New Orleans is a vibrant and rich city filled with an endless list of activities that every type of traveler can enjoy. The Big Easy isn’t all about Mardi Gras and partying, although that’s a very fun side to the city. From the delicious and varying cuisines, to the unique architecture, and layers of history, it is easy to get overwhelmed when it comes to organizing your New Orleans itinerary.

On my recent visit, I turned to GetYourGuide, which in my opinion, is a one-stop-shop when it comes to booking any kind of guided tours or tickets to certain sights and attractions. I always enjoy putting in the destination I’m traveling to, along with my dates, and browsing through everything GetYourGuide has to offer during my visit. I’ve booked such a fantastic range of experiences including food tours, museum tickets, spooky cemetery walks and more. Also, their cancellation policies for most experiences are really flexible.

If you only have a couple days in New Orleans, like I did, here are my top 3 recommendations on what to book through GetYourGuide…

#1 Garden District Food and History Tour

Whenever I travel to a new destination, I really try and book a food tour on my first full day. It’s the perfect way to sightsee, learn, and more importantly… eat fabulous food from the area! What more could you want? GetYourGuide always offers a great selection of foodie experiences, and this time I went with the Garden District Food and History Tour. Many other food tours offered in New Orleans are in the French Quarter, which is a must-visit, but there’s definitely a fair share of touristy restaurants there. So I thought the Garden District, while still well known, is quieter and filled with more local spots. There’s also tons of grand architecture and history here to absorb.

We met with our local guide who keeps these groups small (10 people max), and she helped us appreciate everything the Garden District has to offer. Both Cajun and Creole specialties were enjoyed by all at a total of 3 sit-down stops which involved a selection of appetizers, a main course, and dessert. I don’t want to spoil the stops, but I will say that each one was locally owned and absolutely delicious. Also, it wouldn’t be a food tour in New Orleans without beignets as the dessert, and I loved going to a more local place to enjoy some rather than the touristy one in the French Quarter (which is still delicious, but it’s nice to enjoy a variety!). And from local craft beer to coffee, you are offered a drink at each stop.

I left the tour with not only new knowledge about the city, but our guide also gave me so many other restaurant and local shop recommendations as well that I definitely visited during the remainder of my trip. This is another great reason to do a food tour on your first full day – so you’ll have the opportunity to either return to your favorite stops, or ask your guide for their suggestions!

#2 Carriage Ride Through the French Quarter

A visit to New Orleans isn’t complete without visiting the French Quarter. Yes, it’s touristy and can be loud in the evenings, but it’s so full of life and history that you cannot ignore it. If you want to skip the crowds, I recommend exploring the French Quarter before noon.

Our carriage ride was a relaxing experience, and our driver knew so much incredible New Orleans history spanning over 300 years. It was nice to be out of the crowds, off our feet, and admiring all of the eclectic architecture from a carriage. However, this isn’t a horse-drawn carriage but mule-drawn. We learned that they use desert mules so they can absolutely handle that infamous Southern heat. But they are treated very well with 3 months vacation in a pasture outside the city, as well as only working 5 days a week for 7 hours a day (or 6 in the summer). The highlights for me were riding past Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral, along with the historic Faubourg Marigny district known for its fabulous architecture and local live music. Also, this neighborhood is much quieter than the French Quarter so it was a nice surprise to explore it on the tour as well.

#3 Mardi Gras World Behind-the-Scenes Tour

Even if you’re not visiting New Orleans during Mardi Gras, I think it’s worth learning about this fun-filled celebration which dates back to 1947. A self-guided tour of Mardi Gras World was the perfect way to dive into this dynamic attraction where you can explore the place artists work year-round to build spectacular, one-of-a-kind floats and props for all the Mardi Gras parades.

I loved beginning the tour with receiving our ticket in the form of a beaded necklace, very on theme with Mardi Gras, and then we proceeded to watch a short film which gave a great overview of the history of Mardi Gras helping you to appreciate and understand it more. Believe it or not, it isn’t all about partying but rather a wonderful sense of different communities coming together and creating magic. Before going into the thick of it, we were treated to a slice of traditional Mardi Gras King Cake. Then we got up close and personal with some of the oldest and biggest parade floats from past years. Can you believe there are over 500 floats built and decorated for Mardi Gras every year?! I enjoyed learning about how these floats come to life by viewing various stages of completion. There is even an electronic robot that can carve 3-D sculptures for the floats!

Guests are welcome to take photos with the finished pieces from various themes over the years, and then you can arrange a free shuttle to drop you back off near where you’re staying or going to next. In fact, your ticket includes a free shuttle pick-up too!