New Orleans Walking Tour: Garden District Stories
Description
Discover one of New Orleans’ most beautiful and historic neighbourhoods – the Garden District. Wander past grand antebellum mansions, see the Lafayette Cemetery and explore the hidden gems and diverse stories that shaped this community. Cross into the Irish Channel to see shotgun-style homes and learn about the immigrants who built the city.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Begin your guided walk along oak-shaded streets lined with grand Garden District mansions.
Pass by Lafayette Cemetery, one of New Orleans’ oldest burial grounds. Learn about the city’s unique above-ground tombs and multi-burial traditions, shaped by New Orleans’ low-lying geography. Hear stories of notable individuals laid to rest here.
Travel off the beaten path in the Garden District to uncover lesser-known landmarks. Pass by the 1843 Barthelemy Rey House, the 1875 Soria-Creel House, and Fire Station #23. If time allows, see the building where author F. Scott Fitzgerald once lived.
Stop outside Commander’s Palace, one of New Orleans’ most iconic restaurants. Admire its Victorian architecture and learn why it’s a beloved venue for weddings and celebrations.
Cross Magazine Street into the Irish Channel, a historic New Orleans neighborhood. See classic shotgun-style houses and learn about the Irish immigrants who shaped the area and its vibrant culture.
Take a short break at a local New Orleans spot. Buy a refreshing drink before continuing your Garden District tour.
End near the St. Charles Streetcar Line after strolling past more Garden District homes. Before you go, your guide will share personal recommendations for New Orleans restaurants, bars, and local sights to explore during your stay.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- What happens if it rains? The tour goes ahead rain or shine! Just bring an umbrella or raincoat. If the weather gets dangerous, though, we’ll cancel for safety. Will we visit Lafayette Cemetery during the tour?
- Not quite! The City of New Orleans has temporarily closed Lafayette Cemetery for maintenance and repairs, and there’s no reopening date yet. But don’t worry — we’ll still share its fascinating history and stories from several of the gated entrances nearby.
- Can young kids join the tour? Absolutely! Children under 6 can join for free. Just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
- What happens if one of the sites is closed? If a planned stop is unexpectedly closed, we’ll do our best to swap it out for a similar alternative so you still get a great experience.
Reviews(61)
As a native of New Orleans, Adam had so much personal and historical information that he gladly shared with us in our two hour tour. It was less of a celebrity home tour and more of a discussion of important architectural history mixed in with some humor and fun facts. We give our highest recommendation!
Andre was great! We got to learn a lot about the history and architecture of New Orleans on this tour
Kristi was a great guide! We learned more about the history and architecture of New Orleans
Andre did a wonderful job. My friend and I completely enjoyed our tour. Andre is very knowledgeable, and I learned a lot. The Garden District is beautiful!
Adam was great! Strong local knowledge and architectural history!
Andre was a fantastic guide! He has such a passion for the architecture and so much knowledge. We learned so much and had a great time. Highly recommend!
Andrade was excellent!! Very knowledgeable about the area from architecture to agriculture! Had answers for every question we threw at him and was, on top of it, personable. Would recommend him and the tour to anyone!
Andre was amazing!!! So knowledgeable, personable, and kind!
Andre is the best and did an excellent job.
Andre was an outstanding tour guide for the Garden District in New Orleans and truly made the experience unforgettable. From the moment the tour began, it was clear he had a deep knowledge of the neighborhood’s history, architecture, and culture. He didn’t just point out beautiful homes and famous landmarks. He brought them to life with stories, context, and fascinating details that you would never get from simply walking through the area on your own. Andre struck the perfect balance between education and entertainment. His storytelling style was engaging, lively, and often funny, which kept everyone in the group interested the entire time. He clearly loves New Orleans and the Garden District, and that enthusiasm made the tour even more enjoyable. What really stood out was how knowledgeable he was about everything from the historic mansions and their past residents to local traditions, architecture styles, and even small details about the trees and gardens that make the district so special. He also welcomed questions and answered them thoughtfully, making the tour feel interactive and personal. The pace of the walk was comfortable, with plenty of time to take in the stunning scenery and snap photos. Andre also shared great recommendations for places to eat, explore, and experience more of New Orleans after the tour ended. If you are visiting New Orleans and want to truly understand the beauty and history of the Garden District, a tour with Andre is absolutely worth it. Highly recommended!
