Sure, there's more than enough to see and do during the day, but New Orleans really comes alive after dark. Visit spooky sites known for paranormal activity, listen to energetic riffs by jazz musicians or dance to the beat in booming nightclubs - it's all possible once night falls on the Big Easy. Take one of these tours to get a guided introduction to some of the city's best night scenes.

Historical
Travel back in time—or something like it—by stepping into a mule-drawn carriage for a nighttime city tour. Royal Carriages will take you on a leisurely outing along cobblestone alleyways and past regal architectural gems. Choose from a tour through the French Quarter, where you'll see Jackson Square, Bourbon Street and heritage buildings with wrought iron-laced balconies, or go for a tour of the Garden District, a charming neighborhood known for its stately mansions and well-manicured gardens.

Romantic
If romance is on the agenda, take your sweetie to see the sights from the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen. This majestic riverboat offers nighttime cruises with a Creole buffet dinner and live jazz music. After dinner, step outside on the promenade deck to enjoy a cocktail with views of the New Orleans skyline and the banks of the Mississippi River.

Haunted
Maybe it's the prevalence of Voodoo rituals or the frequent rumors of paranormal activity, but New Orleans definitely has a spooky side. Schedule an evening with New Orleans Ghost Tour, where you can take a theatrical walking tour through the French Quarter and visit the spots associated with supernatural activity. This company also offers a New Orleans Vampire Tour, giving visitors a chilling experience that combines the fictional tales of Anne Rice and Bram Stoker, along with grisly stories of true-life-vampire-type crimes that have occurred throughout the city.

Musical
Looking to boogie to some live music? Experience the New Orleans music scene with Crescent City Nights by Gray Line Tours. Start the evening with a three-course Creole dinner at Tujague's Restaurant, which is the second oldest restaurant in the city. Afterward, stroll down Bourbon Street to get a feel for the local culture as you make your way to a nearby nightclub for a cocktail and live music. The tour ends with a café au lait and beignets, the perfect culmination of a New Orleans night on the town.

Active
You don't have to be a seasoned athlete to enjoy an active, outdoor tour. Just make a reservation with Kayak-iti-yat, a kayaking tour company that will take you for a trip along the Bayou St. John. Although Kayak-iti-yat offers daytime sightseeing tours, their Lazy Twilight Tour is a great way to enjoy the sunset and riverfront views before heading out for a night on the town.