New Orleans offers an abundance of walking tours that reveal its unique character, rich stories, and diverse neighborhoods. Unlike many cities where exploring on foot is merely a way to see sights, in New Orleans, a guided walk can unlock the city’s secrets—whether it’s the eerie tombs of its cemeteries, the lively French Quarter, or the city’s dark folklore. Each tour offers a chance to experience authentic local culture, history, and architecture in a way that just riding around can’t match.
With the city’s above-ground tombs, centuries-old buildings, and stories of voodoo, pirates, and jazz legends, there’s no shortage of options. Whether you’re after a spooky ghost tour, a foodie adventure, or a historic neighborhood stroll, New Orleans’s walking tours are an engaging way to soak up the flavor of the city. Be prepared to walk, learn, laugh, and maybe even shiver a little—this city’s stories aren’t sugar-coated.
1. New Orleans Cemetery Walking Tour
Discover the secrets buried in New Orleans’ oldest cemeteries with this 2-hour Cemetery Walking Tour. Led by a licensed guide, you’ll explore iconic above-ground tombs, legendary vaults, and hear stories about local cultural practices like above-ground burial—a necessity in flood-prone New Orleans. This tour includes the Hurricane Katrina Memorial, a poignant spot honoring those lost in the storm, and offers insight into the city’s burial customs that make these cemeteries so visually striking. Rated 5.0/5 based on over 800 reviews, visitors praise the guide’s knowledge and humor, though some mention keeping sunscreen handy for the walk. At $30, it’s a meaningful, affordable way to connect with New Orleans’s most haunted and storied sites. The guide’s stories about the cemeteries’ history make this a top pick for history lovers and curious travelers alike.
Bottom Line: A must-do for a respectful yet fascinating peek into the city’s unique burial traditions.
2. French Quarter Walking Tour With Comp 1850 House Museum Admission
At number 2, the French Quarter Walking Tour offers a lively exploration of one of America’s most iconic neighborhoods. This approximately 2-hour tour features the historic 1850 House Museum, where you’ll step inside a preserved Pontalba Apartment and learn about the city’s colorful past. Your guide will bring to life tales of French, Spanish, and Creole influences, revealing traditions, folklore, and architectural marvels that define the Quarter. Visitors consistently praise guides for their expertise, with one guide described as “almost limitless in knowledge.” For $30, this tour blends history, culture, and architecture into an engaging walk that appeals to first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike.
Bottom Line: An excellent introduction to New Orleans’s most famous neighborhood, perfect for history and architecture buffs.
3. New Orleans Cocktail History Walking Tour in the French Quarter
For those interested in spirits and stories, the Cocktail History Walking Tour is a 3-hour journey through the city’s liquid culture. Starting at Patrick’s Bar Vin, you’ll sample four historic cocktails, including the famous Sazerac—born right in New Orleans—and learn about the city’s mixology secrets. The tour visits venues like Peychaud’s Bar, once a convent, and a former icehouse that supplied ice to many local bars, adding an authentic flavor to the experience. Guides bring alive the stories behind each drink, making it more than just a tasting. With a high rating of 5.0/5, guests rave about the knowledgeable guides and the lively atmosphere. Priced at $95, it’s a splurge but well worth it for cocktail aficionados or anyone craving a spirited look into NOLA’s drink scene.
Bottom Line: A flavorful way to combine history, culture, and a taste of New Orleans’s legendary libations.
4. New Orleans Highlights of the Garden District Walking Tour
Step into the lush, historic Garden District with this 2-hour Highlights Tour. As you stroll past antebellum mansions, including the famous Buckner Mansion—used in “American Horror Story”—your guide shares stories of the founding families and the area’s architectural evolution. The tour also includes a walk through Lafayette Cemetery, a National Historic Landmark, and offers a peek into celebrity homes once owned by writers and movie stars. Rated 5.0/5, travelers appreciate the guide’s engaging storytelling. Starting at $37, this tour balances rich history with the chance to see the opulence that defines the district. It’s ideal for architecture lovers and fans of classic Southern mansions.
Bottom Line: A visually stunning journey into New Orleans’s elegant past and present.
5. New Orleans: French Quarter Food History Walking Tour
For food lovers, this French Quarter Food Tour offers a delicious 3-hour immersion into local flavors. Visiting five eateries, you’ll taste nine samples of Louisiana staples—from Boudin sausages and Po-boys to pralines and gumbo. The tour includes visits to Creole restaurants and candy shops, revealing the culinary roots of New Orleans. Guides share the stories behind iconic dishes and how they evolved. With a 4.8/5 rating, guests enjoy the variety and depth of knowledge shared. At $85, it’s priced for a comprehensive tasting experience that suits those eager to combine walking with well-curated food stops. A perfect fit for travelers ready to indulge in local cuisine while learning its history.
