After spending 45 days exploring every parish in the state, my credit card statements revealed a painful truth.
I had paid premium prices for mediocre experiences.
The worst offenders weren’t just disappointing – they actively detracted from understanding Louisiana’s rich heritage.
The most memorable Louisiana experiences rarely come with a gift shop attached.
1. Bourbon Street, New Orleans
Bourbon Street in New Orleans has earned the unfortunate distinction of being Louisiana’s worst tourist trap. This famous thoroughfare in the French Quarter draws millions of visitors annually with promises of excitement and revelry.
But here’s the catch… what you’ll actually find is an experience that falls short of capturing New Orleans’ true essence. It’s essentially like “Cancun during Spring Break” — with neon signs advertising cheap bars lining a street full of rowdy tourists.
You’re better off exploring the authentic side of New Orleans instead of this hyper-commercialized environment that locals avoid. The excessive focus on overpriced drinks, tacky souvenir shops, and rowdy behavior overshadows the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Why It’s On This List: According to travel experts, Bourbon Street has become increasingly known for strip clubs, wild parties, tacky offerings, and scammers seeking to separate visitors from their money.
2. French Quarter Horse-Drawn Carriage Tours, New Orleans
The horse-drawn carriage tours in the French Quarter seem charming at first glance. They promise a romantic journey through historic streets while a guide shares local stories.
But here’s the deal… these tours are often overpriced and provide scripted information that may not be historically accurate. The carriages also contribute to traffic congestion in an already crowded area.
That’s why savvy travelers skip the carriage rides and opt for walking tours led by certified local historians instead. You’ll get more authentic information and save money while avoiding the tourist trap markup.
The Tourist Trap Factor: You’ll pay premium prices for a brief, superficial experience that doesn’t deliver meaningful insights into New Orleans’ rich history.
3. Bourbon Street Daiquiri Shops, New Orleans
The colorful frozen daiquiri shops along Bourbon Street entice tourists with their bright signs and promises of strong, sweet drinks in souvenir cups.
I made a classic mistake thinking these represented authentic New Orleans drinking culture. In reality, these shops serve mass-produced, sugar-laden concoctions at inflated prices.
You’re better off visiting a classic New Orleans establishment like Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop or a local neighborhood bar where bartenders craft proper cocktails with quality ingredients at more reasonable prices.
The Sugar Rush Reality: Most daiquiri shops use pre-mixed, artificially flavored bases rather than fresh ingredients, resulting in drinks that are more about novelty than quality.
4. Mardi Gras World, New Orleans
Mardi Gras World markets itself as the place to experience the magic of Carnival year-round. Visitors can see parade floats being built and take photos with colorful props.
But here’s the catch… the admission price is steep for what amounts to a glorified warehouse tour. Many tourists leave feeling they didn’t get enough value for their money.
That’s why locals recommend timing your visit to coincide with actual Mardi Gras season or checking out free neighborhood parades instead. The authentic experience of a real parade beats the manufactured environment of Mardi Gras World.
The Price vs. Experience Gap: At around $22 per adult, many visitors question whether seeing stationary floats in a warehouse justifies the cost when the real celebration offers so much more.
5. Cafe Du Monde During Peak Hours, New Orleans
Cafe Du Monde is famous for its beignets and chicory coffee. This New Orleans institution has been serving these treats since 1862.
But here’s the deal… during peak tourist hours, you’ll face enormous lines, rushed service, and difficulty finding seating. The experience becomes more about checking a box than enjoying the food.
You’re better off visiting during off-hours (early morning or late evening) or trying other excellent beignet shops like Morning Call or Cafe Beignet, where you’ll get the same delicious treats without the extreme crowds.
The Waiting Game: During high season, tourists often wait 45+ minutes for a table, only to be hurried through their meal to accommodate the next group.
6. Bourbon Street “Hurricane” Cocktails, New Orleans
The Hurricane cocktail, made famous by Pat O’Brien’s Bar, is a French Quarter staple that tourists flock to try. The fruity rum drink comes in a signature glass shaped like a hurricane lamp.
I made a classic mistake thinking all Hurricanes in the Quarter would be created equal. In reality, many tourist-oriented bars serve watered-down versions with artificial ingredients at premium prices.
Want me to share a better approach? Seek out craft cocktail bars like Latitude 29 or Beachbum Berry’s where mixologists use fresh juices and quality rum to make proper tropical drinks that honor the original recipe.
The Sugar Hangover Warning: Many tourist-trap Hurricanes contain excessive amounts of sugar and artificial coloring while skimping on quality rum, leading to nasty headaches the next day.
7. Alligator Farm Tours, Various Locations
Louisiana’s swamps are home to fascinating alligators, and numerous tourist operations offer “alligator farm” experiences promising close encounters with these prehistoric reptiles.
