The 12 Historical Tours in New Orleans That Earn Their Price

1.New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,879 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $35Our pick

Walk New Orleans’ Garden District with guides such as Caroline, Angie, or Shawn, learning about antebellum homes, cemetery customs, celebrity residents, and local life. The two-hour small-group tour visits Lafayette Cemetery from outside its gates, since repairs have closed it to the public.

“Our guide, Caroline, was very knowledgeable, funny, and engaging. I would have taken another tour from her if I had the time. The homes we saw were well chosen and the stories were entertaining. If standing still makes your back ache then load up on pain meds but it is worth it.”

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2.French Quarter Historical Sights and Stories Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,724 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $35

Walk the French Quarter for two hours with a local guide such as Scott, Tim, Libby, or Renée. See Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, the French Market, Royal Street, and the Mississippi River while learning about architecture, culture, food, and places to explore afterward.

“Lesley did an amazing job on our walking tour of the French Quarter with her deep knowledge of NOLA’s history, culture, food, architecture, etc. The tour enriched our time here and was the perfect way to launch our visit.”

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3.New Orleans Small-Group Haunted History Carriage Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,289 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $65

Ride from Jackson Square through the French Quarter in a covered mule-drawn carriage with up to eight people. Your licensed guide, such as Matt, Trish, Leman, or Charles, shares local history, ghost stories, and the dark tale of the LaLaurie Mansion during this one-hour evening tour.

“We had a great guide! Nice history of New Orleans- spooky but in a relaxed atmosphere. Would definitely recommend!”

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4.New Orleans Haunted History Ghost Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,084 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $30

Join guides such as Ariadne, Stella, Arty, or Neo for a theatrical two-hour walk through New Orleans’ French Quarter. Hear stories tied to LaLaurie Mansion, Jackson Square, Pirate’s Alley, and haunted bars, with time for a drink at your own expense.

“Easy walk through the French Quarter with a knowledgeable and engaging guide. A bit grossing for the squeamish. Appreciated the time spent on each story and at each location.”

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5.Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,948 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $47

Board the Creole Queen at 1 Poydras Street for a narrated Mississippi River cruise of about 2.5 hours. Hear stories of the LeMoyne brothers, the Louisiana Purchase, and Hurricane Katrina, then visit Chalmette Battlefield with a National Park Ranger. Food and drinks are available onboard.

“The historian was great. I think his name was Micheal (The lawyer and veteran). He was funny and engaging. The cruise was nice and smooth. The food was nothing to write home about. It was hot but unappetizing in appearance and taste. Don’t get the meal. Just go for the cruise and history.”

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6.New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,544 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $85

Walk through New Orleans’ French Quarter with a food-loving guide, stopping at five eateries and shops for gumbo, hot sauces, pralines, po’boys, muffulettas, boudin, red beans and rice, and dessert. Guides such as Beth, Meg, John, and Dylan add food history, recipes, and humor along the way.

“Great tour, and great history. The food was fantastic with generous portions. I would highly recommend this experience and Meg was a wonderful guide.”

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7.Creole Queen History Cruise with Optional Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,112 reviews · 2h 30m · from $47

Ride the Creole Queen from the Riverwalk to Chalmette Battlefield while guides such as Charles and Dr. Lauren explain New Orleans history, the river, Katrina, and the Battle of New Orleans. Add the buffet for shrimp pasta, jambalaya, red beans and rice, and other local dishes.

“The guide was an excellent story teller and a pleasure to listen to as he told us about the history of New Orleans”

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8.New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 819 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $160

Start with gumbo and a Hurricane at Red Fish Grill, then walk through the French Quarter for hot sauces, pralines, muffuletta, jambalaya, plantains, and classic cocktails. Guides such as Meg, Ben, and Gary add stories about New Orleans food, immigration, and cocktail culture. Vegetarian options are available.

“Our guide was very informative and were able to eat and drink a little of everything. It was a wonderful experience.”

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9.French Quarter Food History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 713 reviews · 3 hours · from $85

Spend three hours walking the French Quarter with guides such as Beth, Gary, John, or Meg, stopping for gumbo, hot sauce, pralines, catfish po-boy, muffuletta, boudin, red beans and rice, and dessert. A vegetarian menu is available by request.

“This was an excellent tour. John, our tour guide was very knowledgeable, and excellent guide, helpful and very pleasant. I would highly recommend this tour.”

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10.New Orleans Cocktail History Walking Tour in the French Quarter

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 604 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $95

Meet your English-speaking guide at Patrick’s Bar Vin at 5pm for a three-hour walk through the French Quarter. You’ll visit four bars, taste cocktails such as the Sazerac, Brandy Crusta, and Roffignac, and learn how New Orleans shaped drinking culture. Guides have included Beth, John, Gary, Meg, Kat, and Elizabeth.

“Beth is amazing! We loved this tour so much that its the second time my mom and I have done it. Beth knows her history of spirits. The tour was a 10/10. I highly recommend for anyone looking to get a taste of new orleans alcohol history with some fun. I will be back next year with my friend!”

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11.New Orleans Jazz History and Music Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 477 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $60

Walk from Louis Armstrong Park through Tremé and the French Quarter with a local music guide such as Kristi or Adam. Learn how Congo Square shaped jazz, visit a live music venue chosen that evening, enjoy one drink, and receive tips for the rest of your night.

“Wow! This was a fantastic tour. I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was amazing. Our guide Kristi is a born and raised local from New Orleans and knew the history and culture back and forth. After a walk - and history lesson - around Congo Square, we headed into the French Quarter where Kristi had perfectly timed our arrival at a jazz club to watch one set. And then we moved on to another club to see a different band. Both were incredible. I wouldn't have known where or how to see jazz in New Orleans before this but Kristi explained where the best places are and how…”

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12.Garden District Home and History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 470 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $26Best value

This two-hour English walking tour starts at 10 a.m. on Prytania Street, enters a 1859 Greek Revival Italianate mansion, then visits Garden District homes linked to Anne Rice, John Goodman, Sandra Bullock, and Archie Manning. Guides such as Erin, Pepe, Margo, Mikey, and Eva bring history and humor.

“This was a great t tour. We had a nice sunny day. Our guide was very knowledgeable. It was two hours with a rest stop in the middle. We learned allot about the history of New Orleans and about the different architecture. Very good and well organized.”

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