Walking Tours in New Orleans

New Orleans stands out amongst its Southern contemporaries with its distinctive music, cuisine and culture and beliefs. This melting-pot is located in Louisiana and stands at the crux of cultures and traditions, and carries the influences of its diverse residents both past and present into the future.

Whether you are looking to visit the birthplace of jazz, explore the festive streets of Mardi Gras, have a taste of Creole and Cajun flavors, or understand the complex colonial history of the regions and its local spiritual traditions and beliefs, there is a New Orleans walking tour to suit you.

Along with more formal walking tours, there are also a host of fun themed walking excursions on offer to sate your curiosity about New Orleans’ sometimes strange and unusual history, heritage and traditions.

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

What are the best walking tours in New Orleans?

Everywhere you look in New Orleans there are places of interest and stories of a bygone era waiting to be told.

Walking tours in the city have various focusses, from history and architecture, to food and drinks, culture and tradition and even the supernatural. Depending on your interests, there are a plethora of tours to choose between.

French Quarter Walking tours

The French Quarter, or Vieux Carré, is the oldest and most famous neighborhood in New Orleans. Renowned for its stunning colonial architecture, the district features buildings with wrought-iron balconies, colorful facades, and hidden courtyards.

On a walking tour, your guide will lead you along the iconic Bourbon Street, through Jackson Square, the French Market and past several sites that tell the story of the growth and development of jazz music.

There is also the option of a walking food tour in the French Quarter. These tours typically include sightseeing and food tastings and may even include some of New Orleans’ signature cocktails

Garden District walking tour including Lafayette Cemetery no. 1

The Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery in New Orleans are rich in history and cultural significance and many walking tours incorporate both locations in their itinerary.

The Garden District is renowned for its well-preserved collection of antebellum mansions, lush gardens, and oak-lined avenues. It showcases a variety of architectural styles with each mansion having its own unique story and aesthetic.

The nearby Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is one of the oldest cemeteries in New Orleans. It's located in the heart of the Garden District and is known for its above-ground vaults, a common practice in New Orleans due to the city's high water table.

Cemetery Walking tours

Along with walking tours of the Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, there are several other cemetery walking tours to choose from.

You can wander through Lafayette Cemetery No. 3 with a local historian or visit up to 5 smaller cemeteries that reflect the diverse culture of New Orleans.

Cemeteries on some itineraries include the Old Fellows Rest Cemetery, Odd Fellows Society Cemetery, the Masonic Cemetery, St. Patrick’s Cemetery and the Charity Hospital cemetery. At the Hurricane Katrina Memorial cemetery, you can pay your respects to the lives lost during the natural disaster.

Many of these burial sites are not typically open to the public meaning that you will be among only a select few visitors on your tour date.

Guides of cemetery tours are incredibly knowledgeable and happy to share the information and stories that they have gained over the years. Visits to somber sites such as the burial place of Hurricane Katrina victims provide moments for reflection on these fascinating tours.

Tremé neighborhood walking tours

On a Tremé walking tour, your guide will join you as you discover more about the oldest African American neighborhood in the United States.

The area became known as the Creole quarters and played a pivotal role in the music, traditions and cultures that make New Orleans what it is. Sites such as Storyville and Congo Square come to life while learning about jazz greats such as Troy Andrews and Alphonse Picou.

Self-guided walking audio tours

If you prefer to do your sightseeing at your own pace or independently, you can book a self-guided audio narration that allows you to wander the streets of New Orleans, pausing at leisure as you enjoy stories of its history and of the top attractions along the route.

Themed walking tours

New Orleans can be festive, spiritual, historical or downright spooky and there are a variety of themed tours that provide an experience that covers one of the areas of interest mentioned above.

Jazz tours and photographic tours are popular daytime speciality tours,while at night, Ghost tours and Vampire tours explore the darker aspects of the city.

Voodoo and paranormal tours cover topics such as New Orleans Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau and how Voodoo evolved from West African practices into the modern contemporary culture still observed today.

Tours are also available for true crime aficionados and even for those interested in the pirates that sailed the nearby seas in centuries past.

Themed tours may be offered on both a private and small group basis.

Which places are visited?

Attractions and sightseeing will be very dependent on the type of tour you book:

The French Quarter

In the French Quarter, some of the most popular stops include Bourbon Street, Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral, the French Market and several jazz venues and iconic restaurants and bars.

The Garden District

The Garden District showcases well-preserved antebellum mansions, lush gardens, and oak-lined avenues and embodies a blend of old-world elegance and southern charm.

The Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is one of the oldest cemeteries in New Orleans and is located in the heart of the Garden District. Its above-ground vaults create a striking landscape. The cemetery reflects the city's diversity and has great historical significance.

Tremé

Tremé is one of the oldest and most culturally significant neighborhoods in New Orleans. It's particularly renowned for its profound contributions to American music and culture.

