New Orleans French Quarter Audio Tour: Iconic Sites & Hidden Gems

2 hours – 2 h 30 min Free cancellation Private tour

The French Quarter of New Orleans has been the beating heart of the city for over 300 years. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

This self-guided tour blends vivid storytelling with iconic stops. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover the rich tapestry of New Orleans’ French Quarter at your own pace.

Wander through iconic sites like Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral, while also uncovering hidden treasures such as Pirate’s Alley and serene Creole courtyards.

This tour offers an engaging blend of popular landmarks and lesser-known spots, enriched by vivid storytelling about the city's history and cultural icons.

The French Quarter is a sensory delight with its unique architecture, lively music scene, and culinary delights, perfect for any traveler looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant character of this historic neighborhood.

Explore New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood filled with history and culture
Visit major landmarks and discover hidden gems at your leisure
Enjoy rich narratives about legendary figures and ghostly tales
Perfect for travelers of all interests wanting to experience local life

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Audio Guides Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Carnival Low Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours – 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–10
Audio guide: English, Spanish
Written guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Drives & Detours

Ages: Adults (0–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
Included: Audio Guide
Included: App and Tour Download

Not included

Not included: Smartphone (bring your own)

Itinerary

Bourbon Street

5 min

The Quarter’s most famous street is alive with neon lights, music pours from every doorway, and there’s a constant sense of celebration. It’s the best place to experience the energy of New Orleans’ nightlife up close.
Stop 2

Passing by

This legendary café has been serving beignets and café au lait since 1862. A stop here is a true New Orleans tradition.
Stop 3

5 min

America’s oldest public market is a lively mix of food stalls, local crafts, and history. It’s where New Orleans’ trading spirit still thrives today.
Jackson Square

5 min

Once the heart of colonial New Orleans, the historic Jackson Square is now lined with artists, street performers, and iconic landmarks. It’s the perfect spot to feel the pulse of the city.
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar

Passing by

Set in an 18th-century Creole cottage, this candlelit bar claims ties to the pirate Jean Lafitte. The Blacksmith Shop Bar is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the Quarter.
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum

Passing by

This small but fascinating museum offers a direct look into voodoo’s history and influence in New Orleans. Artifacts and altars connect folklore with living tradition.
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

Passing by

Housed in a former 19th-century apothecary, the Pharmacy Museum reveals the city’s medical past. Strange remedies and old tools make it one of the Quarter’s quirkiest stops.
Old Ursuline Convent Museum

Passing by

Built in 1752, this is the oldest surviving building in the Mississippi Valley. Its simple elegance reflects the deep Catholic roots of the city.
Stop 9

5 min

Pirate's Alley is a narrow passage lined with stories of duels, outlaws, and writers. It’s a hidden corner that feels straight out of another time.
Pontalba Buildings

Passing by

These matching red-brick townhouses flank Jackson Square with elegant iron balconies. They’re the oldest apartment buildings still in use in the U.S.
Royal Street

5 min

Known for its art galleries, antiques, and street music, Royal Street is the Quarter at its most refined. It’s perfect for a quieter stroll away from Bourbon’s chaos.
St. Louis Cathedral

5 min

The towering white spires of St. Louis Cathedral dominate Jackson Square. As the oldest continuously active Catholic cathedral in the U.S., it’s a New Orleans icon.
Stop 13

Passing by

Once the seat of Spanish colonial government, this landmark now tells Louisiana’s history. It’s where the Louisiana Purchase transfer was signed in 1803.
The Presbytere

Passing by

Built to mirror the Cabildo, the Presbytère now houses exhibits on Mardi Gras and Hurricane Katrina. It’s history and resilience under one roof.
The Historic New Orleans Collection

Passing by

This museum and archive preserve the stories, art, and culture of the city. It’s a must for anyone wanting to dive deeper into New Orleans’ past.
New Orleans Jazz Museum

Passing by

Located in the Old U.S. Mint, this museum celebrates the city’s greatest export: jazz. Instruments, recordings, and exhibits trace their roots and legends.
M.S. Rau

5 min

This Royal Street gallery is filled with rare art, antiques, and jewelry. Even if you’re not shopping, browsing here feels like exploring a private museum.
Faulkner House Books

5 min

William Faulkner once lived and wrote here—today it’s a cozy bookstore tucked into Pirate’s Alley. It’s a literary gem in the heart of the Quarter.
Stop 19

Passing by

The famed playwright lived and wrote here during his years in New Orleans. It’s a quiet reminder of the Quarter’s artistic legacy.
Stop 20

Passing by

Known as the Haunted House of the French Quarter, the Gardette-LePretre Mansion is wrapped in legend and mystery. Its Greek Revival design adds to its imposing presence.
Miltenberger Houses

Passing by

These elegant 19th-century homes reflect the wealth and style of Creole New Orleans. They’re architectural treasures hidden in plain sight.
Joan of Arc Statue

5 min

This gleaming golden statue honors France’s beloved heroine and New Orleans’ namesake— Joan of Arc. It’s a striking landmark just steps from the French Market.
Preservation Hall

Passing by

The Preservation Hall is an unassuming building that has kept traditional New Orleans jazz alive since 1961. Nightly shows here are a raw, unforgettable experience.
Pavilion Of The Two Sisters

Passing by

This historic restaurant is famous for its jazz brunch in a lush courtyard. Dining in the Court of Two Sisters is as much about atmosphere as it is about food.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Jackson Square sits between St. Louis Cathedral and the Mississippi River on 750 Decatur Street.

End point

Jackson Square sits between St. Louis Cathedral and the Mississippi River on 750 Decatur Street.

Using your ticket

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ: To access your tour, you will need to download the Drives & Detours app and enter your 6-character access code to unlock it. Your access code will be sent separately the day before your travel date. Access codes for same-day bookings will be sent within minutes after purchase.

HOW TO PREPARE: We recommend downloading the Drives & Detours app in advance so you are ready to go when you arrive.

DOWNLOAD THE APP:

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drives-detours/id6443681888

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytoursapp.android.app6506

WATCH FOR YOUR ACCESS CODE: Your access code will arrive as a message through the booking platform. They should notify you by email, but if you don’t see it, check your spam folder or directly in the platform’s message center.