New Orleans Walking Tour: Garden District Stories

New Orleans , United States

New Orleans Walking Tour: Garden District Stories

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(46 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

Discover one of New Orleans’ most beautiful and historic neighbourhoods – the Garden District. Wander past grand antebellum mansions, see the Lafayette Cemetery and explore the hidden gems and diverse stories that shaped this community. Cross into the Irish Channel to see shotgun-style homes and learn about the immigrants who built the city.

Available options

Small Group Tour

Private tour

What's included

See the house where F. Scott Fitzgerald lived in New Orleans

Step into the Garden District, New Orleans’ historic neighborhood

Discover hidden gems in the Garden District like Fire Station #23

Pass by Lafayette Cemetery and learn about New Orleans tombs

Explore the Irish Channel, a historic New Orleans neighborhood

Enjoy a small-group tour with a maximum of 12 participants

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Begin your guided walk along oak-shaded streets lined with grand Garden District mansions.

Pass by Lafayette Cemetery, one of New Orleans’ oldest burial grounds. Learn about the city’s unique above-ground tombs and multi-burial traditions, shaped by New Orleans’ low-lying geography. Hear stories of notable individuals laid to rest here.

Stop 3 Pass by

Travel off the beaten path in the Garden District to uncover lesser-known landmarks. Pass by the 1843 Barthelemy Rey House, the 1875 Soria-Creel House, and Fire Station #23. If time allows, see the building where author F. Scott Fitzgerald once lived.

Stop outside Commander’s Palace, one of New Orleans’ most iconic restaurants. Admire its Victorian architecture and learn why it’s a beloved venue for weddings and celebrations.

Stop 5 Pass by

Cross Magazine Street into the Irish Channel, a historic New Orleans neighborhood. See classic shotgun-style houses and learn about the Irish immigrants who shaped the area and its vibrant culture.

Take a short break at a local New Orleans spot. Buy a refreshing drink before continuing your Garden District tour.

End near the St. Charles Streetcar Line after strolling past more Garden District homes. Before you go, your guide will share personal recommendations for New Orleans restaurants, bars, and local sights to explore during your stay.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Tips/gratuities for your guide

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

9 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

37 reviews

5★

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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

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What happens if it rains? The tour goes ahead rain or shine! Just bring an umbrella or raincoat. If the weather gets dangerous, though, we’ll cancel for safety. Will we visit Lafayette Cemetery during the tour?

Not quite! The City of New Orleans has temporarily closed Lafayette Cemetery for maintenance and repairs, and there’s no reopening date yet. But don’t worry — we’ll still share its fascinating history and stories from several of the gated entrances nearby.

Can young kids join the tour? Absolutely! Children under 6 can join for free. Just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.

What happens if one of the sites is closed? If a planned stop is unexpectedly closed, we’ll do our best to swap it out for a similar alternative so you still get a great experience.

Meeting point

The historical marker at the corner of Washington and Prytania Streets, 2729 Prytania Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Important notes

Additional Information
In the event of a site closure, we will do our best to replace it with a similar alternative.

Child Policy
Please inform us if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6.

Dress Standards
Comfortable shoes for walking are recommended.
Please dress comfortably and casually in weather-appropriate attire - it can get very hot and humid in the summer months. Wear comfortable shoes for walking.

Tipping Your Guide
A tip / gratuity for your guide is not included in the price of this tour. If you feel that your guide has done their best to provide a personal and engaging experience, giving a gratuity is encouraged.

Leave Us A Review
How did we do? Your experience matters! Let us know by leaving a review.

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