If you’re planning your trip and looking for things to do in New Orleans, don’t settle for the usual tourist traps. From untamed bayous to haunted streets, the Crescent City offers a thrilling mix of wild nature and paranormal history—all in a single day. Here’s how to experience the best of both worlds with two unforgettable local favorites: Bayou Swamp Tours and Big Easy Ghost Tours.
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Morning: Get Wild with a Swamp Tour
Start your day deep in Cajun Country with Bayou Swamp Tours. Just 30 minutes outside New Orleans, this tour takes you into the heart of Louisiana’s wetlands. Glide through mysterious bayous and moss-draped cypress trees as you spot gators, raccoons, wild hogs, and dozens of bird species. If you’re looking for a New Orleans swamp tour that’s authentic, accessible, and full of wildlife, this is the one.
- Airboat Adventure: High-speed and high-thrill, perfect for adrenaline junkies.
- Covered Boat Tour: Slower pace, great for families and photographers.
- Transportation Included: Book a tour with hotel pickup so you can relax and enjoy the ride.
Why it’s a must-do:
This is hands-down one of the most memorable things to do near New Orleans. It’s not a staged experience—this is real Louisiana wilderness. Guides are locals with deep roots in Cajun culture, and they’ll show you parts of the swamp tourists rarely see.
Afternoon: Refuel and Explore the French Quarter
After the swamp tour, head back to the city and grab lunch in the French Quarter. Try po’ boys at Verti Marte, or grab beignets and coffee at Café du Monde. Then, walk off the carbs with a self-guided stroll past historic buildings, street performers, and Voodoo shops. This is the perfect time to browse, snap photos, and soak in the spirit of the city.
If you want to keep the adrenaline going, pop into a local Voodoo museum or take a quick streetcar ride down St. Charles Avenue.
Evening: Take a Ghost Tour That Will Haunt You (In the Best Way)
As the sun sets, the real fun begins. Big Easy Ghost Tours offers some of the most spine-chilling (and historically accurate) experiences in town. These tours dig into the darker side of New Orleans—think murders, hauntings, and unsolved mysteries.
Top Tours:
- Haunted French Quarter Tour: Walk the same streets where pirates, priests, and poltergeists once roamed.
- Vampire Tour: Learn why New Orleans is the unofficial vampire capital of the U.S.
- Ghost & Voodoo Combo: Get the full picture—from haunted mansions to Voodoo queens.
Why it’s unforgettable:
With charismatic guides, true-crime storytelling, and real paranormal history, these ghost tours are among the top things to do in New Orleans at night. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, you’ll leave entertained (and maybe a little spooked).
Bonus Tip: Book Ahead and Bundle Your Experience
Both Bayou Swamp Tours and Big Easy Ghost Tours are popular, especially on weekends and during festival season. Book in advance to guarantee your spot. Want to do both in one day? Plan your swamp tour in the morning and ghost tour after dinner—it’s a perfect mix of nature and the supernatural.
One Day, Two Adventures
If you’re wondering what to do in New Orleans beyond Bourbon Street and beads, this itinerary gives you an authentic taste of what makes the city legendary: wild nature, rich folklore, and stories that refuse to die.
So don’t just visit New Orleans. Experience it.
