New Orleans , United States

New Orleans Music Heritage Tour

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(244 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Dig into the musical history of New Orleans with this 2-hour music and heritage tour. Listen to songs and the stories behind them as you learn more about the immortals of blues, jazz, gospel, and rock n'roll that have been a part of this city. Hear about Louis Armstrong, James Booker, Fats Domino, The Meters, Allen Toussaint, Professor Longhair, Buddy Bolden, Mahalia Jackson, and many others who are part of 300 years of musical heritage.

Available options

10am Tour

Tour departs at 10am

6pm Tour

Tour Departs at 6pm

1pm Tour

Tour departs at 1pm

What's included

2-hour musical walking tour with an experienced guide

Detailed itinerary

Meet your guide, Keith (a Louisiana record man with more than 20 years of record business experience), at the Louisiana Music Factory on Frenchmen Street - the most musical street in New Orleans. Spend approximately 2 hours and a dozen songs while we walk through historic New Orleans 'faubourgs' (neighborhoods) - the Marigny, French Quarter, and Treme - spanning space, time and genres we learn 300 years of New Orleans Music & Heritage. The aural-visual walking tour is accompanied by Bluetooth speaker capability to provide musical accompaniment of the artists and locations along the tour. This is Keith's favorite record store - everything we talk about on the tour, you can get here!

Stop 2

Cross Esplanade then turn on Chartres Street and pay a visit to the boyhood home of Danny Parker. Along with his rambunctious and bawdy-singing wife Blue Lu, we learn how a single man can save New Orleans Brass Band heritage. Next are stops in the Place de Armes, Preservation Jazz Hall, a stroll down Bourbon Street to Mister New Orleans, and J&M Studios - the 'Home of Rock N' Roll.'

Stop 3

Sandra and Allan Jaffe visited on their honeymoon and found their life giving home at Pres Hall. Visit the gift shop and take a photo while here.

Stop 4 Pass by

At one-time Bourbon Street was the most musical street in the world! Cats like Louis Prima, Al Hirt and Pete Fountain blaring Jazz through the hot, wet night air. Saunter or sashay with us as we hear Basin Street Blues blowing on a Clarinet.

Stop 5

Here you'll see the Louis Armstrong statue. While in the Treme, America's 1st African-American neighborhood, you'll hear about their influence in New Orleans music and heritage.

Stop 6

Stops in Armstrong Park include Congo Square.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

101 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.8

143 reviews

5★

131

4★

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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

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Meeting point

Departure Point: Louisiana Music Factory
Address: 421 Frenchmen Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
Dates: Daily

Important notes

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

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