But here’s the catch… many of these operations prioritize entertainment over education or conservation. Some facilities keep animals in less-than-ideal conditions just to attract tourist dollars.
That’s why responsible travelers choose eco-tours led by certified naturalists instead. These tours support conservation efforts while providing more authentic wildlife viewing opportunities in natural habitats.
The Ethical Consideration: The best wildlife experiences educate visitors about conservation while respecting animal welfare, something many tourist-trap operations fail to prioritize.
8. French Market Souvenir Shops, New Orleans
The historic French Market in New Orleans promises local crafts, unique souvenirs, and authentic goods. Parts of it date back to 1791, making it one of America’s oldest public markets.
But here’s the deal… today, many stalls sell mass-produced trinkets made overseas that have nothing to do with Louisiana culture. Items are often marked up 300-400% compared to their wholesale cost.
You’re better off visiting local art markets like the Frenchmen Art Market or shops in the Bywater neighborhood where you’ll find genuine locally-made crafts that truly represent New Orleans culture.
The Authenticity Gap: Despite claims of “locally made” items, an estimated 80% of souvenirs sold in tourist areas are manufactured outside Louisiana, often in overseas factories.
9. Bourbon Street Food Joints, New Orleans
The restaurants and food stands along Bourbon Street advertise “authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine” with colorful signs and enticing menus displayed outside.
I made a classic mistake assuming these restaurants would serve quality local food. In reality, many serve mediocre, overpriced dishes that bear little resemblance to authentic Louisiana cooking.
Want me to recommend better options? Just walk a few blocks off Bourbon to restaurants like Coop’s Place, Cochon, or Willie Mae’s Scotch House where locals eat. You’ll enjoy genuine Louisiana flavors at more reasonable prices.
The Food Quality Reality: Many Bourbon Street eateries use frozen ingredients and simplified recipes designed for mass production rather than authentic preparation methods.
10. Haunted History Tours, New Orleans
New Orleans has a reputation for being America’s most haunted city, and numerous companies offer “haunted history” walking tours of the French Quarter and other neighborhoods.
But here’s the catch… many of these tours prioritize entertainment over historical accuracy. Tour guides often embellish or completely fabricate stories to make them more sensational.
That’s why discerning visitors choose tours from companies with certified historians who balance the spooky elements with factual information about New Orleans’ genuinely fascinating past.
The Fiction Factor: Studies suggest that up to 70% of ghost stories told on commercial haunted tours contain significant historical inaccuracies or complete fabrications.
11. Swamp Tours with Animal Baiting, Various Locations
Swamp tours are a popular way to experience Louisiana’s unique wetland ecosystems. These boat rides promise close encounters with wildlife in their natural habitat.
But here’s the deal… some operators use food to bait alligators and other wildlife, disrupting natural behaviors and potentially endangering both animals and tourists. This practice teaches animals to associate humans with food.
You’re better off choosing eco-conscious tour operators who maintain a respectful distance from wildlife. Companies like Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours and Cajun Encounters focus on education and conservation rather than manufactured interactions.
The Wildlife Impact: Wildlife experts note that baiting alters natural feeding patterns and can lead to dangerous habituation where wild animals lose their fear of humans.
12. Plantation Tours That Romanticize History, Various Locations
Louisiana’s plantation homes attract visitors with their grand architecture and beautiful gardens. Many tours focus primarily on the opulent lifestyle of the plantation owners.
I made a classic mistake of visiting one that glossed over the brutal reality of slavery. Some tours still refer to enslaved people as “servants” and minimize the harsh conditions they endured.
That’s why thoughtful travelers now seek out plantations like Whitney Plantation, which centers the experiences of enslaved people and honestly confronts the painful history rather than romanticizing the antebellum South.
The Historical Honesty Factor: Responsible historical tourism acknowledges difficult truths rather than presenting a sanitized version of the past.
13. Overpriced Riverboat Cruises, New Orleans
Steamboat cruises on the Mississippi River promise a nostalgic journey back to the era of Mark Twain. The paddlewheelers with their distinctive red wheels are certainly photogenic.
But here’s the catch… many of these cruises charge premium prices for what amounts to a basic buffet meal and limited views of industrial riverbanks. The “jazz” entertainment often feels more like background music than an authentic experience.
Want me to suggest an alternative? Consider the Canal Street Ferry instead – it costs just a few dollars and offers similar river views without the tourist markup or time commitment.
The Value Question: At $70-100+ per person for dinner cruises, many visitors report feeling underwhelmed by both the food quality and onboard experience.
14. Jackson Square Portrait Artists, New Orleans
The artists surrounding Jackson Square offer to create your portrait as a souvenir of your New Orleans visit. Their displays of sample work look impressive and the setting is certainly picturesque.
