5 best things to do in New Orleans
The essentials of New Orleans with the booking notes that actually matter — which tickets sell out, which slots are quietest, which formats reward the advance purchase. Every booking happens with the provider you choose.
Browse all New Orleans activities
Attractions, tours, day trips and transport passes from major providers — instant mobile tickets.
The New Orleans shortlist
- French Quarter & Jackson Square walk — free and best early; the afternoon heat empties it, the evening fills it.
- Steamboat Natchez cruise — the paddle-steamer with the calliope playing; the harbour jazz cruise is the classic.
- Garden District & Lafayette Cemetery tour — the above-ground tombs and the mansions; self-guided or guided, morning is cooler.
- Swamp & bayou airboat tour — the gregarious gators of the Jean Lafitte wetlands south of the city.
- National WWII Museum — the city's highest-rated museum; plan four hours, the Road to Berlin immersive is the peak.
Flying in, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) serves the city — attraction districts sit 30–60 minutes away at typical city speeds.
Compare New Orleans activity providers
- Klook — New Orleans activities — the widest catalogue, instant QR tickets, strong on transport passes and day trips.
- KKday — New Orleans experiences — local-led formats and small-group tours.
- Tiqets — museums and landmarks with instant mobile entry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the number one thing to do in New Orleans?
French Quarter & Jackson Square walk — free and best early; the afternoon heat empties it, the evening fills it. Start there, then build the itinerary around it.
Do I need to book New Orleans attractions in advance?
The headline attractions reward advance booking — timed-entry systems and quota tickets mean walk-up availability is worst exactly when you want to visit. Everything on this page links to providers showing live availability.
How many days do you need in New Orleans?
Three to four days covers the shortlist above at a humane pace for a first visit; add days for the day-trip formats rather than compressing the city itself.
Is a city pass worth it in New Orleans?
Run the arithmetic honestly: a pass wins when you would genuinely visit three-plus ticketed attractions in its window. Our provider links show pass options side by side with single tickets — compare before committing.