New Orleans isn’t just about jazz, Mardi Gras beads, and vibrant street life—it’s also a city where learning new skills and exploring local culture through hands-on experiences is a true highlight. Whether you’re a foodie eager to master Cajun and Creole dishes or a curious traveler interested in the city’s haunted past, New Orleans offers an array of workshops and classes to deepen your visit.
We especially love the Cajun and Creole Cooking Class, where you can pick up authentic recipes while enjoying a tasty meal.
Or, if you prefer to roll up your sleeves, the Hands-on Cajun Roux Cooking Class offers an intimate, immersive cooking experience. These options are perfect for food lovers and those who want to bring a taste of New Orleans home.
Beyond food, the city also shines with unique experiences like ghost hunts in the French Quarter and mixology classes. Whether you’re interested in the spooky or the spirited, New Orleans presents a diverse range of workshops that reflect its lively, layered culture. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best workshops and classes to help you make the most of your visit.
- 1. New Orleans: Cajun and Creole Cooking Class
- 2. Hands-on Cajun Roux Cooking Class in New Orleans
- 3. Hands-on Cajun Traditions Cooking Class
- 4. New Orleans Small-Group Food Walking Tour and Cooking Class
- 5. New Orleans: Food Walking Tour & Cooking Class Experience
- 6. Private New Orleans Cajun Cooking Class with a Local Courtland
- 7. French Quarter Supernatural Ghost Hunt: Hands-on Paranormal
- 8. New Orleans: Food Walking Tour & Cooking Class Experience
- 9. Sip History in the Crescent City Cocktail Making Class
- 10. New Orleans: Traditions Cooking Class
- 11. New Orleans: Cooking Class & Cocktail Walking Tour
- 12. New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal
- 13. New Orleans Hands-On Cooking Class with Meal
- 14. Private writing class with an author in New Orleans
- 15. New Orleans: Hands-on Cajun Roux Cooking Class
- How to Choose the Right Workshop or Class in New Orleans
1. New Orleans: Cajun and Creole Cooking Class
Experience the cuisine of New Orleans firsthand at this demonstration cooking class offered by the New Orleans School of Cooking. For about $38, you’ll learn how to prepare a 3- or 4-course Creole and Cajun meal, with recipes provided so you can recreate these dishes at home. The class lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours, making it a manageable and enriching activity.
You’ll watch a local chef demonstrate how to make authentic dishes, then sit down to enjoy your creations along with local drinks. The highlight is not just the food but also the stories about the region’s culinary folklore.
Guests praise the experience for its friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to take home recipes. This class is ideal for first-timers and anyone wanting a taste of authentic Louisiana cooking without the fuss.
Bottom line: An affordable, relaxed introduction to Cajun and Creole cooking, perfect for foodies and cultural explorers who want to bring a piece of New Orleans back to their kitchen.
2. Hands-on Cajun Roux Cooking Class in New Orleans
At number 2, the Hands-on Cajun Roux Cooking Class offers a highly rated, intimate experience in the French Quarter. For roughly $164, this 3-hour class focuses on making gumbo, etouffee, and bananas foster from scratch. Led by a local chef, you’ll get personal attention and tips that make the process approachable, even for beginners.
Guests rave about the fun, small-group setting, and many say they’re excited to cook these dishes at home. Wine or soda is included, which adds to the relaxed vibe.
The class’s mix of hands-on work and storytelling makes it stand out. Plus, you get to enjoy the meal you prepare — a true reward.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a detailed, hands-on experience with classic Cajun dishes, especially if you enjoy small-group settings and local insights.
3. Hands-on Cajun Traditions Cooking Class
Number 3 on the list is the Hands-on Cajun Traditions Cooking Class, which dives deep into Cajun culinary culture. Over about 3 hours, you’ll learn how to make barbecue shrimp, jambalaya, and chocolate bread pudding—each a Cajun classic. The class is led by an engaging chef who shares insights into the history of these dishes and Louisiana’s food traditions.
Reviewers mention how much they appreciated the fun atmosphere and the chance to develop real cooking skills. They also enjoy the opportunity to meet new people while learning authentic techniques.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers interested in both cooking and cultural history, with enough time to enjoy a full Cajun meal and learn about Louisiana’s culinary roots.
4. New Orleans Small-Group Food Walking Tour and Cooking Class
This comprehensive experience combines a 3-hour walking food tour through the French Quarter with a cooking demonstration at New Orleans Cooking School. For $109, you’ll explore local eateries, tasting iconic dishes like gumbo and jambalaya, and then learn to cook these yourself. The tour offers a deep dive into the city’s culinary history, with guides sharing lively stories along the way.
The cooking session includes recipes, local beer, and plenty of food. Guests value the mix of sightseeing and hands-on activity, though some note the schedule can feel a bit packed.
Bottom line: Well-suited for those wanting a full culture—tasting, learning, and sightseeing—packaged into one day.
5. New Orleans: Food Walking Tour & Cooking Class Experience
Priced at around $127, this 5.5-hour experience balances a food walking tour with a cooking class. It’s perfect for those who want a thorough introduction to New Orleans’ culinary scene.
The tour takes you to well-known eateries, offering tastings of Louisiana favorites, before heading into a cooking class where you’ll make dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, and pralines. The combination of tasting, learning, and cultural storytelling makes this a favorite among foodies.
Bottom line: Excellent for travelers with a full day to absorb multiple facets of New Orleans cuisine, blending city exploration with hands-on cooking.
6. Private New Orleans Cajun Cooking Class with a Local Courtland
For a truly personalized experience, the Private Cajun Cooking Class with Courtland offers the chance to learn in a local’s home. Priced at $64 per person, the 3-hour class is hosted in a residential neighborhood, away from tourist crowds. Courtland, who learned to cook from his Cajun family, shares his secrets and teaches you techniques to prepare authentic dishes.
