City Tours in New Orleans

New Orleans, located in Louisiana along the Mississippi River, is famed for its vibrant music scene, diverse cultural heritage, and distinct cuisine that blends French, African, and American influences.

Known as the birthplace of jazz, the city celebrates its musical legacy through numerous clubs and annual festivals, most notably Mardi Gras, an iconic event characterized by parades, masquerade balls, and street parties.

The historic French Quarter is the heart of the city, with its lively Bourbon Street, elegant Creole architecture, and the bustling French Market. City Tours in New Orleans offer a glimpse into the city's unique charm, evident in its Voodoo history, above-ground cemeteries, and picturesque bayous.

Here's all you need to know about city tours, one of the most captivating options for sightseeing tours in New Orleans.

What are the best City tours in New Orleans?

New Orleans is a city of legend. Its fascinating Creole history coupled with its diverse and multicultural culture makes it a fascinating area to explore. Here are just a few of the top rated tours that are available to choose from:

New Orleans City tour by bus

This guided motorcoach tour travels at a walking pace through the city of New Orleans with stops at three top attractions. The first stop is the St Louis Cemetery where you will have a guided tour, followed by a visit to St. Johns Park. You will then follow the route of the famous Mardi Gras before taking a stroll through the Garden District.

New Orleans small group city tour

Access the areas inaccessible by coach on a small group city tour. This tour includes a pickup at your hotel and follows a route past most of New Orleans’ prominent attractions.

From the French Quarter and garden district to famous sites such as Magazine Street, Frenchman Street and Tulane University, you will find yourself immersed in the city’s atmospheric charm.

At the end of your tours, you can choose whether to return to your hotel, or remain in the central business district to continue your sightseeing independently.

NOLA Urban Culture City Tour

An urban culture tour visits a different side of New Orleans as you are joined in your comfortable minivan by your insightful guide. On this tour, you will learn about the significant role of New Orleans in the civil rights movement and discover the birthplace of jazz.

Highlights include Congo Square, Treme, the Musicians’ Village and the Civil Rights Trail.

New Orleans Helicopter City Tour

See the Big Easy from above on a helicopter tour of the city. Your pilot is also your guide for this experience, and after a safety briefing, you will take to the air to see sights such as the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, the Mississippi River and City Park before returning to land. The weather conditions will determine the duration of the flight.

Private New Orleans City Tour

See New Orleans through the eyes of a local guide and customize your itinerary to suit your interests. On a private tour, you will get insider knowledge to allow you to make the most of your time in the city.

During your tour, you can explore some of New Orleans’ diverse neighborhoods, stop at important landmarks in the French Quarter and, if you’re keen, stop along the Riverbend or Carrollton areas to explore along the streetcar line.

These private tours include door-to-door transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Hurricane Katrina Recovery tour

For a glimpse into how New Orleans was irrevocably altered by Hurricane Katrine, you can join a guided 3-hour tour that navigates the areas most affected by the storm.

You will also visit other historical areas in the city and learn what measures have been put in place to prevent the same devastation from reoccurring. The guided tour also includes a visit to an above-ground cemetery and a visit to a city park for optional beignets and coffee.

Are there any combos available with City tours in New Orleans?

Combo tours offer great value and pack plenty of entertainment into a short space of time.

New Orleans: City Tour and Natchez Daytime Jazz Cruise Combo

On this lively combo tour, you will begin your day aboard the last authentic steamboat with a jazz dinner on the Mississippi River. During the cruise you will experience the pace of times gone by as you enjoy live jazz entertainment. After the cruise, your guide will show you an authentic look at historic New Orleans and regale you with tales of voodoo and piracy.

New Orleans Full Day City and Swamp tour combo

New Orleans is located in the heart of Cajun Country and on this combo tour, your guide will show you the city highlights and tell you all about Creole culture before heading to the bayou where you can choose between a slow-paced tour boat ride, or a thrilling airboat adventure.

