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Garden District Tour: Explore New Orleans' History
5.0
98 Ratings
New Orleans
Step away from the bustling French Quarter and explore the historic Garden District of New Orleans. Discover the stories behind the beautiful Antebellum homes, celebrity-owned houses, and unique burial practices in this tranquil neighborhood.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Garden District - Our tour begins in the heart of the New Orleans Garden District – considered by many to be one of the best-preserved collections of historic mansions in the United States. Originally a family plantation, this area was divided into smaller (but still very large!) lots for private homes with beautiful gardens in the mid-1800’s, giving the district its name. The amazing Antebellum architecture in the Garden District continues to draw the eye, making the area a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Throughout the tour, we’ll stroll past numerous gorgeous homes, some with famous Hollywood connections. New Orleans is always a popular filming location for the movie industry and the homes in the Garden District have had starring roles in several films.
- Lafayette Cemetery No.1 - We quickly arrive at the home of one of New Orleans’ oldest cemeteries – Lafayette Cemetery. Continually popular with travelers, New Orleans cemeteries have a unique approach to burials: namely, the above-ground, multiple-burial techniques used. Explore the grounds with your local guide, hear why these types of burials are iconic to New Orleans, and learn about some of the families buried in this particular square.
- Commander’s Palace - We then continue on for a view of one of the most striking buildings in all of New Orleans: Commander’s Palace. Host to myriad wedding receptions and dinners throughout the year, this eye-catching, turreted Victorian building is one of the most well-respected upscale restaurants in the entire country. Admire this gorgeous, turreted restaurant and hear of the many events that have taken place there.
- Magazine Street - To reflect the full story of The Garden District, your guide will highlight the real history and the true backbone of this historic neighborhood. Across Magazine Street, we’ll find the working-class area known as the Irish Channel. Predominantly settled by Irish immigrants, this neighborhood developed in the early 1800’s when the city’s shipping, alcohol, and brewing industries drew workers from all over the world, especially from Ireland. In contrast to the palatial homes we saw earlier, your guide will take you past some of the iconic shotgun-style homes of New Orleans.
What's Included
- Expert local English-speaking guide included.
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Additional food and drink
- Souvenirs or personal shopping
Additional Information
Depart from the lively, alcohol-filled French Quarter and accompany us on a peaceful wander through one of New Orleans’ most picturesque and serene areas - the Garden District. On this journey, your town guide will showcase the eye-catching Antebellum homes and remarkable architecture that represent tales of New Orleans across different epochs, spanning from the era of slavery to the working class, up to the wealthiest figures of early Louisiana history. Not just the houses owned by famous personalities and seen in popular movies, but we’ll also get to sneak a look at a historical cemetery with a remarkable burial tradition and multiple graves of significance. Come along as we amble beneath Spanish moss, by hanging beads, and via the Irish Channel, exploring the Garden District.
Location
2729 Prytania St
Prytania Street
The historical marker at the corner of Washington and Prytania Streets, 2729 Prytania Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(98 Ratings)
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Iananded
May 17, 2024
Great tour of the Garden District - Fantastic guide. Interesting subject matter. It was like having a good friend show us around. Exceptionally knowledgeable
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Larakhetsiwe
Apr 18, 2024
An interesting and informative tour - Walter was a delightful guide. Not only did he have immense knowledge of the area and its architecture, but also had many interesting anecdotes to relate. He was a true gentleman and looked after the group well. The Garden District is beautiful and helped me appreciate New Orleans.
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Redr625
Apr 10, 2024
Such a fabulous walking tour!!!!! - Amazing and knowledgeable guide - Walter!! He is very personable and made the experience unique. He has such a personal connection to the city! We had such a fabulous tour and learned so much. Highly suggest! Don’t hesitate to book!
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Kimgy2703eo
Apr 1, 2024
Good overview of Garden District - My Garden District tour was led by Walter; he was not only enjoyable to be with, but very informative! He led us add an easy pace, and was very knowledgeable about the neighborhood, the architecture of the houses, and had loads of recommendations on local eateries to boot! Thank you, Walter!
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Kimso7074yg
Mar 31, 2024
Highly recommend! - Walter is intelligent, considerate, and interesting. We learned a lot, and with a personal touch, as Walter is a resident of this area. He values relationship, even during this short time, by paying close attention to each person and taking careful note of to whom is his audience. It was wonderful.
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Joyv438
Mar 14, 2024
Surpassed expections! - Surpassed expections! Our guide Walter was great! He has an amazing knowledge of the homes on the tours and helps everyone to appreciate the different architectural style of each home. Very friendly with a lovely sense of humor. Would highly recommend taking this tour!
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Umai2024
Mar 12, 2024
Loved this fun and energetic tour! - Walter was a delightfully friendly and energetic tour guide. We learned fun details about the architecture, history, and famous folks of the Garden District, and loved gawking at the gorgeous homes -- plus bonus of lots of cute dogs on the beautiful porches. Highly recommend -- it was way more insightful and fun than just walking around by ourselves!
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Randyv339
Mar 2, 2024
A great tour with Walter - Walter was one of the kindest men we ever met. The sights were amazing and so were the story’s behind them. Walter went out of his way to provide a great time from beginning to end. He even sent us a list of great eateries not to miss while in NOLA. Thank you Walter !
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Francescagianmaria
Feb 19, 2024
Highly recommended Tour that pleased two tough judges ! - We had a great experience with Walter on the tour. He is such a passionate, professional and fun person to be around. He kept a ~10ppl group hooked from the beginning until the end. He is a great storyteller, his style consistent throughout the tour. Highly recommended and would do it again!
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Journey22762946997
Jan 30, 2024
Garden District tour - Walter was great. He knows the area and gave great insights on the history, and even some of the owners of the houses.
Mark
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