New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour

New Orleans , United States

New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour

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About this experience

This New Orleans food tour has every culinary taste covered. With a history-savvy guide leading the way, you’ll walk from classic Creole restaurants and neighborhood sandwich shops to hot sauce bars and artisanal candy stores. Visit up to five locations to sample diverse foods representing the breadth of Louisiana’s culinary heritage, including dishes like seafood gumbo, po-boys, muffulettas and pralines. Vegetarian options available too! Learn about the historical origins of each cuisine and, when possible, hear the chefs discuss their influences. Enjoy plenty of food on this afternoon tour.

Please note: all venues are subject to change based on availability. This tour features a set menu (plus Vegetarian option), but does not have a gluten-free, dairy-free or Vegan option. However, please notify us of any food allergies (not aversions) during check-out.

Available options

New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour

What's included

Gratuities for servers at establishments

Set menu (Vegetarian Option available)

What you'll see

Meet your guide in the French Quarter in the afternoon and begin your food tour of New Orleans at SoBou, one of three restaurants owned by the award-winning Commander’s Palace family. Sit down and relax as you are treated to three street food-inspired dishes that showcase modern New Orleans cuisine: fried pork cracklings, boudin balls with Creole mustard, and a BBQ Shrimp beignet.

Listen to a narrative history of Louisiana cuisine, starting with the culinary contributions of local American Indian tribes and leading to the arrival of the Europeans and West Africans who created its Creole flavors. You’ll hear about the unique geography of southern Louisiana, as well as the linguistic origins of dozens of local dishes, from beignets and étouffée to gumbo and jambalaya.

If you’d like, purchase a drink at the full bar before moving on to a stop at the Pepper Palace Hot Sauce Bar, where you can sample dozens of different hot sauces, BBQ sauces, dry rubs, seasonings and more.

Third stop is Leah’s Pralines, a candy shop established in 1933. After learning its history, taste a Creole praline and sample the bacon pecan brittle.

Next, bite into two New Orleans inventions: the muffuletta and the po-boy. Both are served at the funky dive NOLA Po-boys, a local joint with an immense menu. Discuss the 19th and 20th century history of the New Orleans' immigrants as you sample the fried catfish poboy on freshly baked New Orleans–style French bread before moving on to the slightly warmed muffuletta: an Italian-style sandwich of ham, salami, mortadella, provolone cheese, mozzarella cheese and New Orleans-style olive salad.

The next stop is Tujague’s, the second-oldest restaurant in New Orleans, serving up classic Creole cuisine since 1856. Discover the culinary contributions of the butchers of the French Market while you dig into one delicious dish: the Bavarian-style slow-cooked beef brisket.

Your final stop is Dickie Brennan's Tableau where you will enjoy a savory Seafood Gumbo. Tableau is owned and operated by a distinguished local restauranteur and located in the heart of New Orleans, the historic Jackson Square. By the time the tour ends happy hour will have started at Tableau.

The walking tour covers about one and a half miles (2.4 km) at a leisurely pace.

What's not included

Beverages other than water

Gratuity for guide (optional)

This tour does not have a gluten-free, dairy-free, or Vegan option

Please notify us of any food allergies (NOT aversions) during check-out. No PORK-FREE option.

Available languages

Guide guide

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799 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

699 reviews

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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

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Vegetarian Option available (request at check-out)

We do not offer a gluten-free, dairy-free or Vegan option

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

There is no charge for infants in strollers

All venues subject to change based on availability

Not recommended for travelers with mobility/walking issues

Meeting point

Please enter 3rd Block Depot at 316 Chartres St and check-in at the host/hostess stand.

Important notes

This tour features a set menu and does not have a gluten-free, pork-free or vegetarian option. However, please notify us of any food allergies (not aversions) during check-out

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