Bottom Line: A flavorful introduction to New Orleans’s culinary heritage, perfect for foodies and curious eaters.
6. New Orleans: Garden District Guided Walking Tour
Another excellent option, the Garden District Guided Tour runs about 2 hours and focuses on the neighborhood’s stories and architecture. Led by Libby, who’s praised for her energy and facts, the tour includes a peek inside Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. You’ll learn about the families who shaped the district, see celebrity homes, and enjoy the peaceful, tree-lined streets. Rated 4.9/5, the tour is suitable for those wanting a relaxed, informative walk. With tickets at $30, it offers a good mix of history, architecture, and local lore. It’s especially ideal if you’re interested in the stories behind the houses or want a less crowded experience.
Bottom Line: An engaging, personable tour for anyone interested in the history behind New Orleans’s grand homes.
7. New Orleans Ghost Tour: Only Tour to Go Inside Real Haunted House
For a spooky experience, the Ghost Tour takes you inside actual haunted locations in the French Quarter. Over 2 hours, you’ll visit sites like Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and the Pharmacy Museum, with stories backed by historical research—no theatrics here. This tour is not kid-friendly and emphasizes verifiable ghost stories, which many find more compelling than ghost shows. It includes entering a haunted courtyard and photographing spirits at the Lalaurie Mansion. Rated 4.5/5, travelers love the mix of history and ghost tales. Costing $29.60, it offers an immersive paranormal experience perfect for thrill-seekers or lovers of the supernatural.
Bottom Line: A fascinating, authentic ghost tour that mixes history with a chilling atmosphere.
8. New Orleans Original Craft Cocktail Walking Tour
For a more relaxed but equally flavorful experience, the Craft Cocktail Tour takes you through the French Quarter over about 2.5 hours. Visiting historic bars and restaurants, you’ll sample three cocktails, including the classic Sazerac. The tour emphasizes NOLA’s cocktail history, with stories about the city’s libations and their colorful characters. Guides are knowledgeable about the city’s culinary and drinking traditions, making it a lively and educational outing. With a 4.5/5 rating and a price of $68, it’s a good choice for those looking to combine drinking with storytelling. Perfect for a laid-back evening of socializing and learning.
Bottom Line: A great way to enjoy a cocktail or three while uncovering the stories behind New Orleans’s bar scene.
9. One Hour Saint Louis Cemetery Number One Walking Tour
If time is tight, the Saint Louis Cemetery Tour offers a quick but meaningful look at the city’s most famous cemetery. Over just an hour, you’ll hear stories of Marie Laveau and see the tombs of notable families from outside the gates, since internment is currently unavailable. Rated 4.5/5, visitors appreciate the concise history and the chance to learn about above-ground burial practices. At only $10, it’s an accessible introduction for those on a tight schedule or with limited mobility who still want a taste of New Orleans’s haunted culture.
Bottom Line: An efficient, affordable way to connect with the city’s cemetery stories.
10. New Orleans Vampire Walking Tour
The Vampire Tour offers a 2-hour evening adventure into the city’s bloodthirsty folklore. Departing at 8:30 pm, this tour visits movie locations like “Interview with a Vampire” and local sites associated with vampires. Your guide, known for storytelling flair, mixes actual history with fictional tales, creating an atmospheric experience. Rated 4.5/5, guests praise the guide Rose’s storytelling and the tour’s spooky ambiance. It’s perfect for those who enjoy dark tales, urban legends, and a bit of theater while walking through the French Quarter at night. Cost is $30, making it an affordable way to see the city’s spooky side.
Bottom Line: A fun, theatrical exploration of New Orleans’s vampire legends, ideal for fans of supernatural stories.
11. Unveiling Voodoo Walking Tour (with Entrance into Voodoo Temple)
Explore the spiritual side of the city with the Voodoo Tour. Over 1.5 hours, you’ll visit Congo Square, Louis Armstrong Park, and the Voodoo Authentic Center, learning about Marie Laveau and Voodoo artifacts like gris-gris bags and dolls. The tour emphasizes cultural understanding over sensationalism, providing deep insights into this religion’s history and practices. Visitors praise the guide for their knowledge and engaging storytelling. At $39, it offers a compact but meaningful introduction for those interested in the spiritual and folkloric aspects of New Orleans. Note: The tour no longer visits St. Louis #1 Cemetery due to new regulations.
Bottom Line: An educational tour that sheds light on Voodoo’s true role in New Orleans culture.
