New Orleans · HISTORICAL TOURS
42 reviewed
Three hundred years of French, Spanish, Creole and American New Orleans still stand in the streets. This page ranks the best history tours: the founding, the fires, the river trade and the neighbourhoods, told straight by guides who know the record, with prices, run times and how much walking to expect.
A small-group Garden District history walk with above-ground burial lessons and antebellum architecture stops, plus local music and food tips.
“Very knowledgeable and shared entertaining stories. Knows the local plants , architecture, tales of shenanigans!!?”
Walk the French Quarter’s most famous sights in 2 hours. Small group, no entrance fees, and stories you can’t spot alone.
“We thoroughly enjoyed this tour. We had an enthusiastic and informative guide — Scott—who gave us a great deal of information regarding the history of the French Quarter and New Orleans in general. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone who is interested in a comprehensive guide to the area .”
Covered mule carriage through New Orleans French Quarter hauntings, disasters, and true darker history. Small group, English, about 1 hour.
“The guide, Lemen, was FANTASTIC, ENGAGING and AMAZING. He was so knowledgeable and we were googling information to keep up with him.”
New Orleans Haunted History Ghost Tour: a 2-hour French Quarter walk with LaLaurie, voodoo stops, and pirate tales for $30.
“Neo was a great tour guide. He is local and was able to answer all my questions and give much insight on haunted New Orleans. It was obvious he enjoys what he does!”
A 2.5-hour narrated Mississippi River paddleboat cruise from New Orleans to Chalmette Battlefield, plus a guided Battle of 1815 stop.
“River cruise was wonderful! Meal was very good, staff very friendly, lots of history - commentator on board was so fun to listen - she told the history in a clear, concise manner. Wish they sold a book on board about our journey! Learned a lot about the MS river....”
Sample New Orleans Creole classics on a French Quarter food and history walk with gumbo, po-boys, muffulettas, pralines, and hot sauce.
“Sarah was a very good host for our tour. All the stops were delicious and she was very knowledgeable. We did not leave the tour hungry.”
A 150-minute paddlewheel cruise with guided history at Chalmette Battlefield. Optional Creole lunch and a cash bar on board.
“Our group really enjoyed the tour. There is a stop at a battlefield, which was fun to explore. The tour guide was wonderful and very informative. Our group had a wheelchair, the employees were very accommodating and were able to move around with easy. We did not purchased the lunch option, but there was some snacks, drinks and food available for purchase. The only negative thing I have to say is the hot chocolate was horrible, just water and chocolate. It was cold when we went, would have been nice to have some good hor chocolate. Other than that I highly recommend this tour!”
Taste up to six bites and four full-size cocktails on a 4-hour French Quarter walking tour with local history.
“Excellent experience with friends in a fabulous city!! The guide was fantastic and the hurricane that started the tour was the best, by far, that we've ever enjoyed! Legit 5 star fun.”
Taste New Orleans classics on a 3-hour French Quarter food history walk with up to 9 bites, gumbo, po-boys, Muffuletta, and dessert.
“An excellent combo of New Orleans food, sites, and history. Dylan was an outstanding tour guide.”
Sip 4 historic cocktails across the French Quarter, from Sazerac to Roffignac, with absinthe history and a guided 1-mile walk.
“The drinks were great and Kat was super knowledgeable, friendly and great as our guide. Would absolutely recommend this to anyone I know who will be visiting the city.”
Small-group New Orleans jazz history walk from Louis Armstrong Park to Congo Square, with live music stops and a free drink.
“The Jazz History and Club tour was amazing. Christy was so very knowledgeable and personable. Loved seeing Louis Armstrong park, the two jazz clubs we went to, and several other stops in between.”
Walk the Garden District’s mansion streets and hear the stories behind famous homes, with an inside visit to the Women’s Guild Opera building.
“Pepe was excellent! He was knowledgeable of all houses. This was a very enjoyable tour. We would highly recommend it.”
Small-group French Quarter walking tour with levee history, Jackson Square icons, and St. Louis Cathedral inside plus literary stops, $29.
“Wonderful history of the French quarter! Guide was very knowledgeable and fun. Very engaging and willing to answer questions. Felt very safe.”
A 2-hour New Orleans music walking tour with Bluetooth song clips, French Quarter stops, and local guide Keith, starting on Frenchmen Street.
“Keith was great! I had brought a group of music lovers to New Orleans to celebrate my husband's 50th birthday and everyone love this tour! My husband is a musician and he was REALLY into this tour! We learned so much and explored so much of the city. This is a tour that I feel would not be appropriate for kids - due to the language and the amount of walking.”
Small-group New Orleans history bike tour through French Quarter, Treme, City Park oaks, and more, with an easy 3-hour ride for $55.
“Guy was a great, knowledgeable tour guide. The bike route planned through the city was safe and relatively easy.”
