new orleans walking tour french quarter

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French Quarter Walking Tour

Famous for its beads and beers on Bourbon Street, the Vieux Carre's reality far surpasses its Mardi Gras reputation.

In a city that dazzles visitors with its remarkable architecture, the French Quarter is certainly a standout, with Spanish, Caribbean, French, and American influences.

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This post details our daily guided walking tour of the French Quarter.

We also include information on our self-guided GPS-enabled audio tour and our other tours in the Quarter.

• Our Daily Tours
• GPS Audio Tour
• Cocktail Tour
• Other Tour Options
• Things to Do in the FQ

WALKING TOUR OF THE FRENCH QUARTER

It's also a district full of characters: musicians, magicians, and voodoo practitioners.

Our French Quarter Tour wanders the historic streets and alleys of the Old District, passing by the street theater, peeking into historic churches, and discovering hidden courtyards, all while entertaining you with stories of authors, and artists, priests, and pirates.

Sights we cover on this walking tour of the French Quarter:

• Jackson Square:  Begin your adventure at the iconic  Jackson Square , a vibrant hub of activity and artistry that has been the heart of New Orleans since the 18th century.
• St. Louis Cathedral:  Marvel at the stunning architecture of the  St. Louis Cathedral , one of the oldest cathedrals in the United States and a symbol of the city's deep-rooted Catholic heritage.
• The Cabildo:  Explore The Cabildo, where the Louisiana Purchase was signed, and discover fascinating exhibits about the city’s colonial history.
• Presbytere:  Delve into the Presbytere, originally built as a residence for clergy and now housing captivating exhibits on Mardi Gras and Hurricane Katrina.
• Pirate Alley:  Wander down  Pirate Alley,  a narrow passageway with tales of pirate lore and literary legends.
• William Faulkner House:  Visit the former residence of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner, now a charming bookstore filled with rare and classic books.
• Tennessee Williams House:  See the house where playwright Tennessee Williams penned some of his greatest works, including "A Streetcar Named Desire."
• Bourbon Street:  No tour of the French Quarter would be complete without a stroll down Bourbon Street, famous for its vibrant nightlife and historic charm.  Read more about this famous attraction in New Orleans.
• Lafitte Blacksmith Shop:  Conclude your tour at Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop, one of the oldest surviving structures in New Orleans and a former hideout for the infamous pirate Jean Lafitte.

Or chheck out our free self-guided tour of the French Quarter .

French Quarter Walking Tour Map

Tour information

• Meet your guide at the Andrew Jackson Statue in the center of Jackson Square ( map ).
• The tour ends at the French Market ( map ).
• The tour lasts 2 hours. Total walking is about 1 mile.

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 $1.99.

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.

Save more money in New Orleans with a  tourist concession pass  and consider a  swamp tour  and a plantation tour .

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New Orleans  >  Free French Quarter Walking Tour

‎ New Orleans Tourist Tips ‎ |  Suggested Itineraries For New Orleans

• New Orleans
• Top 10 Things To Do
• French Quarter Walking Tour
• Garden District Walking Tour
• Plantation Mansions
• Frenchmen Street
• Top 10 Must Eats
• Top Ten Must Drinks
• Other Sights
• Best Day Trips
• Helpful Tourist Advice
• Suggested Itineraries
• Madri Gras Tips

French Quarter Walking Tour:

Location :  French Quarter New Orleans Cost :  Free, Self-Guided ( Optional costs listed below ) Style :  Do-It-Yourself Walking Tour ( Self Guided ) Starting Point :  Washington Artillery Park & Terrace End Of Tour :  The Carousel Bar Walking Distance :  2.5 miles of walking ( -0.5 if you skip stops 9-13 ) Time Required : 2 Hours of walking ( +a few hours for food and drink ) Fun Scale :  9.5 out of 10

Overview of the French Quarter:

Our free, self-guided French Quarter walking tour will put you in the center of the cultural heartbeat of New Orleans for an unforgettable experience.  Originally called the  Vieux Carré  ( pronounced Vue Ca-Ray ), or Old Square in French, the French Quarter has vibrant roots dating long before New Orleans was officially founded in 1718.  From local Native Americans as early as 400AD to European settlers and slaves centuries later, the French Quarter grew as a blend of many cultures.  By its heyday in the mid-1800s, the French Quarter was a  thriving melting pot  of French, Spanish, African, Native-American, and Creole heritage.

Today the unique mix of culture shines through the French Quarter with bursts of colorful festivals, hints of voodoo, live jazz music, an unbeatable bar district and some of the best food in the country.  New Orleans is often considered the  most unique city in the world  and its all on display in the French Quarter.  We hope you enjoy our do-it-yourself French Quarter walking tour!

French Quarter Walking Tour Sights:

1. washington artillery park & terrace ( 768 decatur street ):.

About Washington Artillery Park :  While often overlooked by tourists, we love to start our French Quarter walking tour on the perch of Washington Artillery Park & Terrace.  The park is actually  on top of a levee  that was enhanced in the 1800s to protect New Orleans from the flood waters of the Mississippi River.  With its elevated position over Jackson Square to one side and the mighty Mississippi River on the other, the  stunning views  from the terrace really help you get a lay of the land.  It is no wonder that this position was used by the French, Spanish, Confederates, and Americans to defend New Orleans over the centuries.  A memorial in the middle of the terrace pays homage to its history as a military battery with a  Civil War-era cannon  always on guard.  The cannon is a model 1861 Parrot Rifle used in the Civil War and is dedicated to the local 141st Field Artillery of the Louisiana National Guard.

Looking toward the Mississippi River from the terrace, you’ll see a delightful waterfront walking path known locally as the Moonwalk.  If you hunt you for it, will also find a marker for the New Orleans Steamer which landed here in 1812 as the 1st steamboat to navigate both the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to the Gulf of Mexico.

Before leaving the terrace, make sure to take in the perspective of the Saint Louis Cathedral and the  horse-drawn carriages  that line the front of the Jackson Square below you.  A ton of carriage companies are available on standby to take you anywhere you want in the French Quarter and Garden District, but our favorite is  Royal Carriages  ( website ).  As you descend toward the carriages, make note of the stepped amphitheater where you can often watch some great street performers in action.

2. Jackson Square ( 700 Decatur Street ):

About Jackson Square :  For as much fanfare Bourbon Street gets, the real heart of New Orleans has always been Jackson Square.  Soon after the French founded the city in 1718, they began carefully planning New Orleans around this large central square which was originally called  Place d’ Armes  ( meaning Weapons’ Square ).  The square, which opened in 1921, was modeled after the famous Place de Voeges in Paris and the location was selected because of its close proximity to a longstanding Native American trading post.

Today’s French Quarter neighborhood, first known as  Vieux Carré  ( meaning the Old Square ), was quickly built out around the Place d’ Armes in a clean grid system.  From the start, the main square quickly turned into an important gathering point in early New Orleans life.  France’s influence on the city was further highlighted by the construction of the Catholic Saint Louis Church on the North side of the square along with the adoption of the French language.

After a series of crippling wars in Canada and Europe, the French had to transfer all of the Louisiana Territory  under Spanish control  in 1762, which was cemented by the Treaty of Paris.  The name of the central square stayed intact ( Plaza de Armas ) and local French influence on culture remained strong as Spain chose to rule Louisiana at an arm’s length away from Cuba.  France eventually got Louisiana back from Spain, but in less than a year, Napoleon sold the entire territory to the United States in 1803 through the  Louisiana Purchase .

Even though America “owned” the entire Louisiana Territory and started forming new states out of it, they didn’t fully control it until they withstood British attacks in New Orleans as part of the  War of 1812 .  This war came to a climatic end when the United States won the  Battle of New Orleans  in 1815 under the leadership victorious  General Andrew Jackson .

During the War of 1812, Andrew Jackson had consulted with local pirates in New Orleans for the planning of the battle and then paraded over 6,000 troops in celebration around Place d’ Armes after they won.  It was this victory that made Jackson a national war hero and propelled his political career all the way to the United States Presidency ( U.S. President from 1829-37 ).  In 1856 a large statue of Andrew Jackson triumphantly riding on a horse was unveiled in the center of the square which  was renamed Jackson Square  in his honor.  In early day New Orleans, public executions commonly took place in the area of the square where the beautiful statue now sits.

Hours : Gates are open Daily 8am-7pm ( until 6pm in the Winter ).   Cost : Free.

3. Saint Louis Cathedral ( 615 Pere Antoine Alley ):

About Saint Louis Cathedral :  Built in 1727 on the site of a hurricane-damaged parish, the Saint Louis Church was dedicated to the sainted King of France, Louis IX from the 1200s.  The church helped to better establish Catholicism in the  Louisiana Territory to contrast the largely Protestant United States.  Tragedy struck when a massive blaze known as the  Great Fire of 1788  badly burned the church and 855 other buildings in the French Quarter.  Luckily the church was quickly rebuilt thanks to funding nobleman Andrés Almonaster who also funded stops 4 & 5 of this walking tour.  The new Spanish-style church was  declared a Cathedral  soon after it opened on Christmas Eve, 1794.  The timing was perfect as the public badly needed the Church for moral support as earlier in the month the Great Fire of 1794 struck the heart of New Orleans and burned 212 buildings.  This led the Spanish to get away from wood and start building with brick and rod iron which can still be seen all over this free French Quarter walking tour.

As support beams were removed during a facade update in 1849 the roof collapsed, the walls developed cracks, and much of the Cathedral had to be demolished.  The following year a redesign began with heavy French architectural influences and the only main element they were able to salvage from the Spanish church was the central tower’s bell.  The final result of the relentless rebuilding is today’s breath-taking Saint Louis Cathedral, now designated as a basilica, which has become the  most iconic landmark  in all of New Orleans.  Make sure to check out the interior with its checkerboard tile floor and stained glass window depicting the life of King Louis IX including the 7th Crusade.  The flags hanging from the interior balconies on the right show the countries New Orleans has been under since 1718, while the left side has various Papel crests.

During  Hurricane Katrina  in 2004, two large oak trees in  St. Anthony’s Garden  on the backside of the Cathedral was ripped up along with portions of the Cathedral’s roof.  The hole in the roof allowed water to damage the pipe organ which required a lot of restoration.  You can still see some of the damage while in the garden behind the church where a marble statue of Jesus lost a finger and a thumb.  Even with the missing fingers, the statue has awesome lighting that at night casts a larger than life shadow onto the backside of the Cathedral.  The easiest way to reach the Garden is by walking down  Pirates’ Alley  which we will visit later on this tour.  The most celebrated moment in the history of the St. Louis Cathedral was the visit of  Pope John Paul II  in September 1987, although Pope Paul VI also stopped by in 1964.

Cathedral Website :  ( HERE ).

4. The Cabildo ( 701 Chartres Street ):

About The Cabildo :  The grand Cabildo was built in 1795 as the new New Orleans City Hall after the old building burned in the Great Fire of 1788.  The name come from the  Illustrious Cabildo ( City Council )  who would meet here during the years Span controlled Lousiana.  It was kind of a weird time for the local government as they spoke Spanish while the residents continued to speak French.  Famously, The Cabildo as the location of the  signing of the Louisiana Purchase  when the French sold the Louisiana Territory to the United States in 1803 less than one month after getting it back from Spain.

The building also served as the home of the Louisiana Supreme Court where the nationally significant decisions in both the  Slaughterhouse  and  Plessy vs. Ferguson  cases were handed down in the late 1800s.  We love the details from this period of history on the facade including the huge relief of an American eagle with cannonballs which replaced an image of the Spanish coat of arms in 1821.

Since 1911, The Cabildo has been the flagship building for the Louisiana State Museum.  Exactly two hundred years after it first burned down, The Cabildo was once again severely damaged by fire in 1988. Thankfully the building was beautifully restored using 600-year-old French timber framing methods and in 1994 reopened to the public with exhibits focusing on Louisiana’s early history.  There are excellent topics to explore ranging from local Native American history, to colonial events, the and the Civil War.  Our favorite item on display is  Napoleon’ Death Mask  from 1927 which was given to the city by France because Napoleon died on his way to New Orleans while seeking shelter during his exile.

Cabildo Museum Hours :  Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4:30pm.   Admission Cost :  Adults $6, Children Free ( Purchase tickets for 2 or more city museums and get 20% off ).   Museum Website :  ( HERE ).

