Movie and TV Show Tour of New Orleans

Reviewed · TOURS

Movie and TV Show Tour of New Orleans

5.0 · 141 reviews 2 hours (approx.) From $30 Operated by Hollywood South Tours · Bookable on Viator
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Street corners that filmed your favorites. This is a guided Movie and TV Show Tour of New Orleans that turns the French Quarter into a real-world set, with stops tied to shows like Your Honor, Chef, and supernatural favorites. I especially like the way guide Trevor McQueen (fun, funny, and tuned into TV culture) points out the filming look you’d recognize, including how shots were framed from the sidewalk. I also love that the route mixes pop-culture locations with genuinely interesting local landmarks like the Pharmacy Museum and Jackson Square.

The big trade-off: you’re on your feet for a full walk, and some stops are marked as ticketed while others are free, so plan for both walking and possible extra entry costs. If heat and distance are a concern, this isn’t the easiest “wander and sit when you want” type of outing.

Key highlights to know before you go

Movie and TV Show Tour of New Orleans - Key highlights to know before you go

  • Small group size (max 16) keeps it conversational and easier for the guide to tailor stops to what you watch.
  • Trevor McQueen’s street-level film focus helps you spot locations with the same angles you’ve seen on-screen.
  • Jackson Square time gives you a major landmark stop that’s tightly tied to film and TV.
  • Supernatural-themed stops make it a great match for American Horror Story and Vampire Diaries fans.
  • A mix of free and ticketed locations means you’ll want a little flexibility in your budget.

More New Orleans tours and experiences to compare

Why this French Quarter movie walk fits TV and horror fans

New Orleans works as a movie set because it’s packed with recognizable facades, narrow streets, and landmark corners. This tour leans hard into that. You’ll walk through a string of stops that feel like stepping from episode to episode, especially if you like anything supernatural or gothic.

I like that it doesn’t require you to be a completist. Even if you don’t know every title, you still get the sense of where the production “look” comes from—color, arches, balconies, and the way the street opens up.

Also, the guide’s approach helps. Trevor McQueen doesn’t just rattle off names. He shares what filming people care about on location, and he’s been showing up with photos and practical details that make the locations feel real, not abstract. If you’re the kind of viewer who pauses to study scenery, you’ll enjoy this.

Price and timing: what $30 buys (and how the 2 hours really feel)

Movie and TV Show Tour of New Orleans - Price and timing: what $30 buys (and how the 2 hours really feel)
At $30 per person for about 2 hours, you’re paying for two things: a guided route and a way to connect locations to titles you recognize. You’re not paying for admission tickets at every stop, so the value depends partly on how many ticketed sites you choose to enter.

The pace matters here. Some stops are short—five to fifteen minutes—because the point is to cover multiple filming spots across the Quarter. That’s great if you want variety, but it means you should wear shoes you can trust. A lot of the experience is “walk, look, listen, snap a photo, repeat.”

The tour uses a mobile ticket and is run in English. It’s also capped at 16 travelers, so you avoid the huge-group feeling that can happen on popular city walks.

Start at 400 Royal Street, end at Pirate’s Alley: your walking route in plain terms

Movie and TV Show Tour of New Orleans - Start at 400 Royal Street, end at Pirate’s Alley: your walking route in plain terms
The meeting point is 400 Royal St, and you finish at Pirates Alley. Along the way, the tour threads together major Quarter sights and a few deeper cuts for film lovers.

You also get a built-in sense of direction. You’re not guessing where to turn next; the guide keeps you moving in a logical flow, from landmark-heavy streets toward smaller alleys where the set vibe often comes from.

One more practical point: the tour is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed. If you’re carrying a backpack, a small day bag is fine, but keep in mind you’ll be stopping often and taking photos.

Stop 1: New Orleans Pharmacy Museum (and the “true crime, circus, vampires” combo)

Movie and TV Show Tour of New Orleans - Stop 1: New Orleans Pharmacy Museum (and the “true crime, circus, vampires” combo)
You begin near the LA Supreme Court building, then walk toward Napoleon House. From there, the tour brings you to the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, which is billed as the first licensed pharmacy in the United States.

