French Quarter Walking Tour
Nestled in a bend of the Mississippi River, the first New Orleans settlers chose to establish their community in what is now the French Quarter, thanks to its relatively high elevation compared to the surrounding area. Their instincts proved correct, as hundreds of years later, the French Quarter was largely unaffected when Hurricane Katrina devastated the neighboring lower elevation areas.
New Orleans' French heritage shines through in the military-style grid design, the central green space known as Jackson Square, and in the street names that still reflect the city's French settlers, including Bienville and Iberville. Jackson Square, originally known as Place d'Armes, served as a gathering place for military parades, public executions, and community celebrations. Today, it remains a bustling hub of activity, surrounded by historic buildings, street performers, and artists capturing the essence of the city.
But there's also plenty of evidence of our Spanish heritage: after a fire destroyed many of the French buildings in the late 1700s, the Spanish rebuilt many parts of the city in a new architectural style, evident in the Cabildo (Town Hall) and the Presbytere (priests' residence). The Spanish influence can also be seen in the ironwork balconies and courtyards that characterize the French Quarter. These elements add a unique charm and a sense of history to the area, making it a favorite among visitors and locals alike.
Our Walking Tours
French Quarter Tour
Uncover the vibrant history and hidden stories of the French Quarter on a tour of its iconic streets and famous landmarks.
Garden District Tour
Discover the elegance of New Orleans’ Garden District on a walking tour of grand mansions, lush gardens, and rich history.
Ghost & Vampire Tour
Explore the haunted history of New Orleans on our Ghost Tour, uncovering spine-chilling tales and haunted locations in New Orleans.
French Quarter Tour
Uncover the vibrant history and hidden stories of the French Quarter on a tour of its iconic streets and famous landmarks.
Garden District Tour
Discover the elegance of New Orleans’ Garden District on a walking tour of grand mansions, lush gardens, and rich history.
Ghost & Vampire Tour
Explore the haunted history of New Orleans on our Ghost Tour, uncovering spine-chilling tales and haunted locations in New Orleans.
What You 'll Experience
New Orleans Rich History
Walk the historic streets of the French Quarter, one of the most unique and historic cultural epicenters of the country. In the company of our expert guides. We'll take you back in time through 300 years of history, and bring to life the most surprising and fascinating stories that led to the present-day New Orleans we know and love.
The Historic Jackson Square
Visit the heart of the French Quarter, the historic Jackson Square. This iconic landmark is surrounded by beautiful gardens, lively street performers, and significant buildings like the St. Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo. Discover the stories behind this central gathering place and its importance in the city's social and cultural life.
Beautiful Views of the Mississippi River
Take in breathtaking views of the majestic Mississippi River as you stroll along its banks. Witness the serene waters and bustling river traffic that have been the lifeblood of New Orleans for centuries. This picturesque setting offers the perfect backdrop for photos and a moment of tranquility amidst your urban adventure.
Stunning Architecture
Marvel at the stunning architecture that defines the French Quarter. From Creole cottages and shotgun houses to grand townhouses with intricate ironwork balconies, the area's architectural diversity is a testament to its rich history. Learn about the different styles and the stories of the people who built and lived in these remarkable structures.
Hear from our customers
over 600 5-star reviews
Jane gave us a wonderful tour of NOLA's fascinating Garden District, sharing historical facts and trivia, as well as unique anecdotes about the homes and their celebrity owners. She was personable and helpful in pointing out key details and answering our questions. Recommend this tour and the variety of sights you'll see on it.
Had a fantastic tour in New Orleans with our guide Henry. Henry was super knowledgeable of the area and all of the ghost stories within. He provided an excellent experience and I couldn’t recommend him enough!
I went on a fantastic walking ghost tour. Our guide, Henry, was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the city's haunted history to life with great storytelling. He blended ghost stories with historical facts perfectly, making the tour both engaging and educational. Henry took us to iconic and eerie locations, sharing fascinating insights at each stop. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting New Orleans—Henry made it a memorable experience!
This tour was a lovely experience!! It was so different then anything I've ever done, and our tour instructor Brian was very friendly!! I highly recommend!!
Henry, our tour guide made our first ghost tour in New Orleans memorable! He was super knowledgeable, not only with the ghost stories but with general knowledge about the history of city. Would definitely recommend…we did the 7:30pm tour but if you're looking for more of a fright, I'd recommend the later tour as we saw them out and about. Awesome to see Mr. Henry giving another tour the following night.
The Ghost Bus Tour with our amazing guide Kiara was fantastic! Getting to see the culture and learn the history of Louisiana was refreshing as well as exhilarating- getting to know about the lore and the history of voodoo (an often misconceived practice). All in all, 11/10 tour/experience🤩
why book with us?
Our expert guides bring the area's rich history and stunning architecture to life with engaging stories and deep knowledge. Trust us for an authentic and memorable tour of one of New Orleans' most enchanting neighborhoods.
Your safety is our top priority at New Orleans Legendary Walking Tours. We adhere to the highest safety standards and regulations, ensuring that every tour is conducted with your well-being in mind.
With over 10 years of experience, you can trust us to deliver an incredible and memorable adventure for you and your family every time. Our extensive knowledge and dedication to excellence is unrivaled by other tour companies.
The melting pot of New Orleans
As a port city, many immigrants found their way to New Orleans, including refugees from the Haitian and French revolutions, as well as Irish, German, African, and American immigrants looking for a better life. This led to the unique mix of culture, cuisine, language, and religion that to this day sets New Orleans apart from any other city. The influx of different cultures created a vibrant tapestry that is evident in the city's music, food, and festivals. The city's Creole cuisine, a blend of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences, is renowned worldwide, with dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets delighting the taste buds of residents and visitors alike.
New Orleans' many cultural influences will come to light as you hear our story told by a local expert. From the soulful sounds of jazz echoing through the streets to the colorful parades of Mardi Gras, the city's traditions are deeply rooted in its diverse heritage. Jazz, born in the early 20th century in New Orleans, has become synonymous with the city's identity. Legendary musicians like Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton have left an indelible mark on the music scene, and their legacies continue to inspire new generations of artists.
The architecture of the French Quarter, with its blend of French, Spanish, and Creole styles, tells the story of a city that has been shaped by many hands. Walking through its streets, one can see the layers of history in the buildings, each with its own story to tell. The intricate ironwork, colorful facades, and hidden courtyards invite exploration and offer a glimpse into the past.
Book your next adventure today!
French Quarter Tour
Embark on a French Quarter walking tour to uncover the vibrant history, lively culture, and hidden stories of New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood. Stroll through its iconic streets, visit famous landmarks, and learn the influences that make this area unique.
French Quarter Tour Image Gallery
