Explore the historic heart of New Orleans on our French Quarter walking tour. With a knowledgeable local guide, you'll walk through the Vieux Carré and discover the architecture, people, and stories that shaped one of America's most distinctive neighborhoods.
Along the way, you'll see historic landmarks including Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, Pirate Alley, and Bourbon Street, while hearing the stories behind the people and events that made the French Quarter what it is today.
The French Quarter's history reflects French, Spanish, Caribbean, and American influences. On this guided walking tour, you'll hear stories of writers and artists, priests and pirates, musicians and other colorful characters while exploring the historic streets, courtyards, and landmarks of the neighborhood. We'll talk about Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras, but we'll also go beyond the most famous attractions to discover the deeper history of the Vieux Carré.
What You'll See on Our French Quarter Walking Tour
The French Quarter is much more than Bourbon Street and Mardi Gras. Our French Quarter walking tour takes you through the historic Vieux Carré, where your guide brings the neighborhood's history to life through its architecture, landmarks, and fascinating characters.
Jackson Square
We'll begin in the heart of the French Quarter at Jackson Square, one of New Orleans' most recognizable landmarks. The square has been a gathering place for centuries and remains a lively center of local activity, with artists, musicians, and visitors surrounding the historic park.
St. Louis Cathedral
From Jackson Square, we'll see St. Louis Cathedral, whose distinctive architecture has made it one of the most recognizable buildings in New Orleans. Your guide will explain its history and its importance to the religious and cultural development of the city.
The Cabildo
Next to the cathedral stands The Cabildo, one of the French Quarter's most important historic buildings. It was the site of the ceremony transferring Louisiana to the United States in 1803. We view the building from the outside while discussing its role in New Orleans history.
Pirate Alley
We'll also explore Pirate Alley, a narrow historic passageway beside St. Louis Cathedral. Your guide will share some of the stories and legends associated with the alley, as well as its connections to the colorful characters and literary history of the French Quarter.
Stories of Writers, Artists, and Other French Quarter Characters
The French Quarter has been home to generations of writers, artists, musicians, and other fascinating characters. Our walking tour looks at some of the people whose lives and work became part of the neighborhood's history.
William Faulkner House
We'll pass the former home of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner, which is now a bookstore. Your guide will explain Faulkner's connection to New Orleans and the French Quarter.
Tennessee Williams House
We'll also discuss the French Quarter's connection to playwright Tennessee Williams, whose work was closely associated with New Orleans.
Bourbon Street
Although our walking route does not travel along Bourbon Street itself, we'll discuss its history and explain how the street became associated with New Orleans nightlife, music, celebration, and Mardi Gras.
Presbytère
We'll also see the Presbytère, a historic building that was originally associated with the clergy and is now home to exhibits exploring Mardi Gras and Hurricane Katrina.
Our French Quarter walking tour gives you a chance to see these landmarks while learning the stories and history behind them from a local guide.
French Quarter Walking Tour Map
French Quarter Walking Tour Information
Meeting Point: Our French Quarter walking tour begins at the Andrew Jackson Statue in the center of Jackson Square. Your guide will be waiting near this central landmark. (map)
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Distance: Approximately 1 mile
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.
You may cancel by replying to your confirmation email. Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the 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 platform should cancel through that platform. Flexible rescheduling is often available.
French Quarter Audio Tour
Want to explore the French Quarter at your own pace? We also offer a self-guided GPS-enabled French Quarter audio tour that you can take anytime using your phone.
The audio tour is $5.99 and includes information about sightseeing, places to eat and things to do throughout the neighborhood.
Here is an audio sample.
We also offer audio tours of the Garden District, Lafayette After purchasing, you'll receive access to the audio tour along with an MP3, PDF, and Google Map to help you explore.
We also offer self-guided audio tours covering the Garden District, Lafayette Cemetery #1, and other New Orleans neighborhoods and subjects.