10 Best Things to Do in New Orleans
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What Are the Best Things to Do in New Orleans?
The best things to do in New Orleans include walking the French Quarter, riding the St. Charles streetcar, eating beignets at Cafe du Monde, and getting out on the water: a Bayou Swamp Tours airboat or pontoon tour departs six times daily (8 am-6 pm), lasts 1 hour 45 minutes, and picks up from most French Quarter hotels.
Explore New Orleans' hidden gem: the mysterious bayous, about 30 minutes from downtown.
Spot wildlife like alligators, turtles, and some of Louisiana's 200+ recorded bird species up close.
Local Cajun captains share stories and history you won't hear in the city.
Small airboats carry just 6-10 passengers for a personal, unforgettable adventure.
Guests rate Bayou Swamp Tours 4.8 stars on Google.
Which 10 Experiences Should You Not Miss?
New Orleans welcomes roughly 17 million visitors a year, and most build their trip around the same core experiences. Here are ten that consistently deliver:
1. Walk the French Quarter: The 300-year-old heart of the city — Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and Royal Street's galleries.
2. Take a swamp tour: Ride an airboat or covered pontoon through the bayous, where roughly 2 million wild alligators live statewide. Tours run 8 am-6 pm daily with French Quarter pickup.
3. Eat beignets at Cafe du Monde: The French Market original has served cafe au lait and beignets since 1862, 24 hours a day.
4. Visit the National WWII Museum: Consistently ranked among the top museums in the United States; plan at least half a day.
5. Ride the St. Charles streetcar: The oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world, rolling past Garden District mansions.
6. Hear live jazz on Frenchmen Street: Locals' favorite strip of music clubs, just outside the Quarter.
7. Explore City Park: 1,300 acres of centuries-old live oaks, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and Cafe du Monde's park outpost.
8. Tour the Garden District: Antebellum mansions, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, and Magazine Street shopping.
9. Catch a set at Preservation Hall: Intimate, all-ages traditional jazz shows nightly in a 1750s-era building.
10. Take a ghost or cemetery tour: New Orleans' above-ground cemeteries and haunted French Quarter history come alive after dark.
New Orleans by the Numbers
Of history — New Orleans was founded in 1718, and the French Quarter still follows its original street grid.
Source: New Orleans & CompanyWild alligators live in Louisiana's wetlands — a swamp tour is the one New Orleans activity that puts you in their habitat.
Source: Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife & FisheriesOf wetlands are protected in the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve's Barataria unit, just outside the city.
Source: National Park ServiceHow Much Time Does Each Activity Take?
| Activity | Neighborhood / Area | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Swamp tour (airboat or pontoon) | Bayous, ~30 min from downtown | 1 hr 45 min on the water (~3 hrs with travel) |
| French Quarter walk | French Quarter | 2-3 hrs |
| National WWII Museum | Warehouse District | 4-6 hrs |
| St. Charles streetcar + Garden District | Uptown | 2-3 hrs |
| Cafe du Monde | French Market | 30-45 min |
| Frenchmen Street jazz | Marigny | Evening |
| City Park | Mid-City | 2-4 hrs |
| Preservation Hall show | French Quarter | 1 hr |
Our Swamp Tour Options in New Orleans
We have tours for every group size!
What Will I Learn On A Swamp Tour?
Swamp tours offer an exceptional experience unlike any other — a thrilling adventure and a unique education in the wonders of New Orleans' wetlands.
Unveil the Secrets of Diverse Ecosystems
Swamps are teeming with life. On a swamp tour, you'll learn about the intricate ecosystems that thrive in these watery environments. Guides explain how plants and animals coexist and depend on each other.
Encounter Fascinating Wildlife Up Close
Imagine spotting an alligator basking in the sun or a rare bird in its natural habitat. Swamp tours bring you up close with wildlife, offering insights into their behaviors and habitats.
Understand the Importance of Wetlands
Wetlands play a crucial role in our environment. On these tours, you'll discover how swamps protect against flooding, purify water, and support biodiversity.
Experience the Culture and History of the Region
Swamps are rich in history and culture. Learn about the people who live near these environments and how the swamps have shaped their lifestyles and traditions.
Appreciate the Beauty of Untouched Nature
Swamp tours let you witness the raw beauty of nature. You'll see landscapes and scenery that remain untouched and pristine, offering a moment of tranquility and connection with the natural world.
Swamp Tour Times
Boats leave the dock at 8 am, 9:45 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm and 6 pm (if there is enough daylight for the 6 pm tour) — six departures daily. It is important that you be there at least 15-30 minutes before so you have plenty of time to check-in.
All tours are 1 hour 45 minutes packed with excitement. Give us a call to join us for a swamp tour New Orleans style — weekends and holidays book up fast.
Why Book With Bayou Swamp Tours?
Experience
Our passionate and experienced Cajun Captains combine the excitement of a New Orleans airboat swamp tour with the fascination of a backwater nature tour — and guests rate the experience 4.8 stars on Google. Whether you book a small airboat (6-10 passengers), a large airboat (15-27), or a covered pontoon boat, every tour lasts 1 hour 45 minutes.
Wildlife
Explore thousands of acres in our unique Louisiana ecosystem featuring backwater wildlife such as alligators, over 200 species of birds, wild pigs, raccoons and so much more! Experience the murky waters of the swamp firsthand on your New Orleans (NOLA) airboat trip down the mysterious waterways.
Availability
With six departures daily — 8 am, 9:45 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm — you can fit a swamp tour into almost any New Orleans itinerary, and round-trip French Quarter hotel pickup makes it easy to get to the dock.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about our Louisiana airboat tours.