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, characters, and stories that have shaped this remarkable neighborhood.
Walk through historic streets and hidden courtyards as you learn about the French Quarter's French, Spanish, Caribbean, and American influences. Along the way, hear stories of authors and artists, priests and pirates, musicians and voodoo practitioners, while discovering landmarks that reveal the many layers of New Orleans history. We'll talk about Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras, of course—but we'll also take you beyond the famous attractions to experience the history and character that make the French Quarter unique.
We also include information on our self-guided GPS-enabled audio tour and our other tours in the Quarter.
Explore the French Quarter Beyond Bourbon Street
The French Quarter is much more than Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras. On our French Quarter walking tour, you'll wander through historic streets and quiet corners of the Vieux Carré while your guide brings the neighborhood's fascinating past to life.
More than Mardi Gras: French Quarter Tour
Discover the architecture and cultural influences that make the French Quarter unlike anywhere else in New Orleans. Hear stories about the authors, artists, priests, pirates, musicians, and other colorful characters who have called this neighborhood home.
Along the way, we'll explore historic landmarks, admire beautiful buildings, peek into hidden courtyards, and learn about the people and events that shaped the city. We'll talk about Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras, but we'll also take you beyond the usual tourist highlights to discover the many layers of the French Quarter.
What You'll Discover on Our French Quarter Walking Tour
Our French Quarter walking tour brings the history of New Orleans to life through the landmarks, architecture, and stories found throughout the Vieux Carré. Along the way, you'll see historic buildings and landmarks while learning about the people and events that shaped the French Quarter.
Jackson Square: Begin in the heart of the French Quarter at Jackson Square, one of New Orleans' most iconic landmarks. Surrounded by historic buildings and filled with artists, musicians, and local activity, the square has been a gathering place in the city for centuries.
St. Louis Cathedral: Admire the distinctive architecture of St. Louis Cathedral, one of the most recognizable landmarks in New Orleans. Your guide will share the history of the cathedral and its important place in the religious and cultural life of the city.
The Cabildo: See The Cabildo, the historic building beside St. Louis Cathedral where the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremony took place in 1803. Learn about the building's role in New Orleans and Louisiana history as you explore the surrounding area from the outside.
Pirate Alley: Walk through Pirate Alley, a narrow historic passageway filled with stories and legends. Hear about the colorful characters and literary connections associated with this atmospheric corner of the French Quarter.
Stories of Writers, Artists, and Characters of the French Quarter
William Faulkner House: See the former home of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner, where the literary history of the French Quarter comes to life. Today, the building is home to a bookstore specializing in rare and classic books.
Tennessee Williams House: Learn about playwright Tennessee Williams and his connection to New Orleans as you see the French Quarter home associated with the celebrated author. Discover how the city and its unique characters influenced his work and writing.
Bourbon Street: No visit to the French Quarter is complete without talking about Bourbon Street. While our walking tour does not travel along the street itself, your guide will share its history and explain how this famous thoroughfare became synonymous with New Orleans nightlife, music, and celebration.
Presbytere: See the Presbytère, one of the French Quarter's most important historic buildings. Originally built as a residence for clergy, the building now houses exhibits exploring New Orleans traditions and history, including Mardi Gras and the impact of Hurricane Katrina.
Or check out 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 in the French Quarter. Your guide will be waiting for you at this central and easily recognizable landmark. (map).
Duration/Distance: Approximately 2 hours/1 mile on foot. The route includes stops along the way, allowing you to take in the sights and hear stories from your guide without rushing from one attraction to the next.
Cancellation and Weather Policy
Tours are rain or shine. In the event of adverse weather that affects the tour, we will contact you by email and text with alternative options or, when appropriate, offer a refund.
If you need to cancel your reservation, please reply to your confirmation email. We can offer a refund for cancellations made at least 24 hours before the scheduled tour start time. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer refunds for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour.
Guests who booked through a third-party ticketing site must cancel directly through the platform where they made their reservation.
We also offer flexible rescheduling and are often able to accommodate guests who need to change their plans, even with short notice, if a comparable tour is available during their visit.
FRENCH QUARTER AUDIO TOUR
We also offer a self-guided audio tour for you to use anytime you wish.
The audio tour is GPS-enabled, so you can also follow on your phone. Downloads cost just $5.99.
Here is an audio sample.
We also offer audio tours of the Garden District, Lafayette Cemetery #1, and an audio tour of our Arts, Music, and More Tour.
Here is how it works:
- Purchase an audio tour.
- Get a confirmation email with .mp3, .pdf, and embeddable Google Map
- Enjoy the tour(s).
Even if you don't download any tours, you will still have access to valuable information on sightseeing, eating, and playing in New Orleans.