Advertisement

Best Sellers - Things To Do in New Orleans

When you're in New Orleans, certain activities consistently attract the most visitors, and that’s what this list shows, the absolute best sellers by real booking volume. These are the tours, experiences, and attractions that people actually reserve the most, not just what writers guess might be popular.

You’ll find a good mix of classic attractions like French Quarter walking tours, riverboat cruises on the Mississippi, and jazz shows, alongside some seasonal picks that jump in demand during festivals or holidays. The appeal usually comes down to a mix of location, accessibility, and what’s happening around town. For example, in spring or fall, outdoor tours in the Garden District see more bookings because the weather’s so pleasant.

Keep in mind the busiest spots can get packed, so booking ahead is wise, especially if you're headed here during Mardi Gras season or Jazz Fest. If you want a less crowded experience, consider booking early morning slots or weekday options. These best sellers are a solid way to dive into what most visitors want to try first when they land in New Orleans.
Part of the My Guide Network Since 2006 180+ destinations
Search by Map

Local tip for booking

If you’re hoping to experience one of New Orleans’s best-selling activities without the crowds, try aiming for weekday mornings instead of weekends. For example, the French Quarter is alive all day but tends to get overwhelming in the afternoon and evening, especially during Mardi Gras season. Booking riverboat cruises earlier in the day can also mean a quieter, more relaxed trip. Also, if you’re here in the summer, get ready for humidity; early tours help you avoid the afternoon heat. These small timing tweaks go a long way in making the most out of the popular attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the most-booked things to do in New Orleans.

The most popular tours usually include French Quarter walking tours, swamp tours nearby, and riverboat cruises on the Mississippi. These tend to get booked the most throughout the year.

It’s smart to book a few weeks in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak times like Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest. Early morning or weekday slots often have more availability.

Many of the top-booked activities, like river cruises and certain walking tours, do suit families. However, some jazz clubs or late-night events might be less kid-friendly.

Yes, for the best sellers it’s generally a good idea to book ahead. These experiences fill up quickly because of their popularity among visitors.

Absolutely. Garden District tours and outdoor river cruises are regularly booked, especially in the spring and fall when the weather’s nice.

Many of the top-booked options focus on New Orleans culture, including jazz music shows, Creole cuisine experiences, and historical tours of neighborhoods like the French Quarter.

Explore Things To Do Categories

City Tours (602 places) If you've never wandered through the French Quarter with someone who knows the streets and stories, you're missing out. City tours in New Orleans aren’t just about seeing famous spots like Jackson Square or the St. Louis Cathedral; they're about hearing the tales behind those creaky doors and wrought iron balconies… Explore
Family-Friendly Experiences (546 places) If you’re coming to New Orleans with kids, you’re in for some good times , and maybe a few surprises. There’s a lot here that isn’t just about the nightlife or the beignets, really. The Audubon Zoo is a must, and if you’ve got energetic little ones, the cool splash pad at City Park’s Big Lake is a lifesaver on hot… Explore
Heritage Sites (472 places) New Orleans isn’t just about jazz and beignets. The city’s past hangs thick in the air, especially at its heritage sites, where you can get a real sense of its complex history. The French Quarter isn’t just pretty buildings; places like the Cabildo tell stories about Louisiana’s colonial days and early American… Explore
Cultural Tours (468 places) Cultural tours in New Orleans aren’t just about walking through a city,they’re like conversations with its soul. You’ll find yourself in the French Quarter, walking past weathered iron balconies while a guide’s telling you stories that never make it into guidebooks. And just when you think you’ve heard it all, a jazz… Explore
Historical Landmarks (468 places) Walking through New Orleans' historical landmarks feels like flipping through a living scrapbook. You can’t help but get pulled into stories of the French Quarter’s creaky iron balconies or the imposing brick walls of the Old Ursuline Convent on Chartres Street. And trust me, these aren’t just pretty sights. Each… Explore
Guided Walks (410 places) If you want to soak up New Orleans on foot, guided walks are where the city really comes alive. Forget cookie-cutter tours; here, you’re wandering with folks who’ve lived down these streets and have stories that only locals share. Want to stroll through the French Quarter after dark and hear about ghostly legends no… Explore
Attractions & Tickets (358) • Tastings (280) • Private Tours (260) • Day Trips (144) •

Top Things To Do in New Orleans

See All →

Top Things To Do in New Orleans

Click to See All

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 27.8M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Also nearby: My Guide BahamasMy Guide WashingtonMy Guide Philadelphia

See all destinations

Add to your trip
Day {[{day.day}]} {[{day.dateFormat}]}
MorningAfternoonEvening

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Add to day {[{trip.popover.day}]}Add to trip Cancel
Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again