Downtown New Orleans is rich in history and culture, delightful food and mysterious stories. Explore them all on one of these walking tours of the city.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Unlike many US cities, the Big Easy is not a difficult place to explore on foot, which is why there are many fascinating walking tours available, particularly through the historic heart. Great food, gorgeous gardens, ghoulish goings on, and a tumultuous, storied history are all subjects for themed guided walks. Here are five of the best available today, based on various factors, including the value for money, quality of the tour guides and the reviews from previous guests.
New Orleans Garden District walking tour
The climate around New Orleans allows for an abundance of flora that has been tamed and curated to perfection through the city’s Garden District. This two-hour large group walking tour ambles through this area, seeking out the best stories and views along the way. These include Lafayette Cemetery No.1 – the oldest cemetery in New Orleans – and an array of beautiful, Victorian mansions, including that of Anne Rice, who wrote “The Vampire Chronicles”. From $20 per person.
Tour Tremé: African American and Creole history tour
What makes New Orleans a truly unique American city is its distinct blend of vivacious cultures. The Tremé neighborhood is considered to be the focal point of some of the best creative culture in the region, such as New Orleans jazz, and the music and dance emanating from the Creole culture that calls this area home. Learn about the jazz greats born in Tremé, such as Jelly Roll Morton, and visit many other important sights, such as the Tomb of the Unknown Slave. From $22 per person.
French Quarter pirate history walking tour
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Back when warring European powers clashed regularly over their greed for land and loot, piracy was rife in the Americas. For a major port city like New Orleans, there was no escape from those salty, swashbuckling seadogs and their deeds have often drifted through the centuries into history and folklore. This 90-minute walking tour is a fun and uplifting look at that past, through yarns of sword fights and smuggling. Expect a real dedication to the visual theme of the tour from you guides. From $25 per person.
French Quarter walking tour of New Orleans
It’s hard to think of New Orleans and not think of the French culture infused deep in its early bones. Whatever your stance on colonial heritage, there’s no doubting that much of the best historic architecture, including the Ursuline Convent, the Preservation Hall, where jazz has deep roots, and many Creole buildings as well, including the Pontalba Rowhouse. The two-hour walking tour through the French Quarter departs daily at 10am. From $45 per person.
New Orleans cocktail and food history tour
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
One of the most enjoyable ways to experience the culture and history of a place is through your taste buds. With so many different influences at play in New York, including West Africa and the Caribbean, France, Spain and indigenous cuisines, the more you can try, the more completely you will be able to appreciate why New Orleans is such a special city. This four-hour tour does just that: offering nine food tastings, such as seafood gumbo and traditional pralines, plus four cocktails, including a glass of French 75, made with gin, lemon juice and Champagne. From $130 per person.