This is a strong opener because it sets the tone: New Orleans as a place where stories stack on stories. The stop is short (about 15 minutes), but it packs multiple moods—local crime stories, sideshow/circus energy, and yes, vampire-style lore. It’s one of those “wait, that’s why this looks familiar” locations for anyone who’s watched supernatural content.

Ticket note: admission is not included at this stop, so if you want to go inside, budget time and a little extra cost.

Small drawback: because it’s only 15 minutes, it’s best if you treat it like the “starter course.” If you’re a museum-only person, you may feel rushed.

Stop 2: Jackson Square for TV-and-film face time

Movie and TV Show Tour of New Orleans - Stop 2: Jackson Square for TV-and-film face time
Then you step into Jackson Square, where the tour gives you about 30 minutes. This is the most classic New Orleans stage set on the list, and it’s easy to see why film crews love it: the space is iconic, and the angle of the square gives productions lots of visual options.

What makes this stop valuable is the mix of familiar landmark energy plus the film context. You’ll hear about how many film projects have worked in the area, and the square becomes a reference point for spotting other locations later in the walk.

Ticket note: Jackson Square itself is free.

Practical tip: if you need a breather, this is the place. You can watch people, take photos, and recalibrate before the supernatural-leaning stops start hitting harder.

Stop 3: Voodoo Authentica and a reality check on the topic

Movie and TV Show Tour of New Orleans - Stop 3: Voodoo Authentica and a reality check on the topic
Next comes the area around Voodoo Authentica. The tour frames it as a chance to see more film projects in the vicinity, then shift into the real conversation—what voodoo means locally and how it’s been interpreted through outsiders’ lenses.

This stop is short (about 10 minutes), and the goal isn’t to turn it into a museum lecture. It’s more like a guided course correction after the spooky storytelling kicks in.

Ticket note: it’s marked as free in the itinerary.

Consideration: because this is a quick stop, it helps to go into it with curiosity rather than needing a full explanation. Let the guide steer the depth level.

Stop 4: Old Ursuline Convent Museum, where the horror loop begins

The tour moves on to the Old Ursuline Convent Museum, and the time block here is tight—about 5 minutes. Even so, it hits hard conceptually because this building is described as the only pre-fire building left in New Orleans.

The guide then starts what the tour calls the horror loop: witches, vampires, and the way historic buildings get used in popular imagination. If you’re into shows that play with eerie atmospheres, you’ll understand instantly why this site gets attention.

Ticket note: admission is not included at this stop.

Possible drawback: five minutes means you’re mostly looking at the exterior and getting context. If your dream is a long, slow interior museum visit, you’ll want to return on your own.

Stop 5: Starling Magickal Occult Shop, plus a Civil Rights learning moment nearby

Movie and TV Show Tour of New Orleans - Stop 5: Starling Magickal Occult Shop, plus a Civil Rights learning moment nearby
The next stop is Starling Magickal Occult Shop, with about 15 minutes on the clock. Like other stops, this one is connected to film projects—perfect for supernatural fans who want the “set dressing” version of New Orleans lore.

What elevates this stop (in a good way) is the nearby context. Across the street is Homer Plessy Community School, and the tour uses the location as a chance to learn about early Civil Rights in New Orleans. That blend—occult aesthetics plus local history you can’t ignore—makes this stop feel more grounded than a purely spooky detour.

Ticket note: admission is not included here.

Practical note: the tour also gives photo opportunities. The trade-off is you’ll want to keep moving so you don’t fall behind the group.

Stop 6: Madame John’s Legacy—built back after the Great Fire

Now you’re at Madame John’s Legacy, described as the second oldest building in the French Quarter. The tour explains its arc: it burned down during the Great Fire, then was rebuilt in 1788.

You get about 10 minutes here, which is long enough for the story plus enough time to take in the facade. For film lovers, it’s also a good reminder that many “timeless” settings aren’t untouched—they’re survivors.

