The Soul of New Orleans: Jazz History Private Tour

New Orleans , United States

The Soul of New Orleans: Jazz History Private Tour

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About this experience

Music, music, music… the beat goes on everywhere in New Orleans, from the buskers on the street corners to the statues in the park to the top-notch bands in the city’s best bars. The city’s known as the Birthplace of Jazz, and the musical scene is very much alive and well in New Orleans!

Join your favorite local for this New Orleans jazz tour to hear all about the past and present of this iconic musical city, from the park known as the Ground Zero of Jazz through to the contemporary clubs. In a city packed with places to listen to music, what could be better than having a local host by your side to help you steer clear of the tourist traps and seek out the authentic, hidden gems?

See where it all began – at the Congo Square area of what’s now Louis Armstrong Park, where musical styles mingled as slaves, and free people of color gathered on their days off. Seek out further influences as you learn about Creole culture at the Home of the Voodoo Queen.

Available options

The Soul of New Orleans: Jazz History Private Tour

What's included

Private Tour

Local Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Stand in the place where the real roots of jazz lie as you visit Louis Armstrong Park near the famous Congo Square

Here in the streets the common theme is Voodoo! Find out more about Creole culture at the Home of the Voodoo Queen

Stop 3

Near our starting location, The Louis Armstrong Park, you can find the iconic Rampart Street. There are several hidden gems on this road and one of them is a regular-looking laundromat that was once a recording studio for household-name stars

See the former home of Tennessee Williams, the legendary playwright and devoted music fan

A few blocks away from this spectacular church is the St Pierre Hotel. Take a look inside the St Pierre Hotel to see the musical heritage in what was the world’s first jazz museum.

In the near area of Place de Henriette Delille we will visit the Preservation Hall. Situated in the heart of the French Quarter on St. Peter Street, the Preservation Hall venue presents intimate, acoustic New Orleans Jazz concerts over 350 nights a year featuring ensembles from a current collective of 50+ local master practitioners.

Stop 7

Jackson Square is a historic park in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960, for its central role in the city's history.

Close by this historical and well-known house in New Orleans is Palm Court Jazz Cafe the place to be. Stop by at the Palm Court Jazz Café, one of the city’s finest music venues

Stop 9

Just before we enter Frenchmen Street there is one stop we must make. Find out where to find the fascinating collections inside the Louisiana Jazz Museum

Stop 10

As our final stop we are visiting Frenchmen Street. Stroll down the iconic Frenchman Street, taking tips on the best music venues and how to make the most of them. Browse the shelves of the Louisiana Music Factory, packed with albums from across the ages

What's not included

Hotel pick-up and drop off

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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