New Orleans French Quarter: Historic Walking Tour
4.6
231 Ratings
New Orleans
Explore the rich history of the New Orleans French Quarter on a 2-hour walking tour. Discover legendary landmarks, hidden courtyards, and learn about Creole culture.
Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • French Quarter - Make your own way to Musical Legends Park to meet your guide for your walking tour. After introductions, stroll a short distance to the banks of the Mississippi River where you learn how levee construction transformed the swamp into fertile farmland, making New Orleans an important hub in the region.
  • French Market - Continue by walking through the French Market, the oldest open-air market in the US.
  • Old Ursuline Convent Museum - Stand outside the Mississippi River valley’s oldest building, the Ursuline Convent, whose history provides a window onto early colonization efforts in Louisiana.
  • Jackson Square - Next, you will head to Jackson Square, the heart of the French Quarter
  • Cabildo - See important sites including the Cabildo - built between 1795 and 1799 - this building once housed the center of government in New Orleans and it is now the Louisiana State Museum.
  • The Presbytere - See the Presbytere - built in 1791 to match the Cabildo is a fascinating museum with 2 permanent exhibits telling of both the cities resilience and celebration.
  • Pontalba Buildings - Learn about these block-long buildings which form two sides of Jackson Square in the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans.
  • St. Louis Cathedral - Your guide takes you inside St Louis Cathedral and shows you where the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788 started, explaining how rebuilding post-fire resulted in what is now considered the classic architectural style of the French Quarter.
  • Pirates Alley - Next, step into a lush Creole courtyard and learn about the complexities of Creole society and slavery in South Louisiana. Walk to the balcony of the former Quadroon Ballroom while your guide explains the former lives of Creole mistresses and the system known as ‘placage.’

During your tour, your guide points out film sites and literary haunts such as the building where Tennessee Williams wrote

  • Mississippi River - Choose from a morning or evening tour and expect to walk about 2 miles (3.2 km) at a leisurely pace before wrapping up near the Mississippi River levee.
What's Included
  • Local guide
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks
Additional Information

Immerse yourself in the history of the French Quarter with a 2-hour guided stroll, led by an informed guide who will impart the tales and highlights of this mesmerizing city. At a leisurely speed, discover the Mississippi River, French Market, St Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, the Presbytere, Jackson Square, and beyond. Explore ancient buildings and hidden courtyards, spot renowned literary and film sites, and gain insights into Creole culture. Your engaging guide imparts a well-rounded understanding of the influences that sculpted the Big Easy.

Location
Cafe Beignet, Royal Street
Royal Street
Departure Point: Royal Cafe Beignet, 334 Royal Street, next to the Police Station
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(231 Ratings)
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Kathryne373
Jun 2, 2024
Interesting - Dave was so knowledgeable and was very nice. The facts we learned I would never have known without the tour. My family really enjoyed the tour. If you never visited New Orleans or just want more information about the city; I highly recommend taking a tour to get an idea how the city came about.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E4148gzsusans
May 31, 2024
Excellent tour with long-time New Orleans native - Loved this tour - guide was old-time resident of New Orleans, had great stories. Navigated us safely to comfortable spot when the rain got too heavy. Really knows his stuff.
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258theresed
May 30, 2024
Warm engaging and delightful - Had a fun time with David he was very knowledgeable and helpful. David has a warm and engaging manner and being led by him was a delight
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brucec294
May 13, 2024
Walking the French Quarter - Dave did a great job informing us of the history of New Orleans and the different groups who immigrated when they came and how it impacted the area. He wa very sensitive to the needs of the group and kept us in the shade as much as possible! Gret tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janet_c
May 12, 2024
Knowledgeable and enthusiastic - David was a wonderful tour guide! His knowledge of and enthusiasm for New Orleans history was to notch. I was very pleased with his tour and would be happy to join another tour with him anytime.
Review provided by Viator
644jessicak
May 5, 2024
Great Tour - Had an amazing time! Our guide was so knowledgeable. Good deal for price too. It was a good way to spend two hours in the city.
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Neil_m
Apr 21, 2024
Great historical trip around the French Quarter - Enjoyed hearing about the historical government and architecture of New Orleans. David was our guide, he was very knowledgeable about places and names
Review provided by Viator
Susan_s
Apr 12, 2024
French Quarter tour - Our guide’s knowledge and personality. He made the sites and history come alive. I highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Dame_d
Apr 9, 2024
Great Tour - The tour was excellent. David was an excellent tour guide and very knowledgable. He made the tour very fun.
Review provided by Viator
Cathydu1195zj
May 11, 2024
Worth it! - He was amazing! High energy, very knowledgable which made it great. New Orleans has a rich history, which made it the great city it is today.
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up to 9 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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