New Orleans: Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery Tour

Explore the captivating charm of New Orleans’ Garden District on this comprehensive walking tour. Discover the district’s stunning architectural styles, from Greek Revival to Italianate, as you explore notable sites like the iconic St. Charles Avenue Streetcar and the historic Buckner Mansion. Learn about the vibrant Creole culture and the intriguing "Creole vs. American" conflict that shaped the neighborhood’s heritage. With an expert guide to bring the past to life, this 2-hour adventure promises an enchanting exploration of one of the city’s most beloved districts.

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Key Points

Guided 2-hour walking tour showcasing the diverse architectural styles of the historic Garden District in New Orleans.
Highlights notable sites like the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar, Buckner Mansion, and the death site of Jefferson Davis.
Explores the "Creole vs. American" conflict during the antebellum era and its impact on the neighborhood’s development.
Provides an opportunity to see the homes of various celebrities, including Anne Rice, Trent Reznor, and Nicolas Cage.
Offers an immersive experience to learn about the rich culture and heritage of the Garden District through knowledgeable guide commentary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The New Orleans: Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery Tour provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of the architectural splendor and historical significance of this iconic neighborhood.

The 2-hour guided walking tour showcases the neighborhood’s diverse architectural styles, from Greek Revival to Italianate, and highlights notable sites like the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar and the Buckner Mansion, featured in the TV series "American Horror Story."

On the 2-hour guided walking tour, discover the neighborhood’s diverse architectural styles from Greek Revival to Italianate, and iconic sites like the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar and Buckner Mansion.

Guests can expect to learn about the antebellum era "Creole vs. American" conflict and see celebrity homes along the way.

The tour is priced at $30 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Looking for more options in New Orleans? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Architectural Styles

As visitors explore the Garden District, they’ll be captivated by the neighborhood’s diverse architectural styles. From the stately Greek Revival mansions to the ornate Italianate villas, the streetscape is a visual feast. Gothic spires, Georgian symmetry, and Swiss Chalet whimsy add to the eclectic charm. The iconic Queen Anne-style homes, with their turrets and intricate gingerbread detailing, epitomize the area’s grandeur. This architectural tapestry reflects the region’s melting pot of influences, showcasing the cultural diversity that defines New Orleans.

| Architectural Style | Distinguishing Features |

| — | — |

| Greek Revival | Symmetrical facade, prominent columns, pediments |

| Italianate | Ornate details, low-pitched roof, arched windows |

| Gothic | Pointed arches, steep roofs, vertical orientation |

| Georgian | Balanced, symmetrical design, central-hall plan |

| Swiss Chalet | Steeply pitched roofs, decorative woodwork |

| Queen Anne | Asymmetrical facade, turrets, gingerbread details |

Notable Sites

Visitors on the Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery Tour will explore a variety of notable sites that showcase the neighborhood’s rich history and cultural significance.

This includes the iconic St. Charles Avenue Streetcar, the Cornstalk Fence House, the Buckner Mansion (which served as the Miss Robichaux’s Academy from AMERICAN HORROR STORY), and the death site of Jefferson Davis.

Plus, the tour will visit several film sites, such as the location used in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."

These sites offer a unique glimpse into the district’s diverse architectural styles and the fascinating stories that have unfolded within its boundaries.

Celebrity Homes

While exploring the Garden District, visitors will come across the homes of several notable celebrities. The area is home to the residences of famed author Anne Rice, Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor, actor Nicolas Cage, professional basketball player Zion Williamson’s mother, actor John Goodman, and the Manning family – Archie, Peyton, and Eli.

| Celebrity | Home Location | Notes |

| — | — | — |

| Anne Rice | 1239 First Street | Known for her vampire novels |

| Trent Reznor | 3827 Prytania Street | Grammy-winning musician |

| Nicolas Cage | 2523 Coliseum Street | Academy Award-winning actor |

| Zion Williamson’s Mother | 1917 Jackson Avenue | NBA superstar’s family home |

| John Goodman | 1440 Fourth Street | Acclaimed character actor |

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Tour Experience

The Garden District tour offers an immersive exploration of the neighborhood’s architectural splendor and historical significance. Guests embark on a walking journey, learning about the antebellum era "Creole vs. American" conflict that shaped the area’s diverse architectural styles, including Greek Revival, Italianate, Gothic, Georgian, Swiss Chalet, and Queen Anne.

The streets serve as open-air museums, showcasing:

The historical significance of notable sites like the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar and the Buckner Mansion.
The filming locations of iconic movies such as "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."
The residences of celebrated figures, including authors, musicians, and athletes.
The rich culture and heritage that permeates the neighborhood.

There's plenty more to explore in New Orleans

Inclusions

The tour includes a knowledgeable guide who provides insightful commentary throughout the walking exploration.

The format is a walking tour, allowing participants to fully enjoy the Garden District’s architectural splendor and historical significance.

While the tour guide is included, tips, food, and beverages are not. Attendees should come prepared with comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather.

The tour focuses on the antebellum era "Creole vs. American" conflict, using the streets as open-air museums showcasing the area’s rich history and culture.

Meeting Information

The tour meets inside THE GARDEN DISTRICT BOOK SHOP, located at the corner of Washington and Prytania Streets at 2727 Prytania Street.

The tour meets inside THE GARDEN DISTRICT BOOK SHOP, located at the corner of Washington and Prytania Streets at 2727 Prytania Street.

Attendees are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes early and take the historic St. Charles Streetcar from Canal and Carondelet, exiting at Washington Avenue. This provides ample time to reach the meeting point.

The tour follows a walking format, with the guide leading participants through the enchanting streets of the Garden District.

Key considerations for attendees include:

Arrive early to allow time for transportation.
Meet inside the specified book shop.
Prepare for a walking tour.
Tips, food, and beverages aren’t included.

Transportation Options

One convenient way to reach the tour’s meeting point is by taking the historic St. Charles Streetcar. The streetcar departs from Canal and Carondelet, giving you a scenic ride through the city.

Exit at the Washington Avenue stop, which is just a short walk from the meeting location inside The Garden District Book Shop. Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before the tour start time to allow for travel.

Alternatively, you can drive and park near the meeting point, but be mindful of any parking restrictions in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Photography and Video Allowed During the Tour?

Photography and video are generally allowed during the tour, but participants should be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience for others. It’s best to check with the tour guide for any specific guidelines or restrictions.

Can We Request a Private or Custom Tour?

Private or custom tours can be requested for this experience. Guests should contact the tour operator to inquire about availability and pricing for customized tours that cater to their specific interests or group size.

Is the Tour Wheelchair/Disability Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair and disability accessible. The walking portion can be accommodated, and the guide can provide assistance as needed to ensure all guests can participate fully in the tour experience.

Do You Offer Any Discounts or Special Offers?

The tour company offers a 10% discount for seniors, students, military, and groups of 4 or more. Plus, they may have occasional special offers or deals available, so it’s best to check their website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.

Can We Purchase Tickets on the Day of the Tour?

Yes, you can purchase tickets on the day of the tour. Tickets are available for purchase online or on-site prior to the tour start time, subject to availability. Same-day tickets may be limited, so booking in advance is recommended.

The Sum Up

The Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery Tour in New Orleans offers an enchanting glimpse into the city’s rich history and diverse architectural styles. Explore iconic landmarks, discover celebrity homes, and explore the Creole-American cultural conflict, all while enjoying the expert guidance of a knowledgeable local. This captivating 2-hour walking adventure is a must-do for anyone wanting to experience the charm of the Big Easy.