Things to do in New Orleans

Top experiences at a glance for New Orleans

Tours lead the way in bookings, followed by cruises, with museums and zoos & aquariums rounding out the most popular options; attraction passes sell in smaller numbers. Bookings swell toward December and dip in August, so the city’s top experiences feel busiest at the end of the year and much quieter in late summer.

What different travellers tend to choose

Families often favour zoos & aquariums and museums for easy, kid-friendly outings, while couples gravitate to cruises and curated tours for a more immersive, romantic pace. Solo travellers and small groups will find tours and cruises ideal for meeting people and sampling local culture. Attraction passes suit travellers who like to bundle multiple sights, though they’re a less common pick here.

What travellers from Australia book ahead

Most travellers from Australia book about three days in advance on average, which means there’s usually flexibility to arrange activities a day or two before you go. The earliest planners still lock things in roughly two to three weeks ahead, and that extra lead time matters most in December when demand peaks.

How the categories compare on price and who they suit

Zoos & aquariums are the easiest entry point for budget-conscious visitors, while attraction passes sit at the premium end of the scale. Tours sit broadly in the mid-range, and cruises show the widest spread of prices—some are modestly priced and others lean premium—making cruises a good fit whether you want value or splurge. Museums tend toward the lower-to-mid price band and suit travellers after a quieter, cultural experience.