This is our in-depth trip-planning guide to New Orleans: when to visit, what the weather is really like, what to eat, and how to pace your days across the 78-square-block French Quarter, the food scene, festivals, and the bayou. If you just want the shortlist of attractions with booking details, jump straight to our 10 best things to do in New Orleans page.
When Is the Best Time to Plan Your New Orleans Trip?
New Orleans welcomed roughly 18 million visitors in a recent year, according to New Orleans & Company. July highs average about 92 degrees while January highs average about 62 degrees, and the city sees about 62 inches of rain a year, per the National Weather Service. The French Quarter, founded in 1718, covers about 78 square blocks of walkable history. Explore more things to do in New Orleans.
How Can You Add a Swamp Tour to Your Itinerary?
Bayou Swamp Tours runs 1-hour-45-minute trips departing about 30 minutes from downtown, with French Quarter hotel pickup available. Small airboats hold 6 to 10 passengers and large airboats hold 15 to 27, and you may spot some of Louisiana's roughly 2 million wild alligators, per the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries. Book an airboat tour or read our latest bayou guides.
Short on time? Lock in the city’s signature outdoor adventure now — book a swamp tour or call 504-618-1692.
The Must-Do: A New Orleans Swamp & Airboat Tour
No trip to New Orleans is complete without heading into the Louisiana bayou. A swamp tour gets you face-to-face with alligators, cypress forests, and Cajun culture just minutes from the city. It’s the single best way to see the real Louisiana.
- Choose a fast airboat tour for thrills, or a covered pontoon for a relaxed family ride.
- Spot alligators, herons, turtles, and more.
- Learn local folklore from a Cajun guide.
See what to expect on a swamp tour, then book yours today.
How to Explore the French Quarter
The French Quarter is the historic heart of New Orleans — wrought-iron balconies, jazz spilling from every doorway, and world-famous beignets at cafés. Wander Royal Street, visit Jackson Square, and soak up the architecture. For a local’s perspective, read exploring NOLA as a local.
Eat Your Way Through the City
New Orleans is a food lover’s paradise: gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys, crawfish, and Creole classics. After a morning on the bayou, check out our picks for where to eat after a swamp tour.
Experience Mardi Gras & Festivals
From Mardi Gras and the super krewes to Essence Festival and the best festivals in New Orleans, there’s a celebration nearly every month. Traveling with family? See Mardi Gras for kids.
Seasonal Highlights
Every season has something special: September, October, November events, and festive Christmas swamp tours. Planning around an event? Browse the full blog for month-by-month guides.
Hidden Gems
Get off the beaten path with emerging indie spots, romantic proposal locations, and adventure and mystery experiences — including the city’s eerie vampire history.
Plan Your Trip
Need a framework? Start with our 2-day New Orleans itinerary and build a swamp tour into day one. When you’re ready, book online or call 504-618-1692.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to ride? Lock in your New Orleans swamp tour in 60 seconds.
