New Orleans Music Walking Tour: Explore Historic Musical Landmarks
3.3
10 Ratings
New Orleans
Immerse yourself in the rich musical history of New Orleans on this walking tour. Explore historic landmarks, from Congo Square to J&M Studios, and learn about the birthplace of rock'n'roll. Discover the Second Line and visit the remains of Storyville, before ending at the iconic Preservation Hall.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Congo Square - Learn of the West African influence on New Orleans music through the Bamboula.
- Louis Armstrong Park - Learn of many New Orleans music styles from opera to the second line to opera!
- Basin St. Station - Learn of many New Orleans music elements and the origins of the song “Basin Street Blues”.
- Storyville District - Learn about and hear recorded music from the early days of Jazz in the red light district Storyville!
- May Baily’s Place - Enter a replica of a Storyville parlour.
- Bourbon Street - Learn of the French Opera and R&B traditions on New Orleans’ most famous street!
- Preservation Hall - End the tour where the past, present and future of New Orleans music converges - the legendary Preservation Hall!
What's Included
- Local guide
Additional Information
Discover the famed musical heritage of the world’s most vibrant music city. Begin with Louis Armstrong Park and Congo Square, a historic location where African slaves congregated, the only locale in North America where pure West African religious and musical traditions were upheld. Congo Square is the origin of all New Orleans music and numerous globally-renowned songs.
Explore the building that was home to Cosimo Matassa’s revolutionary J&M Studios - the authentic cradle of rock’n’roll. Visit the New Orleans Musicians Tomb, the resting place of many esteemed musicians, the first being Lloyd Washington of the Ink Spots buried on October 23, 2004. The Musicians Tomb was rejuvenated and is now maintained by Robert Florence of NOLA Historic Tours.
Get to know about the Second Line & amble along Basin Street to the remnants of Storyville, the infamous red-light district where talents like Buddy Bolden and Jelly Roll Morton were showcased.
Then move across the Tango Belt to May Bailey’s and the French Opera House, wrapping up with the iconic Preservation Hall.
Location
Rampart Treehouse
North Rampart Street
Our guide will meet the traveler at the entrance to Rampart Treehouse, North Rampart Street at the corner of St. Ann Street.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
3.3
(10 Ratings)
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Summer_s
Jun 27, 2023
Best New Orleans Tour - Absolutely the best hotel experience I’ve ever had. My mom and I stayed here for a few days and the friendliness and kindness of the staff really made our trip. The beds were super comfortable and the pool was great to cool off in.
Review provided by Viator
Climber45650915095
Oct 27, 2022
David was a great tour guide and he had the best historical stories! I recommend this tour. 5 stars! We start and end on time! - David was a great tour guide and he had the best historical stories! I recommend this tour. 5 stars! We start and end on time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
C939oorolands
Apr 19, 2022
A brilliant and engaging way to understand how cultures were fused to create the unique sounds of New Orleans. - Superb! David is a superb guide, brilliantly bringing to life the fusion of historical and cultural influences that make New Orleans a unique home of music. David's deep knowledge of music and his passion for its history and context made for a fascinating tour and added hugely to our enjoyment of New Orelans music for the rest of the trip. One of the highlights of a wonderful visit to a fabulous city. The best tour guide we've experienced.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D1308pqtracyb
Jan 27, 2022
So many stories! - Dave was like an encyclopedia of NOLA and music. Learned a lot about jazz, especially Louie Armstrong.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Grahambaker
Dec 30, 2020
Great music tour and wonderful tour guide - Dave Higgins has the pedigree, education, and stories to make this tour the best. We enjoyed meeting Dave and learning about New Orleans music history. He talked about the city’s history predating America, its cultural makeup, progressive economy and legal structures, and how music bound and inspired people of all classes, races, and status (free or slave). From there, Dave takes you through the big names you expect - Louis Armstrong, Bolden, Bisset, Mahalia Jackson, Fats, Professor Longhair... smartest couple of hours you will spend in NOLA. Do it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
D2126wkjeanb
Apr 18, 2023
Music tour - Our guide was a walking encyclopedia of music knowledge. Would recommend Rob to any lover of music history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lasherazme
Nov 16, 2022
The guide never showed up - Read the title I requested a refund. What else can I say. Ended up doing are own thing - that’s all!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brian_g
Aug 17, 2022
No Show Music Tour😢 - I was waiting for the tour guide and no one showed up. My tour was for 2pm . I called them and then they said he would be late then the tour guide got sick. I asked them to refund my money. They did offer to pay a Lyft but I said no need for that. I went to the French Quarters 🙃.
Review provided by Viator
Wayne_m
Apr 5, 2021
pick a different tour company - don't know how it was because no one showed up. went to the address that is was given and nobody was there. signed up for 3 tours and only 1 out of three showed up. pick a different company
Review provided by Viator
Vanessa_g
Jan 9, 2021
Tour Guide Was a No Show - Tour guide never showed. I am in process of disputing charge with PayPal. Very disappointed because I was looking forward to exploring.
Review provided by Viator
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