5. The Presbytère ( 751 Chartres Street ):

About The Presbytère :  Flanking the Eastside of the Saint Louis Cathedral as a mirror bookend to The Cabildo is the timeless Presbytére.  This stunning building was completed in 1791 on the former site of the residence ( presbytére ) of the local Capuchin monks which had been damaged in the Fire of 1788 like much of the French Quarter.  The new Presbytére building served as a home for local clergy and was known as the  Casa Curial ( Ecclesiastical House ) .  Construction delays really hampered the completion of the Presbytére as the 2nd floor wasn’t finished until 1813 and the 3rd floor in 1847, more than 50 years after the project started.  The church finally sold the Casa Curial in 1853 and it became part of the Louisiana State Museum in 1911.

Our favorite exhibit at the Presbytére Museum is one highlighting the history of  Mardi Gras  with many stories, masks, party favors, souvenirs, invitations, and more all displayed in huge open storage cabinets.  The most dazzling exhibit is probably the  Crown Jewels Vault  with an astonishing array of tiaras, scepters, necklaces and other baubles worn by generations of royalty.  Artifacts in the main exhibit focus on the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, provide an unforgettable experience of loss and devastation.

Presbytere Museum Hours :  Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4:30pm; Closed Mondays.   Admission  Cost :  Adults $6, Children Free ( Purchase tickets for 2 or more city museums and get 20% off ).   Museum Website :  ( HERE ).

6. The Pontalbas & 1850 House ( 523 Saint Ann Street ):

About The Pontalbas :  Running along each side of Jackson Square are massive one block long, 4 story tall red brick complexes built in the 1840s by  Baroness Micaela Pontalba .  The Baroness spent in upwards of $300,000 on the buildings which were constructed in honor of her father Andrés Almonaster.  Her father was a Spanish colonial landowner who helped finance the current versions of The Cabildo, Saint Louis Cathedral, and The Presbytère we just visited on this free French Quarter walking tour.

Known today as The Pontalbas, the buildings were originally used as townhomes, but were later divided into upper-level apartments with lower level shops after the Great Depression.  To help give you a glimpse into what upper-class life was like in  antebellum era New Orleans ( 1840-50s ), the city set up a living museum called 1850 House.  Furnished with everyday items, decorative art, and clothing from the period, the 1850 House does a great job of depicting upper-middle-class family life during the most prosperous period in New Orleans’ history.  If you are trying to prioritize your time, keep in mind that later on this walking tour there are three other excellent period homes you can also tour including the Hermann-Grima House, Merieult House, and Gallier House.

1850 House Hours :  Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4:30pm.   Admission Cost :  Adults $3, Children Free ( Purchase tickets for 2 or more city museums and get 20% off ).   1850 House Website : ( HERE ).

7. Cafe Du Monde ( 800 Decatur Street ):

About Cafe Du Monde :  Any time you go to New Orleans one of the first questions your friends will ask is, “Did you get a beignet at Cafe De Monde?”   Beignets  are square French-style doughnuts, lavishly covered with powdered sugar and they are delicious.

Cafe Du Monde, established in 1862, is also known for its strong coffee served both Black and  Au Lait .  Au Lait coffee means that it is mixed half and half with hot milk.  We highly suggest trying their  Chicory Root Coffee  which is a unique blend of coffee grounds mixed with the bitter chicory root of the endive plant.  The coffee was made very popular after the Civil War because coffee was scarce and the root added flavor to the brewing process.  Normally served Au Lait, the root added an almost chocolate flavor to your coffee.

Keep in mind that Cafe du Monde is so popular that the walk up line to buy beignets can often be a full city block long in the mid to late afternoon, especially on the weekends.  If you want a manageable line or a sit down spot inside the cafe you will want to visit early.

Cafe Hours :  Daily, 24 Hours.   Cafe Website :  ( HERE ).

8. Decatur Street ( 900-1100 Decatur Street ):

About Decatur Street :  As you leave Cafe Du Monde and stroll down Decatur Street you’ll find the best deals in town on your tourist souvenirs.  Although there are fancier shops and art galleries on Royal Street later on this free French Quarter walking tour, Decatur Street has a dense collection of great tourist shopping even though some of it is tacky.  The road was originally called Levee Street, but after the Mississippi River altered course in 1870 the levee located here was no longer needed and the street was renamed in honor of the naval hero Stephen Decatur.

At the start of the tourist shops, you’ll run into the  Central Market Deli  ( 923 Decatur, website ) which is famous for inventing the  Muffaletta , a delicious Italian deli sandwich that makes a get a snack or lunch to go.  We have the Muffaletta sandwich as one of our Top Ten Must Eats In New Orleans .  Another favorite place of ours to grab food in the area is  BB King’s Blues Club  ( 1104 Decatur, website ) which also has excellent live music.  The nearby  Crane & Table Restaurant ( 1113 Decatur, website ) is very well known for their great brunch and bottomless drinks.

Make sure to check out the golden Joan of Arc statue  in the middle of the small Latrobe Park while walking along Decatur Street.  Gold is the official color when she is honored with a parade here every January 6th as an unofficial patron saint of the city.  Joan’s time in France in the 1400s mirrors New Orleans own battles against the British as she had famously liberated the citizens of Orleans, France from British siege.

After Dark:  The stretch of Decatur Street between Dumaine Street to Esplanade Avenue can feel a bit seedy after dark, but is perfectly fine during the day and early evening.

9. French Market ( 1008 N. Peters Street ):

About The French Market :  What began as a Native American trading post and portage point on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, was turned into a full market by French settlers in 1791 making the French Market  America’s oldest public market .  Over its long history, the French, Italians, Spanish, Portuguese, Moors, Irish, English, and Dutch have jockeyed for market share in the French Market making it a cultural melting pot.  The melting pot nature of the covered French Market lets you can find pretty much anything here as the Market serves as a Bazaar, Butcher’s Market, Seafood Market, Flea Market, Vegetable Market, and Farmers’ Market with a peppering of restaurants and shops.

Market Hours :  Flea Market Daily 7am-7pm, Farmer’s Market Daily 9am-7pm.   After Dark :  The stretch between stops 9-13 can get a little shady after dark with you aren’t with an official tour group and you may feel safer sticking to just the stops around Jackson Square, Royal Street, and Bourbon Street if it’s getting late.  Since the French Market is closed at 7pm it shouldn’t really be an issue anyway.   Market Website :  ( HERE ).

10. Old United States Mint & Jazz Museum ( 400 Esplanade Avenue ):

About The Mint Museum :  The Old United States Mint is the only building in America to have served as a mint for both the  United States and the Confederate States .  The Mint was built in 1835 under President Andrew Jackson, who had advocated for its establishment in order to help finance development of the nation’s Western frontier.  Jackson was always a huge supporter of coins and gold over paper money.

Now serving as a Museum, the 1st floor of the Mint houses an amazing collection of both Confederate and Union money while the 2nd floor is home to the New Orleans Jaxx Museum complete with a ton of instruments.  We have always felt that the Mint was built backward as the cool columned facade side of the building faces away from the French Quarter.  One block away is the lively Frenchmen Street which has amazing jazz clubs with live music in the evenings.

Hours :  Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4:30pm.   Cost :  Adults $6, Children Free ( Purchase tickets for 2 or more city museums and get 20% off ).   Jazz Museum Website :  ( HERE ).

11. Old Ursuline Convent ( 1100 Chartres Street ):

About The Old Ursuline Convent :  With a storied past, the Ursuline Nuns were the  first religious order  to arrive in Louisiana when they landed in 1727.   The nuns’ first convent building was half-timbered which didn’t fare well in the humid climate of New Orleans and was a bit of a fire hazard.  The deteriorating structure was replaced by today’s impressive brick and stucco Colonial-style convent in 1751.  With tales of  vampires and casket girls , this eerie three-story convent is known for its intense stories of hauntings.

With a largely male population in the mid-1700s the King of France started to send poor and orphaned ladies from French convents to New Orleans.  Each girl was sent over with a casket shaped chest said to hold their belongings which were to be held in storage on the 3rd floor of the Ursuline Convent until the girls found an acceptable suitor.  Often looking sickly after 5 months at sea, and donning caskets, rumors that the girls were vampires or brought vampires with them started quickly.  Some of the girls did find husbands, but many fell in prostitution or were never heard from again.  With the local death rate starting to rise, the girls’ casket chests were found to be empty and the shutters of the 3rd story  windows were sealed up  out of fear.  It’s said that the Pope himself blessed the nails to keep in the evil and they remain closed to this day.

The sitting just across the street from the convent, the  Beauregard-Keyes Mansion  was built in 1826 a year after the Ursuline Nuns moved to a new convent starting to sell off their extra property.  During the Civil War the Greek revival mansion was home to Pierre Gustave Toutant-Beauregard, who was the first prominent general of the Confederate States Army.  Was later home to author Frances Parkinson Keyes.

Convent Hours & Tours :  Free self-guided tours available Monday through Friday, 10am-4pm; Saturday 9am-3pm; last admission 45 minutes before close; Closed Sundays.   Convent Website :  ( HERE ).  Keyes Mansion Hours & Tours :  For $10 the home and garden (added in 1833) there are tours each hour from 10am-3pm on Monday-Saturday.  Keyes Mansion Website :  ( HERE ).

12. Madame LaLaurie’s Mansion ( 1140 Royal Street ):

About Madame LaLaurie’s Mansion :  This creepy 3 story mansion was built in 1831 by the infamous Delphine LaLaurie and is considered to be the  most haunted house in New Orleans .  The twice-widowed Delphine, known as Madame LaLaurie, was fresh on a new marriage to a local doctor when something evil started brewing.  The LaLaurie’s neighbors were the first ones to suspect that something was wrong and that Delphine was potentially a  sinister woman .  They noticed that the LaLaurie family’s house slaves seemed to disappear often and that parlor maids would be replaced at will.  Some servants who disappeared were said to have committed “suicide” and one of their prominent stable boys suddenly vanished, never to be seen again.

he suspicions started coming to light one Summer’s day when a neighbor heard a scream and saw Delphine chasing a young servant girl with a whip.  The girl fled to the roof for safety, but when Delphine continued to come after her, the  girl jumped to her death .  The same neighbor later claimed to see the small slave girl being buried in a shallow grave beneath a tree in the yard.  It is said that even today the girl’s screams can still be heard from time to time.

The  most gruesome discovery  happened on April 10th, 1834 when a fire broke out in the home and neighbors burst in to help.  What they found on the top floor were a dozen starving slaves chained to tables, the walls, and even in cages.  Some of the slaves had their guts hanging out, others their lips stitched shut, and many others missing limbs.  As the neighbors ran after Delphine, calling for her head, she quickly jumped in her carriage to never be seen again.  The creepy history is part of the draw that got actor  Nicolas Cage  to own the home from 2007-09.  The story of Madame LaLaurie goes further attention when she becomes the main character of an entire season of the hit TV show  American Horror Story .

13. Gallier House ( 1132 Royal Street ):

About The Gallier House :  In the mid-1800s, James Gallier was one of New Orleans’ most prominent architects.  His design work found an enthusiastic audience of civic leaders, businessmen, and affluent families.  You will enjoy a stroll through Gallier’s elegant Victorian home, restored to reflect the lifestyle of a successful urban designer in pre-Civil War New Orleans.  Local author Anne Rice was inspired by the Gallier House and used it as the home of Lestat and Louis in her famous novel  Interview with the Vampire .  It’s said that Rice was inspired by the stories of  Count Saint Germain , son of the Prince of Transylvania, and one of New Orleans’ most famous vampires.  The Count was said to be an immortal man possible 500 years old who lived nearby at the intersection of Ursulines and Royal.  In 1902, a girl tried to escape him by jumping off the balcony but he got away.  When authorities arrived they found no dishes in the home but did find 17 bottles of human blood said to have over 100 strands of DNA.

In addition to its vampire fame, the exterior of the Gallier was also used as the facade of the Madame LaLaurie Mansion in the hit TV show  American Horror Story .  The same owners of the Gallier House also own the Hermann-Girma House which we will visit later in this free French Quarter walking tour.  Their other home was also featured in American Horror Story as the interior of the Madame LaLaurie Mansion.  We love touring both of these fabulous homes in the same day.

Hours & Tours :  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday hourly tours run from 10am-3pm; Wednesday tours by appointment only; Saturday hourly tours 12pm-4pm; Closed Sundays.    Admission Cost :  Adults $12, Children $10 ( you can add admission to the other home they manage at Stop 27 for $8 ).   Museum Website :  ( HERE ).

14. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar ( 941 Bourbon Street ):

About Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar :  With fireplace heating and no electric lights, a visit to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar will make you feel like you are stepping back in time.  Built between 1722 and 1732 as a cottage-like home for Nicolas Touze, the historic tavern is considered the  Oldest Bar  in the American South.  From 1772-1791 the Blacksmith Shop served as a hideaway for  Jean Lafitte  ( pronounced Zhah La-feet ) and his band of pirates who posed as blacksmiths while they smuggled goods in from the Caribbean.  The smuggling operation was widely held under wraps by locals as New Orleans was under Spanish rule at the time and a trade embargo made it hard to get some goods in.

Jean Lafitte later became a national hero when he used his pirate expertise to help General Andrew Jackson defeat the British in the  Battle of New Orleans in 1815 .  With American troops outmatched and undersupplied, Lafitte secretly smuggled supplies to the Americans giving them the edge to win the Battle.  After his good deed was done Lafitte then sailed off to new adventures and the Blacksmith shop became a full-time tavern.  The tavern is our favorite stop on this free New Orleans walking tour.

You may notice that the  architectural style  of the Blacksmith Shop looks quite a bit different than most of the other houses in the neighborhood.  This is because a slate roof and brick helped to protect the Blacksmith Shop from the great fires in 1788 and 1794 which destroyed hundreds of the neighboring wooden homes.  With Spanish rule at the time of the fires, many of the rebuilt homes nearby had more of a Spanish influence compared to the old French cottage.  To this day the Blacksmith Shop still rolls old school with no electric lighting, allowing its fireplace, romantic candlelight, and live music make it a truly magical place to have a drink after dark.  While they have a wide selection of drinks, our favorite it the purple frozen  Voodoo Blend  that comes right out of an old school slushy machine.

Keep an eye out for other buildings in this style as you make your way further down Bourbon Street our free French Quarter Walking Tour.  While many of the other bars on Bourbon Street were also historic homes, most weren’t converted into bars until the late-1800s and have been heavily modernized inside.  The name Bourbon Street predates these bars as it was named after the  royal Bourbon Family  of France and not the alcohol.  It is also said that the bathroom of the Blacksmith Shop is haunted.

Blacksmith Bar Hours :  Open daily until late.   Blacksmith Bar Website :  ( HERE ).

15. New Orleans Voodoo Museum ( 724 Dumaine Street ):

About The New Orleans Voodoo Museum :  Really, no one grows up in New Orleans without being exposed to the culture of Voodoo.  In the case of Charles Massicot Gandolfo, the Voodoo Museum’s founder, it was a little stronger with tales that his great-grandfather had been raised in New Orleans by a real  Voodoo Queen .  An artist, with a passion for all the history and romance of New Orleans, Charles opened this museum in 1972 to share his fascination with the world.  Taking all the mysteries, the secrets, the history and folklore of rituals, zombies, and gris-gris of the Voodoo Queens, Charles put it all in one place in the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter.  This is a worthwhile stop if you want a better introduction to Voodoo than the souvenir shops give.  Cameras, photographs, and questions are always welcome and encouraged.

Hours :  Daily 10am-6pm.   Cost :  $7 for Adults; Children $3.50; Admission is FREE if you do their $19 Voodoo walking tour.   Museum Website :  ( HERE ).

16. Cornstalk Hotel ( 915 Royal Street ):

About The Cornstalk Hotel :  This elegant yellow hotel is one of our favorite homes in the French Quarter.  Judge Francois Xavier Martin, author and  first Attorney General of State of Louisiana , built the Cornstalk in 1816 and lived here until 1826.  Doctor Joseph Secondo Biamenti purchased the mansion in 1834, turned it into a hotel, and added its famous cast iron  Cornstalk Fence  in 1856.  The fence is truly a landmark that in itself has helped make the old French Quarter famous.  Your gaze will be drawn to the fence’s beautifully ornate and delicate iron handicraft.  Ripe ears of corn on their stalks are seemingly ready for the harvest, each kernel a work of art.  Pumpkins form the base of the iron columns around which are entwined by pumpkin vines and the leaves and morning glories.  Look for the yellow butterfly on the front gate.

Famous guests at the hotel include Bill & Hillary Clinton, and even the “King” himself…Elvis Presley.  Among many famous hotel guests,  Harriet Beecher Stowe  allegedly stopped here and was inspired to write  Uncle Tom’s Cabin  from the sights at nearby slave markets.  The novel was later a major influence on the starting the Civil War.  Speaking of famous guest, the neighboring Nine-O-Five Royal Inn ( 905 Royal St ) claims to have been a place where  Rip Van Winkle  slept.  It’s hard to believe this claim though since the fictional story of Rip was actually written in and based in England.  Also, make note of the  Romeo spikes  on the gallery posts across the street ( 910 Royal ) which are decorative, but also to stop intruders.  Famously in 1904, a man who was sleeping with the red-headed lady that lived her tried to slide down the pole to escape her fencing champion father and was split wide open.

Hotel Website :  ( HERE ).

17. Madame John’s Legacy ( 632 Dumaine Street ):

About Madame John’s Legacy :  After the Great Fire of 1788, this timeless home was built on the ashes of the previous home that dated back to 1725.  Shortly after the new construction was finished, it ended up being one of the only houses in the area that  escaped the Great Fire of 1794 .  The name Madame John’s Legacy came much later from a story called Tite Poulete, written in 1879 by author Geo Cable Madame about the previous home that once stood here.  John’s Legacy is an excellent example of Louisiana  Creole design  from the end of the 18th century which mainly only survives today deep in the bayou.  Before the second great fire in New Orleans, it was commonplace to see many homes in this style all over the French Quarter.

Museum Website :  ( HERE ).   Hours :  Currently closed for 2019 for renovations but you can see it from the outside.

18. Royal Street Art Galleries ( 731-841 Royal Street ):

About The Royal Street Art Galleries :  In contrast to the sometimes grimy Bourbon Street bar scene, Royal Street offers a much higher quality shopping and tons of funky artist galleries.  While the art is fairly expensive, the classy galleries are a pure joy to wander through.  With a wide selection of sculptures and paintings, our favorite pieces are mixed media works depicting street scenes and jazz life in New Orleans.  Every day parts of Royal street are closed off to cars, creating a lively pedestrian-only zone.

19. Marie Laveau’s House Of Voodoo ( 739 Bourbon Street ):

About Marie Laveau’s House Of Voodoo :  Marie Laveau’s House Of Voodoo is a really cool Voodoo themed tourist shop.  The House of Voodoo offers a wide variety of items to help in both learning about and practicing both the spiritual and religious ceremonies of Voodoo.  Tribal masks and statues from around the world symbolize man’s connection with the spirit and earth.  Talismans and charms directed towards all different things you many want from the spirits from health, to wealth, and much more.  They also have Mojo Bags, Voodoo Dolls, Spell Kits, and a fortune teller and palm reader on-site.  They typically do not allow photos inside.

Hours :  Sunday-Thursday 10am-11:30pm; Friday-Saturday 10am-1:30pm.   Cost :  Free to enter.   Museum Website : ( HERE ).

20. Tropical Isle Bar ( 721 Bourbon Street ):

About Tropical Isle :  Although the Original Tropical Isle is down the street ( 600 Bourbon Street ), this Tropical Isle location is one of the most fun bars on this free French Quarter walking tour.  They have live music, a really funky interior, great balcony, and are known for their over-the-top signature drinks the  Shark Attack and Hand Grenade .  The fun Shark Attack is truly that as each one comes with a rubber shark the attacks your drink as warning lights flash the bar leaving a pool of blood ( grenadine ).

Make sure to see how high you can blow on the  bar’s breathalyzer machine contest .  If competition is truly your thing, the urinals in the bath also have the  wizinator game  where you can race your neighbor.  Right next to the Tropic Isle is the  Funky Pirate Bar , which has the same owners and has a great assortment of late night live Blues music.

Bar Hours :  Daily Noon-2am ( 3:30am on Friday & Saturdays ).  Live Music Schedule :   Tropical Isle typically has live music Monday-Thursday 5pm-1:30am and Friday-Sunday 1pm-close; next door at the Funky Pirate their Jazz & Blues music runs Monday-Wednesday 8pm-close and Thursday-Sunday 4pm-Close with Saturdays sometimes starting at 1pm; the original Tropic Isle at 600 Bourbon has music daily 1pm-Close.   Bar Website :  ( HERE ).

21. Le Pretre Mansion ( 716 Dauphine Street ):

About Le Pretre Mansion :  The creepy Le Pretre Mansion is rumored to be haunted after the  gruesome events  that took place in the 1800s.  Built in 1836, the mansion was later bought by plantation owner Jean Baptist Le Pretre as an urban getaway during the Winter months.  In 1879 Le Pretre decided to rent his mansion out to the brother of the  Sultan of Turkey .  Along with the Sultan’s brother came eunuch guards and 17 harem girls.  The home quickly became the frequent scene of large parties and orgies.

After 3 years of frequent parties the house went silent one night in 1882 and an old lady passing by saw a  river of blood  pouring down into the street.  When the authorities burst in they found 37 mutilated bodies, but it took 3 days to find the body of the Sultan’s brother who was buried alive in the courtyard.  There had been no screams and the murders are still somewhat of an unsolved mystery.  To this day, however, many locals claim to have heard screams by the home and have seen haunting shadows in the windows.

22. Cat’s Meow Karaoke Bar ( 701 Bourbon Street ):

About The Cat’s Meow :  The highly rated Cat’s Meow has way more of a lively party atmosphere then your normal Karaoke Bar and is very fun even if you don’t like to sing.  Many famous musicians have enjoyed some of the nightlife at the Cat’s Meow ranging from soul singer Seal to country musicians Brooks and Dunn, comedian/songwriter “Weird Al” Yankovic, the Smashing Pumpkins, Depeche Mode, and N’Sync have all sang here.  Other  celebrities  from software mogul Bill Gates of Microsoft, actors Tori Spelling, Mario Lopez, Julie and Doria of Playboy’s Night Calls, and adult film star Stormy Daniels have stopped into the Cat’s Meow to sing.

Aside from the more famous people that have visited Cats Meow, several national television shows shot on-site broadcasts from the club. The festive atmosphere of the Cats Meow has provided wonderful backdrop and ambiance for such popular TV programs like The Regis and Kelly Show, MTV’s Road Rules and The Grind.   We love the Bar’s 3-for-1 happy hour and of course the fact that all your friends back home can watch you sing your lungs out on the live webcam posted on their website.  If your more in the mood for some great live music, consider  Krazy Korner  ( website ) which lies kiddy corner from Cat’s Meow. This compact corner bar can be a really fun place to get your Jazz and Blues fix.

Cat’s Meow Hours :  Daily until late.   Bar Website :  ( HERE ).

23. Preservation Hall ( 726 Saint Peter Street ):

About Preservation Hall :  Today’s Preservation Hall was opened in 1961 to help protect the traditions of live Jazz music as Rock-n-Roll took over America.  The Hall is a popular place to hear traditional New Orleans Jazz at night.  It’s a widely popular place with older crowds to hear  traditional New Orleans Jazz  at night so check their nightly schedule as you pass by.  Please note that during the day they are closed, shows starting usually around 8pm, and even when they are open they do not sell alcohol.

Across the Street from the Hall are  Yo Mama’s , known for its great burgers, and an old French cottage building housing Reverend Zombies House of Voodoo.  The Voodoo shop is not as good as the others from earlier on this French Quarter walking tour, but just outside is where you can join a walking tour by  Haunted History Tours  ( website ).  We highly recommend fitting one of their tours into your stay if you are in New Orleans for a few days which range from ghosts, to cemeteries, and even vampires.  Others haunted tours that we like are Lord Chaz ( website ) and the very highly rated Jonathan Weiss Tours ( website ).

Preservation Hall Website :  ( HERE ).

24. Pat O’Brien’s Piano Bar ( 718 Saint Peter Street ):

About Pat O’Brien’s Piano Bar :  Pat O’Brien’s may be known for its red Hurricane Drinks,  Dueling Pianos , and large outdoor patio with flame fountains we also love the bar’s history.  In 1791, Maison de Flechier built a private home ( 600 Saint Peter Street ) which later became home to the French Theater Company, then was home to the 1st Grand Opera in America, and later then morphed into a speakeasy .  With the lifting of prohibition, Pat O’Brien bought the speakeasy in 1933 and turned it into a full-service bar.

