New Orleans : African American Heritage Walking Tour

Exploring the vibrant African American heritage of New Orleans is an enriching experience. The city’s cultural landscape is deeply shaped by the resilience and contributions of its Black community. The African American Heritage Walking Tour offers a compelling 2-hour journey through the French Quarter, uncovering the stories that have defined this dynamic city. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious, this tour promises an insightful and memorable exploration of New Orleans’ past and present.

Good To Know

• The 2-hour African American heritage walking tour in New Orleans explores the city’s unique cultural and historical connections to the African diaspora.
• Key highlights of the tour include visiting the vibrant French Quarter, historic Congo Square, and discovering Creole architecture and cuisine.
• Participants can learn about the significant contributions of enslaved Africans to the development and growth of New Orleans.
• The tour meets at 401 Decatur Street and can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Customer reviews indicate mixed experiences, with some praising the tour’s thoroughness but others noting accessibility concerns and unmet expectations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The New Orleans African American Heritage Walking Tour offers visitors a 2-hour exploration of the city’s rich African American history and culture.

Priced from $29 per person, the walking tour departs from 401 Decatur Street, with the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.

Conducted in English, the tour can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Highlights include experiencing the French Quarter atmosphere, learning about enslaved individuals, visiting historic Congo Square, and discovering Creole architecture and cuisine.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour operates rain or shine.

Historical Context

Although African ancestry presence in New Orleans began in 1719, shortly after the city’s hotel, approximately 5,000 Africans survived the Middle Passage to French Louisiana in the 1720s.

In the 1780s, a similar number of Africans were brought by the Spanish from Benin and Congo.

Enslaved Africans contributed to the city’s:

Enslaved Africans shaped New Orleans through their contributions to its infrastructure, agriculture, cultural development, and economic growth.

1. Infrastructure

2. Agriculture

3. Cultural development

4. Overall economic growth

This influx of African culture and labor significantly shaped the unique identity of New Orleans, laying the foundation for its vibrant African American heritage.

Tour Highlights

The New Orleans African American Heritage Walking Tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the rich and influential African American history and culture that shaped the city.

Participants will experience the atmosphere of the vibrant French Quarter and learn about the enslaved individuals who contributed to the city’s infrastructure, agriculture, and cultural development.

The tour also includes a visit to the historic Congo Square, where enslaved Africans gathered to preserve their cultural traditions.

Guests will discover Creole architecture and cuisine, gaining a deeper understanding of the enduring legacy of African Americans in New Orleans.

Meeting Point and Cancellation Policy

The meeting point for the New Orleans African American Heritage Walking Tour is 401 Decatur Street, and participants should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.

This tour offers flexibility, as visitors can reserve now and pay later. Plus, the tour features a free cancellation policy – guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The key highlights of the cancellation policy include:

1. Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

2. Reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility.

3. Tour operates rain or shine.

4. Not suitable for individuals with limited mobility.

More Great Tours Nearby

Tour Inclusions

The New Orleans African American Heritage Walking Tour includes a local tour guide who’ll lead participants through Louis Armstrong Park and Congo Square, as well as the French Quarter.

The tour doesn’t include transportation, food, drinks, or gratuities. Guests should wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera and water.

Guests should wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera and water, as the tour doesn’t include transportation, food, drinks, or gratuities.

The tour operates rain or shine and may not be suitable for individuals with limited mobility.

While the tour provides an in-depth exploration of African American history and culture in New Orleans, any additional expenses beyond the tour price are the responsibility of the participants.

Recommended Items

Comfortable shoes are a must for the New Orleans African American Heritage Walking Tour, as you will be on their feet for the duration of the 2-hour excursion.

Plus, bring the following:

• A camera to capture the historic landmarks and vibrant cultural atmosphere

• Water to stay hydrated during the walking portions of the tour

• Sunscreen and a hat, if desired, to protect against the warm Louisiana sun

• Light, breathable clothing to ensure comfort throughout the tour.

These recommended items will enhance the overall experience and ensure participants are prepared to fully engage with the rich African American heritage of New Orleans.

Tour Suitability

This walking tour may not be suitable for individuals with limited mobility. The 2-hour tour covers a fair amount of ground, requiring participants to walk for extended periods. It is recommended that guests wear comfortable shoes and bring water to stay hydrated.

| Mobility Level | Suitable? | Notes |

| — | — | — |

| Limited Mobility | No | Extensive walking required |

| Average Mobility | Yes | Able to keep up with group |

| High Mobility | Yes | Can handle terrain easily |

| Wheelchairs/Walkers | No | Tour not wheelchair accessible |

While the tour give you an immersive cultural experience, those with mobility constraints may find it challenging to fully participate. Guests should carefully consider their physical abilities before booking.

Customer Reviews

Guests have provided a mix of feedback on the New Orleans African American Heritage Walking Tour. The overall rating is 2.3/5 based on 3 reviews.

Positive feedback highlights the tour’s thoroughness and intriguing experiences.

However, negative feedback includes:

Negative feedback includes cancellation issues, lack of refund options, accessibility concerns, and unmet expectations.

1. Cancellation issues due to weather

2. Lack of refund options

3. Accessibility concerns for individuals with limited mobility

4. Disappointment with the tour not meeting expectations.

While the tour offers an immersive look into African American history and culture in New Orleans, the customer experience seems inconsistent.

Addressing the concerns raised could help improve the tour’s overall satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Accessible for Visitors With Disabilities?

The tour is not suitable for visitors with limited mobility. It involves walking through the French Quarter and visiting Congo Square, which may pose challenges for those with disabilities. Alternative accessible tours may be available upon request.

What Types of Payment Methods Are Accepted for Booking?

Visitors can reserve the tour and pay later. The tour website accepts various payment methods like credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets to provide flexible booking options for customers.

Can the Tour Guide Provide Recommendations for Local Restaurants?

While the tour guide focuses on providing historical insights during the walking tour, they may be able to offer general recommendations for local restaurants in the area upon request. However, specific dining suggestions are not included as part of the tour itself.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions or requirements for the tour. Participants of all ages are welcome to join. However, the tour may not be suitable for individuals with limited mobility, as it involves extended periods of walking.

How Often Does the Tour Operate Throughout the Week?

The tour operates daily, with multiple departure times throughout the week. Specific schedule details should be confirmed with the tour provider when booking, as departure times may vary seasonally or change without notice.

The Sum Up

The New Orleans African American Heritage Walking Tour offers an insightful 2-hour journey through the city’s rich African American history and culture. Starting at 401 Decatur Street, participants can explore the vibrant French Quarter, historic Congo Square, and unique Creole architecture. With a $29 price tag and a flexible cancellation policy, this tour provides an engaging and accessible way to discover the enduring legacy that has shaped New Orleans.

You can check availability for your dates here: