New Orleans walking tours: Everything you need to know
Kick off your Louisiana vacation with a New Orleans walking tour. What will you do on a walking tour of the Big Easy? You’ll explore the French Quarter and other historical neighborhoods, including the Garden District and the Irish Channel, where you’ll find many pubs and streetcars.
In New Orleans you can pick from a wide selection of both day and night walking tours. Each comes with an experienced guide who can give you lots of background information on the neighborhood or sight that you are touring. New Orleans residents are full of Southern charm and hospitality, so along the way you’ll make lots of friends. Maybe they’ll even give you some suggestions for things to do and see after the tour.
Music tours in New Orleans
You probably know that many talented musicians lived in New Orleans. Walk along Frenchmen Street in Marigny to enjoy street musicians and jazz bands. However, you will most likely see a band playing on the streets anywhere in New Orleans. If you’re in the city during the Mardi Gras celebration, which takes place in the month of February, then you’re even luckier.
Food tours in New Orleans
Creole cuisine, a Louisiana specialty, originated in West Africa and France. Recipes include spicy and well-seasoned foods. If you can take the heat, a foodie tour where you can sample Creole dishes like shrimp gumbo, jambalaya, and etouffee might be ideal. Choose foodie hotspots like Magazine Street for your culinary walking tour. The city’s vibrant nightlife is enhanced by its signature cocktails, like the Hurricane (sounds really dangerous). Thus, a bar tour or craft cocktail walking tour will make for an enjoyable day or evening.
Ghost tours in New Orleans
Yes, New Orleans is a multicultural city, but you’ve probably also heard about its vibrant nightlife and tales of voodoo magic. Consequently, many of its walking tours introduce you to some of the most famous residents of New Orleans - the ghosts, vampires, and goblins. Most tours take place at night and come with a personal guide that will tell you terrifying tales. Several of New Orleans’s cemeteries, such as the Lafayette Cemetery, have above-ground crypts. If you’re really brave, you can book one of these cemetery tours.
What attractions could I see on a New Orleans walking tour?
Be sure to make your way to the French Quarter for the best food and drink New Orleans has to offer. Don’t miss the popular Bourbon Street while you’re there.
The Garden District
Next, you’ll want to tour the Garden District. Here you’ll appreciate the rich history of the community along with its architecture and beautifully landscaped courtyards. On the tour you’ll hear about all the famous people who once lived in the mega-mansions in the Garden District. Have your camera ready in case you see one of them coming outside to grab their newspaper.
New Orleans jazz and music culture hotspots
Take a walking tour around New Orleans to learn about the many musicians who got their start in the Big Easy. Louis Armstrong, also known as Satchmo, was born in New Orleans. He played at many of the clubs in NOLA and later became a renowned trumpet player who traveled the world. You’ll learn all about his beginnings as you walk the streets of New Orleans, with a stop at a former recording studio.
New Orleans historical sights
Explore the history of the city on a walking tour of some of its historical sights. This includes the French Market, Louis Armstrong Park, Basin Street Station, Jackson Square (a historic park), and Chalmette Battlefield.
New Orleans haunted places
Hear the worst horror stories on this New Orleans’s walking tour. Your guide will tell you about murders, disappearances, arson, and many other crimes that have happened in the city. You’ll also tour haunted neighborhoods and buildings to see if you can handle the spookiness.
Unusual walking tours in New Orleans
You can opt for special tours that focus on the contributions of women in New Orleans, crime, and the history of brothels. These are just some of the more unique walking tours you can book while on vacation.
Are there added extras with New Orleans walking tours?
Some walking tours include admission to attractions, complimentary drinks, and possibly even lunch. On food and wine tours, you’ll be able to sample foods and drinks, which are figured into your tour costs.