Pat O’Brien’s Bar was so popular for its piano music and drinks that it needed to expand and quickly moved into the current location ( 718 Saint Peter Street ) which was built in 1834.  The bar’s popularity hit epic status when Pat O’Brien created the  Hurricane Drink  in the 1940s which cemented the establishments home forever in the New Orleans drinking scene.

As you enjoy some live dueling pianos, makes sure to notice the crossed muskets from 7 counties and over 500 beer steins that decorate the ceiling of the bar.  They also have a large outdoor courtyard with stunning fire fountains to keep you warm after dark.  If you happen to be in town with a group and are looking to book an amazing space for your private party, the Briar’s Lounge ( website ) at Pat O’Brien’s is amazing.  Modeled after Napolean’s private suite, the entire second floor really lets the 1834 roots of the building shine through.

Pat O’Brien’s Hours :  Monday-Thursday Noon-Close; Friday-Sunday 10am-Close.   Dueling Piano Music :  Often daily during the day but the main times are Monday-Thursday 6pm-Close; Friday-Sunday 2pm-Close.   Cup Deposits :  Included in the price of your Hurricane drinks is a deposit on your stylish glass which you can keep to bring home ( they can package it ) or turn it in for a refund.   Bar Website :  ( HERE ).

25. LaBranche House ( 700 Royal Street ):

About The LaBranche House :  Built in 1835, the large LaBranche House is one of 11 homes the rich sugar planter Jean Baptiste LaBranche built in the French Quarter.  With its many levels of detailed cast-iron gilding, the LaBranche House is one of the  most photographed buildings  in the New Orleans.  We especially like taking photos of this large corner lot mansion in December when it’s decorated in holiday lights.

It is important to note, especially among locals, that decorative balconies on the LaBranche House are  actually called galleries .  Galleries go all the way to the ground with supportive posts while balconies only jut out of the side of a home.  Sitting directly across Saint Peter Street from the LaBranche House, you’ll find the  Le Monnier Mansion  ( 640 Royal Street ).  When Le Monnier was built in 1811 it was considered to be a “sky scrapper” of its day even though it was just 3 stories tall at the time.

26. Pirates’ Alley ( 622-698 Pirates’ Alley ):

About Pirates’ Alley :  Originally called Orleans Alley, the 16 foot wide Pirates’ Alley is  steeped in folklore .  The tales range from mad scientists to swashbuckling pirates, and although they are mainly fiction, the stories are fun to dream about.  In early day New Orleans, the alleyway was more of a shortcut path to get behind the cathedral and wasn’t even paved with cobblestones until 1831, long after pirates left New Orleans.  Because the alley was right next to the main public square, Cabildo town hall, and was home to the jail, the local pirates would have likely avoided the path.

In real life, the often foggy alley did house a few  famous residents  at times including briefly Andrew Jackson ( 616 Pirates Alley ) and author William Faulkner ( 624 Pirates Alley ).  Faulkner, the Nobel Prize prize winner author, wrote his first published novel Soldiers’ Pay in 1924 while living in this house.  Faulkner House Books ( website ) opened in the home on September  25th, 1990 in honor of the writer’s birthday.  Our favorite house is the Creole House which now holds the Pirate Alley Cafe ( 622 Pirates Alley,  website ).  This corner home started as a French guardhouse and jail in 1728 which was nicknamed the Calabozo during Spanish rule and rebuilt after a series of fires.  The Calabozo Jail once held Pierre Laffite, brother of pirate Jean Laffite, who famously escaped from prison here in 1814.  The current Creole House replaced the jail in 1837 and with the legends taking hold, the lane’s name was officially changed to Pirate’s Alley in 1964.

Before leaving the Pirate’s Alley, make sure to check out the fenced-in Saint Anthony Garden behind the Saint Louis Cathedral.  The beautiful statue of Jesus with his arms raised in the air is illuminated at night to cast a breath-taking shadow silhouette on the back wall of the church.  The statue, which was damaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2004, is often called  Touchdown Jesus  by local football fans.

27. Streetcar Named Desire House ( 632 Saint Peter Street ):

About The Streetcar Named Desire House :  If you pop down St. Peter a couple houses to 632 you’ll find the red brick home where  Tennessee Williams  wrote the book Streetcar Named Desire.  The book became not only and instant hit and symbol of New Orleans, but was also turned into a very successful play.  The film adaptation of the book from 1951 is a  must watch movie  before your visit to New Orleans.  From time to time you can still she tourists yell “Stella” at the house in the spirit of the play.

Next door to the Streetcar Named Desire House you’ll run into one of our favorite restaurants,  The Gumbo Shop  ( 630 Saint Peter Street,  website ).  This great restaurant will help you get your fill of Creole cooking with its mouth-watering Gumbo.  Our personal favorite is the chicken and sausage gumbo which is truly amazing and is on our list of the  Top Ten Must Eats In New Orleans .

28. Court of Two Sisters ( 613 Royal Street ):

About The Court of Two Sisters :  The Court of Two Sisters is a great restaurant to visit if you want some more high end dining in New Orleans.  Their award-winning food is served in three different indoor dining areas, plus they have a timeless bar and a breath-taking inner courtyard under a gorgeous canopy of interlaced wisteria tree branches .  Make sure to rub wrought irons gates at the main entrance which were blessed by Queen Isabella of Spain for good luck.  While the food is gourmet, the atmosphere is still has a very laid back New Orleans feel.

The restaurant’s location also has a storied past to go along with the excellent food.  In 1726 Sieur Etienne de Perier, the second French royal governor of colonial Louisiana, was the first to live here.  Originally the entire 600 block of Royal Street was originally nicknamed  Governors’ Row  for all of its powerful residents.  At the time this stretch of road was home to 5 governors, 2 State Supreme Court Justices, a future U.S. Supreme Court Justice, and Zachary Taylor who later became the 12th President of the United States lived for a time at 621 Royal Street.  Needless to say, if you lived on this block of Royal Street in the mid-1700s you were among some excellent company.

The current building was completed in 1832 and after changing it became a store known as the  “The Shop of the Two Sisters” in 1886.  The shop was run by two daughters of a local aristocratic Creole family who became famous throughout the Gay 90s for there custom Mardi Gras dresses and perfumes imported from Paris.  After becoming a restaurant in 1968, The Court of Two Sisters became famous for their daily Jazz Brunch which takes place in the inner courtyard.  It’s said that the legendary pirate Jean Lafitte once killed three men in three separate duels one night under a willow tree that once stood in the courtyard.

Jazz Brunch :  The 3 course Jazz Brunch is excellent and starts around $50 per person.   Website :  ( HERE ).

29. Merieult House Collection ( 533 Royal Street ):

About The Merieult House :  This block of Royal Street was originally owned by the French government who built a workmen’s barracks and the king’s forge here in 1720.  Those buildings, along with most of the neighborhood was lost in the Great Fire of 1788 which destroyed 856 of the 1,100 structures in New Orleans.  This epic blaze on Good Friday ( March 21, 1788 ) wiped out a lot of the original French architecture in the city as the recovery development was done under Spanish governance.

The destruction from the fire made way for the Merieult House which was built in 1792 by the prosperous merchant Jean Merieult.  It is said that Merieult’s wife was so beautiful that Napoleon wanted to buy some of her hair as a wig for the Sultan of Turkey.  Six years after the first huge fire the Great Fire of 1794 hit taking out 212 structures over 18 nearby blocks, but luckily the Merieult House barely survived it.

Today the Merieult House is the centerpiece of a collection of connected homes you can tour together to get a glimpse of life in the early-1800s.  The adjacent buildings you get to visit on the block as part of the tour include neighboring homes, former warehouses of Jean Merieult, the Counting House, and the Williams House.  The fine details and furnishing may not be as impressive as some of the other homes on this free French Quarter walking tour, but the guides are great and you get to cover a lot of buildings in a relatively quick visit.

Hours :  Tuesday-Saturday 9:30am-4:30pm; Sunday 10:30am-4:30pm; Closed Mondays.   Cost :  The 1st-floor gallery is Free, Guided Tours are $5.   Guided Tours :  45-minute tours of the 11 galleries on the second floor provide a comprehensive look at the settlement and development of Louisiana from the early 18th century to the present.  Tour Times : Tuesday–Saturday 10am, 11am, 2pm, 3pm and Sunday 11am, 2pm, 3pm.   Museum  Website :  ( HERE ).

30. One Eyed Jacks ( 615 Toulouse Street ):

About One Eyed Jacks :  Expect a lot of live music ranging from jazz, funk, hip hop, to rock as well as touring comedy acts and alternative shows at One Eyed Jacks.  The most famous show is the sexy Burlesque show called  Fleur de Tease  ( website ) which takes place daily at 8pm & 10pm.  Fleur de Tease is a premiere Variety Burlesque Revue.  This modern twist on a classic vaudeville show has something to please and tease every audience member.  Magicians, fire eaters, comedians, aerialists and of course beautiful burlesque dancers all make up the core members of the troupe.  Special guest artists such as sword swallowers, singers, and other circus acts make each show a unique and different experience so no two programs are ever the same.

Not far from One Eyed Jacks is the former home of Army Treasurer Don Vincente Jose Nuñez ( 619 Chartres Street ) where the Great Fire of 1788 started.

Burlesque Show Cost :  For the Fleur de Tease general admission is $15 and reserved seating is $20.  Other Shows vary.   Show Times :  Fleur de Tease is daily at 8 & 10pm.  Other traveling shows vary.   Bar Website :  ( HERE ).

31. Napoleon House ( 500 Chartres Street ):

About The Napoleon House :  House built for New Orleans mayor Nicholas Girod in 1812 who offered it to Napoleon in 1921 as a refugee during his exile from France.  Unfortunately, Napoleon died of poisoning the same year and never made it New Orleans.  Luckily the home was turned into a restaurant in 1914 and still bursts at the seams with charm.  Seriously go here and eat or at least stop by for a drink, the old vibe is awesome.

Hours :  Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm; Friday & Saturday 11am-11pm.   Website :  ( HERE ).

32. Louisiana State Supreme Court ( 400 Royal Street ):

About The Louisiana State Supreme Court :  Built in 1908, the huge Louisiana State Supreme Court building looks almost like a marble palace and takes up an entire city block.  While the court was established in 1813, the new building was required when it moved from the Cabildo building in Jackson Square.  Nearby is a delightful yellow mansion which used to be the Louisiana State Bank.  The is not really a whole lot more to say about either building’s history, but every time we visit we end up being impressed and taking a lot of photos.

Website :  ( HERE ).

33. Antonie’s Annex ( 513 Royal Street ):

About Antonie’s Annex :  After the restaurant opened in 1840, Antonie’s Annex quickly became the place for New Orleans locals to get their Bourbon Whiskey and Black Coffee drink called  Café Brûlot .  Variations of the drink were vast and in the 1890s the owner Jules Alciatore created a flaming concoction of coffee, brandy, and spices he called  Café Brûlot Diabolique .  This new concoction became a huge hit and even more popular during Prohibition as a great way to disguise alcohol.

If it is your first time to New Orleans, visiting the famous Antonie’s can be a little confusing as there 14 dining areas all with unique history and charm inside the  massive complex .  While many people all the entire place Antonie’s Annex, the Annex is actually the more casual cafe and deli area around the corner of the block ( 513 Royal Street ) with excellent coffee, sandwiches, pastries, and take away items.  We love the Annex, but it can also be nice to visit the unique dining rooms of the more fancy sit down Antonie’s Restaurant ( 713 Saint Louis Street ) which also has its own bar called Hermes.  The sit-down restaurant does have more limits hours of operation and you definitely want to make a reservation if you want to go for dinner.

Annex Cafe Hours : Daily 8am-7pm.   Restaurant Hours : Lunch Monday-Saturday 11:30am-2pm; Dinner Monday-Saturday 5:30-9pm; Jazz Brunch Sundays 11am-2pm.   Website :  ( HERE ).

34. Hermann-Grima House ( 820 Saint Louis Street ):

About The Hermann-Grima House :  While the Gallier House from earlier on this free French Quarter walking tour focused on middle-class living, it is the wealthy on showcase at the Hermann-Grima House.  A walk through the meticulously restored Hermann-Grima House and gardens allow you to peak back into this the Golden Age of New Orleans history.  It was built in 1831, by a German Jewish immigrant, Samuel Hermann, who amassed his fortune in the cotton market.  This handsome Federal mansion with its courtyard boasts the only horse stable and  functional 1830s outdoor kitchen  in the French Quarter.  The outdoor hearth kitchen, with its view of the antique roses, citrus and parterre gardens, provides a dynamic experience for our visitors.

