Carriage Tours in New Orleans

As the Cajuns say, “Laissez les bons temps rouler!” Let the good times roll on a carriage tour in New Orleans. Hear the sounds of hooves and wagon wheels clatter over the pavements of this magical city. Slow your sightseeing to a mule’s pace to absorb the unmistakable atmosphere of the “Big Easy.”

New Orleans gives you a feeling like no other city in the United States. Lacy iron balconies adorning historic brick buildings, candy-colored shotgun houses and trees draped in Spanish moss and errant Mardi Gras beads create unforgettable images. Everything you see will remind you that there’s nowhere else like New Orleans.

Here's all you need to know about carriage tours, one of the most captivating sightseeing tours in New Orleans.

What are the best carriage tours in New Orleans?

French Quarter and Marigny carriage tours

The city’s most notorious neighborhood, the French Quarter, rubs shoulders with the Faubourg Marigny, a district that extends New Orleans’ entertainment district in a charming way. A jaunt through this corner of the city will show you the essential landmarks of the historic city center. Some rides also include a walking tour of the Faubourg Marigny.

You’ll join a guide and fellow travelers in a carriage that seats six to eight people. As you roll through the historic streets, you’ll notice the special care the drivers show their mules. Tour guides pay close attention to conditions that may affect their animals.

Haunted New Orleans carriage tours

Touted as one of the most haunted cities in the US, a tour with a spooky twist is a thrilling way to see New Orleans. With several centuries of floods, fires, pandemics and plenty of gory happenings, there are stories galore of otherworldly happenings here. Despite all the dark happenings, these New Orleans ghost tours keep the scares to a level appropriate for families.

For an extra fright, book a morning or early afternoon tour that takes you to St. Louis Cemetery Number One, the final resting place of voodoo queen Marie LaVeau, as well as countless other noteworthy residents of New Orleans.

Private carriage tours

If you and up to three of your favorite people want a tour to yourselves, book a private carriage ride. Opt for a general sightseeing ride, or let your tour provider know of your special interests at the time of booking.

Along with the expert advice of your local guide, you can curate an experience that includes a food tour of New Orleans, as well as exploring the city's history and famous haunts.

Which places are visited?

French Quarter

Conveniently encapsulating many of New Orleans’s beloved sights, a tour of the French Quarter is a must. Jackson Square and Bourbon Street merely scratch the surface of this legendary neighborhood. Let your guide introduce you to the many facets of the “Vieux Carré” so that you can come back and explore more on your own.

Tours begin at Jackson Square, home of the nearly 300-year-old St Louis Cathedral. This castle-like structure dominating the square is the country’s oldest active Roman Catholic cathedral. Take some time here before or after your tour to admire the gardens and catch a wide variety of street performances.

While drinking and jazz clubs abound in the French Quarter, it’s also home to some of the city’s best foods. Don’t miss the chance to wander the stalls of the French market for souvenirs and local specialties.

Get dining advice from your guide about some of the century-old restaurants in the French quarter, and don’t leave the city without a break at Café du Monde. Right across from Jackson Square, the coffee shop is a perfect place for a pick-me-up right before or after your tour. Don’t forget to order some unforgettable “beignets”!

Faubourg Marigny

Known to the locals simply as “Marigny,” this trendy neighborhood stands out with its pastel-colored Creole cottages and live music scene. Marigny holds the charm of the French Quarter without the throngs of noisy tourists. Also, the area is a welcoming and safe space for LGBTQ+ visitors.

The area is chock-full of eateries, bars, hotels and music venues. After your carriage ride, hang out here for a bit to catch some live tunes. You may see some celebrities who make Marigny their home as you walk down Frenchmen Street or Royale Street. Come to Marigny for Mardi Gras for a fun but more chill vibe than Bourbon Street.

Haunted locales

Take in the eerie beauty of the French Quarter as your driver leads you to haunted hotels, voodoo temples, chilling cemeteries and sites of gruesome murders. Pass by Jean Lafitte’s black shop, where the ghost of a pirate has been sighted. Pause in front of the LaLaurie Murder Mansion for a glimpse of the place made famous by the "American Horror Story" TV series.

Learn about the power that voodoo once held in the city, led by the infamous Marie LaVeau. Hear legends of a vampire that made his rounds in New Orleans not that long ago. Spy the restaurant that regularly sets a table for guests from beyond this world. And if you dare, listen to the story of the brutal massacre at the Gardette-LaPrete Mansion in the 1800s.

How much do carriage tours in New Orleans cost?

Carriage tours in New Orleans typically cost around US$70 per person for both French Quarter and Marigny tours and Haunted tours.

Private carriage tours typically operate in groups and cost US$400 for up to four people.

What is included?

All New Orleans carriage rides give you an hour of sightseeing and commentary from an experienced guide. Some tours include walking tours of either Faubourg Marigny or St. Louis Cemetery Number One.

Private carriage tours offer you a four-seater vehicle with bench seats that face each other. With private tours, you can also customize the itinerary.

Where does it start?

Carriage tours in New Orleans typically start in Jackson Square, at the corner of Decatur and St. Peters Streets.

How long does it last?

Carriage tours in New Orleans last approximately 1 hour. You are advised to arrive at the meeting spot 15 to 20 minutes before the start of your tour.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Some New Orleans carriage tours are wheelchair-friendly, while others are not. Verify at the time of booking to make sure that your needs will be met. There are accessible companies who provide secure places to store your wheelchair during the tour as well.

When is the best time for a carriage tour in New Orleans?

The best time for a carriage tour in New Orleans is during fall and spring, when the weather is mild and pleasant. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures, avoiding the intense heat and humidity of summer and the cooler winter months.

For a less crowded experience, visit New Orleans outside of major events like Mardi Gras. Regardless of the season, consider booking an evening carriage tour to experience the city's magical ambiance.

Travel tips

• Popular times of year, especially during festivals or holidays, can be busy. Book your tour in advance to secure your spot.
• The weather in New Orleans can be unpredictable, so bring a hat or umbrella for shade, and dress in layers to adjust to changing conditions.
• Remember that parts of the French Quarter and other neighborhoods are residential. Keep noise levels respectful, especially during evening hours.
• The horses and mules are working animals, so avoid loud noises that might startle them. Always follow the guide's instructions on interacting with them.