners to Creole people, customs, and history. Groups are limited to 12, and tours run in four languages. Erika has led some of the highly praised tours, but your guide may vary.

“La guía hace que la ciudad te guste más. me gusta que hable de su vida en NOLA . Y me encanta que hable rápido😅 Erika , Nueva Orleans es mejor contigo.”

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New Orleans: Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampires Guided Tour - Voodoo history around Louis Armstrong Park
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New Orleans: Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampires Guided Tour

11.Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampires Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 139 reviews · 90 minutes - 2 hours · from $37

Spend 90 minutes to two hours walking the French Quarter with Hottest Hell Tours, exploring Voodoo history, haunted sites and notorious crimes. Stories vary by guide and night. You can choose a standard tour or an option with handheld HELLVISION projectors. Guides such as Doug, Elaine and The Professor have led tours, though you cannot count on a particular guide.

“This was one of the best tour experiences I have had! Our tour guide Jonathan was knowledgeable and fun!”

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Private New Orleans City Tour with Local Expert Guide - Uptown, Carrollton and the St. Charles corridor
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Private New Orleans City Tour with Local Expert Guide

12.Private New Orleans City Tour with Local Expert Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 138 reviews · 3 to 4 hours (approx.) · from $170

Marc’s private, air-conditioned driving tour covers New Orleans well beyond the French Quarter, with door-to-door pickup and a route you can shape around your interests. Expect neighborhood views, local stories and optional stops in places such as the Garden District, Bywater and Magazine Street. It lasts about three to four hours.

“Marc was incredibly knowledgeable, interesting and professional. Saw and learned things I didn’t see in 20+ years of coming to NOLA. Truly a tour that is not the usual tourist experience. Highly recommend!”

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True Voodoo History of NOLA's Congo Square with Local Guide - Making sense of Voodoo’s history
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True Voodoo History of NOLA’s Congo Square with Local Guide

13.True Voodoo History of NOLA’s Congo Square with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 133 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $39

Walk from Armstrong Park’s Congo Square into the French Quarter with a local guide, learning about Voodoo’s history, traditions, and New Orleans legends. The 90-minute route includes music and ends at Voodoo Authentica, a shop, temple, and educational space run by practitioners. Guides have included Sandy, Anna, Evian, and Robbie.

“Historically based and very walkable. Lots of time to ask follow up questions. Just the right amount is sites in the right amount of time.”

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Adults-Only Voodoo History Guided Walking Tour in New Orleans - St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 from the outside
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Adults-Only Voodoo History Guided Walking Tour in New Orleans

14.Adults-Only Voodoo History Guided Walking Tour in New Orleans

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 105 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $37

This 90-minute, adults-only walk starts near Basin Street Station and ends at Jackson Square, stopping at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, Congo Square, Dauphine Street, and Conjure New Orleans. Guides such as Doug and Claire explain voodoo history and practice, Marie Laveau’s place in the city, and how popular stereotypes took hold. The tour does not enter the cemetery.

“Mac was a wonderful tour guide. He provided a fun and spooky history of the dark and spooky past of The French Quarter. He made sure everyone could hear all the stories and he gave great advice and answered all questions.”

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Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting - Five Pours, With Room for Something Special
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Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting

15.Guided Distillery Tour & Rum Tasting

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 87 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $15Best value

At Roulaison Distilling Co, an owner-guide such as Andrew leads a roughly one-hour tour of the small New Orleans rum distillery, explaining its methods and local rum traditions before pouring five samples, including possible limited releases. The group is capped at eight. You’ll need to arrange your own ride to the South Broad Avenue address.

“The Most owners were SO kind and amiable! From us running late, to adding an extra spirit to our tasting. It’s clear that they are passionate about their work and sharing it with the world. Very knowledgeable, and good conversationalists! This is worth going out of your way for! Excellent value! Be sure to pick up a bottle or two as a souvenir (and a dog plushie too!)”

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New in Guided

★ 4.9Whitney and Laura Guided Plantation TourFrom $15920 reviews
★ 4.9True Voodoo History of NOLA’s Congo Square with Local GuideFrom $3916 reviews
★ 5.0New Orleans Self-Guided Kayak Bayou Swamp Tour9 reviews
★ 4.0Self-Guided Walking Tour French Quarter In New OrleansFrom $913 reviews
★ 4.5Self Guided Walking Tour of New Orleans’ Historic Garden DistrictFrom $713 reviews
★ 4.0Private Custom Guided Walking TourFrom $1323 reviews
★ 5.0Private Chauffeured and Historian Guided City Tour of New Orleans7 reviews
★ 4.0New Orleans Self-Guided French Quarter Stolen Art Adventure WalkFrom $57 reviews
★ 5.0New Orleans Garden District Food & History Tour with Local GuideFrom $1473 reviews
★ 5.0French Quarter Tour with Local Guide and Creole StoriesFrom $3511 reviews
★ 5.0New Orleans French Quarter Private Walking Tour with a GuideFrom $1324 reviews
★ 4.0New Orleans Esplanade Ridge: A Self-Guided Audio TourFrom $95 reviews
★ 3.5St Louis Cemetery No.3 New Orleans Burial Tradition Audio GuideFrom $63 reviews
★ 4.5Explore Oak Alley Plantation Guided Tour with TransportationFrom $805 reviews
★ 3.5French Quarter Guided Walking TourFrom $3510 reviews

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