But here’s the deal… quality varies dramatically between artists, and prices are often inflated for tourists. Many visitors end up with mediocre portraits that look nothing like them.
You’re better off taking photos in front of the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral or spending your souvenir budget on local art from galleries on Royal Street where you’ll get something of lasting value.
The Quality Gamble: Without knowing which artists are skilled, tourists essentially play roulette with their money, often paying $50+ for portraits completed in just 15-20 minutes.
15. Fake Voodoo Shops, New Orleans
Voodoo shops in the French Quarter capitalize on New Orleans’ association with this misunderstood spiritual practice. They sell dolls, potions, and other items marketed as authentic voodoo supplies.
I made a classic mistake thinking these shops represented genuine Vodou traditions. In reality, most cater to stereotypes and misconceptions rather than the actual religious practice.
That’s why those interested in learning about authentic Vodou should visit the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum or seek out educational tours led by practitioners who can explain the religion’s African roots and its importance in Louisiana’s cultural history.
The Cultural Misrepresentation: Most tourist-oriented voodoo shops perpetuate harmful stereotypes about a legitimate spiritual tradition that has been practiced in Louisiana for centuries.
16. Overpriced Ghost Tours in St. Francisville
The Myrtles Plantation in St. Francisville markets itself as “one of America’s most haunted homes.” Its ghost tours attract paranormal enthusiasts from across the country.
But here’s the catch… the spooky stories told on these tours often prioritize entertainment over historical accuracy. Many of the most famous ghost tales have been debunked by historians.
You’re better off visiting for the historical architecture tour during daylight hours. You’ll learn more about the genuine history of the region without paying premium prices for manufactured scares.
The Fact vs. Fiction Gap: Historical research has contradicted many of the ghost stories told at popular “haunted” sites, yet these tales continue to be presented as fact to paying tourists.
17. Casino Buffets, Lake Charles and Shreveport
Louisiana’s casino resorts advertise lavish buffets as an attraction for visitors. The all-you-can-eat concept seems like a good value at first glance.
But here’s the deal… many casino buffets serve mediocre, mass-produced food that fails to showcase Louisiana’s rich culinary traditions. The quality rarely justifies the price tag.
Want me to point you toward better dining? Seek out local restaurants near the casinos instead. Places like Steamboat Bill’s in Lake Charles or Herby-K’s in Shreveport offer authentic Louisiana flavors at similar or lower prices than the buffets.
The Food Quality Reality: Casino buffets typically prioritize quantity over quality, with food often sitting under heat lamps for extended periods.
18. Fake “Oldest Bar in America” Claims, New Orleans
Several French Quarter establishments claim to be the “oldest bar in America,” most notably Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop. These historic-looking buildings with their dim lighting and brick walls certainly look the part.
I made a classic mistake of believing these claims without question. While these buildings are indeed historic, many of the “oldest bar” claims are exaggerated or impossible to verify.
That’s why it’s worth enjoying these establishments for their atmosphere and drinks rather than their disputed historical claims. The ambiance is enjoyable regardless of whether they truly hold the “oldest” title.
The Historical Accuracy Check: Records show that many “historic” bars were actually established much later than claimed, or have operated as different businesses throughout their history.
19. Bourbon Street Balcony Experiences, New Orleans
Bars on Bourbon Street advertise “balcony experiences” where tourists can throw beads down to revelers below, mimicking the Mardi Gras tradition year-round.
But here’s the catch… these packages are extremely overpriced, often requiring minimum drink purchases of $100+ for access to crowded balconies with limited seating and poor service.
You’re better off enjoying the street-level experience or finding rooftop bars elsewhere in the city that offer better views, superior drinks, and more reasonable prices without the artificial party atmosphere.
The Price Gouging Factor: Some establishments charge 300-400% markups on drinks for balcony access, taking advantage of tourists’ desire for the “authentic” Bourbon Street experience.
20. Airboat Swamp Tours, Various Locations
Airboat swamp tours promise high-speed thrills and wildlife viewing in Louisiana’s wetlands. The powerful boats with their massive fans certainly look exciting in advertisements.
But here’s the deal… airboats are extremely loud, disrupting wildlife and preventing visitors from hearing their guide’s commentary about the ecosystem. The noise pollution drives away many animals you might hope to see.
That’s why nature enthusiasts prefer traditional flat-bottom boat tours instead. These quieter vessels allow for better wildlife viewing opportunities and a more educational experience as you can actually hear your guide explain the unique wetland environment.
The Environmental Impact: Wildlife biologists have documented how airboat noise can disrupt nesting birds and other sensitive species, potentially causing long-term harm to fragile wetland ecosystems.