Looking for memorable New Orleans tours for your trip? New Orleans in Louisiana is a colourful and characterful city offering up some unique and unusual, bizarre and beautiful experiences. What else would you expect from the city of Mardi Gras, gumbo festivals, jazz funerals and voodoo?

For some quirky ways to discover the Big Easy, check out these New Orleans tours. These tours are perfect for intrepid travellers and the culturally curious.

Cool things to do in New Orleans:

Mississippi Riverboat Jazz Cruise

Climb on board the City of New Orleans riverboat for a jazz cruise down the mighty Mississippi River.

As the jazz starts to play, take a leisurely walk on the beautiful boat decks and tour the refinished interiors. During this two-hour cruise, you can enjoy captivating views of the Mississippi River and the French Quarter. Pair these views with refreshing cocktails and delicious New Orleans-style cuisine.

Cajun Encounters Swamp Tour

Some of the most popular New Orleans tours are swamp tours. On this tour, you’ll explore the protected wetlands of the Honey Island Swamp (Marais de l’Île-de-Miel). This marshland in eastern Louisiana is one of the least-altered river swamps in the United States. Almost half the swamp is a protected wildlife area.

You tour the swamp in a custom-made flat bottom boat. If you are lucky, you might spot some of the animals that call the swamp home. You might glimpse, for instance, alligators, turtles, snakes, raccoons, wild boars, black bears, owls and bald eagles.

Ghost, Voodoo and Vampire Walking Tour

With loads of reportedly haunted places, New Orleans is one of the United States’ most haunted cities. Just how haunted? You’ll find out on this spooky tour. Master storytellers walk and talk you through the French Quarter, where you will hear tales of ghosts, voodoo and vampires.

You’ll discover the legend of the most haunted landmark in New Orleans, the Lalaurie Mansion. You’ll also stop at various other locations known for paranormal activity. This is a terrific tour for learning about the ghosts and ghastly characters of the New Orleans of old.

Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour

Just 25 minutes from New Orleans is the historical and beautiful Jean Lafitte National Park and Preserve’s Barataria Preserve.

On a Jean Lafitte swamp tour, you can admire the moss-draped cypress trees as well as the unique flora and fauna of this protected area. As you navigate the bayous teeming with wildlife, you’ll get to see plenty of creatures who make their homes here. Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, snakes, egrets, white-tailed deer, mink and a whole lot more.

French Quarter Walking and History Tour

One of the best ways to explore The Big Easy is on a walking tour around its famous French Quarter.

On a walking tour, you’ll stroll the storied streets of the Vieux Carre. You’ll learn about the city’s colonial history, Creole culture and admire the architectural masterpieces. Follow your knowledgeable guide to the French Market, America’s oldest continuously operated open-air market and then to the Ursuline Convent, the oldest building in the Mississippi River Valley. You’ll also make your way to Jackson Square, the St. Louis Exchange, Pirate’s Alley, and many other historic and fascinating New Orleans attractions.

New Orleans Cemetery Tour

Cemeteries in New Orleans go by the name ‘Cities of the Dead’. On a tour, you visit serval of the historic cemeteries in New Orleans, for instance, Gates of Prayer, Dispersed of Judah Cemetery, St. Patrick Cemetery and Charity Hospital Cemetery.

Cemeteries in New Orleans are ornate and fascinating and home to everyone from famous musicians to voodoo queens. On a tour, you’ll find out who’s who and learn about the history and traditions surrounding these final resting places.

Garden District Walking Tour

The Garden District is a picturesque neighbourhood full of magnificent mansions and tree-lined streets. It is an area where the rich and famous call home.

On a Garden District walking tour, you’ll experience the Southern charm and see the Old South come to life. Expert guides tell you historical stories and share celebrity insights as you stroll the pretty streets and admire the elegant architecture. Some of these homes even played a part in the Civil War, and are still resplendent today.

Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Cruise

Sit back, relax and enjoy a cruise down the great Mississippi River aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen.

This historic river cruise is narrated by a local historian as is a journey through the story of New Orleans. As you sail downriver you’ll hear about the founding of the city by the LeMoyne brothers, the Louisiana Purchase and the Battle of New Orleans. You’ll also take a shore excursion and tour of Chalmette Battlefield by a National Park Ranger.

Onboard, you can sip cocktails and dine on tasty Creole cuisine.

New Orleans Food Tour

Eat your way around this fabulous foodie city on a delicious food tour. New Orleans has hundreds of legendary restaurants, bars and markets. The best way to dig into the city’s rich and varied flavours is to take a tasty culinary tour.

On a tour, you’ll get a real taste of New Orleans’ rich multicultural history through its mouth-watering cuisine. You’ll also visit America’s oldest public market. You won’t go hungry on this tour as you chow down on a cup of gumbo and devour beignet. This is the official state doughnut of the state of Louisiana. You’ll also get to sample plenty of other traditional delicacies that are only available in Cajun country.

New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

A hop-on hop-off tour is a wonderful way to see all the New Orleans attractions. If you are in a rush, this is a great tour. You cover a lot of ground in a short time.

On a bus tour, you’ll visit the main landmarks and districts of New Orleans. These include Jackson Square, the Esplanade, Canal Street, the French Market and the National World War II Museum. You can also stop off and explore the Garden District and Mardi Gras World.

You can hop off at any stop and hop on from any stop. If you grab a seat on the top deck, you’ll have 360º panoramic views of New Orleans. Whilst onboard, experienced guides provide commentary and will answer any questions that you have about this charming city.