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10 Walking Tours in Louisiana That You Shouldn't Miss
Louisiana tourism is centered on New Orleans and the North Shore region in the southeastern corner of the state near the Florida border. West of New Orleans is the Great River Road, with the I-10 running to the Mississippi River port capital city of Baton Rogue. West of New Orleans along the Gulf of Mexico, the I-10 cuts through Lafayette and Lake Charles on its way past Abbeville to Texas. Central Louisiana is Lake Country, and home to cities like Alexandria and Natchitoches. In northern Louisiana, the I-20 runs west from Monroe to Bossier City, Shreveport, and East Texas. Unless Louisiana is very familiar and frequent territory, New Orleans will be the top choice for a Louisiana vacation. Though Mardi Gras, music, and the winning ways of the New Orleans Saints football team get the spotlight, there is much more to explore in New Orleans. Within New Orleans choose among Bourbon Street, Royal Street, the Upper and Lower French Quarters, the Warehouse and Central Business District, the Garden District and Uptown, and Mid-City. With street car lines linking the French Quarter to the Garden District, Convention Center, and everywhere else, it is easy for the whole family to get around. If long walks are your exercise, explore the scenic city on foot. An easy two-hour drive from New Orleans brings you to Baton Rogue, Natchitoches and Lake Country. Explore old Beauregard Town in downtown Baton Rogue, the historic homes of the Baton Rogue Garden District, and tour one or several working plantations. Walk the 33-block Historic Landmark District and tour the historic homes and churches of Natchitoches. Relive Spanish Empire history in Louisiana at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site. Heading west from New Orleans is Cajun Country and Lafayette with its mix of French, French Canadian (Acadian), Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. Besides Cajun and Creole cookery, explore the Civil War heritage at the Lafayette Museum. Stop by Abbeville to view the courthouse designed by Hayes Town, St. Mary Magdalen Church, and have a seafood meal. With 75 annual festivals Lake Charles is Louisiana's Festival City, and home to the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway. Shreveport and Bossier City in northwest Louisiana are casino and entertainment centers. Shreveport is renowned for hosting the Louisiana State Fair in the fall. Plus floral centers, art galleries, and museums. Monroe in the northeast also has notable gardens.
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1. New Orleans Cemetery Insiders Tour-3 Cemeteries
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Join us on a journey through three of New Orleans’ hallowed cemeteries. On this tour, your master storyteller will lead you through the maze of above-ground tombs in Masonic Cemetery #1, St. Patrick Cemetery #2, and the Katrina Memorial at Charity Hospital Cemetery. From burial customs and traditions- to the history of the Masons and Catholics in New Orleans- to the deaths of the thousands buried in the graveyard behind the Katrina Memorial, this tour will leave you with feelings of trepidation and excitement, as well as with a reverence for our city’s incredible history. This is a narrated 1-hour walking tour with shuttle service to and from the French Quarter included. You may bring your own beverages on board the bus.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Guided walking tour of 3 cemeteries, Narration on board the bus
Exclusions: Drinks are not included but you may bring your own
Reviewed By K4761SNryanc
So fun! Jody was awesome! We enjoyed every moment! We learned a lot about New Orleans. Highly recommended!
2. New Orleans Drunk Spirits Pub Crawl Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Combine the insatiable nightlife of the French Quarter with the storied past that hangs over our city. Our uniquely qualified, experienced guides will unearth for you what only the locals know but dare not speak. Hear tales of the broken-hearted and murderous, the forlorn and the strong on this 2-hour excursion through New Orleans' oldest neighborhood. … And if you think vampires are merely the lore of superstitious imagination, think again. The vampiric culture, its customs, and strange potions await the brave and the foolish alike. We will take you on a journey back in time to experience the carnage of pirates. This is your chance to delve into the ancient stories that plague New Orleans to this day through the eyes of local concoctions. 21 and over only. Guided tour included. Drinks not included. Tour may be modified due to COVID-19.
