7 History Tours in New Orleans, Ranked by What You Get

1.New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,879 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $35Our pick

Spend about two hours with a local guide in New Orleans’ Garden District. You’ll study antebellum homes, hear stories about former residents and film locations, and learn why the city uses above-ground tombs. Guides such as Caroline, Angie, Shawn, and Carol are praised for lively storytelling. Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is viewed from outside its gates.

“Our guide, Caroline, was very knowledgeable, funny, and engaging. I would have taken another tour from her if I had the time. The homes we saw were well chosen and the stories were entertaining. If standing still makes your back ache then load up on pain meds but it is worth it.”

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2.French Quarter Historical Sights and Stories Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,724 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $35

Spend about two hours walking through New Orleans with a local guide such as Scott, Tim, Libby, Renee, Lesley, or Yvonne. You’ll visit Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, the French Market, Royal Street, and the Mississippi River while learning how French, Spanish, Caribbean, and American influences shaped the city. Expect stories, questions, and practical dining tips.

“Our guide, Renee was very knowledgeable. Gave suggestions for places to visit while there. Recommend doing this tour as soon as you arrive.”

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3.New Orleans Small-Group Haunted History Carriage Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,289 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $65

Ride through the French Quarter at night in a covered mule-drawn carriage with up to eight people. A licensed guide such as Matt, Trish, Leman, or Charles may lead the hour-long trip, covering Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, Napoleon House, and the LaLaurie Mansion. Expect history first, ghost lore second, and a relaxed pace throughout.

“To noisy, other carriages were WAY to close to hear anything. DO NOT SIT IN BACK. Get their early. Thanks”

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4.New Orleans Haunted History Ghost Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,084 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $30Best value

Walk New Orleans’ French Quarter after dark with guides such as Ariadne, Christian, Stella, Arty, and Neo, hearing grim tales tied to LaLaurie Mansion, Jackson Square, Pirate’s Alley, and haunted bars. The two-hour tour mixes theater, local history, and documented ghost stories, with drinks available for purchase along the way.

“Easy walk through the French Quarter with a knowledgeable and engaging guide. A bit grossing for the squeamish. Appreciated the time spent on each story and at each location.”

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5.Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,948 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $47

Spend about two and a half hours aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen, cruising from downtown New Orleans to Chalmette Battlefield and back. Guides such as Charles, Dr. Lauren, and Dr. Tarantino have earned praise for lively storytelling about the LeMoyne brothers, Hurricane Katrina, and the Battle of New Orleans. Lunch and drinks cost extra.

“The food was excellent, especially the whiskey glazed bread pudding. The narrator, Charles was mesmerizing!! The Battlefield Tour was good. Everything was perfect, even the weather!”

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6.Creole Queen History Cruise with Optional Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,112 reviews · 2h 30m · from $47

Ride the paddlewheeler Creole Queen from the Riverwalk to Chalmette Battlefield. An English-speaking guide such as Charles or Dr. Lauren covers New Orleans, the Mississippi, the Battle of New Orleans, and Hurricane Katrina. Add the buffet lunch for Creole dishes, then join a National Park Ranger ashore.

“Totally fabulous experience. Commentary given by the tour guide, Charles, was the best I have ever had. Food was delicious and a real authentic experience of New Orleans cuisine. Drinks were reasonable, with no queuing. Battlefield tour guide was knowledgeable. This experience is highly recommended. Perfect few hours.”

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7.French Quarter Food History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 713 reviews · 3 hours · from $85

Spend three hours walking the French Quarter with guides such as Beth, Gary, John, and Meg, stopping for up to eight Louisiana food samples. Try gumbo, catfish po-boy, muffuletta, boudin balls, red beans and rice, pralines, and banana bread pudding, with a vegetarian menu available by request.

“Gary was very knowledgeable about the history of the area and told great stories that connected the food and people to the traditions and culture of Nola. Very enjoyable experience.”

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