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French Quarter Tour: History of Sex Work
4.9
104 Ratings
New Orleans
Discover the scandalous past of New Orleans on a walking tour through the French Quarter. Uncover the secrets of Storyville and its infamous characters in the world’s oldest profession. Sip on a classic New Orleans cocktail as you explore the city’s hidden history.
Discover the scandalous past of New Orleans on a walking tour through the French Quarter. Uncover the secrets of Storyville and its infamous characters in the world’s oldest profession. Sip on a classic New Orleans cocktail as you explore the city’s hidden history.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Jackson Square - The tour begins near the renowned Cafe Du Monde. The initial stop offers a picturesque view of the Mississippi River and Jackson Square. Here, in the heart of the Vieux Carre, the discussion will focus on the role of the sex trade in the city’s founding.
- French Market - Next, journey downriver, pausing for a drink at…
- Jackson Square - The tour begins near the renowned Cafe Du Monde. The initial stop offers a picturesque view of the Mississippi River and Jackson Square. Here, in the heart of the Vieux Carre, the discussion will focus on the role of the sex trade in the city’s founding.
- French Market - Next, journey downriver, pausing for a drink at Tujague’s before heading to the French Market to share stories of the vibrant port life. The Civil War and the challenges faced by public women during this tumultuous period are highlighted.
- Royal Street - The charming Royal Street in the evening forms part of the tour’s scenery.
- Bourbon Street - Swiftly cross the lively Bourbon Street and proceed towards the town’s rear.
- May Baily’s Place - The second bar stop varies, with May Bailey’s being a potential choice, known for its association with lewd and abandoned women. The tour concludes in front of a famous brothel in the shadows of Storyville.
What's Included
- Professional guide included
- Professional guide included
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Additional Information
Delve into the history of the French Quarter by examining the role of sex work. Discover memorable individuals who were part of the world’s oldest profession. This engaging 2-hour tour showcases the lives of working women, including famous personalities from Storyville. Enjoy stops at bars where you can buy a classic New Orleans cocktail (or your…
Delve into the history of the French Quarter by examining the role of sex work. Discover memorable individuals who were part of the world’s oldest profession. This engaging 2-hour tour showcases the lives of working women, including famous personalities from Storyville. Enjoy stops at bars where you can buy a classic New Orleans cocktail (or your preferred drink) in a to-go cup. The tour begins near the river and ends in the back of town.
- Minimum age is 21 years
Location
800 Decatur St
Decatur Street
Benches outside Cafe du Monde, under the tree.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(104 Ratings)
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Zachary_m
Mar 7, 2026
Very interesting and... - Very interesting and Informative tour. Karen was an absolute delight and made us gee like we were hanging with an old friend
Review provided by Viator
James_m
Mar 6, 2026
More to the topic than meets the eye - Dannal was very passionate about the buildings we visited and certain inhabitants that occupied them. Brothels and bordellos were first opened up to attract people to New Orleans which was built on a swamp in bug-infested territory. One of their uses was covert listening posts. One can learn so much about their enemies that way. Hence why they were a hotspot for gangsters. If you see a red door, watch out. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards don't want to paint it black. It indicates the former red light district. I could go on, but there are so many fascinating details to be learned here. The world's oldest profession really did leave an impact here.
Review provided by Viator
Claire_t
Feb 19, 2026
Great tour! - Great experience! Dannal was a fantastic and knowledgeable tour guide! A great way to learn about the darker history about New Orleans!
Review provided by Viator
Beckybg637lt
Jan 17, 2026
Great Tour with more than the standard French Quarter information - We've been on several walking tours through the French Quarter and were a little worried that this would be all the same information.... but this tour had completely different details and we learned a lot about the sordid history. Dannal was great guide and I'm glad we chose to support an independent, female owned business. I highly recommend using Two Chicks and plan to use them again the next time we visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z9153apkaitlynw
Jan 16, 2026
Brothel Tour - Dannal was very knowledgeable! She took great care of us. I learned so much about the history of brothels, including Storyville and Ursulines Convent. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Isaacw595
Jan 16, 2026
Book the tour!! - Dannal was an awesome tour guide and it was so fun to get a glimpse into the history of the town. 10/10 would take another tour
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Safari791937
Jan 16, 2026
Best Tour of the City! - This is a great tour to book when you visit Nola! Our Tour guide Dannal was engaging and presented us with a well-informed history of the women who built this city. You felt like a real local. I prefer this type of tour to a crowded bus with someone screaming into a microphone as you pass by buildings. This is much more intimate and fun to explore the city. Thank you Dannal & Two Chicks Walking Tours!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
161edmondw
Dec 21, 2025
Dannal offers an entertaining learning experience / Edmond Wattigney - Our tour guide was Dannal (rhymes with Flannel). Dannal was a very good tour guide. I’ve done other French Quarter walking tours and I enjoyed her comfortable style. Rather than present a bunch of exact dates of events, she presented in a much more comfortable and personable fashion. She kept the tour very interesting with some names and events that are not popular with other to a presentations.. we talked of the happenings that went on on Gallatin Street that is now mostly the French market flea market. We took a couple of welcomed bathroom and drink breaks at interesting locations and learned about May Bailey., a brothel owner and her original license and many photographs to see. We got to the outskirts of the French quarter near N. Rampart St. And talked of many specifics of Storyvilles history and of the legalized prostitution district in New Orleans. Our group was only six or seven people which gave us plenty opportunity to interact. Dannal created the opportunity for all of us to become friends.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marc_b
Oct 24, 2025
Not exactly what I was... - Not exactly what I was expecting but it was very pleasant, informative, and I was very happy I went. The guide, Dannal, was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and easy to talk with. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Angela_b
Sep 6, 2025
Amazing tour, amazing city, and amazing people. - We had a great time. Dannel was our guide and she was great and so informative. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and your city with us!!
Review provided by Viator