Inclusions: Licensed, Local Tour Guide
Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages
Reviewed By K4761SNryanc
So fun! Jody was awesome! We enjoyed every moment! We learned a lot about New Orleans. Highly recommended!
3. New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 310 reviews
Enjoy the stories on a walking tour through New Orleans’ elegant 19th Century garden neighborhood. You will get to look through the gates at Lafayette Cemetery #1, currently closed to the public. This neighborhood and its cemetery tells the story of New Orleans from the Louisiana Purchase to the Civil War. Stunning antebellum mansions, lush gardens, unforgettable stories, and beautiful photo opportunities await! We keep our group size under 12 guests to make in a fun, personal experience.
Inclusions: Local guide, Small-group walking tour
Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By stephanierH7722ZV
Loretta was our guide and was amazing! We had such a good time that the time flew by. She was so informative and entertaining that we came away with some historical facts we didn’t know (despite having history degrees in the group) and also some great entertaining conversational information for those in our family that didn’t come along. They really missed out! Overall, the best compliment I can give is that Loretta was someone I would happily share a drink with and just listen to for hours — likeable, fun loving, entertaining and delightful. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4. French Quarter Historical Sights and Stories Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 588 reviews
This tour of New Orleans' oldest and most vibrant neighborhood has history, culture, architecture, and all the great stories that help you really understand what this city is all about! We keep our group size at 12 or fewer guests to make in a fun, personal experience.
Inclusions: Professional guide
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By 667sonyaw
Bobby was a great tour guide today. Our Garden District tour was awesome with our guide being very knowledgeable about the area. Gave us the most interesting facts and kept it moving. I would recommend his tours to everyone.
5. New Orleans True Murder Tour: Sinister Criminal Intentions
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 421 reviews
On this adults-only murder tour you will learn of the sordid details behind New Orleans' dark history. Not for the faint of heart! We take you on a journey through NOLA's real-life horror stories including Madame LaLaurie, The Trunk Murders and The Katrina Cannibal. You'll see where it all happened, understand the history behind it, and how the echoes of gruesome crimes still cry out.
Inclusions: Professional guide, Private tours are available
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By teiag0310
Always ask for Randy! He was great at keeping everyone's attention, and even better at the story telling. So many beautiful places to see, and so much humor. Randy was great with everything and makes you feel like you've known him forever.
6. New Orleans Garden District Walking Tour Including Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 556 reviews
This New Orleans Historic Garden District Walking Tour highlights the American settlement and their beautiful homes, gardens, wealth and how life was changed because of their amazing contributions. This multifaceted tour includes the unique history of our incredible city, culture, and architecture. The Americans early settlements, lavish lifestyles and immense wealth are obvious as we walk through this opulent and super astonishing neighborhood. Our Tour begins outside of the gates of Lafayette Cemetery #1, as you learn of the basic burial information and customs and discuss why New Orleans cemeteries are so unique (NOTE: PUBLIC ACCESS IS NOT ALLOWED IN THIS CEMETERY) We then walk around the neighborhood where you'll see the architectural styles of the Americans. You will see celebrity homes, perfectly manicured landscapes and movie hotspots as well. Walk with a local, see it through our eyes!
Inclusions: Professional guide, Insider tips for local hangouts, Recommendations for food, music and fun
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By 917candyj
Great walking tour of the Garden District! Our tour guide Angie was wonderful! She did a great job explaining the history of the town and architecture. You get to see many beautiful homes and also hear the history of the cemeteries.
7. New Orleans Cocktail History Walking Tour in the French Quarter
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 276 reviews
Savor tasty cocktails in the French Quarter of New Orleans on a walking tour with an expert local guide. Visit hidden gems enjoyed by locals for centuries, learning from your fun and knowledgeable guide about the historic venues you see and legendary cocktails you sip. Discover the origins of the Daiquiri, learn the truth about absinthe, and sample a Sazerac concocted from a 19th-century recipe. Each stop features a classic cocktail, mixed by renowned bartenders who add a signature twist. It's a perfect tour for cocktail and culture enthusiasts!
