Top New Orleans Music Tours

Go beyond jazz on this guided walking tour that uncovers the rich and complex musical history of New Orleans. From the West African traditions of enslaved people to the birth of the legendary “New Orleans Sound,” you’ll explore the roots of American music with a passionate local guide. Visit iconic sites like the New Orleans Musicians Tomb, Preservation Hall, and Storyville, while tracing the footsteps of legends such as Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino, and Little Richard. Along the way, experience the city’s vibrant street performers who keep the tradition alive today.

Take a walk through 300 years of New Orleans’ musical history on this tour led by a local Louisiana record man. Discover how the city became the heart and soul of the American blues scene, and visit legendary music-making haunts including Preservation Jazz Hall, Place de Armes, and several recording studios. Stroll down iconic Bourbon and Frenchmen streets while hearing tales of local jazz and blues legends like Allen Toussaint, James Booker, Louis Armstrong, and more.

New Orleans is perhaps the world's richest, most vibrant, and influential musical city. Explore it on this walking tour that winds through Louis Armstrong Park, Congo Square, the Tango Belt, and ends at Preservation Hall. Learn about the West African music that started it all, the real birthplace of rock n' roll, and Storyville, a fabled red light district. Includes stops at J&M Studios, the French Opera House, and more.

Explore the best of New Orleans in half a day, guided by a local jazz musician, offering an immersive and fun experience. This half-day private tour covers the French Quarter, Treme, Garden District, City Park, and more, with stops to take stunning photos. Enjoy delicious beignets midway and the personalized attention that larger tours can't offer. Customize your tour to your interests, whether it's food, architecture, history, jazz, or murals.

Enjoy an only-in-New-Orleans experience when you embark on a paddle-wheel boat tour of the mighty Mississippi River. In the evening, hop aboard the Steamboat Natchez or her sister vessel, the Riverboat City of New Orleans, and admire views of the city from the water's edge. This cost-saving package additionally includes a Creole‐inspired dinner (if option selected), plus live jazz music to set the mood.

Discover a different side of New Orleans—and admire a new perspective from the water's edge—on this steamboat tour down the Mississippi River. Board the historic riverboat—either the Steamboat Natchez or her sister vessel—for a morning or afternoon tour. Stroll the deck, admire the iconic paddlewheel, enjoy live music, and snap photos of the picturesque shoreline. This family‐friendly excursion offers an optional lunch (additional expense).

Stroll around Frenchmen Street, New Orlean's top nightlife spot for live music, on this VIP evening tour. Listen to guided commentary on the street's colorful history and visit some of the hottest nightclubs, one of which will serve you an included New Orleans-style cocktail. You can also peruse the Frenchmen Street Art Market to pick up some locally-made souvenirs.

Embark on a journey through the sounds that shaped New Orleans and influenced music around the world. This experience blends the city’s rich cultural roots with the evolution of jazz, rhythm & blues, brass bands, bounce music, and modern New Orleans rap culture. Cruise through legendary neighborhoods like Back-O-Town, Central City, Hollygrove, and Rampart Street while exploring the stories, artists, and cultural movements that helped define the city’s unique sound. Discover iconic music landmarks like the historic Dew Drop Inn, learn how early New Orleans music evolved into global influence, and experience the energy of second lines, bounce culture, celebrity hotspots, and music video locations along the way. From the birthplace of jazz to the modern beats of New Orleans culture, this tour connects the past and present through music, storytelling, and the real rhythm of the city. Join 2nd Line Tours and experience the Sound of New Orleans — From Congo Square to That Beat

Combine cycling with partying with this nighttime bike ride through the electric city of New Orleans. You'll be provided with a light-up bicycle with a basket and cupholders before heading out on the town with your DJ guide to explore the French Quarter. Make plenty of stops along the way to eat, take pictures, drink, and be merry.

Go for a sunset cruise aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen on this boat trip. Listen to an on-board jazz band and choose to add on a Creole-style dinner buffet as the boat sails along the Mississippi River. Take in the views from the promenade deck and sip New Orleans-inspired cocktails.

Experience a classic NOLA dining experience like a VIP with this special access pass to a shrimp boil cabaret at Mister Gregory’s. Indulge in a private dinner party celebrating local flavors and vibrant music. The shrimp is sourced from local shrimping families at their docks to select the freshest Gulf shrimp before letting the "Shrimp Boil King of New Orleans" cook you up a scrumptious dinner. Then dig into this authentic New Orleans dish, all the while local performers keep you entertained.

