Tours/New Orleans/Soul of New Orleans City Tour: Enslavement to Modern Day Culture
Viator · group up to 24 pax

Soul of New Orleans City Tour: Enslavement to Modern Day Culture

4.9(501)New Orleans1 hour
VIATOR4.9(358)TRIPADVISOR5.0(143)

Description

Discover the Soul of New Orleans: Black History That Can’t Be Erased. Walk through the untold story of New Orleans from Indigenous Bulbancha to the Haitian Revolution, from the Mississippi River slave markets to the rhythms of Congo Square. Discover how Black resilience shaped the music, food, spirit, and soul of this city. You'll explore historic sites like Treme, Jackson Square, and the Lower 9th Ward, witnessing the triumphs and struggles that built the real New Orleans. Learn how young heroes like Ruby Bridges and Leona Tate carried the torch of Civil Rights, and how Hurricane Katrina exposed deep-rooted injustices still felt today. This tour honors the culture, courage, and survival that mainstream history often overlooks. Step into a journey that connects the past to the present — and feel the heartbeat of a people who refused to be erased.

Tour Options

Soul of New Orleans City Tour: Enslavement to Modern Day Culture

Itinerary

Admission included5 min

Learn about Treme's pivotal role in the civil rights movement and its significance as America's oldest black community.and Birthplace of Jazz Immerse yourself in the rhythms of Treme as you stroll past live music venues and hear stories about jazz legends.

Admission included5 min

Learn about the diverse cultural influences that converged here, from African rhythms to Creole traditions. Hear stories of the enslaved individuals who gathered in this space to share their music, dance, and culture.

Admission included5 min

You have the opportunity to observe some New Orleans most beautiful mural

Pass by

See the aftermath of neighborhood was devastated during hurricane Katrina.

Pass by

Experience one of the most iconic historic districts in the country, known for its vibrant architecture, rich culture, and deep-rooted history. As you pass through, your guide will break down the real history showing how different cultures came together to shape the New Orleans we know today.

Highlights

Studio Be art gallery visit
Congo Square-Visit the Birthplace of jazz culture.
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Hurricane Katrina Landmark
Restroom Break and gift shop
Civil Rights history-including Plessy vs. Ferguson and visit the first desegrated school in America
Treme Neighborhood-The oldest Black neighborhood in the United States

What's included

Included
Studio Be art gallery visit
Congo Square-Visit the Birthplace of jazz culture.
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Hurricane Katrina Landmark
Restroom Break and gift shop
Civil Rights history-including Plessy vs. Ferguson and visit the first desegrated school in America
Treme Neighborhood-The oldest Black neighborhood in the United States

Traveller Ratings

4.9
501 reviews
5
483
4
8
3
5
2
0
1
5

Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(501)

C
Carolyn_C
July 16, 2026
The NOLA we didn’t learn about in school.

Loved our tour guide Jay! He gave such an in depth and authentic view of the black history & experience of New Orleans. Never realized that NOLA was older than the United States. We got a chance to hear and see where the levy walls breached and to also to be informed and actually walk the halls of one the first schools in the South to be desegregated. It wasn’t only Ruby Bridges as we all learned in school but there were 3 others in NOLA that same day who experienced the same challenge as Ruby. Such rich history! It is a tour everyone should take. I hope they become the standard of all the NOLA tours. Excellent job and an awesome experience. Thank you Jay!

L
Linda_F
July 16, 2026
The driver was very...

The driver was very knowledgeable. He talked and showed visual slides to help people connect to the experiences.

C
cherie_m
July 13, 2026
Sorry I didn't take this tour first.

This was the best tour I have ever taken. The information was not only historical, it is relevant to today. Our college age grandchild was not bored, and we had a very healthy discussion about AA history. It opened the door to our family history.

R
Rodney_T
July 13, 2026
Ninth Ward it was a great experience recommend to everyone

It was extremely informative, the guide was extremely knowledgeable and friendly, I would take the same tour next year on my return

E
Edna_C
July 13, 2026
Showered with knowledge

Our driver was the best. The 2nd line company worked with us to correct the date mistake. It began storming and raining as we walked to the bus but they waited patiently and were so pleasant throughout the tour.

T
taratW3927KI
July 11, 2026
Best Decision to Book THIS Tour!

I highly recommend booking this tour if you want an insider's perspective of the true unfiltered history of New Orleans. Our guide, Mr. Dennis, was knowledgeable, fun, and courteous. This was money well spent! I would definitely go again. So much information to capture! This tour exceeded my expectations. On a hot and humid July summer day, I appreciated the comfortable air conditioned bus. I would recommend doing this tour as soon as possible during your vacation so that subsequent days will be more enlightening and meaningful. However, just don't leave New Orleans without doing this tour. My only feedback is I wanted even more time to soak in the information. It was a lot to take in before moving to the next mind blowing stop!

C
Charmaine_G
July 7, 2026
Take this tour!!!

hands-down, the best tour I took in New Orleans, besides the one for the Whitney plantation. I would say they are both just as good. This man is so knowledgeable about New Orleans, and he takes you to all of the historical sites. It was such a great experience, great driving, smooth, pick up and drop off, and a timely experience.

T
Tanya_J
July 7, 2026
Black Canadians thankful for this tour that provided us the truth, not manufactured history

Our tour guide Jay was friendly, approachable and most of all, knowledgeable. We had a wonderful time and were enlightened by the opportunity to learn and see the history of Black New Orleanians, past and present.

A
Alisha_W
July 5, 2026
Take the tour. Bring a fan

The guide, driver was extremely knowledgeable. There were things pointed out i had never noticed before. He also made it relevant and interesting for any age, sex or rave. I do wish there were more opportunities to step off and take better photos. Also the bus didn't have ac. Something was on but it did not blow cold. Felt more like a low fan

C
Carlotta_D
July 4, 2026
My husband and I have...

My husband and I have visited N.O. often and never thought about taking one of the many tours thats available. This one was Great! The bus was comfortable and had air conditioner. The tours guide Trey knew what he was talking about because he grew up in N.O. near the 9th Ward. 2 hr tour and Trey talked and show videos and pics of the different sites. We visited 8 historic areas and was able to go inside a few. This tour is highly recommended for the entire family. Ask for driver Trey you wont be disappointed. HISTORY WAS DELIVERED!!!👏🏾

Operator response

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're honored that after visiting New Orleans many times, you chose to experience the city with us. We're especially happy Jay helped you discover a side of New Orleans you hadn't experienced before. Thank you for trusting 2nd Line Tours with your journey. Thank you for supporting our mission of preserving and sharing the true story of New Orleans. The story continues. —Dennis Morgan & the 2nd Line Tours Family

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