Ticket note: admission is not included.

Consideration: if you’re hoping for deep interior access during the tour, the short timing means you’ll likely focus on exterior impressions and guide-led context.

Stop 7: Boutique du Vampyre and the vampire-focused storytelling

Then it’s a big vampire stop at Boutique du Vampyre. The itinerary gives it 10 minutes, and the emphasis is on the vampire theme plus the location’s backstory.

This is the kind of stop that works even if you don’t watch every vampire show. You still get why these storefronts and streets become part of the New Orleans pop-culture machine. If you’re a fan of The Originals or Interview with a Vampire, this is likely where your brain starts making the strongest on-screen connections.

Ticket note: admission is not included.

Tip: keep your phone ready but don’t rush the listening. The guide often connects the “why” to the visual look, and you’ll enjoy the stop more if you let the explanation land first.

Stop 8: Pirate’s Alley Café to finish strong

Your last stop is Pirate’s Alley Café. It’s about 10 minutes, and it’s described as having no shortage of film projects in its orbit.

This finale is smart because it gives you a natural landing spot. By the time you reach Pirate’s Alley, you’ve hit the big landmarks (like Jackson Square) and the more themed stops. Finishing with a café makes it easier to keep the momentum without turning the whole experience into a sprint.

Ticket note: it’s marked as free in the itinerary.

What makes the guide matter: pacing, photos, and tailoring to your favorites

The strongest repeated theme from real-world experiences with this tour is the guide’s style. Trevor McQueen is praised for being engaging and personable, with a film-industry angle that feels practical rather than fan-only.

A few things that help you as a visitor:

  • He can point out locations in a way that makes the filming look make sense, not just the name of a show.
  • He often uses photos and video-like references so you can match what you see on the street with what you’ve seen on-screen.
  • The pace is described as not rushed, which is crucial in New Orleans heat.

You’ll also see a pattern in the best moments: small breaks, water stops, and room to take photos. Even if you’re focused on filming locations, it helps that the tour doesn’t feel like a military march.

Who should book this tour (and who should skip it)

This tour is a great fit if you:

  • love New Orleans on-screen and want recognizable locations in one walk
  • watch supernatural TV (especially titles in the AHS and vampire universe)
  • like learning how film framing works on real streets
  • want a small-group guide instead of a big bus-type experience

It’s not the best match if you:

  • can’t walk long distances or handle uneven/old pavement
  • want only indoor museum time
  • dislike walking tours that include stops with short time windows and possible ticketed entry

Quick planning tips for comfort and value

A few things will make your experience smoother:

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes. You’re on foot the whole time.
  • Bring water, especially in warm months.
  • Expect a mix of free and ticketed stops. Budget for entry where it applies.
  • If you care about specific series, go in with a shortlist. The guide can tailor what he points out to what you’re watching.

One more point: the experience notes good weather is required, and if it gets canceled due to poor weather, you should expect either a new date or a full refund. That matters in New Orleans, where plans can change fast when conditions shift.

Should you book the Movie and TV Show Tour of New Orleans?

If you’re spending even a day in the French Quarter and you want your sightseeing to feel connected to the shows you already love, I think this tour is a strong choice. It’s good value for the time because you’re not just wandering—you get a guide who connects the streets to the screen.

I’d book it if you’re the type who wants to leave with mental “spotting” power, like you can rewatch an episode and name the corner. Skip it if walking distance or frequent short stops will stress you out.

If you’re on the fence, here’s the simple test: do you enjoy film locations enough to study facades for 2 hours? If yes, this is one of the most fun ways to see the Quarter without needing a car.

FAQ

How long is the Movie and TV Show Tour of New Orleans?

The tour lasts about 2 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

It costs $30.00 per person.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at 400 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 and ends at Pirates Alley, New Orleans, LA 70116.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

Are tickets included for all stops?

No. Some stops are listed as admission ticket not included, while others are free.

Is this tour good for people who don’t walk much?

It’s not recommended for travelers who cannot walk long distances.

Is there a limit on group size?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 16 travelers.

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