As a museum, the home celebrates artistic contributions and building trades of the Free People of Color and enslaved persons in New Orleans, without who, the Hermann-Grima House would not stand today.  Visitors are also fascinated to learn that Hermann originally purchased the property from a  Free Woman of Color .  The interior of the home was also used as Madame LaLaurie Mansion in the TV show  American Horror Story .  The same owners of the Hermann-Girma House also own the Gallier House which we was earlier in this free French Quarter walking tour.

Hours & Tours :  Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday hourly tours 10am-3pm; Wednesday tours by appointment; Saturday hourly tours 12pm-4pm.   Cost :  Adults $12; Children $10. Add the Gallier House ( Stop 13 ) for $8.   Museum Website :  ( HERE ).

35. Larry Flynt’s Barely Legal Strip Club ( 423 Bourbon Street ):

About Larry Flynt’s Barely Legal Strip Club :  Larry Flynt’s is one of the many strip, lap dance, and cabaret clubs that pepper the 200-400 blocks of Bourbon Street.  The presence of these clubs may feel trashy or grimy to some, but they are isolated and add to the personality of the care-free French Quarter.  While strip clubs aren’t really our thing, walking by them is still a unique tourist experience somewhat similar to the Red Light District in Amsterdam.  Do remember that you are in the Big Easy so try not to be uptight about the clubs being there.

Club Website :  ( HERE ).

36. Old Absinthe House ( 240 Bourbon Street ):

About The Old Absinthe House :  Shortly after the building opened as a coffee house in 1807, the owners came up with a new drink using the wormwood herb-based alcohol Absinthe they called the  Absinthe House Frappe .  This narcotic-like drink became so popular that the owners eventually decided to change the coffee house’s name to the Old Absinthe House.  The name was later expanded to Jean Lafitte’s Old Absinthe House, as this is the place where pirate Jean Lafitte and General Andrew Jackson ended up  planning the Battle of New Orleans .

Lafitte and Jackson haven’t been the only celebrities to grace the bar as their bartenders tell us that Mark Twain, Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, Oscar Wilde, P.T. Barnum, General Lee, and Edgar Allen Poe also came to get their Absinthe on.  As you can see by the business cards, postcards, sports jerseys, football helmets, and celebrity photos that plaster the walls of the bar, people are still coming here from all corners of the world.

When wormwood-based Absinthe became illegal in 1912 for being “hallucinogenic”, the owner switched to a Herbsaint-based Absinthe to keep the business running strong.  Thanks to a change in the law they were once again able to go back to using Wormwood in 2007.  One of the coolest things inside is the  original copper-colored bar  which had been removed for its own protection during Prohibition and was finally returned in 2004.  The photo we used of the Old Absinthe House is from a postcard dated 1910.

Attached to the Old Absinthe House the bar’s owner Tony’s Moran also runs called  Tony Moran’s Restaurant  ( website ) which is renown for its Crawfish.  Overall we’ve found Moran’s to be a little pricey for what you actually get and you are better off going down a block to Iberville Street where you’ll find  Felix’s Restaurant  ( website ) &  Acme Oyster Bar  ( website ).  Both of their menus are great, cover a wide range of food including Oysters and Crawfish, and are much more affordable than Tony Moran’s.  Our favorite New Orleans dishes are Po-boy Sandwiches and the Fried Seafood Platter so make sure to read more about our  Top Ten Must Eats In New Orleans .

Bar Website :  ( HERE ).

37. The Carousel Bar ( 214 Royal Street ):

About The Carousel Bar :  With great views overlooking Royal Street, The Carousel Bar in the  Hotel Monteleone  ( website ) is the only bar in New Orleans that revolves around the room.  The focal point of the bar is the  rotating the 25-seat carousel bar , which was originally installed in 1949.  The large embellished carousel turns on 2,000 large steel rollers, pulled by a chain powered with a one-quarter horsepower motor creating a very smooth ride. While the bar always rotates at the same speed, visitors who have drink at the bar for a while often claim that the bartender has turned up the motor’s speed.  The bar was renovated in 1992 when the current carousel top was added. Fiber optics were also installed in the ceiling to create unique stars in the night sky and even one special shooting star was created to cross the room at regular intervals.

In the early days of the Carousel Bar, the hotel was the home to the famous  Swan Room , a nightclub where celebrities such as  Liberace performed .  It wasn’t unusual for the performers to join their friends for a nightcap after their shows.  William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, and Winston Grooms ( Forrest Gump ) are among the famous authors who have enjoyed drinks at the Carousel Bar. Today, the Carousel still attracts celebrities, including some recent sightings – Michael Jordan, Dennis Quaid, Greg Allman, and Sally Struthers.

In addition to the rotating bar, the adjoining room features quiet booths and tables where live entertainment is offered nightly at the piano. If you arrive at just the right time during the cocktail hour you can enjoy complimentary hors-d’oeuvres from the famous Monteleone kitchen.  Our favorite original drinks at the Carousel are French flared  Vieux Carre Cocktail  and the Caribbean inspired  Goody .

Bar Hours :  Daily 11am-2am, get there early to avoid a long wait for your turn on the 25-seat carousel.   Bar Website :  ( HERE ).

Other Sights Near The French Quarter Walking Tour:

38. house of the blues ( 225 decatur street ):.

About The House Of The Blues :  WEven with the heavy Jazz influence on New Orleans, you can’t come to the Big Easy without getting your fix of blues music and the House of the Blues gets some of the biggest names.  Even if you can’t make one of their daily performances, they have a unique vibe to grab a drink and the colorful entrance makes for great photo opportunities.  By far our favorite thing at the House of the Blues has an amazing  Gospel Choir Brunch  every Sunday morning which cost $40.

Bar Hours :  Daily 11:30am-Close.   Show Cost :  Daily performances/events costs vary, but they are always open for dining and drinks.   Bar Website :  ( HERE ).

39. Saint Louis Cemetery #1( ( 425 Basin Street ):

About Saint Louis Cemetery #1 :  New Orleans’ oldest cemetery from 1789 is a spooky one indeed with tales of  Bloody Mary  and the tomb of  Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau .  The blocks around the St Louis Cemetery #1 can be very shady as the neighbor is part of the often dangerous Storyville Projects.  Only go during the day with a tour group.  We like the tour from  Save Our Cemeteries  ( website ) the most which leaves Daily at 10am plus Fridays & Saturdays having a second tour at 1pm.  The tour is run amazing, costs $20 a person and lasts 1 hour.  Other tour companies charge from $30 to $50 per person for pretty much the same tour, however, the money that Save Our Cemeteries makes goes toward the restoration of the tombs.

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Disclaimer: Information on this page and in our walking tours were deemed accurate when published, however, details such as opening hours, rates, transportation, visa requirements, and safety can change without notice. Please check with any destinations directly before traveling.

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French Quarter Neighborhood Stroll

Explore the crown jewel of nola’s neighborhoods.

When you think of New Orleans, chances are you envision the picturesque French Quarter with its soaring St. Louis Cathedral , Jackson Square , iconic Royal Street , and all-around historic architecture.

Founded in 1718, this is the oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans. It is also known as the Vieux Carré , which translates to "Old Square." Throughout its timeline in the city, it has been home to a melting pot of shopping, restaurants, galleries, clubs, and much more. From 100-year-old businesses to new and contemporary ones, this area is certain to have something for everyone.

Jump To Map

1.  French Market

Begin your leisurely stroll at the open-air French Market, where vendors set up each day with trinkets and goodies of all kinds. It's a wonderful stop for someone looking to pick up souvenirs for loved ones back home. This area of the quarter has played a 200-year-old role in development and trade, becoming an iconic stop for our visitors. Remember to bring cash, as many of the vendors here are cash-only.

2.  New Orleans Jazz Museum

Just across the street from the French Market is the New Orleans Jazz Museum, which celebrates jazz in the city where it was born . Through dynamic interactive exhibits, multigenerational educational programming, research facilities, and engaging musical performances, the museum explores the music New Orleans made famous in all its forms. Housed in the historic Old U.S. Mint, and strategically located at the intersection of the French Quarter and the Frenchmen Street live music corridor, the New Orleans Jazz Museum is in the heart of the city's vibrant music scene. Through partnerships with local, national, and international educational institutions, the New Orleans Jazz Museum promotes the global understanding of jazz as one of the most innovative, historically pivotal musical art forms in world history.

3.  Café Envie

From there, you can walk to Café Envie, a delightful stop along Decatur where you can grab a coffee, pastry, lunch, or drink after visiting the museum. This quaint café has been a local favorite along this block for almost two decades and attracts all sorts of faces. Occasionally, you might even see a chess tournament in play.

4.  Old Ursuline Convent

From there, head over to Chartres Street to find the Old Ursuline Convent, which was erected in 1745, making it the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley. Open Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with tour availability, this convent museum, although no longer serving as a functioning convent, exudes charm. If you take a ghost tour while here, you might even hear lore of the Casket Girls , the original New Orleans vampires , who may or may not have lived in the attic.

5. LaLaurie Mansion

One block over on the corner of Royal and Governor Nicholls streets, you’ll find the LaLaurie Mansion. For those who watched "Coven," the third season of American Horror Story, you may be familiar with the dark history of this mansion portrayed by Kathy Bates. Although the current structure is not the original building that Madame Delphine LaLaurie lived in, the architecture of this house of horrors is on many to-do lists for its grandeur alone. However, the story of Madame Delphine LaLaurie is reprehensible and not for the faint of heart. We encourage you to navigate her tale with caution if delving deeper into the history of the French Quarter.

6.  Gallier House

Gallier House of the Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses is a few doors down from LaLaurie. Completed in 1860, Gallier House was designed by famed New Orleans architect James Gallier Jr. Showcasing modern marvels of its time, such as indoor plumbing, hot and cold running water, and double skylights, this stop offers tours during its open hours to learn more about the lives of everyone under the roof of this kind of home during its heyday.

7.  Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar

Have you ever been to the oldest bar in America? Well, if you make your way over to Bourbon Street for a stop on your walk here, not only can you say you have been, but you can also snag a local favorite, their Voodoo Daiquiri , better known as the Purple Drink! Lafitte’s was built between 1722 and 1732 and has hosted all kinds of famous people for a drink. You might see someone you love posted on the wall!

8.  New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum

Speaking of Voodoo but getting away from the daiquiri part, head over to the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum. Here, you can learn more about the practices of the New Orleans Voodoo religious practice. This museum space is small and filled with ceremonial tools and historic photos and paintings of the practice throughout its timeline in New Orleans.

9. Union Gallery

Royal Street itself is a wonderful block for those looking for some art to take home from the city. Filled with lots of local makers, we have to highlight Union Gallery, home to a mixture of artists. Not only does this space capture the charm and magic of artistry in the city, but it is also a women-owned and operated space that might just steal your heart between the charm of its owners and their sharp eye for art.

10.  New Orleans Vampire Café

What is the lore of New Orleans without the tale of the vampire? Cue the intro theme to “Interview with the Vampire.” Ahem, we are, of course, the land of the great late Anne Rice . So why not turn your curiosity into an experience? This café mixes the vampire with drinks and comes up with some fun ways to sip, like their blood bag cocktails. Yes, you read that right.

11.  Café Du Monde

I mean, it would be silly to take a stroll through the French Quarter without a stop at the iconic Café Du Monde. Like, do we really need to mention them? You already know. However, this is your reminder because what’s New Orleans without a beignet? The answer is sad. It is sad without a beignet.

12.  Jackson Square & St. Louis Cathedral

Did someone say St. Louis Cathedral selfie? Click click! This is the stop. Steeped in history, this area can be considered the building blocks for the rest of the city. Housing the original government offices and lined by the Pontalba buildings, tge Jackson Square area is filled with food, sips, shopping, and more!

13.  M.S. Rau

Have you ever been to a museum with price tags? The answer is probably not. I mean, most institutes are not selling Picasso-level art, but back over on Royal Street, M.S. Rau has been doing just that since 1912 from antiques to crown jewel-quality gems. This is the stop for those who want to take in the history and for some of us potentially even home.

