New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour

New Orleans , United States

New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour

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(2825 reviews)

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This New Orleans Historic Garden District Walking Tour highlights the American settlement and their beautiful homes, gardens, wealth and how life was changed because of their amazing contributions. This multifaceted tour includes the unique history of our incredible city, culture, and architecture. The Americans early settlements, lavish lifestyles and immense wealth are obvious as we walk through this opulent and super astonishing neighborhood.

Our Tour begins outside of the gates of Lafayette Cemetery #1, as you learn of the basic burial information and customs and discuss why New Orleans cemeteries are so unique (NOTE: PUBLIC ACCESS IS NOT ALLOWED IN THIS CEMETERY) We then walk around the neighborhood where you'll see the architectural styles of the Americans. You will see celebrity homes, perfectly manicured landscapes and movie hotspots as well. Walk with a local, see it through our eyes!

Available options

Garden District Walking Tour

What's included

Professional guide

Recommendations for food, music and fun

Insider tips for local hangouts

Garden District walking tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your tour will be conducted by a local, licensed and professional tour guide! We walk along the rows of antebellum mansions after our cemetery portion of the tour and we discuss architecture, the people who lived there in early New Orleans and the people who live there today. We also include a celebrity portion of the tour.

Stop 2

Lafayette Cemetery #1 is closed to the public, so the cemetery portion of the tour is conducted outside the gates. You will learn the history of the cemetery and of New Orleans' unique burial traditions.

What's not included

Gratuities

Lafayette Cemetery access - cemetery is closed to the public

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

1,212 reviews

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1124

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Tripadvisor 4.9

1,613 reviews

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1528

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Dress code is smart casual

Tour is generally wheelchair accessible however be prepared for very uneven surfaces at the sites visited which may be difficult for those with mobility issues or using a wheelchair

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

A significant amount of walking is involved

The Lafayette Cemetery #1 is closed due to repairs and we cannot enter, but we do our cemetery portion of the tour from the iron gates, where you can see the tombs clearly.

If using RIDE SHARE, give the address: 1427 Washington Ave, New Orleans, La 70130 (Le Petit Blue). Then after drop off, walk across the street to the Lafayette Cemetery #1 to meet your guide. (wearing a green polo shirt, with the logo TOURS by STEVEN).

Meeting point

Meet ACROSS THE STREET from (Le Petit Blue) 1427 Washington Avenue at the gates of the Lafayette Cemetery #1. Your guide will be wearing a green shirt/jacket with the Tours by Steven logo. We also end our tour nearby. You can park anywhere around the cemetery but read all signage please.

Important notes

PLEASE NOTE: there is NO PUBLIC ACCESS allowed inside Lafayette Cemetery. The cemetery portion of the tour will be conducted outside of the gates.

Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result your tour is canceled, you will NOT be entitled to a refund.

If you are belligerent in any way to your Tour Guide or other guests on the tour, we have the right to refuse service to you and cancel your tour, NO REFUND will be provided.

Significant walking is involved, if you feel you cannot handle this physically, this tour may not be for you. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

There are NO RESTROOM STOPS on this tour, as it is a residential area. The closest restroom is in a coffee house on the corner of PRYTANIA and WASHINGTON Avenues. Your tour will begin promplty at the designated time listed on your itinerary and will last up to 2 hours.

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