A Guide to New Orleans’ Hidden Gems

Discover the hidden gems of New Orleans
Discover the hidden gems of New Orleans | © Hemis / Alamy Stock Photo
Culture Trip Travel Team

New Orleans is like a miniature country in itself, with its own culinary tradition, special flair, 24-hour music culture and language – everything sounds better in Creole! Take the guesswork out of discovering the hidden gems worth uncovering on your visit with this curated list.

New Orleans is all about the memorable and the quirky. You can eat frog’s legs, toss beads and improvise a sax solo all on the same night, and no one would blink an eye. When even walking down the street can be exhilarating, it can be hard to uncover those truly hidden gems. From swamp boat rides to jazz cruises, hanging out with vampires to having your very own French Quarter photoshoot, you can taste-test, buggy ride and peacock your way across New Orleans’ best sights, both historic and modern, using this guide.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Tours

See a variety of wildlife on a swamp boat ride and explore an authentic Southern plantation on this tour from New Orleans. See alligators, egrets, raccoons and snakes during your ride around a private Louisiana swamp after taking a tour of Destrehan Plantation, the oldest documented French Colonial-style house in the Lower Mississippi Valley.

Tours

New Orleans is “The Most Haunted City” in the United States with rich paranormal history like no other place. Our Master storytellers will take you into the realm of Ghosts, Voodoo, Vampires & Witches. While on tour, you will visit our most haunted & featured location, the Lalaurie Mansion. Delve into the bone-chilling story of Madame Delphine Lalaurie…the most evil woman of New Orleans past. This is also where Kathy Bates filmed The American Horror Story. Please be advised that we do not enter any of the locations that are mentioned. This 2-hour tour covers every aspect of Ghosts, Voodoo, Vampires, & Witches satisfying your hunger for more of the dark side of New Orleans… Follow Us if You Dare! Please arrive 30 minutes prior to tour departure for check in. Tour departs on time. Refunds will not be issued for late arrivals. Each tour is unique and may or may not include all of the stops listed above or may stop at other locations not on this list.

Tours

The only tour with free shuttle from the French Quarter to St. Louis Cemetery No. 1! Follow the ghosts of the numerous characters of New Orleans’ mysterious past! Tour one of the city’s most haunted cemeteries, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, and visit the tomb of the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, Marie Laveau. Your guide will explain the unique above-ground burial custom and will give you an in-depth overview of the fascinating evolution of voodoo.

Activities

You will have a chance to see the most famous things in French Quarter, New Orleans, and have the recognizable city as your background for the shoot. I will make sure you have great pictures to take home—a unique souvenir of your time in New Orleans.

Activities

Participants will enjoy a cooking demonstration and feast on the demonstrated recipes for lunch. After lunch, you will have an hour of free time to shop and relax. Then meet your guide at Tujague’s Restaurant, 823 Decatur St at 1:30. (Tujague’s is 1 block past Jackson Square). Participants will tour historic restaurants and learn of and taste their culinary contributions – including the two oldest (Antoine’s and Tujague’s).Sample Menu:**Monday** Gumbo, Red Beans and Rice, Pecan Pie, Pralines **Tuesday** Gumbo, Jambalaya, Bananas Foster, Pralines **Wednesday** Gumbo, Jambalaya, Bread Pudding, Pralines **Thursday** Corn and Crab Bisque, Shrimp Creole, Bananas Foster, Pralines **Friday** Shrimp & Artichoke Soup, Crawfish Etoufee, Bread Pudding, Pralines **Saturday** Gumbo, Jambalaya, Bread Pudding, Pralines **Sunday** Gumbo, Jambalaya, Bread Pudding, Pralines

Activities

This mule-drawn carriage tour is as iconic to New Orleans as a steamboat ride or a plate of beignets! If you are looking for a fantastic way to explore the French Quarter and learn about the fascinating history of this unique city, an authentic mule-drawn carriage tour is guaranteed to be the highlight of your trip! On this tour, you’ll enjoy a shared carriage ride on one of our larger group carriages. Our top-rated tour guides double as skilled carriage drivers. With the assistance of their trusted mule, you’ll cover way more ground than any 2-hour walking tour and see as much of the French Quarter as possible in just 1 hour. Instead of a boring history lecture, carriage drivers create fun fact-filled engaging tours for all to enjoy. You’ll see landmarks such as St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, The French Market, and so much more! With so much to see and do, make sure that a carriage ride is on your list!

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