Tremé has been a center of African-American and Creole culture, especially important during the era of segregation and is considered the birthplace of jazz music.

Notable landmarks include St. Augustine Church and the Backstreet Cultural Museum, which showcases African-American Mardi Gras Indians and jazz funerals.

Themed tour hot spots

Paranormal tours are a favorite experience for adventurous (and brave) visitors. Tours pass buildings and landmarks that are associated with the history and practices of voodoo.

The Dragon’s Den is the site where Aleister Crowley allegedly practiced dark magic, and at the French Market, you will hear about the gang of femme fatales who used to prowl the streets.

Other locations that have ties to witchcraft and even vampire legends such as Hex and the Old Ursuline Convent Museum feature on many tours. The Lalaurie Mansion, New Orlenans’ most haunted home often rounds out the activity.

Jazz sites

Jazz tours follow the path of the evolution of jazz music in New Orleans. You will follow in the footsteps of the greats like Louis Armstrong, Buddy Bolden, Sidney Bechet and Louis Prima.

Photoworthy sites

Some tours offer photo opportunities or follow insta-worthy routes that are great for selfies. The top 10 photography spots in New Orleans are:

• The historic and colorful buildings of the French Quarter.
• Jackson Square.
• The tree-lined streets of the elegant Garden District.
• Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.
• The Mississippi Riverfront, especially at sunset.
• New Orleans Museum of Art and its Sculpture Garden.
• Tremé’s colorful homes, historic churches, and vibrant street life.
• Audubon Park and Zoo.
• Frenchmen Street.
• The Bywater.

How much do walking tours in New Orleans cost?

French Quarter Walking tours start from around US$30 per person for a standard walking tour on a small group basis.

Food tours and tours of the French District that include additional activities usually cost between US$50 and US$70 per person. Tours including cocktails can cost up to US$100 per person.

Garden District walking tours including Lafayette Cemetery no. 1 cost from US$35 per person. Pre-booking is essential for access to the cemetery and using a tour operator to plan your day is recommended.

Cemetery Walking tours range in price from US$25 per person to US$40 per person depending on the itinerary and number of cemeteries visited.

Tremé neighborhood walking tours cost from US$20 per participant on a small group walking tour, while self-guided walking audio tours start from as little as US$15. Most self-guided tours include an interactive app and map along with the audio narration.

Themed walking tours vary in price depending on the theme and tour length, but the average tour price is around US$30 per person on a shared tour. Any drinks or snacks on this tour will cost extra and no entrance fees are included in the tour cost.

Private half day walking tours of New Orleans can be customized for your group and costs from US$350 per group of up to 9 guests.

What is included?

Walking tours include a licensed and professional tour guide who will accompany you throughout your walk. Some tours may include a drink and you will need ID if you are planning on tasting any alcoholic beverages.

On tours that include food or cocktail tastings, these will be covered as per the tour description, but any extra meals or drinks will be at an extra charge. Tours to Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 also include the prearranged access to the site.

Where does it start?

Each type of tour has a different meeting point. Walking tours of the French Quarter may begin at or near the Jazz fountain or Jackson Square, while Garden District tours commonly begin close to Washington Avenue.

Cemetery tours start points differ depending on which cemeteries will be visited, but you will usually be asked to meet your guide at the entrance to the first location of the day.

Themed tours begin at central meeting points in and around the location of the walks. Jazz tours often start near the Tremé neighborhood, while photographic tours begin in the French Quarter or Garden District.

Self-guided tours may have a suggested start point, but you can choose to start somewhere else along the route if you prefer.

Your guide will usually meet you at your hotel if you have booked a private excursion.

How long does it last?

Walking tours in New Orleans take anywhere between 1 and 4 hours, but the average duration of a small group tour that does not include any additional activities is 2 hours. A half day private walking tour is around 4 hours long.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Many walking tours in New Orleans are generally not considered wheelchair friendly. The uneven terrain along many routes are not easily accessible by wheelchair. Private tours may be customizable for accessibility and you should discuss this with the tour operator if you have a specific requirement.

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

Starting the tour at the beginning of your stay provides insights into the city's history, enhancing subsequent explorations. The best time for a walking tour in New Orleans is in the late afternoon or early evening when temperatures are cooler. Evening tours add a magical touch with the city's vibrant nightlife.

Know before you go

Here are some travel tips for a walking tour in New Orleans:

• Reserve your walking tour in advance, especially for popular routes or themed tours.
• New Orleans can be hot and humid. Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during the tour.
• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking. Some tours may involve exploring uneven or cobbled streets.
• Bring a camera to capture the vibrant scenes, and pack some snacks for energy during the tour.
• Be aware of any local guidelines or restrictions, and respect the cultural and historical significance of the sites you're visiting.