New Orleans Walking Tour: Storyville's Notorious History
4.9
73 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.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Jackson Square - The tour meets near world famous Cafe Du Monde. The first stop is a scenic view of the Mississippi River and Jackson Square. It’s here, in the heart of the Vieux Carre, that you will discuss the sex trade as part of the founding of the city
  • French Market - Then, wind downriver stopping off for a drink at Tujague’s on your way to the French Market to share tales of colorful port life. The Civil War and the public women’s plight during this turbulent time is exposed.
  • Royal Street - Lovely Royal Street in the evening is part of the landscape of the tour.
  • Bourbon Street - Quickly cross bustling Bourbon Street and head towards the back of town
  • May Baily’s Place - The second bar stop varies. One possibility is May Bailey’s, a well known location for lewd and abandoned women. The tour concludes in front of a well known brothel in the shadows of Storyville.
What's Included
  • Professional guide included
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
  • Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
Additional Information

Discover the historical connections of the French Quarter to the sex industry. Get to know the remarkable individuals linked to the world’s oldest profession. This two-hour journey brings attention to the women who were part of this trade, with a focus on notable personalities from Storyville. The tour includes pit-stops at bars where you can buy a classic New Orleans mix or a drink of your choice to carry along. It kicks off near the river and wraps up in the heart of the city.

  • 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.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(73 Ratings)
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Difitjekd
Mar 24, 2024
Wonderful experience from a true local expert! - The amazing Karen led us around the French Quarter for a fabulous exploration of the history of Storyville and how it came to be. As a recent transplant to New Orleans, I was thoroughly enlightened about my new home and it makes my experience of walking around these streets now much richer! Karen had seemingly non-stop facts and photos at hand for the whole two hours, and then we finished with a cocktail stop at one of the original brothels--now a beautiful bar dedicated to all the Ladies--to top it off. Wonderful experience from a true local expert!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trickgnosis
Jan 10, 2024
Fun informative tour - Great tour. Karen was a fun and helpful guide. If this is something that would interest you don't miss it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Navigator57244197771
Dec 16, 2023
Book Karen! - First time in NOLA and so glad my friend and I booked this tour. We came in December and the weather was nippy and Karen, our tour guide, was very aware of how cold we were. She made sure we were as comfortable as possible. We booked the evening tour, covering madames and brothels. It was a fun tour, Karen was very knowledgeable and passionate about the topics we covered and we walked a decent part of French Quarter. She didn’t try to sell us anything and she didn’t take us anywhere that we were pressured to buy or purchase anything. DEFINITELY coming back to NOLA and definitely going to book any other tours Karen hosts. She was fantastic!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z9942hgdavidm
Dec 9, 2023
Great tour! - We had a great tour. Karen was an amazing guide, very knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarah_m
Nov 4, 2023
Wonderful tour 💖 - A wonderful tour. I learned a lot and felt inspired by the stories. even received a reading list of references to enjoy on my own time.
Review provided by Viator
Stefaniemh9071vt
Sep 30, 2023
Best Tour of NOLA! - Karen was incredible!!! She catered the tour to us, adding stops based on our questions. She was super knowledgeable about the city and its backstory, and came equipped with photos and book recs. Karen was so easy to talk to we ended up grabbing a drink with her at the end of the tour! (She was born and raised in NOLA and it’s clear on the tour— besides her in depth stories, other tour guides, bartenders and locals would stop to say a quick hello to her!) If you’re interested in the dark history of the city that’s sometimes hidden in plain sight this tour is an absolute must!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karolinadinks
Sep 17, 2023
Sightseeing with a twist - It was a great way to learn more about New Orleans. It felt like a sightseeing tour with a twist. Christine was great. She is well travelled and knowledgeable and answered all the questions with confidence. We were taken to two different bars for a drink. We walked down streets we would have never gone without this tour. And the group was very small (6) which made the tour a little bit more special. I have nothing bad to say!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
W8870yfkristinw
Jul 3, 2023
if you only have time for one tour - pick this one! - Karen is amazing and this tour was wonderful. I know you have tons of options for tours in NOLA, but if you only have time for one tour, please pick this one. I am a licensed tour guide in New Orleans myself, and this tour was such a great experience - we laughed and learned and saw parts of New Orleans, I didn't even know about. Thank you Karen!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ghostgirlkt
Jul 2, 2023
Ladies of the evening, unite! - Our bordello tour with Karen was so fun and informative. It was eye-opening to hear what these women went through and how they survived against all odds. We are locals and this was a great way to get even more intimidate with our fascinating city!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
B1018srjenniferf
Jul 2, 2023
Amazing - I've always heard wonderful things about this tour and it did not disappoint! Karen was our guide & she was wonderful! This isn't just any tour, it was a history class. An indepth lesson into the day & life of bordello girls of new orleans. We enjoyed a couple nice stops a lovely scenic saunter around the historic French quarter. I also enjoyed that Karen took her time to answer all of our annoying questions as well as provided tons of recommendations. I would take the tour again & recommend to friends & family. Thank you Karen!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 14 guests
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May 2024
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