14.  The Historic New Orleans Collection

Itching for more knowledge of the history of New Orleans? Check out this free experience along Royal St. The collections and archives of this museum space are phenomenal, and so is their museum shop too. The museum offers permanent collections and rotating exhibitions and is never short of being inspiring when it comes to telling the story of our great city.

15.  Antoine’s

When was the last time you ate at a restaurant that opened in the spring of 1840? Serving up food for generations and holding true to the tradition of dressing for dinner. This classic French-Creole fare will make your taste buds sing.

16.  Bottom of The Cup Tea Room

Since 1929, Bottom of The Cup has been offering their services in the art of tea leaf reading and more. This establishment is steeped in history and is a great way of finding your fortunes in the city of New Orleans.

17.  Hotel Monteleone

Known as the grand dame of Royal St., this hotel has been a staple in luxury stays since 1886. The exterior alone at this hotel is a marvel to see but tucked inside its front doors is even more glamour and the cherished Carousel Bar . Make this your final stop and have a sip to bask in all the art, culture, and historic sights you have seen for the day.

Self-Guided French Quarter Food...

Beignets & gumbo & muffulettas–oh my! The Quarter is full of excellent eats; try 'em all with our guide to the best dishes in the city's most iconic neighborhood.

Off-the-Beaten-Path French Quarter

Looking for hidden gems in one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods? Follow our guide to find the best off-the-beaten-path places to eat, drink, shop, and see.

Top Things to Do in the Quarter

From beignets at the French Market to fine dining, here are ten things you can't miss in the French Quarter.

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Public French Quarter Tours

Wander the streets of New Orleans accompanied by an expert tour guide.

• Clock Evening
• Hour Glass 2 Hours

New Orleans Brothel History Tour

Trace the world’s oldest profession from the founding of New Orleans through infamous Storyville on this adults-only walking tour.

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Highlights of the French Quarter Walking Tour

A GREAT intro to New Orleans. This is based on what we’d do with our friends on an afternoon in the French Quarter.

Ready to Book Your French Quarter Tour?

Iconic French Quarter locations and hidden gems are discovered in small groups with passionate guides excited to connect visitors with our rich past. Our diverse heritage can be appreciated many different ways. Our tours provide a unique lens on the Vieux Carre.

Notable landmarks include the iconic Café du Monde, the historic Jackson Square, and the picturesque St. Louis Cathedral.

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Fun French Quarter Walking tours led by Master Storytellers.

Ghost + Vampire Tour

Garden District Tour

Saints and Sinners Tour

Adults Only / Smaller Group Ghost and Vampire Tour

French Quarter History / Voodoo Tour

Private and Specialty Tours

Go City All-Inclusive Pass

Click here to listen to Last Podcast shout out French Quarter Phantoms as the best Ghost Tour they have ever had. Warning adult language...they really LOVE us and express it strongly!!

New Orleans Walking Tours

Discover the haunting charms around new orleans with our guided walking tours.

Embark on an adventure through the mysterious streets of New Orleans with  French Quarter Phantoms . Our haunted walking tours reveal the city's hidden ghost stories and rich history. Step into the world of the unknown and explore the colorful history of  New Orleans  with French Quarter Phantoms. Our haunted walking tours offer an intimate glimpse into the heart of the French Quarter, where centuries-old stories and legends come to life. With a blend of  history , mystery, and  ghostly tales , we promise an experience that's both enlightening and spine-tingling.

Uncover the City’s Secrets with Our Expert New Orleans Tourguides 

Our  haunted tours  are not just strolls down scenic streets but time travels into a world that still echoes with the tales of the mysterious past. Each step takes you deeper into the narratives of spirits, unexplained occurrences, and the rich tapestry of voodoo lore in the heart of this diverse community. Led by passionate guides, these spooky walking tours are a deep dive into the supernatural elements that give New Orleans its unique character. From the famous  LaLaurie Mansion  to the shadowy alleys where history whispers, our tours are a must-do for any thrill-seeker or history buff.

French Quarter Walking Tours: A Journey Through History

The  French Quarter , with its vibrant streets and colorful buildings, holds stories in every corner. Our walking tours are meticulously designed to guide you through these historical paths. As you stroll past iconic landmarks and hidden gems, our guides will share tales of the past, bringing to life the people and events that shaped this iconic romance neighborhood. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, our tours offer a unique perspective on the cultural richness of the  French Quarter .

Why Choose French Quarter Phantoms?

Expert guides.

At French Quarter Phantoms, our guides are not just tour leaders; they are storytellers and historians, passionate about bringing New Orleans ' rich history to life. With a flair for drama and a deep knowledge of the local lore, they ensure each tour is both informative and entertaining. We live NOLA every day. 

Award-Winning Experience

Recognized for excellence, our tours have been acclaimed as the best haunted walking tours in New Orleans . This honor reflects our commitment to quality and our passion for delivering extraordinary experiences to every guest.

Customer Testimonials

Our past guests often share their exhilarating experiences, highlighting the captivating stories, the engaging nature of our guides, and the unforgettable memories they take home. Their endorsements are a testament to the unique, engaging, and memorable nature of our tours.

Not Just Your Ordinary Cheap Thrill!

Fun French Quarter Walking tours led by Master Storytellers. Choose from our Ghost & Vampire walking tour, Garden District walking tour, Tour Tremé or Saints and Sinners: a Dirty little French Quarter History tour. Who knew history could be so much fun? All tours are about one hour forty-five minutes, walking distance is just under one mile. Bring your camera (and your friends), wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared to have fun! Established in 2006. Locally owned and operated. We love entertaining you and it shows. Join us for the best walking tours New Orleans has to offer. Book online for $22 per person and you receive a discount of $3 per ticket! (Regularly $25 per person).

Last Podcast on the Left

Madame lalaurie mansion.

French Quarter Phantoms was featured in Ep 552 of “ Last Podcast on the Left .” Enjoy this episode that goes into great detail about the infamous haunted Madame LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans and check out their other episodes. For more information about our New Orleans Ghost Tours , contact us today!

French Quarter Walking Tours

The French Quarter, with its vibrant streets and colorful buildings, holds stories in every corner. Our walking tours are meticulously designed to guide you through these historical paths. As you stroll past iconic landmarks and hidden gems, our guides will share tales of the past, bringing to life the people and events that shaped this iconic romance neighborhood. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, our tours offer a unique perspective on the  cultural richness  of the French Quarter.

Book Your Tour Today and Experience the Mystery and Magic of New Orleans!

Our user-friendly website makes booking your next adventure a breeze. Select your preferred  tour , date, and time, and you're all set for an unforgettable journey. Our mobile-optimized website ensures you can book, browse, and  contact us  easily from your smartphone.

Have questions about setting up something unique for your group? Our dedicated team is here to help. Whether it's tour information, special requests, or assistance with bookings, we're just a call or click away.

Over 20 Years of Excellence!

Worth the trip to new orleans by itself, luke is great, charm, professionalism, knowledge & fun, it was amazing and very informative, great start tge trip, enjoyed it so much we booked another tour, great tour, best walking tour ever.

THE VOODOO LOUNGE, 718 N RAMPART STREET, NEW ORLEANS LA 70116 504-666-8300 | PRIVACY POLICY

( En français )

     Join us for a walking tour of New Orleans’ most historic neighborhood, the French Quarter. See the “Vieux Carré” through the eyes of the Louisiana Creoles who originally called it home.  Over the centuries, many people from different parts of the world have come to call Louisiana home. The interactions between West Africans, Native Americans and Europeans gave birth to the culture we celebrate today. We call that culture “creole.”  Creole  refers to colonial Louisianians and their descendants. Our tour focuses on how Louisiana Creoles lived  en ville  (in New Orleans). Learn the history of the most emblematic neighborhood of one of the United States’ most iconic cities. (More information on Louisiana Creoles below.)

    This tour is for everyone who wants to hear the story of how Louisiana, unique among American states, came to be.  Here is a clip of Tours by Marguerite's Lawson Ota explaining the cultural and historical ties between Louisiana and Haiti. (Interview conducted by French/German television channel,  Arte .)

This tour includ es :

General informati on :

• This tour lasts 2 hours and usually  begins at 9:30 am or  12 pm each day. Please see calendar above for exact times. Private tours and field trips can also be scheduled. (Call 504.517.4324 or email  [email protected] )
• The cost $30 per adult and $18 per child (ages 7-17). This includes the fee to enter the Hermann-Grima House courtyard .
• The tour begins at Henriette Delille Square (behind Saint Louis Cathedral). The starting point information will be sent with confirmation of your reservation.
• A reservation must be made on this site, by phone at 504.517.4324 or by email at [email protected].

Creole Louisiana      When people think "Creole" they often think first of Free People of Color and their descendants many of whom still identify proudly as Creole today. The word Creole is used by many people to mean a great deal of things. There are Creole tomatoes and Creole cows. There is Creole ice-cream and Creole mustard. There is of course Creole architecture and a world-famous Creole cuisine. When one thinks of Creole one should think of old Louisiana. In fact, up until the 1950's the word Creole was widely used to describe people and things considered unique to Louisiana. New Orleans was known as "The Creole City." Louisiana was called "The Creole State." Our walking tour explores how various phenomena contributed to the relabeling of Louisiana's culture to make it more palatable to those who did not understand the complexities of the Creole world.      Common threads that traditionally link the diverse group of people who identify as Creole are the Catholic faith and the French and Creole* languages. The great author and philologist Alfred Mercier went so far as to say, "the day that French ceases to be spoken in Louisiana... there will be no more Creoles." Tours by Marguerite is doing its part in the fight to keep Louisiana French alive by offering daily tours in French.       Traditionally in Creole communities, French and Creole were the languages employed. However, in Creole cuisine, the traditional cuisine of Louisiana, the language is decidedly West African with heavy Native American, and yes, European influences. The planter class that governed Louisiana for centuries were proud of their French, Spanish and German heritage and this pride is reflected in the work of food historians who attribute our cuisine to the French even though the French themselves would not. Gumbo** is not a bouillabaisse and jambalaya is not paella as some food historians have claimed, struggling to reconcile myth with reality. The cooks who served the Creole elite hailed from Senegal, the Congo, Benin and Nigeria. Join us as we explore their influence in greater detail on our walking tour in the French Quarter.

Free People of Color

      Free People of Color (les gens de couleur libres) are one of the most interesting groups in Louisiana history. Their very existence and great numbers were a reflection of just how different Louisiana was from all other regions in the antebellum southern United States. Ironically, Free People of Color have received relatively little treatment from historians. Many of their contributions have either been attributed to others or wholly ignored. We at Tours by Marguerite hope to remedy that. We have designed a walking tour in the French Quarter around this group because we feel that there is no better perspective from which to talk about Louisiana history than that of Free People of Color.       Free People of Color, like Creoles in general, were of diverse origins. Some were born slaves, others into the wealthiest and most powerful families in Louisiana. Their numbers were greatly increased by the arrival of ten thousand refugees (émigrés) from Saint-Domingue (now Haiti), a third of whom were Free People of Color. The largest wave of Saint-Dominguois arrived in New Orleans in 1809 and essentially doubled the French-speaking, Catholic (that is to say, Creole) population of New Orleans. However, there were Free People of Color in Louisiana at the very founding of the colony. The men sent to the New World by the French, Spanish and Portuguese to found new colonies --- soldiers, mariners, builders, farmers --- often found partnership in union with Native women and women of African descent. Though in later periods the status of the mother (slave or free) would determine the status of the child, these first children born in the New World were usually not enslaved. They were not slaves and yet did not enjoy the same rights and privileges as their fathers of European descent, existing in the boundary between two worlds.      Free People of Color are the greatest subjects for a walking tour in New Orleans because the members of this community were a part of every social class and industry in Louisiana. Some were cooks, day laborers, artisans, tailors and carpenters. Others were political scientists, lawyers, doctors and activists. Still others were painters, poets, novelist and newspaper editors.      Click the BOOK/RESERVEZ  button on your screen and join us for a walking tour of the French Quarter as we explore Louisiana history through the stories of Free People of Color. 

*Louisiana French and Louisiana Creole are distinct languages spoken by some 150,000 people who identify as Creole or Cajun. The identity of the speaker (Creole or Cajun) does not determine the language (s)he speaks (i.e. many Creoles speak Louisiana French and many self-identified Cajuns actually speak Louisiana Creole.) Furthermore, speakers of Creole are often speakers of French and vice versa. 

