New Orleans French Quarter Walking and History Tour
Recommended by 90% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
New Orleans, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Immerse yourself in the best of the French Quarter, and maximize your sightseeing time, on this small-group historical walking tour. Follow your guide along the mighty Mississippi River to Jackson Square, learning about New Orleans' cultural history along the way. See notable literary and cinematic landmarks, bustling scenes of local life, and architectural gems including some of the nation’s oldest buildings.
- This small-group tour offers a more personal way to explore
- Learn insider facts and stories, and spot sights you'd otherwise miss
- This French Quarter tour is perfect for first-time New Orleans travelers
- Pick between morning and afternoon start times to suit your schedule
What's Included
- Local guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Cafe Beignet, Royal Street334 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Departure Point: Royal Cafe Beignet, 334 Royal Street, next to the Police Station
End point
- Jackson SquareNew Orleans, LA 70116, USA
In and around Jackson Square in the middle of the French Quarter
Itinerary
Your tour of the enchanting French Quarter begins at a convenient meeting point in the neighborhood. Choose a morning or evening start time, and meet your guide and small group for a historical promenade.
Set off first for the Mississippi riverbank. Admire paddlewheel steamboats and learn about the levee system that converted this sea‐level swampland to a livable space.
Along the way, visit the waterside French Market. Legend has it that this sight—now the oldest open‐air market in the US—was once a bartering market for Native Americans. Wander through the stalls and check out local produce, fish and Creole delicacies. Then pass by the Ursuline Convent, the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley, en route to your next stop: Jackson Square.
On the site of the original Place d’Armes, Jackson Square is an honorary landmark to President Andrew Jackson. See Louisiana’s Cabildo and Presbytere museums and the Pontalba Apartments, the oldest apartment buildings in the United States. Pass by the point where the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788 started as you head to St. Louis Cathedral.
Your 2‐mile (3.2-kilometer) walk ends near the Mississippi River levee.
Set off first for the Mississippi riverbank. Admire paddlewheel steamboats and learn about the levee system that converted this sea‐level swampland to a livable space.
Along the way, visit the waterside French Market. Legend has it that this sight—now the oldest open‐air market in the US—was once a bartering market for Native Americans. Wander through the stalls and check out local produce, fish and Creole delicacies. Then pass by the Ursuline Convent, the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley, en route to your next stop: Jackson Square.
On the site of the original Place d’Armes, Jackson Square is an honorary landmark to President Andrew Jackson. See Louisiana’s Cabildo and Presbytere museums and the Pontalba Apartments, the oldest apartment buildings in the United States. Pass by the point where the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788 started as you head to St. Louis Cathedral.
Your 2‐mile (3.2-kilometer) walk ends near the Mississippi River levee.
1
French Quarter
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Mississippi River
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
French Market
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Jackson Square
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Cabildo
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
The Presbytere (Pass By)
Pontalba Buildings (Pass By)
6
St. Louis Cathedral
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
7
Pirates Alley
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
8
Old Ursuline Convent Museum
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 9 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.6
based on 295 reviews
Daniel_S, Mar 2026
David was a hoot. Fun tour with a knowledgeable guide that hits the hot spots in the French Quarter.
John_O, Mar 2026
If you’re lucky enough to get Moira for the New Orleans French Quarter Walking & History Tour, congratulations — you’ve basically won the tour-guide lottery. From the very first hello, she was warm, friendly, and instantly made our group feel like we were exploring the Quarter with a brilliantly knowledgeable friend rather than sitting through a history lecture.
Moira doesn’t just know New Orleans — she lives it. Every cobblestone seemed to come with a story, every balcony had a scandal, and every alleyway whispered something deliciously dramatic. She delivered history with humor, local insight, and just the right amount of theatrical flair. One minute we were laughing, the next we were wide-eyed at some unbelievable (but totally true!) piece of Crescent City lore.
Her passion is contagious, her storytelling is captivating, and her knowledge is seriously impressive. If you want a tour that’s informative, engaging, and sprinkled with personality, Moira is your guide. 10/10 would follow her through the French Quarter again!
Aaron_L, Mar 2026
It was informative and tour guide was amazing. The walk was not too much and the price was pretty good for the overall experience.
Mark_S, Mar 2026
This is a great way to be introduced to the French Quarter. We learned a lot about the history of New Orleans in the time that we had with the guide. He has great knowledge about the city.
Monique_J, Feb 2026
David was very knowledgeable & engaging. We learned a lot of interesting facts, saw many things from a different perspective & had a great time with him. One of the highlights was the art galley on Royal St. where my son got to play the blues.
Michael_K, Nov 2025
Amazing sights and insightful narrative. Thoroughly enjoyed our guide and the time we spent. Great taste of the city.
Lauren_G, Nov 2025
Our tour guide, Dave, was so knowledgeable and it was a great walking tour. Only had one full day in New Orleans we saw so much in 2 hours and a lot of the history. Absolutely recommend
Sherry_S, Nov 2025
Wonderful history of the French quarter! Guide was very knowledgeable and fun. Very engaging and willing to answer questions. Felt very safe.
Robert_S, Nov 2025
Good 2 hour walking tour of French Quarter. Easy pace, informative local guide who spoke clearly with good cadence. Sprinkled his talk with some well placed humor and insight.
Monica_T, Nov 2025
New Orleans is a really amazing city, full of art, history and stories to tell. Davi Higgins, our guide, has done great to make us acquainted with all you need to know to fully appreciate and enjoy this wonderful place. A musician and stand-up comedian, he not only vividly entertained us, he also focussed on our main interest, music.
So glad we met David! Thank you again for these two wonderful hours up and down the French Quarter
Rachel_P, Oct 2025
Great introduction to the area and Dave our tour guide was great. He had so many stores just about his own lived experience growing up here. Could of easily spent another hour or two listening to him.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thanks, Rachel! Yes we agree - Dave Roberts is a gem and really loves his hometown New Orleans.
Michelle_K, Oct 2025
I received a text shortly before the tour time that my guide called in sick. I texted back to ask for a refund and they replied "ok." I still haven't gotten my money back or email notice of the refund. It has been over a week.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
This review is unfair. Our guide was there and she was not. After making contact when she had decided to do something else we offered her a private tour French Quarter tour valued at $200 and she declined. On top of that she got a refund which is OK except she left this unfair bad review and Tripadvisor is supporting her falsehoods by posting it.
Kimberly_S, Sep 2025
Could not find my guide. I was there until 10:40 am. He never announced himself I didn't see anyone who looked like a guide. The guide the before announced himself told us to get a drink what not and when we would be leaving. Nothing this morning. I waited until 10:40 am and left. We already established I was in the right place I had breakfast there waiting for the tour to start. I would like my money back please.
Peter_W, Sep 2025
Excellent guide with history, humour and information all mixed in.
Just the right amount of walking and easy to listen to and hear.
Hien_L, Sep 2025
Got a chance to interact with a tour guide who moved from NY to settled in New Orleans.
David was very passionate about New Orleans.
Laura_H, Jul 2025
David was a wonderful guide. He was very knowledgeable and outgoing. He knew the history and culture very well and included cultural points that could connect for adults and kids. He made a point of connecting with each tour member, like a good host at a party. This was like walking around the French Quarter with your musician friend who takes great pride in his city, its history and culture.
Jennifer_E, Jun 2025
Our tour guide was so great and knowledgeable about the French Quarter and New Orleans. He gave us some insider information and it was a lovely experience.
Amy_H, May 2025
Our guide was so knowledgeable and took his time with our entire tour! We are history buffs and learned more about NOLA than we thought we knew!
Leslie_F, May 2025
Excellent Small Group Tour - our guide David was interesting to listen to and knew just where to walk/stop/drop in - to see many interesting and important sites in and around the French Quarter. We did this first on our trip to New Orleans and was very helpful for the rest of our stay. Easy to stay with group - I would recommend doing during the week (area not as busy as weekends) and be prepared to walk the entire time! Highly recommend!
Byron_G, May 2025
We loved learning the good and not so great history of the French Quarter. Our guide was delightful and answered our questions knowledgeably.
sbergerfacebook, Apr 2025
Walking tour was educational and historical. Highly Recommended. The French Quarter is a must see for a trip to New Orleans.
Felix_S, Mar 2025
David had great knowledge of NO history, art and architecture. We had a great time and woulf recomend the tour.
Amity_A, Mar 2025
Best ever. Dave the tour guide was a native from New Orleans, so we got a lot of inside info! Just enough walking and talking. Saw sights I otherwise would have missed!
Amy_N, Mar 2025
Guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the buildings in the French Quarter. Wear comfortable shoes. Lots of walking.
Raghavendra_R, Feb 2025
Very informative tour. Dave was excellent. Nice stops along the way so no one gets tired or cold outside
Marisa_V, Feb 2025
David was extremely knowledgeable and was able to tailor our tour to our interest due to the fact that it was just our family. We were very grateful that he was willing to take us even though the tour was small because our previous tour that we had booked canceled on us due to low numbers. David understands the history culture and describes it well and we learned so much on this tour. we highly recommend it!
A_B, Jan 2025
I visited New Orleans during their slow season. I was the only one on the tour, the guide showed up and was very informative. Thank you
Michael_H, Jan 2025
We have travelled extensively and taken historical and foodie tour. This history tour of NO was the best I have ever taken. The breathe of Dave’s knowledge of local and Louisiana history was exceptional. And very pleasant and personable. He is a real pro. I haven taken tours in cities where I knew some of what the guide said was wrong. No danger of that with Dave! He was exceptionally competent. We were lucky because there were only 4 of us in the group probably because it was New Year’s Day at 10:30 in the morning. If you were out late the night before thus would have been early.
Gail_S, Dec 2024
It was an excellent tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions. We have always been very happy with our Viator tours.
Jeffry_B, Nov 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed the walk through the French Quarter with David. He is very knowledgeable about the city’s history and communicated it in an interesting way. We liked how he also included certain spots used as settings in movies of the past. His pace was not too fast or too slow for our group with enough”stops” to allow a brief pause.
From $29.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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New Orleans French Quarter Walking and History Tour
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