New Orleans French Quarter Food Walk: Cajun, Creole and Culture

New Orleans , United States

New Orleans French Quarter Food Walk: Cajun, Creole and Culture

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About this experience

Dig into the rich and varied flavors that make New Orleans one of the USA’s top foodie destinations. From the most famous local haunts to some delectable hidden gems, you’ll leave with not only a full stomach and a smile, but a greater understanding of how New Orleans food, culture and history all go hand-in-hand.

Available options

Private Food Tour

Small Group Food Tour

What's included

Savor 5 food samples, including beignet, gumbo and Po'boy

Enjoy a local English-speaking guide

Stories and history of New Orleans' multicultural roots

Visit to The French Market, America’s oldest public market

Hot sauce tasting and insights into Louisiana’s spice heritage

Guided walking tour of the French Quarter and Old Town

What you'll see

Your culinary tour of New Orleans starts where it all began — the banks of the Mississippi River. From here, you’ll witness the lifeblood of this region which brought new cultures, new influences and new ingredients to the USA through its ports.

As they say, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. To wake up your taste buds, we’ll indulge in New Orleans’ most iconic breakfast pastry, the beignet. While it looks hard to pronounce, it’s definitely not hard to love. Just make sure you watch the direction of the wind or else you might find yourself covered in powdered, sugary goodness!

Next we will head to The French Market, the site of America’s oldest public market. Historically a place of diversity with products and people from all walks of life, today The French Market is a modern yet unique culinary space. We’ll be sure to stop for a local bite and get to know some of the colorful personalities who call this city home.

From the French Market, you’ll embark on the picturesque streets of the French Quarter where your guide will take you to some of their favorite palate-pleasing spots. You’ll sample both a classic New Orleans dish, as well as a delicacy that you’ve probably never seen outside Cajun country. With an abundance of seafood, a fertile eco-system within the bayou and a history of spice trading, you’ll begin to realize why everything here tastes so good.

Do you have an affinity for the spicier side? Then adopt the ‘when-in-Rome’ attitude and unleash some of Louisiana's hottest and tastiest sauces on your taste buds. This is the birthplace of Tabasco, after all.

On this tour, you’ll have the chance to try a dish that sparks more controversy amongst chefs than any other in New Orleans: gumbo. Learn how hundreds of years of history has shaped this recipe and how it can vary from restaurant to restaurant.

Finally, we will finish off with a sweet treat made from locally grown sugarcane and the region’s abundant pecans. No room for more? Don’t worry, they don’t call it the Big Easy for nothing. You can take your praline to-go and indulge when your sweet tooth kicks in.

Before you go, don’t forget to ask your local guide for more tips on where to eat and what else to do during your stay in New Orleans.

What's not included

Tips/gratuities for your guide

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

385 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

793 reviews

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This tour features visits to establishments that are not always able to cater for vegetarians and other dietary requirements. Your guide can assist you with recommendations on where to purchase alternative diet-friendly food during the tour.

Please note food options, portion sizes, and stops will vary depending on the season and where we stop that day, but the total amount of food included will be equal to a full meal.

Food Inclusions: (expect food samples such as: beignet, a local dish, NOLA Po’boy or muffuletta, a cup of gumbo, local treat)

Children under 6 can join free of charge—just let us know when booking. Kids aged 6–11 are welcome at the adult rate. Please include child details in the “Special Requirements” box at checkout so we can prepare accordingly.

This is a walking tour that will cover approximately 14 blocks (or about 1.5 miles) on foot

The Sample menu is just an example and expected to change

Meeting point

Jackson Square (next to Andrew Jackson statue), 700 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

Important notes

Additional Information
In the event of a site closure, we will do our best to replace it with a similar alternative. Inclusions. Please note food options, portion sizes, and stops will vary depending on the season and where we stop that day, but the total amount of food included will be equal to a full meal.

Dietary Requirements
This tour features visits to establishments that are not always able to cater to all dietary requirements, and the food options might also be limited. For any specific dietary request, please notify us within 24hr of the start of the tour. Please email us at info@neworleasnurbanadventures.com.

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.

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
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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