Welcome to New Orleans: Private Half-Day Highlights Walking Tour

New Orleans proudly calls itself “24/7 Since 1718,” and this private half-day walking tour offers a vivid introduction to the city that never truly sleeps. Led by your dedicated local guide, you’ll uncover the stories, rhythms, and flavors that make this centuries-old melting pot of cultures unlike anywhere else in the world. This is more than a sightseeing walk — it’s a deep dive into the energy, creativity, and music that have defined the Big Easy for over 300 years.

Your journey begins in the French Quarter, New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood and a treasure trove of colonial architecture, wrought-iron balconies, and jazz-era charm. Stroll through Jackson Square, home to the St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, and the Presbytère, all cornerstones of the city’s historic heart. Follow your guide down Bourbon Street, stretching thirteen blocks from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue, where vibrant nightlife meets an equally rich past.

Along the way, pause at Café du Monde, the legendary coffeehouse that’s been serving powdered-sugar beignets since 1862. Hear the sounds of live jazz drift through the streets — from street performers to classic clubs — as your guide shares stories of the musicians who made New Orleans the birthplace of jazz. Visit locations tied to Louis Armstrong, and learn how the city honors its beloved son through landmarks like Louis Armstrong Park, the city’s airport, and the annual Satchmo SummerFest.

The tour also brings you face-to-face with New Orleans’ artistic and literary heritage. See where writers William Faulkner and Tennessee Williams lived and wrote, and gain insight into how this vibrant city has inspired generations of artists and storytellers. Your guide will also share the history and spectacle of Mardi Gras, the world’s most famous street parade, which each year draws over a million revelers and fuels a massive local celebration.

Conclude your walk with local recommendations from your guide — from hidden jazz bars to neighborhood eateries — to keep exploring the authentic spirit of the Big Easy long after your tour ends.