Garden District Tour: Explore Historic Architecture, Scandals
5.0
40 Ratings
New Orleans
Uncover the secrets and scandals of the Garden District on a small group tour. Explore historic architecture, lush gardens, and hear fascinating stories of gamblers, adventurers, and corrupt politicians.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Lafayette Cemetery No.1 - [cemetery is presently closed by the city, so we’ll talk about its history and see the tombs from the gate] First take a walk through New Orleans’ historic Lafayette Cemetery and learn about the founding of our city, our unique burial practices, famous locals interred here, and our strong French and Catholic influence. You’ll even discover the film locations of Hollywood blockbusters such as Interview with the Vampire and Double Jeopardy, both of which had iconic scenes filmed here!
- Garden District - After your refreshing break our group will venture out into the gorgeous Garden District where you might even catch a glimpse of a celebrity! The beautiful antebellum homes will take your breath away, and the stories that accompany them are always entertaining and sometimes even shocking. This tour is a wonderful change of pace from the French Quarter crowds, and will give you a fun and interactive historical experience you will never forget.
- Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera - We will see the Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera, used as a production office for Jaime Foxx movie Django Unchained, directed by Quinten Tarantino.
- Magazine Street - End near Magazine Street, New Orleans’ best uptown street for shopping, food, art galleries, and more!
What's Included
- Guided tour with English-speaking guide
Additional Information
Explore the stunning architecture and abundant tropical gardens of the Garden District, as we delve into the hidden mysteries, scandals, and captivating history usually spoken of in hushed tones behind closed doors.
» Engaging extras like pictures of actual characters, a snapshot of your team
» Pause for coffee and snacks at the Rink mall – a historic roller skating venue
» Small gatherings, a maximum of 15 guests
» Entertaining guides who animate the history
Discover the past of gamblers, pioneers, shady politicians, scam artists, and which rock star was given the boot. Visit filming spots & the residences of movie personalities and other famous figures.
We’ll examine the architecture, discuss the favorite styles during the neighborhood’s development, and many peculiar homes as well! We’ll wrap up at the biggest house in the neighborhood – a location from the Coven season of American Horror Story.
Experience this beautiful neighborhood, and bring back a fragment of New Orleans you’ll always cherish!
Location
1332 Washington Ave
Washington Avenue
We meet at the corner of Washington Ave and Coliseum St. The corner by the cemetery wall. Please arrive 10 minutes before start, and stand in that location, or the tour guide will NOT know you are there for our tour.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(40 Ratings)
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Jphoebe
Apr 14, 2024
Excellent tour guide, very knowledgeable! - We had a great tour with Josh, he’s an excellent guide with a deep knowledge of New Orleans history and current politics. It was a small tour of just the three of us which was perfect since my mom has difficulty hearing, so she was able to hear everything clearly. Josh answered my many questions and even recommended some good books! Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robynsayles
Mar 26, 2024
Cool stories and gorgeous homes - Our guide was hilarious and informative. She shared cool stories and history about the homes and the city. She even stayed and chatted with us for a bit after the tour was over.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
M3446crpamr
Mar 23, 2024
Fun and Informative - The houses were amazing and our host gave us very fun and interesting facts about them and the neighborhood. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kim_c
Mar 19, 2024
Great day! - The group size was perfect. The guide spoke loud enough for everyone to hear. We learned a lot about the history behind many of the houses and who currently occupies them. Loved knowing where the rich and famous live.
Review provided by Viator
Caitlingz190la
Mar 11, 2024
Great mix of history, architecture, and hot goss! - Tracy was an INCREDIBLE tour guide! She was a wealth of information, gossip, and history. Absolutely spectacular tour through the Garden District, with great info on architecture as well as the scandals and history of the historical and more recent owners of the homes.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Roam386589
Mar 10, 2024
Fun and Informative - My daughters and I had a great time with our guide, Josh. The two hour tour was filled with new information, even for Louisiana locals. Josh was entertaining and answered all of our questions. I will definitely recommend this tour and company to friends visiting NOLA.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Awesomerah
Nov 21, 2023
Awesome tour - Awesome tour! The guide was super knowledgeable and made everything so much fun. We learned a lot and had a great time, highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cweis42
Nov 21, 2023
Mystery and History - Fascinating history of the Garden district. I loved the architecture, and the explanation of the burials! I also enjoyed the quiet, after spending time in the French Quarter. LOL. Our tour Gide was excellent.
Nancy
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Northstar32924991803
Nov 13, 2023
Beautiful and Informative - It was very informative and entertaining. Our guide was nice, smart, and funny. The houses were stunning. The fall weather and light rainfall made me feel like I was in an Anne Rice novel.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ly0695
Oct 30, 2023
A little bit of history and glitz. - The tour guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the area. He exuberantly explained the burial process of the time. He showed us pictures of the inside of the homes we visited. And, he knew which Hollywood movie stars lived in what house and what movies were filmed in them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
