New Orleans: Garden District Walking Tour

The Garden District Walking Tour in New Orleans offers visitors a chance to enjoy the city’s captivating history and architectural splendor. Travelers can stroll through the enchanting streets, marveling at the opulent 19th-century mansions that line the neighborhood, including the stunning Bosworth-Haus and Burnside Mansion. Beyond the magnificent homes, the tour delves into the city’s unique burial traditions, with a visit to the oldest above-ground municipal cemetery. But the true highlight of the experience may just be the opportunity to savor the culinary legacy of New Orleans at the historic Commander’s Palace, a dining landmark that has long been a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Walking Tours In New Orleans.

Key Points

• The 2-hour guided walking tour showcases opulent 19th-century mansions and the oldest above-ground municipal cemetery in the Garden District of New Orleans.
• Visitors can admire the architectural grandeur of Bosworth-Haus, Burnside Mansion, and Commander’s Palace, a culinary landmark that has trained famous chefs.
• The tour includes a visit to the Rink, a former skating rink now a coffee shop and boutiques, offering a glimpse into the vibrant local culture.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible and available in English and German, catering to a diverse audience.
• Customers have rated the tour highly, with praise for the knowledgeable guides, excellent value for money, and overall service and organization.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour offers visitors an immersive exploration of the city’s historic and opulent neighborhoods.

Priced from $45 per person, this 2-hour guided tour takes guests through the area, revealing its 19th-century mansions and the oldest above-ground municipal cemetery.

Along the way, you will visit the Bosworth-Haus, Burnside Mansion, and the renowned Commander’s Palace.

Travelers will also see the Eustis-Haus, home of actress Sandra Bullock, and end at the Rink, a former skating rink now housing a coffee shop, bookstore, and boutiques.

Guided by experienced professionals, the tour is wheelchair accessible and caters to both English and German speakers.

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Experience Highlights

During the walking tour, visitors will have the opportunity to admire the opulent 19th-century mansions that define the historic Garden District.

They’ll explore the Bosworth-Haus and Burnside Mansion, marveling at the grandeur of these architectural gems.

The tour also takes guests to the oldest above-ground municipal cemetery in the city, where they’ll learn about local burial traditions.

Along the way, they’ll stop at the iconic Commander’s Palace, famous for training culinary stars like Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse.

The tour culminates at the Rink, a former skating rink now housing a charming coffee shop, bookstore, and boutiques, offering a glimpse into the neighborhood’s vibrant local culture.

Tour Features

Experienced guides with in-depth knowledge of New Orleans history lead the walking tour, providing visitors with a captivating exploration of the historic Garden District. The tour offers flexible booking options, allowing guests to reserve their spot without immediate payment. Customizable group tours are also available for those seeking a more personalized experience.

Tour Features
Guided Tour	Led by experienced guides with in-depth knowledge of New Orleans history
Group Options	Private group tours available
Booking Flexibility	Reserve now and pay later to secure your spot without immediate payment
Language Offerings	English and German
Accessibility	Wheelchair accessible; comfortable walking shoes recommended

Customer Feedback

According to reviews, travelers have consistently praised the walking tour, awarding it an overall rating of 5/5 based on 26 reviews.

Specifically, the tour guides received a 5/5 rating for their in-depth knowledge and entertaining presentations. Participants also felt the tour offered excellent value for money, rating it 4.9/5.

Plus, the service and organization of the tour were highly commended, earning a perfect 5/5 score.

The tour caters to a variety of traveler types, including couples, friends, solo travelers, and families, making it a popular choice for exploring the historic Garden District.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Historic Mansions

The walking tour takes visitors through the opulent 19th-century mansions of the Garden District, showcasing the architectural grandeur and historical significance of these stately homes.

Highlights include the Bosworth-Haus, a stunning example of Greek Revival architecture, and the Burnside Mansion, known for its intricate ironwork and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Along the way, the guide shares fascinating stories about the prominent families who once resided in these magnificent properties, providing insights into the social and cultural history of New Orleans.

Each mansion offers a glimpse into the past, allowing participants to truly enjoy the charm and elegance of the Garden District’s historic legacy.

Burial Traditions

After exploring the opulent mansions of the Garden District, the walking tour takes visitors to the oldest above-ground municipal cemetery in the city.

Here, travelers learn about the unique burial traditions of New Orleans:

1. Above-ground tombs: Due to the city’s high water table, burials occur in elaborate above-ground tombs and vaults, rather than traditional in-ground graves.

2. Family tombs: Many prominent families have large, shared tombs to accommodate multiple generations of the same lineage.

3. Ornate architecture: The cemetery’s tombs and monuments display a diverse range of architectural styles, from Greek Revival to Italianate, providing a glimpse into the city’s cultural heritage.

Culinary Landmark

Along the walking tour, guests make a stop at Commander’s Palace, a culinary landmark renowned for training some of New Orleans’ most celebrated chefs.

This iconic restaurant has been a fixture in the Garden District since 1893, and its kitchen has served as a springboard for the careers of renowned culinary stars like Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse.

Visitors can admire the restaurant’s elegant Victorian architecture and learn about its rich history as a gathering place for the city’s social elite.

The stop at Commander’s Palace provides a glimpse into the city’s vibrant food culture and the legacy of its most influential chefs.

Celebrity Home

As visitors continue their exploration of the Garden District‘s architectural gems, they’ll come across the Eustis-Haus, which holds a special distinction – it’s the home of acclaimed actress Sandra Bullock.

This stately mansion, built in the Greek Revival style, has been a part of the neighborhood since the 19th century. Bullock’s purchase of the property in 2001 has added to the home’s celebrity status, drawing in fans and architecture enthusiasts alike.

Visitors can spot the distinctive features that have captivated Bullock, such as:

1. The sweeping front porch with Corinthian columns.
2. The intricate iron balcony railings.
3. The impeccably manicured gardens surrounding the property.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Group Size Required for a Private Tour?

The minimum group size for a private tour is not specified. Private group tours are available, allowing customers to customize the experience based on their group’s needs and preferences.

Does the Tour Include Transportation to and From the Meeting Point?

The tour does not include transportation to and from the meeting point. Guests are responsible for making their own way to the designated Starbucks coffee shop where the tour begins. Once there, the guided walking tour commences.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t mention any discounts for students or seniors. However, the price is already quite reasonable at $45 per person, and the tour provides good value for the duration and experiences offered.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Focus on Specific Areas of Interest?

The tour can be customized to focus on specific areas of interest. Guests can discuss their interests with the tour guide, who’ll adapt the itinerary to accommodate their preferences, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience.

How Much Time Do Participants Have to Explore the Sites Independently?

The tour includes dedicated time for independent exploration at the various historic sites and landmarks. Participants can wander the grounds, take photos, and browse shops at their own pace within the 2-hour tour duration.

Recap

The Garden District Walking Tour in New Orleans offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. From the opulent 19th-century mansions to the intriguing burial customs and the renowned culinary landmark, this guided tour provides a comprehensive and immersive experience that truly captures the essence of New Orleans. With its wheelchair accessibility and availability in multiple languages, the tour caters to a diverse audience, making it a must-do for anyone exploring the enchanting beauty of this remarkable city.

You can check if your dates are available here: