New Orleans Esplanade Ridge: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

New Orleans , United States

New Orleans Esplanade Ridge: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

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(5 reviews)

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the Creole Garden District on Esplanade Avenue at your own pace with this highly acclaimed self guided audio tour of New Orleans. Beginning at Ashton’s Bed and Breakfast, a one-time antebellum plantation house in the heart of the Faubourg St. John, you'll stroll down the beautiful central avenue of the city’s Creole Garden District, while discovering enticing stories of a neighborhood built by and for French Creoles in response to the encroaching Americanism that followed the 1803’s Louisiana Purchase. The tour is ready whenever you feel like taking a stroll. Using your smart phone's GPS and the VoiceMap mobile app, the audio plays automatically at exactly the right time and place. If you prefer, you can download the tour and use it offline as well.If you've got an hour or so and want to explore the lush and historical sites that this New Orleans faubourg has to offer – this is the tour for you!

Available options

New Orleans Esplanade Ridge Walking Audio Tour by VoiceMap

What's included

VoiceMap Application

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Lifetime access to 'Esplanade Ridge: The Creole Garden District' tour

Detailed itinerary

The Museum of the Free People of Color preserves the three hundred-year history and culture of free people of color in New Orleans. The museum explores their history beginning in 1708. The front gallery chronicles the first 100 years, including the period under Spanish rule, 1763 to 1800, when slaves were sometimes allowed to purchase their freedom. One of the most moving exhibits includes a floor-to-ceiling petition to President Abraham Lincoln, dated Jan. 5, 1864, from 1,000 free men of color who were New Orleans property owners.

Stop 2 Pass by

The Garden District has a collection of well preserved historic mansions that were built by wealthy newcomers to New Orleans. The area was developed between 1832 and 1900 and has a diverse mix of homes, antique shops, bars, cafes, gardens, parks and restaurants.

Stop 3 Pass by

St. Louis Cemetery #3 is also known as The Angel Cemetery is located on ground that once was home to a leper colony. Louisiana has long hosted communities for the victims of leprosy and this cemetery began as a burial ground for those who died of the disease in New Orleans. Decades later, in 1854, a particularly devastating yellow fever epidemic left the city more in need of 8,000 burial plots so the priests at St. Louis Cathedral purchased the land for another sorely needed Catholic cemetery.

What's not included

Smartphone

Transportation

Food/drinks

Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.2

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Before arrival, please install the VoiceMap mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About New Orleans

New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scene, and unique Creole and Cajun cuisine. It's famous for its annual Mardi Gras festival, historic French Quarter, and the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street.

Top Attractions

French Quarter

The heart of New Orleans, the French Quarter is known for its vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and cultural landmarks.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, attractions vary

Garden District

A picturesque neighborhood known for its antebellum mansions, oak-lined streets, and historic cemeteries.

Historical Half day Free to explore, tours available

National WWII Museum

A world-class museum dedicated to the history of World War II, featuring immersive exhibits and personal stories.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate to expensive

City Park

A vast urban park featuring lush gardens, walking paths, and cultural attractions.

Nature Half day Free to enter, attractions vary

Frenchmen Street

A lively street known for its live music venues, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife.

Entertainment Evening Varies by venue

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gumbo

A rich and flavorful stew made with a dark roux, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables (onions, bell peppers, and celery).

Main Course Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Jambalaya

A one-pot dish made with rice, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables, seasoned with a variety of spices.

Main Course Can be made with chicken, sausage, or seafood, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Beignets

A deep-fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar, often served with café au lait.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy.

Po' Boy

A classic New Orleans sandwich made with French bread, filled with fried seafood, meat, or vegetables, and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo.

Sandwich Can be made with various fillings, and may contain gluten and dairy.

Popular Activities

Swamp tours Kayaking Biking Spa treatments Park picnics Café hopping Museum visits Historic site tours

Best Time to Visit

February to April

This is the best time to visit New Orleans, with pleasant weather and major events like Mardi Gras. The city is lively, but also more crowded and expensive.

15-25°C 60-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: French, Spanish, Vietnamese
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

New Orleans is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis and rideshare services
• Be cautious of strangers offering services or assistance

Getting there

By air

Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport • 15 miles (24 km) from downtown

By train

New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station, Megabus Stop

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and covers most of the city, but can be slow due to traffic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

French Quarter Garden District Warehouse District Faubourg Marigny Mid-City

Day trips

Plantation Country

30-40 miles (48-64 km) • Full day

Explore the historic plantations of Louisiana, with tours and exhibits showcasing the region's complex history.

Swamp and Bayou Tours

30-50 miles (48-80 km) • Half day to full day

Take a boat tour through the Louisiana swamps and bayous, with opportunities to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife.

Baton Rouge

80 miles (129 km) • Full day

Explore the capital of Louisiana, with its historic sites, museums, and universities.

Festivals

Mardi Gras • February or March (varies by year) Jazz & Heritage Festival • Late April to early May (two weekends) French Quarter Festival • April (four days)

Pro tips

Visit during the off-peak season for fewer crowds and lower prices
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
Try local cuisine and support local businesses and restaurants
Use public transportation, such as buses and streetcars, to get around the city and save money
Be cautious of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes