New Orleans is a city like no other for exploring history. Its streets echo with jazz, its cemeteries hint at stories of the past, and its neighborhoods pulse with unique culture. What makes it especially appealing for history lovers is how authentic and diverse these stories are—no cookie-cutter narratives here. We especially appreciate tours that dig into the city’s African American heritage and Voodoo traditions, like the Treme African American & Creole History Tour, which offers a lively look at the birthplace of jazz. Whether you’re interested in dark history, music, or architecture, New Orleans’ tours deliver insights that stick with you long after the stroll.
For those who like a little fun mixed with facts, the Drunk History Walking Tour combines storytelling with a lively bar crawl through the French Quarter. And if your curiosity leans toward Voodoo, the Voodoo History Evening Tour provides an engaging look at its roots, dispelling myths along the way. With so many options, it’s worth choosing the right tour to match your interests, schedule, and energy level.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of history-focused tours in New Orleans. From walking explorations of French Quarter architecture and African American culture to tours about Voodoo, dark legends, and the city’s haunted past, there’s something for every history enthusiast. We also included options that offer a bit of fun and local flavor, like the Drunk History Tour, which makes history feel like a lively conversation. Read on to find the tour that best fits your trip.
1. New Orleans: Treme African American & Creole History Tour
This Treme African American & Creole History Tour hits the mark for anyone interested in the heart of New Orleans’ African American culture. For about $22 per person, you’ll spend roughly 105 minutes exploring the neighborhood that’s considered the birthplace of jazz. Your guide will take you through Congo Square, where enslaved Africans danced and played drums, shaping what would become jazz and brass band traditions. It’s a tour that really digs into music, culture, and history, connecting the dots between past and present.
What makes this tour stand out is the knowledgeable guides, like Erin and Nika, who bring the neighborhood’s stories to life. Guests praise the authentic insights and the way the guide breaks down complex history without sounding preachy. Highlights include visiting filming locations from the HBO series “Treme,” and learning about the cultural importance of Congo Square. The tour is ideal for anyone wanting a deep dive into Creole heritage and music history in a lively, accessible way. It’s especially good if you want a cost-effective but meaningful experience.
Bottom line: This tour offers a heartfelt look at the roots of jazz and African American culture with passionate guides. It’s perfect for travelers eager to understand the city’s musical soul.
2. New Orleans: Drunk History Walking Tour
At number two, the Drunk History Walking Tour combines entertainment and education in one 2-hour stroll. For $30 per person, you’ll explore the French Quarter’s streets, learning about its dark side—pirates, prostitutes, and secret legends—while stopping at local bars to sample drinks. This tour is as much about the vibe as the history, making it perfect for travelers who want a lively, social experience.
What sets this tour apart is its mix of storytelling and drink stops, giving a fun twist on New Orleans’ colorful past. Expect to hear tales about vampires, ghosts, and burial rituals, all delivered with humor and flair. The guide’s storytelling style keeps everyone engaged, whether you’re a history novice or a history geek. It’s a relaxed way to experience the city’s dark legends while enjoying the local nightlife.
Bottom line: This tour offers an unconventional, fun approach to learning about the French Quarter’s history, with enough drinks to keep the mood lively. Best suited for travelers who like a bit of humor and socializing.
3. New Orleans: 2-Hour French Quarter History and Voodoo Tour
This French Quarter History and Voodoo Tour is a great choice for those wanting a compact, rich introduction to the city’s architecture, history, and mystical traditions. For $22, you’ll spend about 105 minutes walking through Jackson Square, visiting the Presbytère and Congo Square, with expert guides sharing stories of Voodoo and the slave trade.
The highlight is the visit to the former home of Marie Laveau, the legendary Voodoo priestess. You’ll also pass historic sites and marvel at the French and Spanish architecture that defines the neighborhood. The guide’s storytelling balances history with the city’s mystical legends, making it ideal for those new to New Orleans or short on time but eager to absorb the essentials.
Bottom line: For a well-rounded, short tour that mixes history and Voodoo lore, this tour delivers plenty of context and ambiance. Great for first-timers or those interested in architecture and mysticism.
