The first booking to make in New Orleans is St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, because the Archdiocese allows visitors in only with an authorized guide, so tickets can run out on busy dates. After that, the 7 priced tours below fill the French Quarter, the river and the table.
Quick Comparison: New Orleans Tours at a Glance
| Tour | Rating (reviews) | From | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter with Small-Group Option | ★ 4.8 (6,704) | $82 | Tasting the classic dishes of the French Quarter |
| New Orleans Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise | ★ 4.3 (6,024) | $44 | Live jazz on the Mississippi |
| New Orleans City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour | ★ 4.3 (5,220) | $51 | Getting between districts at your own pace |
| St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Walking Tour | ★ 4.6 (4,687) | $25 | The famous cemetery at the lowest price |
| New Orleans City Tour: French Quarter, Garden District & Cemetery | ★ 4.8 (2,775) | $40 | An overview of several districts in one tour |
| Private Transfer to/from Louis Armstrong Intl Airport and NOLA | ★ 4.9 (382) | $48 | An airport transfer, not a sightseeing tour |
The food walking tour is the most reviewed and the most expensive group tour here, and the tastings can stand in for a meal. For an overview, the $40 city tour covers the French Quarter, the Garden District and a cemetery and has the same 4.8 rating. St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 can only be visited with a licensed guide, which makes the $25 official tour worth booking. The steamboat cruise and the hop-on hop-off bus are both rated 4.3, the lowest on the list. Ratings and prices are as shown on Viator when this page was last updated and can change.
Steamboat Natchez Harbor Cruise
A steamboat cruise on the Mississippi aboard the Natchez, with commentary on the port and river history. A relaxed break from walking, and a good fit for a sunset sailing. Check the departure time and whether food or drinks are included.
View Price & Book Tour on Viator
New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter
A guided tasting walk in the French Quarter, with stops for local dishes and the stories behind them. Best at lunchtime on an empty stomach. Check which dishes are included, and mention allergies when booking.
View Price & Book Tour on Viator
City Sightseeing New Orleans Hop on Hop Off Tour
A hop-on, hop-off loop linking the main areas of the city. It is a relief in the humid months, when walking is tiring. Check the route, including whether it reaches the Garden District, the audio languages and the last departure.
View Price & Book Tour on Viator
Demand for these New Orleans, Louisiana experiences typically rises in peak season, so it pays to book sooner rather than later.
Timing Your New Orleans Trip
Spring and fall are the best seasons, with the festival calendar in full swing: Mardi Gras in February or March, and Jazz Fest in late April and early May. Summer is hot, humid and stormy. Hurricane season runs from June to November. Winter is mild but can bring a damp chill.
Best Area to Base Yourself in New Orleans
The French Quarter puts you beside the music, but nights are loud, especially near Bourbon Street. The Central Business District is calmer and convenient. The Garden District has historic mansions and a quiet atmosphere. Marigny and Bywater are local and creative, within reach of the jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street.
Booking Tips for New Orleans
Bring water, a hat and comfortable shoes, since sidewalks are uneven and tree roots crack the paving. Cemeteries have little shade, so aim for morning slots. Keep valuables out of sight at night and avoid isolated streets late. Carry a little cash for tips and small vendors.
Budgeting for New Orleans Tours
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Walking Tour is the cheapest at $25, with the riverboat cruise close behind. The French Quarter city tour sits near $44, and the food walk tops the range at $82 because tastings are built into it. The airport transfer is priced per ride.
Which New Orleans Tour Fits You
The French Quarter is small and walkable, so independent wandering is easy. Tours add value where access or context is the point: the cemetery requires a guide, the food walk teaches you local dishes, and the river cruise gets you onto the Mississippi. Streetcars reach the Garden District if you prefer to go alone.
What Makes These Tours Worth Booking
New Orleans is a city of music, Creole and Cajun food and a distinctive history, and the best guided options address each. Across 25,956 reviews, these listings average 4.5 out of 5, and New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter leads on volume with 6,704 reviews at 4.8 stars.
Common Questions About New Orleans Tours
Can I visit St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 on my own?
Generally no, as entry is limited to authorized guides and tours. Book a licensed tour in advance, especially on weekends and festival dates.
How much do New Orleans tours cost?
Listings run from $25 to $82, with a median of $44. The cemetery and riverboat are the cheapest, while the food walking tour is the priciest.
Which New Orleans tour has the most reviews?
New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter leads with 6,704 reviews at 4.8 stars. Across all 7 priced listings, 25,956 reviews average 4.5 out of 5.
When is the best time to visit New Orleans?
Spring and fall are best, with festivals and tolerable weather. Summer is hot and humid, and hurricane season runs from June to November, so keep plans flexible.
More Top Tours & Experiences
Best Overall Tours
Top Things To Do
Private vs. Group Tours
Private Tour
Private Transfer to/from Louis Armstrong Intl Airport and NOLA
From $48 Check Availability
More Highly-Rated Tours
| Tour | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Walking Tour | $25 | 4.6 (4687) |
| New Orleans City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour | $51 | 4.3 (5220) |
| New Orleans Hands-On Cooking Class with Meal | $168 | 4.9 (1328) |
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!