How to Book Tickets for New Orleans Museums and Attractions in Advance

I have traveled to New Orleans multiple times, I can tell you that the Crescent City is one of the most fascinating places in the United States. The city is a vibrant fusion of history, culture, music, and cuisine, making it a perfect destination for anyone seeking a rich travel experience. Whether you’re visiting the famous French Quarter, soaking in the local jazz scene, or exploring the unique history of the city’s many museums, there is no shortage of incredible attractions to visit.

However, New Orleans is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the U.S. With its rich cultural offerings and limited time to explore, it’s important to plan ahead to ensure you get the most out of your visit. Booking museum and attraction tickets in advance is one of the best ways to save time and avoid long lines. Here are my top 10 tips for booking tickets to New Orleans’ museums and attractions in advance, especially if it’s your first time visiting.

1. Start Planning Early to Secure the Best Deals

Booking your tickets ahead of time is essential, especially if you’re traveling during peak tourist seasons such as Mardi Gras or the summer months. New Orleans tends to get crowded, particularly in and around its most popular attractions. Many museums and historic sites offer discounted rates for tickets purchased online in advance, so planning early can save you both time and money.

I usually recommend checking out Viator for early ticket purchases as it offers discounted prices and often allows for free cancellation or modifications in case your plans change. By booking tickets in advance, you can lock in the best deals and avoid waiting for availability on the day of your visit.

2. Use Specialized Booking Platforms

There are several online platforms designed to help tourists book tickets for museums and attractions in New Orleans with ease. These platforms allow you to compare prices, explore different packages, and secure tickets for multiple attractions in one go.

GetYourGuide is one of my favorite platforms for booking tickets to New Orleans museums. It allows you to explore a wide range of tours, museum passes, and unique experiences in advance. From guided tours of the National WWII Museum to cultural experiences at the New Orleans Museum of Art, you can easily book your tickets online, often with skip-the-line privileges.

Another great option is Tiqets, which often features digital tickets you can show directly from your smartphone. This eliminates the need for paper tickets and allows for a more seamless entry experience.

3. Opt for a City Pass for Multiple Attractions

If you’re looking to explore multiple attractions in New Orleans, purchasing a city pass is one of the smartest ways to save both time and money. The New Orleans Pass grants access to several of the city’s top museums, tours, and popular landmarks at a discounted price. It’s an excellent option for tourists planning to see the best of the city without having to buy individual tickets for each attraction.

The pass includes skip-the-line entry to some of New Orleans’ most famous spots, like the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the National WWII Museum. With the city pass, you won’t have to wait in long lines, which can be a huge time-saver, especially during peak tourist seasons. Additionally, many passes also include perks like discounted entry to other experiences, tours, and activities, making it an even better deal for those looking to make the most of their visit.

4. Look for Early-Bird and Last-Minute Deals

One of the best ways to ensure you get a great deal on tickets is to keep an eye out for early-bird specials or last-minute discounts. Many museums and attractions offer promotional prices for those who book well in advance.

Similarly, if you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can sometimes find last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia or KAYAK. These platforms allow you to check for discounts on attractions and offer bundled deals for accommodations, flights, and tickets, which can help save on overall trip costs.

5. Consider Guided Tours for a More In-Depth Experience

Booking a guided tour in advance not only ensures you get a spot on a tour that might sell out, but it also enhances your experience. Some of the most popular attractions in New Orleans, like the National WWII Museum or the Garden District Tour, offer guided tours led by experts in the field. These tours provide a deeper insight into the history and significance of the locations you’re visiting.

Booking a guided tour ahead of time allows you to choose a time that works best for you, and most guides are extremely knowledgeable, providing a unique and engaging perspective on New Orleans’ culture and history.

Viator is a great platform to book tours, as it often provides reviews from other travelers, allowing you to pick the most reputable and engaging guides.

6. Book Tickets for the Popular National WWII Museum

The National WWII Museum is one of New Orleans’ top attractions and draws visitors from all over the world. The museum is incredibly popular, so booking tickets in advance is a smart move. While the museum is large and offers a variety of exhibits, it can get crowded, especially on weekends.

The best way to avoid the crowds and guarantee entry is by purchasing tickets online. You can book tickets directly through the museum’s official website or through platforms like GetYourGuide, which offer guided tours and skip-the-line tickets.

7. Look for Special Events and Limited-Time Exhibits

Many New Orleans museums host special events and limited-time exhibits throughout the year. These exhibits are often the most popular and can sell out quickly. If there’s a special exhibit you’re particularly interested in, make sure to purchase tickets ahead of time to guarantee your spot.

For example, if there’s a jazz exhibit or a Mardi Gras-themed display at the New Orleans Museum of Art, these limited-run exhibits are often only available for a few weeks. Booking tickets in advance ensures you won’t miss out on these once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

8. Check for Combo Deals

A great way to save money is by looking for combo deals that allow you to book tickets to multiple attractions in one go. For example, you can find combo packages that include entry to the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Audubon Aquarium, and the Audubon Zoo at a discounted rate.

These deals are available on most booking platforms like Expedia, Tiqets, and Viator, where you can easily bundle tickets and create an itinerary that maximizes your time in the city.

9. Plan for Flexible Cancellation Options

Sometimes, travel plans can change unexpectedly. That’s why it’s important to book tickets for New Orleans museums and attractions through platforms that offer flexible cancellation options.

GetYourGuide is particularly great for this, as it often provides tickets with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This flexibility can be a lifesaver if your plans shift or if you need to reschedule your visit to a museum.

10. Research the Best Times to Visit to Avoid Crowds

New Orleans is a bustling city with visitors flocking in year-round. However, certain times of the year are much busier than others. The best way to avoid the crowds is to visit during the off-season, such as the fall or spring months.

If you’re visiting during peak seasons like Mardi Gras, it’s best to book your tickets in advance, as some attractions will sell out quickly due to high demand. Another tip is to visit museums and attractions early in the morning when they first open, as this will allow you to enjoy a quieter experience.

Where to Book Accommodation and Additional Services

When booking your trip to New Orleans, there are a few great platforms that can help with your entire itinerary:

1. Airbnb: Offers a range of unique accommodation options, from charming apartments in the French Quarter to luxurious homes in the Garden District.
2. Expedia: Perfect for bundling your flights, hotels, and attraction tickets into one seamless package. Expedia is reliable for booking both tours and attractions in advance, and they often offer discounts when booking multiple services together.
3. Booking.com: For those who want a wide range of accommodations, Booking.com offers everything from budget hotels to 5-star resorts, along with detailed reviews and ratings to help you make the best choice.
4. Tiqets: A great platform for booking digital tickets for museums and attractions in advance. You can often get discounts and skip-the-line access, which is ideal for busy spots like the National WWII Museum.

By using these platforms, you can streamline your trip and ensure that you get the best deals and experiences during your time in New Orleans.

Whether you’re interested in learning about the city’s rich history, exploring its art scene, or soaking in the jazz-filled atmosphere, New Orleans offers something for everyone. The key to maximizing your experience is to plan ahead and book your tickets to museums and attractions early. By following these tips, you’ll ensure that you make the most of your time in this vibrant and unforgettable city. Happy travels!