The 6 History Walking Tours in New Orleans to Book First

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 a local guide such as Caroline, Angie, or Sean. In about two hours, you’ll hear stories of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 from outside its gates, study antebellum homes and film locations, and get tips for food, music, and drinks. Groups are capped at 15.

“Not a ton of walking, but very informative. Learn and hear about a dozen homes and the different style of architecture. Also lots of other history about the Garden District.”

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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 with a professional English-speaking guide from Lucky Bean Tours. In about two hours, you’ll visit the French Market, St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, Royal Street, and the Mississippi River. Guides such as Scott, Tim, Libby, Renee, Lesley, and Yvonne are known for lively stories, local advice, and plenty of time for questions.

“Lovely guide, very amenable - pleasant walk in French quarter. Was flexible as was new years and had to reroute around parade”

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3.New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour

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

Start at 3rd Block Depot in the French Quarter for a progressive lunch of gumbo, hot sauces, pralines, po-boys, muffulettas, boudin, red beans and rice, and bread pudding. Guides such as Beth, Meg, Dylan, John, and Sarah pair each bite with New Orleans history. The small-group tour runs in morning or afternoon, rain or shine.

“Yummy variety of food, knowledgeable and funny tour guide! Beth is super knowledgeable about the history of New Orleans as well as cuisine history. She answered all of our questions and even shared some recipes with us. She was fabulous!!”

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

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

Meet your guide at Patrick’s Bar Vin at 5 p.m. for a three-hour French Quarter walk through four cocktail stops. Sip a Rum Punch, Sazerac, Brandy Crusta, historic choice cocktail, and Roffignac while learning about absinthe, local bars, and New Orleans drinking culture. Guides may include Beth, Gary, Meg, John, Kat, or Elizabeth.

“Great paced tour that brings you to places you might not otherwise discover. We hot to try great cocktails and learn history at the same time.”

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5.New Orleans Jazz History and Music Walking Tour

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

Walk about 1.5 miles through Tremé and the French Quarter with a local guide such as Kristi, Adam, or Andre. Learn how Congo Square, Louis Armstrong, Creole culture, and African and Caribbean rhythms shaped jazz, then visit live music venues chosen for the evening. One drink is included, and the group is limited to 12 people.

“If you love jazz and want to learn more about its roots, along with the foundations of New Orleans, book this! We had a wonderful time moving through the streets of the French quarter with our guide, Kristi. Kristi was a wealth of knowledge! Her love and passion for her city and jazz was so apparent as she shared its history. We visited two Jazz clubs and had a great time. My entire group was so impressed with this tour. Thanks Kristi, we are very grateful for our experience.”

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6.New Orleans Historic Cemetery Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 175 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $23Best value

Walk through St. Patrick Cemetery #2, cemeteries near City Park, and the Hurricane Katrina Memorial with a professional storyteller. Guides such as Chris, Robert, William, and Taylor explain above-ground burial customs, Irish New Orleans, yellow fever, hurricanes, and local traditions. The tour lasts about two hours and ends on Canal Street.

“Enlightening—guide was engaging and knowledgeable. I was disappointed in the appearance of the graves. For shame.”

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