The historic French Quarter’s best tours fall into four main categories: history walks, jazz excursions, ghost tours, and architectural explorations. I especially recommend the morning walking tours when temperatures are cooler and crowds are thinner. For history buffs, the two-hour guided walks covering Jackson Square and Royal Street provide excellent background on the neighborhood’s French and Spanish colonial periods. Music lovers shouldn’t miss the evening jazz tours, which include stops at Preservation Hall and several authentic clubs along Bourbon Street. The nighttime ghost tours, while sometimes theatrical, offer fascinating insights into the Quarter’s darker history and voodoo culture. Small-group tours (12 people maximum) consistently deliver the best experience. Let’s look at my favorite French Quarter tours worth your time and money.
Key Points
- The French Quarter Walking and Storytelling Tour provides an immersive exploration of 18th and 19th-century landmarks with knowledgeable local experts.
- The Locals Guide to the French Quarter Tour offers an in-depth look at the neighborhood’s rich history and hidden gems.
- The Haunted Ghost, Voodoo, and Vampire City Tour takes visitors on a spooky journey through the French Quarter’s paranormal sites.
- The Heart of the City Bike Tour offers a personalized experience showcasing diverse French Quarter neighborhoods.
- The New Orleans Jazz Tour provides an immersive experience in the local jazz scene with visits to top venues and live performances.
New Orleans Jazz Tour
The New Orleans Jazz Tour offers visitors an immersive experience in the city’s vibrant music scene. This 1-review tour takes guests to two top jazz venues, showcasing the local talent and exploring different styles of the genre.
A local jazz expert guides the group, ensuring a safe and memorable night. Participants can expect to catch live performances from some of the best jazz acts in the city, with the guide answering questions throughout the evening.
The tour includes a licensed and insured local guide, tour planning and hosting, alcoholic beverages, cover charges/admissions, and transportation and tips for the band and waitstaff.
However, it’s not wheelchair accessible, and children under 21 are generally not allowed in most jazz clubs. Priced at $350 per group (up to 4), the tour offers a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.
With a 5.0 overall rating based on 1 review, the New Orleans Jazz Tour promises an unforgettable night of live local jazz.
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French Quarter Walking and Storytelling Tour
Embarking on a 2-hour French Quarter Walking and Storytelling Tour, visitors can expect an immersive exploration of New Orleans’ 18th and 19th-century homes and iconic landmarks, including the St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and the French Market.
Guided by knowledgeable and passionate local experts, the small-group adventure promises to uncover the historical and contemporary figures that have shaped the city’s rich culture.
The tour starts at the jazz fountain on Decatur and Dumaine Streets, where guests will hear captivating stories and enjoy views of the Mississippi River.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the area’s uneven sidewalks, and the tour is wheelchair accessible with sturdy wheelchairs.
Valued at $30 per person, the tour is likely to sell out, but visitors can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
With an overall rating of 4.8/5 from 848 reviews, this tour offers exceptional value and a personalized experience for those seeking to enjoy the French Quarter’s captivating history.
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The Locals Guide to the French Quarter Tour
For those seeking a more intimate and insider’s perspective on the French Quarter, the Locals Guide to the French Quarter Tour offers an engaging and enlightening experience. Priced from $37 per person, this 2-hour walking tour covers approximately 1 mile, exploring the rich history and hidden gems of the iconic neighborhood.
Led by expert, knowledgeable guides, you will stroll down Bourbon Street, delving into its history beyond the lively parties, and discover the charming treasures of Royal Street. The tour also includes visits to the exterior of St. Louis Cathedral and the Pharmacy Museum, as well as Jackson Square and the Vieux Carré.
With wheelchair accessibility and suitability for all ages, the tour provides unique insights into the local culture and history, all while navigating the captivating ambiance of the French Quarter. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, with the tour operating rain or shine.
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New Orleans: Haunted Ghost, Voodoo, and Vampire City Tour
Although the French Quarter is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, New Orleans also harbors a captivating underbelly of haunting lore and macabre history.
Explore this dark side with the “New Orleans: Haunted Ghost, Voodoo, and Vampire City Tour.” This 2-hour guided walking tour takes visitors through the French Quarter, exploring 6-10 spooky sights, including the infamous LaLaurie Mansion and tales of the rumored vampire, Jacques Saint Germain.
The tour starts at the Witches Brew Gallery & Oddities Shop, leading participants to iconic locations like Muriel’s Jackson Square and the Old Ursuline Convent.
Along the way, the local guide provides live commentary, sharing chilling tales of voodoo and the paranormal. The tour may include a 15-minute break and ends at the Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar.
Priced at $32.99 per person, this tour is likely to sell out, so it’s recommended to reserve in advance.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5 and positive reviews highlighting the professionalism of the guides, this tour offers a unique and immersive experience for those seeking to uncover the dark secrets of New Orleans.
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New Orleans: Heart of the City Bike Tour
Visitors to New Orleans can explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods on the 3-hour “New Orleans: Heart of the City Bike Tour.”
This guided excursion takes participants through the historic French Quarter, Faubourg Marigny, Bywater, and St. Roch Cemetery at a leisurely pace. Along the way, an expert storyteller shares insights into the city’s colonial history and Creole culture.
The tour is priced at £45.16 per person and is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. Participants must be at least 13 years old and taller than 4’9″.
The tour operates rain or shine and includes the use of a well-maintained bicycle, optional helmet, and a bottle of water.
With an overall rating of 4.9/5 based on 13 reviews, the “New Orleans: Heart of the City Bike Tour” is a popular choice for those seeking an informative and enjoyable exploration of the city’s historic neighborhoods.
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New Orleans: Private Instagram Highlights Tour
Travelers seeking to capture the essence of New Orleans’ vibrant culture and aesthetics will find the “New Orleans: Private Instagram Highlights Tour” an exceptional experience.
This private 1-hour tour guides visitors through the French Quarter, showcasing the city’s food, street art, and colorful houses. The tour is designed to help participants improve their photography and editing skills, as well as their Instagram aesthetic.
Guests can expect to take stunning photos, with the assistance of a professional photographer guide. The tour includes unlimited local snacks, drinks, and photo props, as well as instant and unlimited photos and videos captured by the guide.
Comfortable clothing is recommended, and guests are encouraged to bring additional outfits for varied photo opportunities.
With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 2 reviews, this tour provides an engaging and memorable way to explore the French Quarter.
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Recap
The French Quarter of New Orleans offers a diverse array of tours that cater to various interests. From jazz-focused experiences to haunted ghost and voodoo explorations, visitors can enjoy the city’s rich history and culture. Whether on foot or by bike, these tours provide an engaging and informative way to discover the unique charm of the French Quarter.