Best Things to Do in New Orleans: Where the Good Times (Really) Roll

Hop into a mule-drawn carriage and let New Orleans history unfold around you—no sore feet required. Your guide does the storytelling as you roll past centuries-old landmarks like St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and those classic French Quarter balconies dripping with wrought-iron charm. It’s a great way to get oriented on your first day, especially if you want to see the sights without melting in the Louisiana heat. This ride is a hit with families (kids love the mules) and anyone wanting a chill intro to the city. You’ll find carriages waiting near Decatur Street, right by Jackson Square. Parking in the Quarter is tough, so you’re better off using the paid lots nearby or catching a rideshare.

Think of this as part ghost story, part crash course in New Orleans culture, with just the right dose of drama. You’ll walk the storied streets of the French Quarter, explore the infamous St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 (home to Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau), and get the real backstory on voodoo—not the Hollywood version. It’s creepy in the best way, and you’ll leave knowing way more about the city’s spiritual and supernatural roots. This one’s best for ages 10+, especially if they love mysterious stuff. Expect lots of walking and sun, so wear comfy shoes and bring water. Tours usually start near Basin Street Station, which has limited paid parking—arrive early or grab a rideshare to skip the stress.

This is your easy button for sightseeing. Grab a seat on the open-top double-decker bus and roll through New Orleans with live commentary, zero hassle. You’ll hit over a dozen major stops—including the French Market, WWII Museum, Garden District, and more—with the freedom to get off, explore, and hop back on as often as you like. It’s perfect for families, seniors, or anyone trying to cram a lot into one trip. No need to repark your car a million times—just park once near Basin Street Station or Canal Place and spend the rest of the day carefree.

This isn’t your sugar-coated mansion tour. Laura Plantation peels back the layers of Creole culture, power dynamics, and slavery in a raw, unfiltered way. Guided tours walk you through the colorful main house, original slave quarters, and the real stories of the people who lived and worked here—many based on firsthand accounts. It’s powerful, thought-provoking, and ideal for adults and teens with an interest in real history. Located about an hour outside New Orleans, this experience is well worth the drive. Bonus: there’s free parking on-site and plenty of room to explore the grounds.

Welcome to the Louisiana bayou, where gators roam, herons swoop, and moss hangs like tinsel from the trees. This swamp tour feels part theme park, part wildlife documentary. You’ll cruise through 20,000 acres of protected tidewater cypress swamp with guides who know the land like the back of their hand—and they’ll introduce you to Sugar, a rare albino alligator who’s kind of a local celebrity. Kids absolutely love it, and adults come away with way more Cajun knowledge than they expected. There’s free parking at the Lafitte dock, and hotel pickup is also available if you’d rather go car-free.

New Orleans doesn’t do cemeteries like the rest of the world—and St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the perfect intro. This historic site is packed with elaborate above-ground tombs, ghostly legends, and final resting places of local icons like Marie Laveau and Homer Plessy. It’s moody, atmospheric, and surprisingly educational. Tours are guided and timed, so it’s best to book ahead. Start your walk at Basin Street Station (which also has a visitor center and bathrooms). Parking is limited here, so aim to arrive early or take the streetcar in.

If you want a true “Only in New Orleans” moment, this is it. Imagine eating turtle soup and shrimp étouffée in a beautiful courtyard under a canopy of wisteria while live jazz fills the air. That’s brunch at Court of Two Sisters. The buffet lineup is serious: gumbo, jambalaya, king cake, and even made-to-order omelets. It’s a foodie’s dream and a vibe-heavy experience great for adults, couples, or older kids with adventurous taste buds. Valet parking is offered, but street parking in the Quarter is hit or miss—leave a little extra time just in case.

This is for the adrenaline junkies and wildlife lovers. You’ll zip across the marsh in a powerful airboat, guided by someone who probably grew up wrestling gators (or at least sounds like they did). Expect plenty of close-up wildlife sightings, from alligators and turtles to egrets and snakes. It’s noisy, it’s fast, and it’s a blast—best for kids 5 and up and grown-ups who like their sightseeing with a thrill. Free parking is available at the dock, and hotel pickup is an option if you don’t feel like driving.

Take a walk through one of New Orleans’ most picturesque neighborhoods—where massive oaks frame grand mansions, and every corner has a backstory. From celebrity homes to the resting place of the dead at Lafayette Cemetery (if open), this tour is equal parts beauty and history. Your guide will fill you in on everything from Civil War lore to Hollywood filming spots. It’s a relaxed pace, perfect for adults and kids who enjoy stories and slow strolls. Street parking can be tricky but doable in nearby residential areas—just follow signage closely.

Want to experience the river that built New Orleans? This classic paddlewheeler cruise is the way to do it. Choose from daytime historical tours or evening jazz cruises with a full Creole buffet. You’ll glide past the city skyline with a live band setting the mood, and maybe even snag a table near the rail for photos. Great for all ages, especially families or couples looking for something a little magical. Park at the nearby Riverwalk lot for easy boarding, or make it part of your larger Riverfront stroll.

For anyone who loves the creepy side of history, this tour is a must. Your guide doesn’t hold back—expect juicy stories about haunted mansions, voodoo priestesses, vampire legends, and the city’s most infamous dark corners. It’s theatrical, informative, and just the right level of spooky. Great for teens and adults—probably not best for young kids or scaredy-cats. The tour starts in the French Quarter; parking is tight, so go with a garage or car service.

This isn’t just another museum—it’s one of the most powerful experiences in the country. From the immersive D-Day exhibit to the soaring aircraft hanging overhead, this place makes history feel personal. Touchscreen displays, personal testimonies, and theatrical elements make it engaging for older kids and adults alike. Plan at least 2–3 hours here—it’s big. There’s a paid parking garage right next to the museum, or take the streetcar if you want a scenic arrival.