Tours, New Orleans

I recommend that you go in and pick out the pamphlets that interest you and of course the coupons. However, be wary of the sales people who tries to coerce you into buying into one or more of the tour combinations and that you have to book it thru their centre. It turns out that the sales people are pushing tours that are not known to the owner of the tour centre. The tours are being provided by local people and they are charging an exorbitant cost for a tour. Example being $90.00 USD for a plantation tour and the sales person gets a cut of the profits from the deposit that you must pay. You are better off calling the tour operators directly and make your own arrangments and skip the middle man. Additionally, if you are doing a tour alone, there may be some hesitation. Hidden Trasures would not come to get me as it was not worth it for them. Instead of being truthful and admitting that it wasn't worth their efforts, they lied and told me that business was slow and they didn't have anyone else interested in the same tour as me. I just happened to call the company back 30 minutes later to request another tour hoping there may be other tourists. Only to learn that all tours including the one I was interested in was booked. I learned that the only reason they did not want to come and pick me up is because I was the only one from this particular hotel.

Unique Suggestions: If you must go on a tour thru the company, be aware that the prices are inflated to pay the middle man. The owners of the tour centres are unaware of the extra tours that are being booked thru these centres and the sales people are making their own profits thru this venue.

Fun Alternatives: Other than the tour to the cemetary due to its alleged dangers, there is no reason why you cannot do the tours yourself. Once you obtain a map and choose a means of tranpsortation either by transit or taxi cab, you can make your own way around on your own. I made my own way around the French Quarters, the Warehouse/Art area by walking. I can assure you that the walking is good for your metabolism while you experience the cajun, creole and other fattening cuisine. I manage to maintain my weight and ate to my tummy's content.

These are expensive and overrated. They show nothing you couldn't see on your own with a good guide book and are run by theatre major drop outs who can't get real jobs. A waste of time and money. Spend the $30-$40 on drinks at a nice bar instead.

The Ghost and Vampire tour that leaves nightly at 8:00 PM from the steps in front of Jackson Square (near Cafe du Monde) is too touristy, full of sensationalism, but the stories are interesting. If you don't mind a campy tour, go for it. Otherwise, skip it.

Well, it is very touristy but can be fun just the same and that is the paddle boat ride through the Bayou. I kind of liked it but not a lot to see out there. I just happen to like boats. Plus, it gives you an opportunity to get out of the city.

Silly, unnecessary tours.
Hey, if they're your thing, whatever. But do you *really* want to be walking around the Quarter or Garden District with some guy in a vampire cape and top hat doing silly things like, 'repeat after me {insert phrase in bad French here}.'
Generally they are overpriced.
The only acception are the swamp tours, especially if you don't have a car, because they will pick you up at your hotel.