New Orleans Jazz History and People of Color Tour
Description
Discover the soul of New Orleans—where jazz, culture, and the stories of Gens de Couleurs and People of Color shape the city’s rhythm and spirit. Begin your tour at Louis Armstrong Park—the Birthplace of Jazz—just steps from the French Quarter. This off-the-beaten-path experience blends music, culture, and history, highlighting the rich heritage of people of color in New Orleans. As you stroll through the Treme neighborhood, you’ll explore iconic landmarks, hear powerful stories, and learn about the Gens de Couleur and their lasting impact on Louisiana culture. Discover a vibrant neighborhood full of rhythm, history, and flavor—an authentic slice of local life that deserves a spot on every New Orleans itinerary. All shared with NOLA love!
Tour Options
Itinerary
You're invited to enjoy city highlights that you might not otherwise discover, as we guide you through the heart of New Orleans’ rich history and culture. Our journey begins at the entrance of the iconic Louis Armstrong Park and continues into Congo Square—an essential site in African American history and the birthplace of many cultural traditions.
Inside the park, we’ll pause at several monuments, including the striking 12-foot statue of Louis Armstrong, celebrating the city’s jazz legacy.
From there, we walk through the historic Faubourg Tremé neighborhood, sharing highlights of its charming architecture, vibrant street life, and cultural landmarks. Along the way, we’ll spotlight a few of Tremé’s “do not miss” food stops, and wrap up our tour at the beloved Lil Dizzy’s—famous for its warm hospitality and classic Creole fare. With its local businesses, rich traditions, and “Main Street USA” feel, Tremé offers a heartbeat of New Orleans you won’t forget.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Stops are interchangeable and may change without notice.
- Guide gratuities are excluded. Guide and host gratuities are always appreciated.
- Minors: Minors may attend our tours with a parent or guardian present. Parents or guardians may never leave minors unattended on any tour.
Reviews(3)
There is a lot of walking but very interesting walk. Be prepared that this your comes rain or shine, hot or cold. It was freezing on our tour with very little sunshine. Mr Milton was our guide and was extremely knowledgeable on NOLA history and culture. There was nearby construction so at times it was hard to hear him. There are no bathroom facilities in the park so be prepared to run across the street if you need to go.
Dear Joyce, Wow! Thanks so much for taking the time to offer your feedback. Love: "Mr Milton was our guide and was extremely knowledgeable on NOLA history and culture. " We are thrilled that you and your party joined us on the People of Color Tour and named it a plus! Stay warm, safe travels and Happy New Year!
Our tour guide Milton was amazing! He had so much knowledge of the area and the history. He took care to try to keep us cool and in the shade. At the end of the tour, he directed a friend and I to a little hole in the wall bar for a beverage and restroom, then drove by to check on us. Highly recommend!
We loved our tour with Milton. The man is a New Orleans native and an absolute wealth of knowledge. He taught us all about the fascinating history of New Orleans, ranging from its pre-colonial roots all the way through its contributions to 20th century culture, from music to architecture. Highly recommended to anyone interested in a tour that takes them off the beaten path!