12. Haunted New Orleans Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour
Combine ghost stories and drinks on this 2.5-hour Booze and Boos Tour. Led by a costumed guide, the tour visits haunted bars like Pat O’Brien’s and the Cornstalk Hotel, with tales of murder, piracy, and voodoo along the way. You’ll stop at at least three bars (own expense) and receive a themed can cooler or cup as a souvenir. Rated 5.0/5, travelers love the fun atmosphere and the storytelling. It’s ideal for those who want a spirited mix of history, haunted tales, and a few drinks in historic settings. Cost is $35.68, making it a lively and affordable evening option.
Bottom Line: A lively, haunted bar crawl that combines ghost stories with a bit of nightlife.
13. New Orleans Brothels Bordellos And Ladies Of The Night Walking Tour
For a look at the lesser-known adult history of the French Quarter, this Bordellos Tour takes you through historic streets for 2 hours. Starting near the river and ending in back alleys, you’ll learn about the lives of women in the world’s oldest profession and explore the neighborhood’s colorful past. The tour costs $37 and includes stops near famous spots like Cafe du Monde and May Baily’s. Most reviews highlight the respectful approach of guides and the interest of the stories. It’s suited for mature travelers curious about the city’s darker side and who want to understand its social history beyond the tourist spots.
Bottom Line: An honest, respectful look at New Orleans’s adult history, suited for mature audiences.
14. Creole Louisiana: A French Quarter Walking Tour (English)
This Creole Louisiana Tour is a 2-hour walk through the French Quarter, focusing on Creole culture and notable characters. Led in English, the tour visits Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the Hermann-Grima House, giving insights into the city’s past and the origins of jazz, gumbo, and jambalaya. Guides share stories about the diverse peoples who shaped the city, making it perfect for those wanting a cultural overview. Rated 5.0/5, travelers praise the guide’s storytelling and the chance to see the city’s top sights with minimal effort. Tickets are $35—good value for a comprehensive introduction.
Bottom Line: An informative, culturally rich walk ideal for first-timers wanting context and background.
15. Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery Walking Tour
This Lake Lawn Cemetery Tour showcases grand funerary architecture in a stunning 1.5-hour walk. Led by the nonprofit Save Our Cemeteries, it highlights Gothic, Islamic, and Greek tomb styles, with stories of famous residents like Louis Prima and Al Hirt. The landscaped 65-acre site is considered one of America’s best cemeteries—an open-air museum of funerary art. Visitors appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the chance to see monuments, sculptures, and ironwork up close. For $35, it offers a deep dive into the city’s burial traditions and hauntingly beautiful monuments.
Bottom Line: A visually impressive and educational experience for architecture and history buffs.
16. Historic Garden District Walking Tour
Rounding out the list, the Historic Garden District Tour is an engaging 2-hour walk through the neighborhood that once housed plantations and wealthy New Orleanians. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour visits Lafayette Cemetery, and explores the Irish Channel and the neighborhood’s plantation history. It’s perfect for those interested in how the area evolved from farmland to elite district. Rated 5.0/5, reviewers love the personal stories and the chance to see celebrity homes. At $35, it offers a good mix of history, architecture, and local lore.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, personable tour for history fans and architecture enthusiasts.
How to Choose Your Perfect New Orleans Walking Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your interests and pace. Want to focus on the city’s death rituals? The Cemetery Walking Tour offers a respectful, in-depth experience. Fascinated by the French Quarter’s architecture? The French Quarter Tour with the 1850 House or the Creole Louisiana Tour provide rich insights. For those intrigued by spirits and drinks, the Cocktail History and Craft Cocktail Tour blend flavor and storytelling. If you’re after something spooky, the Ghost Tour or Vampire Tour will satisfy your dark side. Budget-conscious travelers can opt for shorter or more specialized tours like the One-Hour Cemetery or the Booze and Boos, while history and architecture lovers may prefer the Garden District or the Lake Lawn Cemetery.
Planning your tour around your specific interests, budget, and physical stamina will ensure you get the most out of exploring New Orleans on foot. Book early if you’re visiting during peak seasons, as these tours tend to fill up, especially the most popular ones.
To sum it up, New Orleans’s walking tours offer an immersive way to experience its history, culture, and legends firsthand. Whether you’re drawn to the mysterious cemeteries, the haunted streets, or the culinary delights, there’s a perfect tour waiting for you. Consider your interests—whether it’s architecture, food, or paranormal tales—and pick a tour that suits your itinerary. With so many options, a little planning will help you uncover the city’s stories and secrets in a way that’s memorable and authentic. Don’t forget to book early, especially for highly-rated tours, to ensure you don’t miss out on these fascinating experiences.