Example: Louisiana Creole: Mo gen trwa pias et mo konten. Louisiana French: J'ai trois pias(tres) et j'suis content. International French: J'ai trois dollars et je suis content. English: I have three dollars and I'm happy.  **"Gumbo" is a West African (Bantu) word meaning "okra" which was the primary thickening agent used in early gumbo. Today, a roux and/or filé (ground sassafras leaves) may also be used to thicken a gumbo. These are French and Native American influences, respectively. Interestingly, many Louisiana cooks today are of the opinion that a gumbo is not a gumbo unless it includes all three: okra, a roux and filé. Early Creole cooks would alternate between these three ingredients choosing whichever one was readily available. If okra was not in season, a roux was used. If flour was not available to make a roux, filé was used instead. The 20th century brought modern conveniences that made Creole cooks less subject to seasonal changes and geographic limitations.

Supporting the Louisiana State Museum since 1956

New orleans historic french quarter tours, calendar of foc events, become a member & be a part of history, oral history program, shop online at the 1850 house store.

Who are the FOC?

Friends of the Cabildo is a private non-profit volunteer group that provides financial and volunteer support for the Louisiana State Museum, its projects and its properties.

French Quarter Tour Info & Booking

Experience a memorable two-hour walking tour in one of the oldest communities in the United States: the historic Vieux Carré in New Orleans.

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Click the photo to book our concerts, neighborhood and cultural tours, special events, seminars and more!

The 1850 House Museum Store

We’re located at 523 St. Ann Street on beautiful Jackson Square. The Museum Shop helps support the Louisiana State Museum through sales of daily  Tours  and merchandise.

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French Quarter Tour? Look No Further…

Two-hour general history tours, beginning at the 1850 House on Jackson Square, are given every day at 10:30 and 1:30.

Happy New Orleans Tourists

I really enjoyed the tour. Our guide was engaging and I learned a lot throughout the tour. I’ve recommended it to others. – Melissa Tranman

What a great walking tour. The interiors were amazing. So much history and so well presented. I’ve taken friends to see it a second time. – Pete Wise

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Written inquiries.

Friends of the Cabildo 400 North Peters Street, Suite 210 New Orleans, LA 70130

Jason Strada Executive Director [email protected]

Barbara Holdsworth Memberships, Education & School Outreach [email protected]

Sara Garcia 1850 House Store Manager [email protected]

Walking Tour Guide Program & Scheduling [email protected]

Phone: (504) 523-3939 Fax: (504) 524-9130

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New Orleans French Quarter Walking Tour

The french quarter: new orleans oldest neighborhood..

The French Quarter is a place of constant change, settled by the French, ruled by the Spanish, occupied by the Americans, and the second-largest port of entry for Italian immigrants in the 19th century. In the 20th century, it became a haven for artists, musicians, and bohemians.

After the tour it will become apparent why New Orleans is Americas’ Most Interesting City. You can book now . The New Orleans French Quarter tour meets at 10 am at 768 Decatur. Reservations are Required. And Remember our tours are FREE! We are so sure you will love our French Quarter walking tour that you will gladly pay what you feel the tour is worth, it’s the best money-back guarantee in the business!

we do not allow large groups of over 6 adults on the free walking tours. If you are trying to book at tour for a group over six we ask you to please be consideration and consider a private tour

Where the French Quarter Tour Meets

768 Decatur. Walk up the steps. Your guide will have a hat that says GUY. Space on the New Orleans French Quarter walking tour is limited, so we recommend booking online or via call/text (504)300-9489. Walk-ups accepted but space is very limited due to covid-19. Please arrive promptly. Tour starts at 10AM on certain days, please click Book a Free Tour to check availability or scroll down at check out our calender. Please limit individual booking size to six adults. If your group is larger than six adults, please book a private tour .

Map of Meeting Location

What you will see on this tour

Immerse yourself in 300 years of history in the heart of New Orleans. Our New Orleans French Quarter walking tour covers the complete background of the French Quarter, the oldest and most vibrant neighborhood in the city.

On this Tour we’ll cover:

-Pirates Alley

-Jackson Square including The Cabildo and The Presbytere

-Royal Street

-History of Bourbon Street and Storyville

-Tennessee Williams and William Faulkner Homes

and much more!

When: Everyday at 10am

Where: We meet at Washington Artillery Park, 768 Decatur. Walk up the stairs we meet by the Cannon.

And remember our tours are FREE! We are so sure you will love our walking tour of the French Quarter that you will gladly pay what you feel the tour is worth, it’s the best money back guarantee in the business!

Explore one of the most famous neighborhoods in the city when you book a free French Quarter tour with Nola Tour Guy. View the city through the eyes of our passionate tour guides, and see why so many people have the French Quarter on their bucket lists.

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Tours in the French Quarter

French quarter tours.

Learn more about the cultures, traditions, and history of New Orleans by scheduling a one­-of­-a-kind tour during your next visit. Discover native wildlife and cypress canopies on a swamp tour. See the Mississippi from a whole new angle with a riverboat tour. Delight your senses with a New Orleans culinary tour, or learn about New Orleans’ unique building styles with a plantation tour. See Voodoo queen Marie Laveau’s grave with a New Orleans cemetery tour, or explore the city from new heights and angles with a city sightseeing bus tour. Whatever you are craving to learn, there is a New Orleans tour to satiate your appetite for knowledge! Many New Orleans tours are great for folks of all ages.

Your French Quarter Getaway Awaits

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Orleans Tours & Step-On Guides

Popular tours, lunch with a local.

Call for Price

Visitors to New Orleans often know of the more famous restaurants such as Antoine's, Galatoire's, Tujague's, and Arnaud's. These restaurants were established in the 19th and 20th centuries. Since Hurricane Katrina, the number of restaurants in New Orleans has doubled. Restaurant August, R'evolution, Brigtsen's, and Muriel's are some of the more recently established world famous restaurants.

Enjoy lunch while learning about New Orleans history in a neighborhood restaurant. Enjoy po-boys, red beans and rice, gumbo, fresh gulf seafood, and New Orleans Italian dishes — the local variety is endless.

Reservations are required. Contact us for more details and to specify your lunch and neighborhood preferences.

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Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 and the Garden District

This tour lasts 1 1/2 hours.

• Wall Vaults
• Family Tombs
• Open tomb for educational purposes
• The Vampire Lestat Tomb, an Anne Rice Creation
• Filming locations of the Originals and True Blood
• Commanders Place
• Cornstalks Fence
• Toby's Corner
• Sandra Bullock's Home
• The house where The Curious Case of Benjamin button was filmed

Lafayette Cemetery #1 was established in 1833 on the site of the former Livaudais Sugar Plantation.

Lafayette Cemetery holds the remains of citizens from twenty-six different countries. The cemetery was never segregated by race, ethnicity, or religious denomination. Click here to see the Hatfields' inventory and index to tombs in Lafayette #1 Cemetery.

Getting there

If you'd like you get away from downtown, take a leisurely ride on our city's famous St. Charles streetcar line to this iconic cemetery. Meet your scheduled tour guide at the Main Gate near 1400 Washington Ave.

We welcome volunteer and/or student groups with generous discounts. We also offer a discount for any group of six or more traveling together.

Bilingual tour guides are available. Reservations are required. Contact us for more information and pricing.

Step-On Guide City Tour

• 2.5 hours or you decide
• Local Guide
• Basin St. Station
• St. Charles Ave.
• Cemetery Walking Tour
• City Park, Sculpture Garden
• Morning Call
• French Market

Step-on Guide City Tour

When one of our experienced New Orleans guides steps onto your bus, you will be "off and away" to a memorable trip through New Orleans.

With your own bus, your options are unlimited. You can take a general city tour and choose which areas you want to see. You can include short walking tours of the French Quarter, a cemetery; visit churches or synagogues, the lakefront, City Park. Your choices are limited only by the time you allot for the tour.

Whether you charter a bus for your stay here, or come with your own bus, we will help you customize your trip according to the requirements of your schedule.

As Step-On guides, we can take you on a city tour incorporating the locations you want to see. We will usually include two or three stops where everyone can get off and tour a location of interest, or not, if you prefer otherwise.

Here's a sample itinerary:

• MEET: 501 Basin Street Station 70112 for orientation
• City Hall, CBD, Convention Center Blvd.
• To Congo Square and Louis Armstrong Park
• Through the Bywater Neighborhood across Industrial Canal to Lower Ninth Ward
• Cemetery walking tour
• Esplanade Avenue to Bayou St. John
• City Park and the Besthoff free Sculpture Garden
• Canal Street the Cemetery District
• Katrina Memorial
• End Basin St. Station

* Italics indicate stops along route

St. Louis No. 1 Cemetery

• Oldest Cemetery in New Orleans
• Myths Dispelled

A tour to Saint Louis No. 1 offers a different perspective of the history of New Orleans. Saint Louis No. 1 is the oldest exiting cemetery in the city. Why are there tombs and not crypts? Understand the religion and nationality of the earliest individuals and families of New Orleans. See how over 50,000 people can be buried in one city block. Visit the resting place some of New Orleans most notable characters to understand the unique character of New Orleans. Saint Louis No. 1 is recognized by the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail and the National Register of Historic Places as an experience of the history of the city's founding and evolution.. Mark Twain referred to New Orleans Cemeteries as "Cities of the Dead". The cemetery remains in use as a living memorable of New Orleans today.

a few words

Our customers love us, latest reviews.

” We enjoyed our Cemetery tour with Leah. She is knowledgeable and friendly, and gave us lots of recommendations on what to see and where to eat in New Orleans. “

“Our group of classmates and friends frequently travel to New Orleans and was looking for a customized step-on tour since we have had several step on tour guides over the years. For those of us who have made each trip, we wanted something different and contacted Candy for a tour that reflected the African American Influence on New Orleans. We asked and she delivered! Our tour guide, Milton, was exceptional! He had first hand knowledge of sites and experiences that had not been mentioned on our prior tours. If you’re interested in the total New Orleans Experience, I highly recommend, Milton and Candy of New Orleans Tours and Step-on Guides. They are the best! “

Pennywms - Trip Advisor

” Excellent guided tour through the cemetery by Naif! As a former history teacher, Naif really knows his stuff & provided lots of interesting information about the cemetery & individual graves. Highly recommend!”

Jessica Hawkins

” I would like to thank Spirit of New Orleans tours for such a awesome tour. Mr. Melton was great he did an awesome job I recommend him to do you tour.Learned so much about New Orleans. “

P: 504-296-2513

E: [email protected]

• 504.503.0199
• [email protected]

The Haunted History of the Ursuline Convent in New Orleans

• June 17, 2024
• Blog , Haunted Places

Table of Contents

Historical background of the ursuline convent.

The legend of the Casket Girls is one of the most enduring and spine-chilling tales associated with the Ursuline Convent. In the early 18th century, New Orleans faced a significant demographic challenge: there were far more men than women in the colony, leading to social instability and difficulty in establishing permanent families. To address this imbalance, the French government initiated a program to send young women to the colony as potential brides for the settlers. These women, known as the “Filles à la Cassette” or Casket Girls, were chosen from orphanages, poor families, and convents in France.

The name “Casket Girls” comes from the small wooden trunks, or cassettes, they carried with them, which contained their belongings. These trunks were relatively small, about the size of a modern-day carry-on suitcase, and were said to contain everything the young women owned. Upon their arrival in New Orleans, the Casket Girls were housed temporarily in the Ursuline Convent while suitable matches were arranged for them.

However, the arrival of the Casket Girls soon gave rise to rumors and dark tales. According to legend, the young women were not ordinary settlers but vampires brought to the colony under the guise of prospective brides. The story goes that the nuns began to notice strange occurrences soon after the girls arrived. Mysterious deaths and disappearances of young men in the city led the nuns to suspect that some of the girls harbored dark secrets.

Fearing the worst, the nuns decided to investigate. They discovered that the cassettes brought by the girls were unnaturally heavy and, upon opening them, found that they were empty, leading to the suspicion that the trunks were used to transport the vampires. To prevent further bloodshed, the nuns allegedly took drastic measures. They sealed the cassettes in the attic of the convent and nailed the shutters closed with nails blessed by the Pope, ensuring that the vampires could not escape.

To this day, the attic shutters of the Ursuline Convent are said to remain tightly sealed. Locals claim that these shutters have never been opened since the day they were nailed shut, and anyone who attempts to do so will unleash a terrible curse. Visitors and residents alike report seeing ghostly figures and glowing eyes peering from the attic windows at night, reinforcing the belief that the spirits of the Casket Girls still haunt the convent.

