History tours · NEW ORLEANS HISTORY TOURS

History Tours in New Orleans: Our 15 Picks

27 tours  ·  from $22 a head

French, Spanish and American in that order, with the architecture to prove each. These 15 cover the Quarter, the Garden District and the cemeteries, priced and timed.

New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour - Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 from outside the gates
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New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour

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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French Quarter Historical Sights and Stories Walking Tour - The French Quarter: reading the oldest neighborhood
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French Quarter Historical Sights and Stories Walking Tour

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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New Orleans Small-Group Haunted History Carriage Tour - St. Louis Cathedral and the view from the street
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New Orleans Small-Group Haunted History Carriage Tour

3.New Orleans Small-Group Haunted History Carriage Tour

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

Meet opposite Jackson Square for a one-hour, small-group carriage ride through New Orleans’ French Quarter. With no more than eight passengers, your licensed guide may include storytellers such as Matt, Lemen, Trish, or Charles. Expect historic landmarks, fires, floods, epidemics, and haunted tales, including the LaLaurie Mansion.

“We LOVED our tour guide. He told great stories and made sure we were all having fun. It was just a great way to spend an evening. The highlight of our trip for sure.”

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New Orleans Haunted History Ghost Tour - Walking Through the Vieux Carré
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New Orleans Haunted History Ghost Tour

4.New Orleans Haunted History Ghost Tour

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

Walk through New Orleans’ French Quarter with guides such as Ariadne, Stella, Arty, and Neo, hearing grim tales tied to LaLaurie Mansion, Jackson Square, Pirate’s Alley, and haunted bars. The two-hour tour costs $30, includes a guided walk, and allows time for a drink at your own expense.

“Artie was amazing. Phenomenal story telling and fun activity. A lot of history and pleasantly interesting.”

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Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise - Cruising past New Orleans landmarks
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Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise

5.Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise

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

Spend about 2.5 hours aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen, cruising from downtown New Orleans to Chalmette Battlefield and back. A historian narrates the river trip, while a National Park Ranger explains the 1815 Battle of New Orleans ashore. Food, drinks, restrooms, and multiple departure times make this an easy history outing.

“Well worth it. Nice way to go down the Mississippi and learn some history while doing so. Nice views of the city.”

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New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour - Hot sauces, seasonings, and the spicy side of Louisiana food
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New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour

6.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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New Orleans: Creole Queen History Cruise with Optional Lunch - Leaving from the Riverwalk and Canal Street dock
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New Orleans: Creole Queen History Cruise with Optional Lunch

7.Creole Queen History Cruise with Optional Lunch

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

Spend 150 minutes aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen, cruising from the Riverwalk to Chalmette Battlefield and back. Local narrators such as Charles and Dr. Lauren explain New Orleans, the Mississippi, the Battle of New Orleans, and Hurricane Katrina. Add the buffet for shrimp pasta, jambalaya, po-boys, red beans and rice, and other local dishes.

“It was very informative and comforting to learn about the importance of this place”

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New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour - Pepper Palace brings heat, samples, and a useful souvenir
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New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour

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 to hot sauce tastings, Napoleon House, Leah’s Pralines, and Cane & Table. You’ll sample classic New Orleans dishes and receive four full-size cocktails while guides such as Meg, Ben, and Gary connect food to Louisiana’s colonial, Caribbean, and immigrant past.

“Ben was an amazing guide, his enthusiasm, knowledge, and ability to engage the group made this an excellent experience. The food tastings and drinks were outstanding and we felt like honored guests at each restaurant location.”

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New Orleans: French Quarter Food History Walking Tour - Key points to know before you book
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New Orleans: French Quarter Food History Walking Tour

9.French Quarter Food History Walking Tour

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

Meet your English-speaking guide inside 3rd Block Depot for a three-hour French Quarter food walk. You’ll sample gumbo, hot sauces, pralines, catfish po-boy, muffuletta, boudin, red beans and rice, and dessert, with a vegetarian menu available by request. Guides include Beth, Gary, John, Meg, and others.

“Really great!! Full experience, food, history, walking and GREAT guide!”

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New Orleans Cocktail History Walking Tour in the French Quarter - Sazerac and Brandy Crusta: the serious middle course
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New Orleans Cocktail History Walking Tour in the French Quarter

10.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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New Orleans Jazz History and Music Walking Tour - Walking into the French Quarter
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New Orleans Jazz History and Music Walking Tour

11.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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New Orleans: Swamp Boat Ride and Historic Plantation Tour - Oak Alley and the quarter-mile walk
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New Orleans: Swamp Boat Ride and Historic Plantation Tour

12.Swamp Boat Ride and Historic Plantation Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 303 reviews · from $126

Leave New Orleans by coach for either Oak Alley, with its 250-year-old oak avenue, or Destrehan, an 18th-century French Colonial home. Then cruise Manchac Swamp for alligators, wildlife, and Rougarou tales from a local guide. The 7.5-hour English tour includes transport and admission, but not food or drinks.

“The plantation is gorgeous. They have a nice cafe and gift shop. The swamp tour was a blast. Brandon is a super guide and makes the trip fun and interesting.”

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New Orleans: Tremé African American & Creole History Tour - Congo Square, Armstrong Park, and the roots of the music
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New Orleans: Tremé African American & Creole History Tour

13.Tremé African American & Creole History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 208 reviews · 1h 45m · from $22Best value

Walk through Tremé with a licensed local historian and connect Congo Square, St. Augustine Church, jazz, brass bands, civil rights, and the HBO series *Tremé*. Guides such as Erin, Nika, Kweku, and Angela bring the neighborhood’s music and stories to life, often with carefully chosen recordings along the route.

“Excellent tour! Erin was so knowledgeable and clearly loved sharing her love of the history of New Orleans and Jazz. I recommend this important tour to everyone!”

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New Orleans: Combo Cocktail and Food History Tour - Leah’s Pralines and the sweet side of Louisiana
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New Orleans: Combo Cocktail and Food History Tour

14.Combo Cocktail and Food History Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 180 reviews · 4 hours · from $160

Spend four hours walking through the French Quarter and French Market with guides such as Meg, Ben, Nate, or Gary. You’ll try six generous food portions and four full craft cocktails, including gumbo, muffuletta, pralines, a Hurricane, a Pimm’s Cup, a French 75, and a daiquiri. Vegetarian substitutions are available.

“Great tour round the food and drinks of New Orleans with Meg last week. We ended up being the only people on the tour but still had a great time. Food was way more than I was expecting so was full to bursting by the end. Cocktails were all very tasty and we saw inside some really cool buildings throughout the tour. Meg kept us entertained with stories about the food/ drinks and NO itself. Would highly recomment.”

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New Orleans Historic Cemetery Walking Tour - The Mid-City cemeteries near City Park
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New Orleans Historic Cemetery Walking Tour

15.New Orleans Historic Cemetery Walking Tour

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

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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New in New Orleans History Tours

★ 4.51.5-Hour Voodoo History Evening TourFrom $2534 reviews
★ 4.3Wicked History Walking Tour with a Local WitchFrom $3529 reviews
★ 5.0New Orleans, French Quarter: Pirate History Walking TourFrom $3745 reviews
★ 4.9Haunted Drunken History Walking TourFrom $3550 reviews
★ 4.6History, Culture & Architecture Guided TourFrom $5538 reviews
★ 4.79th Ward Hurricane Katrina History TourFrom $2531 reviews

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