Known as one of the most unique cities in the world, there truly is no place like NOLA. Which is why it’s not hard to find custom experiences tailored just to you. On your next visit to New Orleans, meet an endangered penguin, enjoy a private dining experience, or go behind-the-scenes of The National WWII Museum. Here are the top bespoke travel experiences the city offers.

*Prices and availability are subject to change. Please confirm current pricing and availability directly with the vendor at time of booking.

Meet a Penguin Up Close at Audubon Aquarium

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A Penguin at the Audubon Aquarium
Image Courtesy of Audubon Nature Institute
Audubon Aquarium
Starting at $115–125/person

Have you ever wanted to meet a penguin up close? Audubon Aquarium has just the experience for you. During Penguin Party (offered on Saturdays & Sundays only), guests ages six and up will meet an endangered African penguin. After learning about the penguins from an aviculturist, guest will be able to interact with a penguin and take pictures. While this is the only wild encounter at the aquarium, Audubon Zoo offers several wild encounters including Jammin' with Jaguars, Black Bear Bonanza, and more.

Charter a Private Fishing Trip Near New Orleans

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Southern Flats Louisiana Fly Fishing
@CaptBaileyShort, Southern Flats Louisiana Fly Fishing
Charter Fly Fishing - Southern Flats Louisiana Fly Fishing
$900 per boat per day (two passengers allowed)

Experience the Gulf's legendary fishing grounds just outside of New Orleans. Southern Fly Expeditions is a New Orleans-based fly fishing guide service and light tackle conventional spin fishing charter service specializing in saltwater fly fishing for bull redfish, jack crevalle, black drum, and other species found here in the Louisiana marsh. The perfect catch deserves the perfect day—visit our fishing charter section to book a memorable outing for your group

Have a Cocktail Tasting Experience at Sazerac House

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Sazerac House tasting class
Photo courtesy of Sazerac House
Sazerac House tasting
$30-$45/person

While visits to Sazerac House are complimentary, upgrade your experience with a tasting. Choose from a Tropical Cocktail Tasting Experience, Sazerac Cocktail Tasting Experience, or Whiskey Grid Tasting Experience. Each of these classroom experiences are limited to 14 guests and are 21+ only. Sample your way through spirits while learning the history behind each cocktail.

Book a VIP and Behind-the-Scenes Tours at The National WWII Museum

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Prices vary

There are a variety of VIP experiences available at The National WWII Museum. Beyond the Galleries gives visitors the opportunity to interact with genuine WWII artifacts from the Museum’s Collection that are not on display to the public. Into the Vault lets visitors step inside The National WWII Museum’s private Center for Collections & Archives and take an intimate two-hour journey into WWII history through rarely seen artifacts that give voice to the American experience in World War II. Read about all the museum tours here. Beyond the exhibits, visitors can book a ticket for Expressions of America, an unforgettable evening of music, special effects, and entertainment as 90-foot-tall projections transport you back in time.

Take a Guided Tour of Studio BE in the Bywater

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Studio Be - Bywater
Rebecca Todd
StudioBe
$75/person

StudioBE is a warehouse/ gallery in the Bywater centered on the Black experience. You can browse the exhibits yourself or purchase a ticket for a guided tour that includes the history of the “BE Trilogy,” the story of founder Brandan “BMIKE” Odums, and the ways in which prominent historical figures depicted at Studio BE have influenced our lives today.

Make Your Own Perfume at Tijon

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Starting at $79/person

Tijon is a luxury fragrance brand with a location in the French Quarter. Their Mix & Match class is the perfect bespoke experience, in which every guest leaves having made three perfumes and bottling the one they like best, along with a gift bag of Tijon products. It’s an activity that everyone can do together, while each developing a custom product that’ll last for months to come. There's also an Express class offered for those short on time.

Get Crafty with Candle-Making Classes at Wicks NOLA

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$60/person

Gather your group and let the candle making come to you via Wicks NOLA. During this two-hour experience, guests will learn to curate, mix, and pour their very own custom candle in two sizes, plus a room and linen spray. The experience also includes party games and a gift for the host/hostess.

Book a Bespoke Private Dining Experience in New Orleans

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Le Petit Chef at Criollo. A chocolate dessert on plate.
Photo credit: Valeriya Bezkhlebetskaya
Le Petit Chef at Criollo
Prices vary

Bespoke dining experiences are everywhere in New Orleans. Enjoy a multi-course tasting menu at Senegalese restaurant Dakar Nola or Cajun concept Mosquito Supper Club. Le Petit Chef at Criollo is an immersive dining experience featuring a seasonal five-course dinner and the cinematic 3D storytelling of TableMation Studios™. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries Catch and Cook program allows for a day full of fishing followed by a meal prepared by a New Orleans chef. Want a hands-on dining experience? Consider booking a cooking class and learn from the experts. Simply looking for a private dining room for your party? See here for our favorite restaurants with private rooms.

Hire a Private Trip Planner or Tour Guide in New Orleans

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Prices vary

Not sure where to start when planning your trip to New Orleans? Specializing in custom itineraries, Gulf South Travel Services offers bi-lingual step on guides, scavenger hunts, second line parades, and team building activities. Rey Royal can assist you in booking accommodations, transportation, events, tours, and much more. See here for more on companies offering private tours.