Inclusions: 4 cocktails, 4 venues, Local Guide
Exclusions: Food (food is available for purchase at some stops), Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off
Reviewed By USAMaineTravelers
We did the combo cocktail and food tour with Ben. He was excellent and the food and drinks at each stop were good to excellent. The tour was seven stops with four cocktails included. We only needed a light meal for dinner! You get a wide overview with muffuletta, gumbo, pralines and rice and beans plus a hurricane and a daiquiri. And more besides all that!
8. Adults Only - New Orleans Ghost, True Crime, Voodoo and Vampire Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 920 reviews
"When friends and family ask me what they shouldn’t miss when they visit New Orleans, I tell them, “Take a tour with Hottest Hell.” - Michael Cerveris, Star of 'Mindhunter' Do you believe there are things in this life that simply cannot be explained? Come take a walk through the haunted French Quarter stories that may leave you questioning what you ever thought possible. Our 8PM tour will be available with the VIP option of HELLVISION™! We use handheld projectors to bring the bloody images of New Orleans out of the archives and onto the streets for your tour. Our new 7PM tour is for those that prefer the road less traveled - an alternative to our popular main route, starting at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, telling oft-forgotten true crime gems. Tours go out rain or shine. Intoxicated travelers will not be permitted.
Inclusions: Paranormal walking tour with in-person guide, Lincensed, insured, and bonded tour operator
Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, We do not go inside of haunted structures
Reviewed By Vilmarie M
Ricardo Guerra was our tour guide and he was EXCELLENT! He made the tour super interesting and knowledgeable! Super recommended!
9. New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 674 reviews
This New Orleans food tour has every culinary taste covered. With a history-savvy guide leading the way, you’ll walk from classic Creole restaurants and neighborhood sandwich shops to hot sauce bars and artisanal candy stores. Visit up to six locations to sample diverse foods representing the breadth of Louisiana’s culinary heritage, including dishes like seafood gumbo, po-boys, muffulettas and pralines. Learn about the historical origins of each cuisine and, when possible, hear the chefs discuss their influences. Enjoy plenty of food on this afternoon tour. Please note: all venues are subject to change based on availability. This tour features a set menu and does not have a gluten-free, pork-free or vegetarian option. However, please notify us of any food allergies (not aversions) during check-out.
Inclusions: Lunch, Gratuities for servers at establishments
Exclusions: Beverages other than water, Gratuity for guide (optional), This tour features a set menu and does not have a gluten-free, pork-free or vegetarian option, Please notify us of any food allergies (not aversions) during check-out
Reviewed By mirandahardy
Amazing! Beth was an incredible tour guide, knew so much history. Made friends on this trip and would 100% recommend and do it again!
10. New Orleans Small-Group French Quarter Food Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 247 reviews
Dig into the rich and varied flavors that make New Orleans one of the USA’s top foodie destinations. From the most famous local haunts to some delectable hidden gems, you’ll leave with not only a full stomach and a smile, but a greater understanding of how New Orleans food, culture and history all go hand-in-hand.
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, Food samples. Food options and portion sizes vary - total amount of food equals a full meal.
Exclusions: Tips/gratuities for your guide
Reviewed By NikumanDet
I booked this tour for March 27th and paid via Paypal. I never received an email voucher until I emailed them days later and they said they never received my payment but sent me a voucher anyway as "an act of good faith". They did eventually inform me that they did receive my payment and all was good. Then the day of the tour I go to the designated meeting area, no tour, no tour guide. I wait a good 30 minutes before calling the number on the voucher, they tell me I cancelled the tour (obviously I didn't) and since I was the only one who booked the tour that day it was cancelled entirely. I was disappointed but I said as long as they issue me a refund, things will be fine. I wait a good two weeks and no sign of a refund, I emailed them again and they said it was "processing". It wasn't until I reported them through PayPal that I was issued my refund immediately. Needless to say I will not be doing business with Urban Adventures again.
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