Experience the charm of New Orleans on a two-hour Sunday jazz cruise along the Mississippi River. Enjoy live jazz music, stunning views from the top deck, and the option to savor a Louisiana-style buffet brunch featuring local favorites. This authentic paddle-wheel riverboat offers a perfect blend of history, ambiance, and relaxation for all ages. The legendary Steamboat NATCHEZ and her sister vessel Riverboat CITY of NEW ORLEANS will sail interchangeably, depending on bookings and private events.

Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of New Orleans from two perspectives on a city tour and steamboat cruise that lets you escape the land-based crowds. Enjoy a narrated coach tour of historic landmarks, including the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and the Garden District. Then, step aboard Steamboat NATCHEZ (or its sister vessel) for a journey along the mighty Mississippi River, complete with live jazz and optional Creole dining.

Create memories that will last a lifetime on the mighty Mississippi River and experience the royal treatment about the Steamboat Natchez. Your experience begins with a complimentary Champagne cocktail and front-row access to the night’s entertainment, the Dukes of Dixieland. For dinner, indulge in a buffet dinner as you listen to live jazz performance. Take the chance to tour the historic vessel after dinner.

Exploring New Orleans in the evening can seem like an intimidating quest on your own, but this ghost, voodoo, and vampire walking tour takes you to the city’s eeriest sights at night in the safety of a group led by a guide. Stop by top attractions such as the LaLaurie Mansion and New Orleans Pharmacy Museum while listening to your guide’s detailed stories of the paranormal and beyond.

If you're looking for no-holds-barred frights in New Orleans, explore the city’s dark history on this adults-only tour. Set off after nightfall to discover a new perspective on the city, and steel yourself for gruesome tales and fearsome encounters: Your guide saves the most grisly true-crime stories, voodoo legends, and paranormal frights for this tour, and takes you past the French Quarter's most supposedly haunted locations.

Experience New Orleans with ease on a minibus tour and avoid the hassle of navigating the city on your own. Ride in air-conditioned comfort as a local guide offers insight into the city’s rich history, diverse architecture, and vibrant culture. Travel through neighborhoods including the French Quarter and Garden District, and get a comprehensive introduction that’s ideal for first-time visitors.

Admire the sights of New Orleans from a comfortable coach on a half-day introductory tour. Check out highlights such as the French Quarter and the Garden District while listening to live commentary. Delve into the city’s rich history as you tour one of the oldest cemeteries in New Orleans. Enjoy the convenience of round-trip transportation from your hotel in Downtown New Orleans, too.

Discover historic New Orleans in an open‐top double‐decker bus on this hop‐on hop‐off sightseeing tour. With your 1-day ticket, design a personal itinerary with multiple stops, including the French Market, Jackson Square, and the Garden District. Enjoy unobstructed views and fun onboard commentary as you soak up The Big Easy.

New Orleans is among the most mysterious cities in the world, with fascinating history and intriguing legends, but many of its most mysterious tales aren’t found in books or on websites. On this captivating walking tour, you’ll explore the city’s hidden corners, where stories of voodoo, mysticism, and rich culture come to life.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans with a delightful Jazz Brunch aboard the Creole Queen Riverboat. Enjoy live music as you cruise down the Mighty Mississippi River, savoring a mouthwatering brunch featuring classic dishes like Chicken & Andouille Gumbo and New Orleans Barbecued Shrimp. Choose to indulge in bottomless mimosas or Cajun Bloody Marys while soaking in stunning views of the New Orleans skyline. - Enjoy a 1.5-hour cruise with live jazz music on weekends - Brunch options available, featuring delicious Southern cuisine - Optional bottomless cocktails for an additional charge - Board from 10:00 AM, cruise departs at 11:00 AM and returns at 12:30 PM

Explore New Orleans’ "City of the Dead" on the only ghost tour offering cemetery access after dark. While most haunted history tours stay in the bustling French Quarter, this one takes you into the silent, shadowy realms of one of the city’s oldest and most haunted graveyards. Hear chilling tales of paranormal activity while exploring the curious above-ground burial practices of these famous final resting places.

Discover one of Louisiana’s last preserved wetlands on a Honey Island Swamp boat tour. Make your own way to Slidell, then travel deep into the secluded swamp across Lake Pontchartrain to view native wildlife and discover a remote Cajun village only accessible by boat. Enjoy your expert guide's insights into Cajun culture and the lush swamps as you look out for alligators, wild boar, snakes, and native birds.