Famous for Bourbon Street, Mardi Gras, and its lively nightlife, New Orleans' French Quarter has a much deeper story to tell. On our French Quarter walking tour, you'll explore the historic heart of the city with a knowledgeable local guide and discover the architecture, landmarks, and fascinating characters that shaped this remarkable neighborhood.
Walk through the historic streets of the Vieux Carré as you learn about the French, Spanish, Caribbean, and American influences that shaped New Orleans. Along the way, hear stories of writers and artists, priests and pirates, musicians, and voodoo practitioners while discovering the people and events behind the French Quarter's most recognizable landmarks.
We'll talk about Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras, of course, but we'll also go beyond the famous attractions to explore the history and cultural traditions that make this neighborhood unique.
What You'll See on Our French Quarter Walking Tour
The French Quarter is much more than Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras. On our guided walking tour, you'll explore historic streets, admire distinctive architecture, and learn how the neighborhood developed into one of America's most distinctive historic districts.
Jackson Square
We'll begin at Jackson Square, the historic heart of the French Quarter. Surrounded by important buildings and filled with artists, musicians, and visitors, the square has served as a gathering place for centuries. Your guide will explain its role in the development of New Orleans and the neighborhood around it.
St. Louis Cathedral
We'll see St. Louis Cathedral, one of New Orleans' most recognizable landmarks. Learn about the cathedral's history and its place in the religious and cultural life of the city as you admire its distinctive architecture from Jackson Square.
The Cabildo
Next to the cathedral stands The Cabildo, a historic building associated with the 1803 transfer of Louisiana to the United States. Your guide will explain its role in the history of Louisiana and the events that helped shape the city. The building is viewed from the outside during the tour.
Pirate Alley
Walk through Pirate Alley, a narrow passageway beside St. Louis Cathedral with a history full of stories and legends. Discover its literary connections and hear about some of the colorful characters associated with this corner of the French Quarter.
Stories of Writers, Artists, and Other French Quarter Characters
The Vieux Carré has attracted writers, artists, musicians, and other memorable characters for generations. As we explore the neighborhood, we'll discuss some of the people whose lives and work became part of New Orleans history.
William Faulkner House
We'll pass the former home of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner, where he lived while writing in New Orleans. The building is now home to a bookstore specializing in rare and classic books. Your guide will share the author's connection to the city and its literary history.
Tennessee Williams House
We'll also discuss playwright Tennessee Williams and his connection to New Orleans. Learn how the city's atmosphere, characters, and culture became part of the setting and inspiration associated with his work.
Bourbon Street
No discussion of the French Quarter would be complete without Bourbon Street. Although our walking route does not travel along the street itself, your guide will explain how this famous thoroughfare became associated with nightlife, music, celebration, and Mardi Gras.
Presbytère
We'll see the Presbytère, one of the French Quarter's important historic buildings. Originally designed as a residence for clergy, it now houses exhibits exploring New Orleans traditions, including Mardi Gras and the impact of Hurricane Katrina.
These landmarks offer a glimpse into the many layers of French Quarter history, from the city's early development to its literary traditions and modern cultural identity.
Want to explore more on your own? Visit our free self-guided tour of the French Quarter.
French Quarter Walking Tour Map
French Quarter Walking Tour Information
Meeting Point: Meet your guide at the Andrew Jackson Statue in the center of Jackson Square. Your guide will be waiting near this recognizable landmark in the heart of the French Quarter. (map)
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Distance: Approximately 1 mile
Booking Options: Reserve your spot in advance using the paid booking option or choose Pay-What-You-Wish.
The tour covers a relatively short distance, allowing us to stop at important landmarks and give you time to hear the stories behind them rather than rushing from one attraction to another.
Cancellation and Weather Policy
Our French Quarter walking tours take place rain or shine. If severe weather affects a scheduled tour, we'll contact guests by email or text with available alternatives or a refund when appropriate.
To cancel, reply to your confirmation email. Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the scheduled tour start time are eligible for a refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour are not refundable.
Guests who booked through a third-party ticketing platform must cancel directly through that platform. Flexible rescheduling may also be available when a comparable tour has space.
French Quarter Audio Tour
Prefer to explore at your own pace? We also offer a self-guided, GPS-enabled French Quarter audio tour that you can use on your phone whenever you like.
Downloads cost $5.99 and provide information to help you explore the neighborhood, discover points of interest, and learn more about New Orleans.
Here is an audio sample.
We also offer self-guided audio tours of the Garden District, Lafayette Cemetery #1, and other New Orleans subjects.
How it works:
Follow the tour at your own pace.
Purchase your audio tour.
Receive a confirmation email with the audio files, PDF, and Google Map.