4. New Orleans: 1.5-Hour Voodoo History Evening Tour
If you’re curious about Voodoo without the Hollywood hype, the Voodoo History Evening Tour offers a straightforward look at how Voodoo came to New Orleans. For $25, this 1.5-hour tour takes you to properties and locations that are usually off-limits to the general public, with a guide who dispels myths and shares authentic stories.
Kristin, the guide, is highly praised for her knowledge and engaging style. The tour covers the origins of Voodoo, how it’s practiced today, and its influence on local culture. It’s a good option for travelers wanting to separate fact from fiction and gain a respectful understanding of this spiritual tradition.
A notable feature is the inclusion of exclusive properties, making the experience feel intimate and special. The tour is ideal for those interested in spirituality, folklore, or cultural history but not wanting a lengthy commitment.
Bottom line: This tour provides an honest, in-depth look at Voodoo’s history, perfect for curious travelers seeking a respectful, myth-busting experience.
5. New Orleans: African American Heritage Walking Tour
The African American Heritage Walking Tour explores African American culture through the lens of the French Quarter. For $29 and 2 hours, you’ll visit sites like Congo Square and hear stories about slavery, Creole traditions, and music origins. Its focus is more cultural and architectural, emphasizing the traditions that shaped New Orleans.
While reviews are limited, the tour provides insight into dance, food, and architecture, making it a good fit for travelers interested in cultural roots rather than dark legends. It’s particularly suited if you want a more immersive experience into African American history in the city.
Bottom line: If you want to connect with cultural traditions and heritage sites, this tour offers a thoughtful perspective, even if it has fewer reviews than others.
6. New Orleans Dark History Walking Tour
With a perfect 5-star rating, the Dark History Walking Tour is a must for those wanting the truth behind the city’s shadows. For $26 and 2 hours, it reveals the haunted streets, supernatural legends, and tragic deaths that haunt the French Quarter.
Led by an insider, this tour uncovers stories of murder, secret societies, and supernatural sightings. It’s intense but well-balanced, with a focus on local mythology and horror lore. Perfect for travelers interested in ghost stories and dark legends, especially if you’re craving an authentic, spine-tingling experience.
Bottom line: For a dark, atmospheric tour that’s rooted in real history and folklore, this is a top pick, especially for fans of the supernatural.
7. New Orleans: History of the Crescent City Group Tour
Finally, the History of the Crescent City Group Tour offers an uncensored look at how New Orleans was built below sea level on swampy land. For $27 and about 2 hours, this tour explores early colonial history, urban development, and the challenges faced by the city’s founders.
Guided by a master storyteller, the tour reveals the gritty truths of the city’s founding, including unsavory details often left out of more sanitized tours. It’s ideal for those who prefer their history raw and unfiltered and want to understand the real foundations of the city.
Bottom line: If you’re interested in authentic, unvarnished history and want a tour that’s informative and engaging, this is an excellent choice.
How to Choose Your Perfect New Orleans Historical Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your interests and schedule. For music lovers, the Treme African American & Creole History Tour offers a lively dive into jazz roots. If you’re into supernatural stories or want a fun night out, the Dark History Walking Tour is ideal. For those interested in spirituality and myths, the Voodoo Evening Tour provides a respectful, myth-busting perspective.
Budget and time are also key: tours range from around $22 to $30 and last 1.5 to 2 hours. If you’re pressed for time, the French Quarter Voodoo Tour is a perfect quick, comprehensive introduction. For a more candid, no-holds-barred history, the Crescent City Tour won’t sugar-coat the city’s past.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans offers a broad spectrum of historical tours, from music, dark legends, to cultural heritage. If you want a lively, music-focused experience, the Treme Tour is hard to beat. For fans of supernatural stories, the Dark History Tour provides an immersive experience. And if you’re curious about Voodoo, the Voodoo Evening Tour offers a respectful, myth-busting perspective.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, to ensure you get your preferred date and time. Whichever tour you choose, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of what makes New Orleans such a unique, fascinating city—and perhaps a few stories to tell long after your trip.