Secrets & Highlights of the French Quarter Walking Tour in New Orleans, LA

125 Bourbon StNew Orleans, LA 70130
View on Map

New Orleans: Secrets & Highlights of the French Quarter Tour is not currently available.

Check out our other great New Orleans Things to Do.

Overview

Experience the French Quarter’s vibrant culture and hidden gems. Join a local guide on this New Orleans walking tour for a lesson in all things Creole. Pass former bars and flophouses. Visit the most historic spaces of Jackson Square, an infamous séance room, the Cabildo where the Louisiana Purchase was signed, and other places unique to The Crescent City.

up to 3 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

from Ashley, one of our New Orleans Travel Experts
  • Tour explores the vibrant culture and history of the New Orleans French Quarter.
  • Tour begins at 125 Bourbon Street, in front of the Hard Rock Cafe.
  • A local Creole guide will lead you through the narrow streets to spaces like Pirate Alley, a local cocktail bar, Jackson Square, a gas lamp factory, haunted buildings, Cafe du Monde, and more.
  • Includes a pre-reserved ticket to the Presbytère Museum.
  • Tour duration is approximately 3 hours.
  • Arrive 15 minutes prior to the tour's start time.
  • Arrive early to be assured of nearby parking.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
  • Bring your camera, sunscreen, and a hat or umbrella.

Description

from New Orleans: Secrets & Highlights of the French Quarter Tour
On these streets, an amalgamation of cultures collide - jazz, voodoo, and Mardi Gras are some of the small hints to the roots of this city and its enigmatic people. While we will meet on Bourbon Street, the 24-hour party surrounding is simply a sign of the times - a modern-day adaptation of the past. We will get a taste and then duck into the more intimate side streets of the French Quarter. As your local guide begins your lesson in all things Creole, pass by former bars and flophouses that incubated the culture and the former hotbeds of vice, like the Tango Belt, Storyville, Pirate Alley, and Exchange Alley.

It would be a sin to walk the French Quarter without talking about cocktails, so your guide will show you and talk about the many cocktails birthed in these establishments. You are welcome to grab a drink (not included in the price of the tour) should you wish to continue with a beverage in hand. It may assist in some dancing in the streets at our next stop - Royal Street, where some of the best local musicians still make the Quarter its own dance hall.

While the French Quarter is synonymous with drinks, dancing, and a rowdy time, it's not all just about the party. Next, your guide will lead you through Jackson Square to visit more historical sites, including the impending St. Louis Cathedral, the Pontalba Buildings, and the Cabildo, where the Louisiana Purchase was signed. Just off the square, it is time to enter the Presbytère Museum, where touching exhibits on Hurricane Katrina await. Then in an almost total 180-degree spin, view the exhibit on Mardi Gras - but that is life in the Crescent City, touching and joyful at the same time.

On your way to your final area of the French Quarter, head into one of the most haunted buildings in the United States, where supernatural encounters are close by - especially in the seance room, which you'll peek into for a few minutes. If you dare!

Finally, swing through to the old French Market overlooking the beauty of Jackson Square and round out your time in the French Quarter at Cafe du Monde, where your guide will leave you to enjoy a treat and the rushing Mississippi River as it weaves past the Big Easy.

New Orleans: Secrets & Highlights of the French Quarter Tour Reviews

Have you been to New Orleans: Secrets & Highlights of the French Quarter Tour? Share your knowledge and be the first to review this.

Frequently Asked Questions about New Orleans: Secrets & Highlights of the French Quarter Tour

Where is the meeting point?

The tour meets at 125 Bourbon Street (Hard Rock Cafe), or as confirmed in your confirmation email. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the tour's start time. The tour guide(s) will be holding a sign with the Walks logo and the words “MEET HERE” on it.

How long is this tour?

Approximately 3 hours.

What if I'm late?

If you are running late, it's best to contact the tour operator at the phone number on your e-ticket so they can reach out to your guide. This is not always possible for all tours - their guides are with other clients and are already into the tour (they ask them not to use their phones during their tour). But in some cases, a few-minute delay can be remedied. Most times, guides leave the meeting point within 5 minutes of the tour start time.

What is included in this tour?

This tour includes a pre-reserved ticket to the Presbytère Museum, a local English-speaking guide, and an expertly guided walking tour.

What landmarks will we be visiting?

You will be seeing the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, The Tango Belt Exchange Place, Pirate Alley, Jackson Square, a local cocktail bar, Pontalba Apartments (outside), Cabildo (outside), St. Louis Cathedral (outside), Presbytère (inside), some haunted buildings, the French Market, and Café du Monde. You'll also have stunning views of the Mississippi River!

Is transportation included?

No.

Is parking provided?

There are several public parking lots on Iberville, Rampart, and Canal Streets, in addition to limited street parking.

Are there any age/physical/health/etc. restrictions for this tour?

There aren't any age restrictions for this tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

This tour is wheelchair accessible, with limitations. Please note, the ground can be uneven and doorways are fairly narrow to navigate.

Can I bring my camera?

Yes! There are a lot of photo opportunities on this tour.

What should I bring?

You may bring water, a hat, sunglasses, parasol, and/or sunscreen), a coat, umbrella, or outer layers for the cooler months), and a photo ID for some of the stop-over sights.

What should I wear?

Wear weather-appropriate attire and comfortable walking shoes so it's easy to navigate along uneven surfaces.

What is the protocol for when it rains?

The tours run rain or shine, and the tour guides are great at navigating various weather conditions to ensure you're as comfortable as possible. On rare occasions, if the weather is particularly dramatic, some sites may close. If time allows and they have a prior warning, they will contact you as soon as they find out.

Should I bring the confirmation email?

A physical or digital copy of this confirmation email is not required to join your tour. Your guide (or tour coordinator) will have your name in their database, so as long as you know the name on the booking, you're set!