New Orleans City and Oak Alley Plantation Combo tour

An enthralling experience that combines the highlights of New Orleans’ top attractions such as the French Quarter, recent history as the guide recounts the stories of devastation during Hurricane Katrina, and a step back into the past along the oak-lined esplanades and sugar-cane fields of the Oak Alley Plantation.

Which places are visited?

New Orleans is a cultural melting pot and a city tour typically encompasses a variety of historical, cultural, and iconic locations. Prominent attractions and landmarks on a tour may include:

French Quarter

The city's historic heart, known for its vibrant nightlife, colorful buildings with cast-iron balconies, and landmarks like Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the bustling French Market.

Bourbon Street

Famous for its lively atmosphere, bars, jazz clubs, and nightlife, Bourbon Street is a quintessential stop to experience the vibrant spirit of New Orleans.

Garden District

Known for its well-preserved antebellum mansions, lush gardens, and historic cemeteries, the Garden District gives visitors a glimpse into the city’s opulent past.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

One of the city’s most famous 'Cities of the Dead,' this cemetery is known for its unique above-ground tombs and is the final resting place of notable figures, including Voodoo priestess Marie Laveau.

Frenchmen Street

Popular for its live music scene, Frenchmen Street is considered a hub for authentic New Orleans jazz and blues, and offers a more local alternative to Bourbon Street.

The National WWII Museum

An educational and moving experience, The National WWII Museum offers an insightful look into the American experience in World War II.

The Faubourg Marigny & Bywater

Neighborhoods known for their bohemian vibe, colorful houses, and vibrant arts scene.

Louis Armstrong Park

Dedicated to the legendary jazz musician, this park is in the Tremé neighborhood, an area rich in African-American and Creole culture.

How much do city tours in New Orleans cost?

A New Orleans City tour by bus costs from US$55 per adult and US$25 per child aged 6 to 12 years. New Orleans small group city tours start from US$60 per person aged 13 years and older.

NOLA Urban Culture City Tours cost from US$50 for adults and US$35 for children under the age of 13 years.

A seat on a New Orleans Helicopter City Tour costs from US$120 per person on a shared flight. A maximum of 3 passengers will fly at any one time.

Private New Orleans City Tours vary in terms of itinerary and duration, but typically cost from US$150 per person.

A 3-hour Hurricane Katrina Recovery tour costs from US$55 per adult and US$35 per child aged 4 to 12 years. Children aged 3 years and under are free of charge.

Combo tours are priced from around US$100 per person.

What is included?

Certain trips provide round trip transport from your hotel or a central meeting point. Each tour includes the service of a qualified and experienced guide. Combo tours offer additional activities as specified.

Where does it start?

Several tours include a roundtrip transfer from selected Downtown or French Quarter hotels. If you are staying elsewhere, you may be asked to meet at one of the listed pickup points.

Most helicopter tours begin at the helipad located on Stars and Stripes Boulevard

How long does it last?

Most New Orleans City tours last between 2.5 and 3 hours. Combo tours are full day experiences and may last for up to 8 hours depending on the itinerary and planned activities.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

With the exception of combo tours that include airboat or swamp boat activities, most tours are accessible for folding wheelchairs. You may be required to access the vehicle without assistance from the driver or guide, so a capable accompanying companion is advisable if you have any mobility restrictions.

Walking tours may traverse uneven terrain or may have stairs. Please always check in advance before booking. Service animals are not permitted on many of the shared tours, but may be allowed on private excursions.

When is the best time for a city tour in New Orleans?

Consider taking the tour at the beginning of your visit to gain insights into the city's unique culture and history. The best time for a city tour in New Orleans is during the cooler months of fall and spring, avoiding the hot and humid summer. Morning or late afternoon tours are ideal for pleasant weather.

Travel tips

• Secure your spot by booking your city tour in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• New Orleans can be hot, so bring water and snacks to stay refreshed during the tour.
• Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes for a day of exploring.
• Capture the city's unique charm with a camera or smartphone to document your experience.
• Check transportation options, some tours may provide transportation, while others may require you to arrange your own.