New Orleans French Quarter Walking and History Tour

4.6 (306 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

306 reviews

4.6

Jackson Square: St. Louis Cathedral, Cabildo, and Presbytere — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Mississippi River — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Delve into the history of the French Quarter on a 2-hour walking tour with a knowledgeable guide who shares the legends and landmarks of this fascinating city. At a relaxed pace, take in the Mississippi River, French Market, St Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, the Presbytere, Jackson Square and more. Visit historic buildings and secluded courtyards, see famous literary and silver screen locations, and learn about Creole culture. Your entertaining guide provides a deep understanding of the forces that shaped the Big Easy.

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At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 9 people
People per booking: 1–9
Guide: English
Operated by: Historic New Orleans Tours

Ages: Children (0–5 years) · Youth (6–12 years) · Adults (13–61 years) · Seniors (62–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Local guide

Not included

Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Food and drinks

Itinerary

French Quarter

30 min

Make your own way to Musical Legends Park to meet your guide for your walking tour. After introductions, stroll a short distance to the banks of the Mississippi River where you learn how levee construction transformed the swamp into fertile farmland, making New Orleans an important hub in the region.
Stop 2

15 min

Choose from a morning or evening tour and expect to walk about 2 miles (3.2 km) at a leisurely pace before wrapping up near the Mississippi River levee.
French Market

5 min

Continue by walking through the French Market, the oldest open-air market in the US.
Jackson Square

15 min

Next, you will head to Jackson Square, the heart of the French Quarter
The Cabildo

15 min

See important sites including the Cabildo - built between 1795 and 1799 - this building once housed the center of government in New Orleans and it is now the Louisiana State Museum.
The Presbytere

Passing by

See the Presbytere - built in 1791 to match the Cabildo is a fascinating museum with 2 permanent exhibits telling of both the cities resilience and celebration.
Pontalba Buildings

Passing by

Learn about these block-long buildings which form two sides of Jackson Square in the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans.
St. Louis Cathedral

20 min

Your guide takes you inside St Louis Cathedral and shows you where the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788 started, explaining how rebuilding post-fire resulted in what is now considered the classic architectural style of the French Quarter.
Stop 9

10 min

Next, step into a lush Creole courtyard and learn about the complexities of Creole society and slavery in South Louisiana. Walk to the balcony of the former Quadroon Ballroom while your guide explains the former lives of Creole mistresses and the system known as 'placage.'

During your tour, your guide points out film sites and literary haunts such as the building where Tennessee Williams wrote ‘A Streetcar Named Desire.’ You'll enter William Faulkner’s home before you stop at Pirate's Alley, where your guide recounts local legends about prison escapes and dueling. Also, enjoy the tunes of talented street musicians as you stroll.
Old Ursuline Convent Museum

10 min

Stand outside the Mississippi River valley’s oldest building, the Ursuline Convent, whose history provides a window onto early colonization efforts in Louisiana.