Despite the fantastical elements of the legend, there is no historical evidence to support the existence of vampires among the Casket Girls. However, the story has become an integral part of New Orleans’ folklore, capturing the imagination of those who hear it and adding to the city’s rich tapestry of haunted tales.

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Unveiling the Chilling Secrets of LaLaurie Mansion

The Haunted History of Muriel’s Jackson Square

Zurich Golf Classic of New Orleans

Witches Brew Tours

Review Highlights

“ We learned about architecture, ghost stories, the history of the area and still had time for a cemetery tour . ” in 48 reviews

“ Based off of the name "New Orleans Ghost, Voodoo , Vampire and Mystery", you would think it's creepy and scary. ” in 151 reviews

“ Our guide, Ryan, was an incredibly captivating storyteller and had everyone hooked in the first ten minutes. ” in 38 reviews

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New Orleans, LA 70116

French Quarter

Serving New Orleans Area

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1228 reviews

Chris! An amazing guide. Well informed, fun, and had an opportune eye for where to go. It was a great time getting to listen to him and hangout with chris! Beautiful tour with a fun guide

OMG I cannot say enough good things about this tour. First, our tour guide Chris was simply amazing! He worked in stories about New Orleans past and present and had some much knowledge about the city and subject you would think he lived there all his life. He went in-depth about the areas we passed and the houses we viewed, without being overly gruesome even when the subject called for it. He moved at a pace that kept everyone comfortable and even would point out the many holes in the sidewalks which would take you to another portal to maintain the safety of his guests. His demeaner and personality is beyond compare. The only disappointment I had was we didn't talk about the Axeman or pass Marie Laveau's house, but he did tell us where we could find information and directions to the former site of Laveau's house. It has been torn down and a new duplex stands on the property. The tour itself was amazing and I highly recommend both the tour and Chris as your guide. You will not be disappointed!!

For a city that is incredibly inaccessible, Chris made the Original Voodoo Tour very accommodating. This guy was born to tell these stories. He does an UNBELIEVABLE job telling the stories. As we were walking to some of the locations, we could hear some of the other tours and it was like listening to someone read from a kids book. The real important part of this whole thing is the guide Chris. I want to be clear that this entire 5 stars goes to Chris because the tour would not have been the same with any other guide. In fact, they should offer specific trips by this guy only, have him do custom trips for groups, and charge extra. This was the highlight of our trip.

I did not enjoy this tour as much as I thought I would. It started off great but when the tour guide started to veer away from history and horror stories she was giving her opinion on religions. She then stated if we wanted to "piss off" our catholic friends she gave us ammunition yo do so. How unprofessional do you have to be to say something like that? Mission accomplished lady. They also allowed under 21 on this tour which I thought was not allowed on VIP. At one point she was explaining a gruesome story and this kid looked horrified. I paid to be on VIP so I can hear it all in detail and not worry about children. The last disappointment was when we ended she literally pointed in a direction and said if we wanted Bourbon street to walk back in a direction until we saw lights. The whole point was to walk around SAFELY because we were women traveling alone. I just don't think you'll find this your as great as some claim it to be.

Really surprised at the high reviews, as that wasn't our experience at all. Your guide clearly was dialing it in -- gave a couple poorly recited tales, with a good portion of the "tour time" spent taking a "break" at his favorite bar. There are plenty of bars in the French Quarter, if that's how I wanted to spend my time. A tour should be a tour. Then again, I expect it is luck of the draw, if you get the right guide (and get stuck with the right group with the right energy).

The shop itself is filled with amazing staff. The guide was incredible. Knowledgable, honest... someone who takes their job seriously and respects the craft of storytelling... especially in a challenging environment. A definite highlight of our NOLA adventures, for sure!

Our awesome guide!

We booked a Cemetery Tour through Witches Brew and had a great time. I went with a group of 5 friends, and we basically had a private tour. I think the other two guests just didn't show. The guide, Taylor, was similar in age to our group and kind of tailored his presentation to our comments and vibe, which was great. It is about a mile walk, minimal shade. We met at a pizza shop, G's Pizza, so make sure to use the restroom there if that's a concern, and bring a full water bottle. At the end, Taylor dropped us at the street car stop so we could get down to Canal Street for our brunch reservation, but you can also return to G's for a snack. The tour is fun and informative, a reasonable length of time (not too long, not too rushed), and he left us some time to explore on our own.

Our guide, Chris, was very charismatic and knowledgeable. This was a great way to tour the French Quarter. Recommended!

See all photos from Heather P. for Witches Brew Tours

Our tour guide Graham was amazing! His knowledge of this historical city is superb! The history can be quite gruesome but he tells it with empathy and respect towards its victims. If you book this tour ask for Graham, you will not be disappointed!

I did the tour on 5/22/24 with Erin and could not have asked for a better tour guide. She was engaging and made sure that everyone was comfortable with the subject matter as she went. She kept the tour engaging and even went a little over the set time. I highly recommend this tour and if you can get Erin for your guide you won't be disappointed.

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The 7 best new orleans cemetery tours.

These tours will enlighten you and frighten you in the best possible way.

Best New Orleans Cemetery Tours

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Of all the city's attractions , New Orleans' cemeteries are a one-stop shop for learning about family traditions, history, Voodoo, jazz music and burial practices for above-ground tombs. However, some cemeteries, such as St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, require you to join a guided tour to visit. These tours differ from New Orleans' ghost tours , which tell spooky stories of NOLA's legendary spirits and visit haunted spots around the city.

To help you select which tour is right for you, U.S. News created this list of the best New Orleans cemetery tours, informed by both expert and traveler opinion. No matter which outing you choose, you're sure to have a ghoulishly good time.

Cemetery Tours NOLA – The Official Tour of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

Price: Adults from $25; kids from $18 Duration: 45 minutes

If you want to see the inside of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, this tour is the only way to walk through the premises (it's not open to the general public). Licensed guides delve into the unique burial customs and above-ground crypts found throughout the famous 18th-century cemetery. Among the tombs you'll spot are those belonging to Voodoo queen Marie Laveau, numerous New Orleans city mayors, as well as Homer Plessy (plaintiff in the United States Supreme Court decision Plessy v. Ferguson). Reviewers appreciate that the cemetery is restricted to guided tours and praise the experienced and humorous guides for their vast knowledge of the cemetery and the city in general.

Tours depart daily every 15 minutes from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Advance reservations are recommended. Groups are limited to 20 guests per tour.

Check prices & availability on:

Save Our Cemeteries – Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery Tour

Price: Adults from $35; kids from $17.50 Duration: 2 hours

By signing up for a tour with Save Our Cemeteries, you'll play a small part in helping the nonprofit preserve the city's cemeteries. Proceeds from the tours go directly to cemetery restoration efforts. Picturesque Metairie Cemetery is home to some of the most awe-inspiring funerary architecture and sculpture in the country, not to mention the graves of some of the most famous New Orleanians, including Louisiana governors, Confederate generals, writer Anne Rice and former New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans owner Tom Benson. You'll learn all about the elaborate tomb styles and the cemetery's history as a former racetrack on this tour. Reviewers say this experience is led by passionate guides, who provide an informative, respectful and fun experience. Tourgoers also praise the guides' fact-based storytelling.

This tour is accessible and conducted on paved pathways. Save Our Cemeteries also operates tours of St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 and St. Roch Cemetery, among others.

NOLA Ghost Riders – Cemetery Bus Tour

Price: Adults from $45; kids from $30 Duration: 2 hours

Explore the city's storied past under the cover of darkness with this nighttime cemetery and ghost tour from NOLA Ghost Riders. Unlike other tours that focus on a single cemetery, this bus tour takes you to several of the city's most famous cemeteries, and participants ages 21 and older can bring their own alcohol along for the ride. Reviewers describe the experience as fun, thanks to the insightful, entertaining guides. However, a few travelers warn that intoxicated tourgoers can hamper the fun.

Tours depart nightly at 5, 8 and 11 p.m., though the 5 p.m. tour is usually available Friday to Sunday only. NOLA Ghost Riders also operates a ghost walking tour and a cemetery walking tour, among others.

New Orleans Ghost Adventures Tours – Haunted Cemetery City Bus Tour

Price: From $56 Duration: 2 hours

If you're missing the paranormal, consider signing up for this tour. In addition to visiting cemeteries (such as Odd Fellows Rest), you'll stop by a few places that are reportedly haunted to look for ghosts. Reviewers praise the company's guides for their knowledge and passion for New Orleans history. The add that despite the ghostly name, the tour provides tons of information about cemeteries

Tours depart daily at 4:15, 7 and 9:30 p.m. The company also runs Voodoo tours and several spooky bar crawls.

TOURS by STEVEN – Garden District & Lafayette Cemetery Walking Tour

Price: Adults from $35; kids from $27 Duration: 2 hours

Multiple guides from this company win praise for their informative and enthusiastic retelling of New Orleans history. You'll start your tour outside the gates of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, where you'll learn about the burial customs that make the city's cemeteries so unique. (Note that you won't actually go inside the cemetery as it's closed to the public). Then, you'll walk around the Garden District, an opulent neighborhood known for its celebrity homes and manicured landscapes.

This walking tour runs daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. TOURS by STEVEN also runs a tour of the French Quarter.

Haunted History Tours of New Orleans – New Orleans Daytime Cemetery Tour

Price: Adults from $30; kids from $20 Duration: 2 hours

Calling all history buffs! This tour is for you. Along this stroll down Canal Street, you'll hear about the folklore, customs and superstitions of the city's unique burial practices, and visit Charity Hospital Cemetery, as well as the Hurricane Katrina Memorial. According to the company, this tour is less about getting spooked, and more about providing a historical and cultural context to those interested in these "cities of the dead." Tourgoers praise guides for their educational and insightful storytelling, and appreciate the opportunity to visit the Hurricane Katrina Memorial.

Tours are available daily at 10:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. If you didn't get your fill of thrills, consider the company's nighttime bus tour or true crime tour.

Bloody Mary's Tours – Dead & Famous: Sinners Saints Secrets

Price: From $89 Duration: 3 hours

You'll visit 20 cemeteries and six neighborhoods on this tour, which covers everything from Voodoo queen Marie Laveau to the history of jazz. In addition, you'll go inside at least two cemeteries to get a better look at the intricate above-ground tombs. While you'll be chauffeured in a van, keep in mind walking is involved on this tour. Reviewers describe guides as knowledgeable and say this tour covers a lot of history in a short amount of time.

Trips depart at noon Monday and Friday. There are also private versions of this tour. For even more thrills, check out the company's ghost-hunting tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cemetery tours are popular in New Orleans because cemeteries here are unlike most cemeteries in the U.S. Many of the departed are buried above ground in tombs that range from simple to ornate. Plus, these sites are reportedly haunted, making cemeteries all the more popular with ghost hunters.

There are some cemeteries you can visit on your own. Others, such as St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, can only be viewed on an official tour. It's a good idea to find out whether your cemetery requires a tour guide before your visit; call the cemetery or speak with your hotel's concierge.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is the most famous cemetery in the city. In part, this is because of the numerous important figures buried here. It's also the oldest existing cemetery in New Orleans; in fact, people are still laid to rest here each year.

Voodoo practitioner Marie Laveau, activist Homer Plessy, writer Anne Rice and Popeyes founder Al Copeland are just a few of the celebrities buried in the most famous cemeteries in New Orleans. There are other famous individuals (such as politician Huey Long and musician Fats Domino) who are buried in other sites around the city. Actor Nicolas Cage will also be buried here; he has already built a pyramid tomb for himself in St. Louis Cemetery No 1.

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Entertaining and Educating Travelers Since 1995

Fun times walking through town checking out haunted places.

Review of: Haunted French Quarter Tour

“Our guide Ina was lively, knowledgeable and overall awesome. She took us to several haunted places. She wonderfully told the back stories of the haunted places and of the haunting experiences have taken place at them. Her love of the city and passion for giving a great tour made the tour awe-inspiring.”

– Nina, NYC

Haunted French Quarter Walking Tour

• Wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, bring a raincoat
• We do many tours in the rain but reserve the right to cancel if there's lighting or if the rain is too loud to speak over.

• 504.947.2120
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Great tour! Garden District tour with Dave was very enjoyable and we learned a lot! Dave was knowledgeable in all things New Orleans and was able to answer all questions. He clearly loves his job and his city and I highly recommend! - Andrea H

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