Reviewers highlight the warmth and authenticity of the experience, with many mentioning the enjoyment of learning in a home environment.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers craving an authentic, intimate experience with a local host, and those interested in Cajun techniques from a passionate cook.
7. French Quarter Supernatural Ghost Hunt: Hands-on Paranormal
Number 7 takes a different turn, offering a ghost hunt in the French Quarter. Led by an initiated Voodoo priest or priestess, the 2.5-hour tour explores haunted sites, including a haunted museum and Marie Laveau’s courtyard. Participants get to use paranormal investigation equipment firsthand.
Reviewers love the mix of history, ghost stories, and the chance to try gadgets like EMF meters, though some mention the experience can feel rushed or broad in scope.
Bottom line: Ideal for those intrigued by the supernatural and wanting a hands-on, spooky adventure with cultural roots.
8. New Orleans: Food Walking Tour & Cooking Class Experience
This 5.5-hour guided journey offers a food walking tour paired with a cooking demonstration. Focused on exploring the city’s culinary scene, it takes you to iconic eateries with tastings, then into a kitchen to learn recipes like classic Louisiana dishes. This experience is perfect if you’re eager to see the city’s food culture up close and learn some recipes along the way.
Bottom line: Great for travelers who want a balanced look at New Orleans’ culinary landmarks and hands-on cooking without spending a full day.
9. Sip History in the Crescent City Cocktail Making Class
For about $67, this cocktail class offers a fun, interactive way to learn about New Orleans’ famous drinks. Held in a speakeasy setting, you’ll sip on three cocktails while a knowledgeable bartender explains their stories. Then, you’ll get behind the bar to try making your own drinks.
Reviewers mention the lively atmosphere and the mix of history and hands-on fun. It’s a perfect activity for those interested in the city’s drinking culture and a relaxed evening.
Bottom line: An entertaining choice for cocktail lovers and history buffs alike, with practical tips for making these drinks at home.
10. New Orleans: Traditions Cooking Class
Priced at $158, the Traditions Cooking Class emphasizes professional techniques for classic Cajun and Creole dishes. Over 3 hours, you’ll learn to prepare Louisiana staples while hearing the stories behind them. The class ends with a shared meal and beverages. Reviewers note the focus on technique and the delicious results, making it suitable for serious cooks wanting to refine their skills.
Bottom line: Best for those looking to deepen their culinary knowledge and master authentic Louisiana recipes.
11. New Orleans: Cooking Class & Cocktail Walking Tour
Combining a cooking class with a cocktail tour, this 4-hour experience is priced at $74. You start learning to cook in a professional kitchen, then explore the historic French Quarter’s bars, tasting iconic drinks and hearing their stories.
It’s a good way to connect culinary skills with the city’s lively nightlife scene. Reviewers find it engaging and full of local flavor, though some note the schedule can be tight.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want to combine cooking with lively bar-hopping and storytelling.
12. New Orleans Demonstration Cooking Class with Meal
This popular class, with thousands of reviews, costs $42 for a 2-hour demonstration and tasting. You’ll learn to make gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines while listening to a local chef’s lively commentary. The class includes generous samples and drinks. Many reviewers appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the chance to learn and eat in a relaxed setting.
Bottom line: An affordable, lively way to experience authentic Louisiana dishes with plenty of tasting.
13. New Orleans Hands-On Cooking Class with Meal
For around $162, this Hands-on Cooking Class offers an immersive 3-hour experience. You learn to prepare classic dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines, then enjoy the meal with fellow students. It includes wine, beer, and a souvenir apron. Reviewers highlight the engaging instruction and the delicious results, making it a favorite for serious foodies.
Bottom line: Great for those wanting a comprehensive, interactive cooking lesson and a shared meal in a friendly group.
14. Private writing class with an author in New Orleans
For a more literary twist, this private writing class offers one-on-one guidance from a professional writer. It lasts about 1.5 hours and is perfect for aspiring writers or anyone wanting to improve storytelling skills. While brief, it offers personalized feedback and practical advice. It’s a niche experience but a memorable addition for creative travelers.
Bottom line: Ideal for writers or storytellers looking for tailored guidance in a relaxed setting.
15. New Orleans: Hands-on Cajun Roux Cooking Class
Finally, another Hands-on Cajun Roux Class offers a focused, 3-hour lesson on making gumbo, etouffee, and bananas foster. It emphasizes professional techniques and local secrets, with complimentary drinks during class. It’s perfect for those eager to learn the craft of Cajun cooking in an authentic setting.
Bottom line: A solid choice for dedicated cooks wanting to master Louisiana’s signature dishes with expert guidance.
How to Choose the Right Workshop or Class in New Orleans
When selecting among these options, consider your budget, available time, and interests. For a quick introduction, the Cajun and Creole Cooking Class offers great value. If you want an immersive, hands-on experience, try the Hands-on Cajun Roux or Cajun Traditions classes. For those intrigued by spooky stories and paranormal activity, the Ghost Hunt provides a memorable, culturally rooted adventure.
If you’re pressed for time but want a balanced experience, the Food Walking Tour & Cooking Class offers a taste of both worlds. And for cocktail enthusiasts, the Sip History combines drinks and storytelling in a lively setting.
Finally, booking early is advisable, especially for popular classes like the Hands-on Cajun Cooking Class and the private options, to secure your preferred dates.
To sum it up, whether you’re a dedicated cook, a curious history lover, or someone eager to explore New Orleans’ supernatural side, this city offers a range of workshops that can turn your trip into a memorable, hands-on adventure. Select the experience that matches your interests and schedule, and you’ll leave with new skills, stories, and delicious memories—long after you’ve headed home.