French Quarter Tours and Activities
2,512 Reviews
The French Quarter, with its vibrant atmosphere and unique blend of architectural styles, is easily New Orleans’ most famous and most popular area to visit. It's also the city's oldest neighborhood, and its elegant streets are lined with an appealing mix of lively bars—especially along the legendary Bourbon Street—historic monuments, delicious restaurants, and inviting jazz clubs.
The Basics
The French Quarter—also called the Vieux Carré, or “old square”—is centered on Jackson Square, which is overlooked by St. Louis Cathedral. The busy area is best navigated on foot, and while of course you can wander around on your own, guided walking tours are the best way to experience the quarter. Learn about New Orleans' culinary and cocktail history on a food tour, take a haunted tour in the evening, or combine a visit to the French Quarter with a tour of another part of the city, such as the Garden District, or a cruise on the Steamboat Natchez.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The French Quarter is very pedestrian-friendly, so wear comfortable walking shoes.
- New Orleans loves parades, which occur on many holidays throughout the year and often march through the French Quarter.
- Hard-partying Bourbon Street is infamous, but it's not indicative of the whole French Quarter—and it's easy to avoid if it's not your scene.
How to Get There
The French Quarter runs from the Mississippi River northwest to Rampart Street, and from Canal Street northeast to Esplanade Avenue. It's incredibly compact and parking can be extremely difficult, so it's best to walk there if you can. Streetcars run along the riverfront, Canal Street, and Rampart Street. Most city tours pass through the French Quarter as well.
When to Get There
New Orleans can be lovely year-round, so the best time to go is based on your tolerance for crowds and weather. The city is exceptionally busy during major festivals such as Mardi Gras and the Jazz & Heritage Festival (usually in February and April, respectively). Like much of southern Louisiana, New Orleans weather trends from hot and humid to simply mild and humid, with summer being the hottest. The winter months are cool and comfortable, though there may be periodic downpours; hurricane season runs roughly from June to November.
History Runs Deep in the French Quarter
It's easy to think New Orleans is just a party town, but it has a rich history as well. The Pontalba Buildings that surround Jackson Square on two sides are the oldest apartment buildings in the United States, while the French Market is the country’s oldest public market. The quirky Pharmacy Museum is a treasure trove of medicinal history. Tennessee Williams used a French Quarter house as the setting for “A Streetcar Named Desire” (a house he later bought), and Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop is one of the oldest buildings in the city—and likely the oldest bar in the US.
Address: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
124 Tours and Activities to Experience French Quarter
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New Orleans City Tour: Katrina, Garden District, French Quarter & Cemetery
247
Gaze at the spectacular sights of New Orleans from the comfort of a luxury coach on an unforgettable 3-hour city tour. With a professional guide, cruise past historical highlights like the French Quarter and the Garden District while listening to illuminating commentary. See the the lakefront area and the 17th street canal where the canal bank was breached by hurricane Katrina, and delve into the city’s rich history as you take a tour of the best museums in New Orleans. Enjoy the convenience of round-trip transportation from your hotel in Downtown New Orleans on this informative tour.
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From
$39.10
$6.90 savings
From
$39.10
$6.90 savings
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
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New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter
890
Get more from the city by exploring New Orleans’ food culture with a guide. Stop by some the French Quarter’s most famous restaurants for some of the area’s most delicious food. Enjoy tastings that could include seafood gumbo, Creole brisket, and beignets. You also learn fun facts from your guide as you walk along the city streets.
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From
$64.95
From
$64.95
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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New Orleans French Quarter, Voodoo and Cemetery History Tour
1597
Rich history and voodoo legends make New Orleans one of the most fascinating places to visit, but if you see the sights alone, you could miss out on some of the key details that bring this vibrant city to life. This New Orleans voodoo tour takes you through the city during daylight hours—perfect for those you don’t want to get too scared, but still want a look into the city’s mysterious past.
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From
$20.21
From
$20.21
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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New Orleans Small-Group French Quarter Food Tour
214
Eat and drink your way through the French Quarter on a culinary walking tour designed to highlight New Orleans’ rich gastronomic heritage. Visit local institutions and holes-in-the-wall, taste a range of dishes and buy culinary souvenirs, like hot sauce and decadent pralines. Enjoy food samples at eat that stop, which add up to the equivalent of a full meal.
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From
$77.50
From
$77.50
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
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New Orleans Cocktail History Walking Tour in the French Quarter
257
Indulge in New Orleans liquid culture on this insider cocktail tour of the historic French Quarter! With an expert guide and fellow drinks enthusiasts, journey beyond the hubbub of Bourbon Street and visit four historic local haunts for a sampling of iconic cocktails. At each legendary venue, admire the mixology of notable bartenders, discover the origins and truths of centuries‐old spirits such as absinthe, and sip on a Sazerac (or two).
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From
$70.00
From
$70.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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French Quarter Historical Sights and Stories Walking Tour
482
Delve into the stories behind the oldest neighborhood in New Orleans during a French Quarter walking tour. Take in famous landmarks including Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the Mississippi River, along with lesser-known places of interest. Hear from your guide about the architecture and heritage of the district, and get the inside scoop on recommended places for shopping and dining as well.
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From
$26.67
From
$26.67
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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New Orleans French Quarter Photo Shoot
58
Savor your New Orleans experience with a professional photographer to show you around the French Quarter and capture high-quality photos of the excursion. The local photographer not only knows the top photo spots in the city but can also share other details about the sights throughout the tour. This enables you to maximize your time and take home photos.
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From
$53.34
From
$53.34
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regular temperature checks for staff
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Ghost and Vampire Walking Tour Of The French Quarter
414
Who doesn't like ghosts and vampires save for their unfortunate victims? If you're looking for a family-friendly night activity in New Orleans, then this ghost walking tour of the French Quarter might get your blood flowing. With a small group, you'll wander through the darkened streets for a fun, historical tour of New Orleans, and listen to tales of ghoulish invincibility and souls returned from the dead.
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From
$16.00
From
$16.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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New Orleans Food and History Walking Tour
620
Go for the gastronomic gusto on a food‐filled walking tour of New Orleans! Journey with a savvy local guide to popular Creole eateries, markets, and artisanal shops to sample diverse foods that define Louisiana’s culinary landscape. Stopping at several locations, savor such classic bites as seafood gumbo, Creole brisket, po'boys, and pralines. Along the way, meet local chefs and learn about New Orleans’ rich culinary history.
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From
$70.00
From
$70.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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New Orleans Ghost, Voodoo & Vampire Walking Tour
3109
Exploring New Orleans in the evening can seem like an intimidating quest on your own, but this ghost, voodoo, and vampire walking tour takes you to the city’s most eerie sites at night in the safety of a group with a knowledgeable guide. Stop by top attractions such as the LaLaurie Mansion and New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, all while listening to your guide’s detailed stories of the paranormal and beyond.
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From
$20.21
From
$20.21
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

New Orleans French Quarter Walking and History Tour
109
Immerse yourself in the best of the French Quarter on this 2.5‐hour historical walking tour. An entertaining local guide will lead you through the Vieux Carré, along the mighty Mississippi River, and to Louis Armstrong Park and Jackson Square, describing the city’s cultural history and diverse colonial heritage. See notable literary and cinematic landmarks, bustling scenes of local life, and architectural gems including some of the nation’s oldest buildings.
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From
$25.00
From
$25.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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NOLA's BIG 4 PRIVATE TOUR: French Quarter, Garden District, Cemetery & City Park
45
Beat the heat on this New Orleans SUV tour that takes you to four of the city’s must-see areas. Get a local perspective on essential sights throughout the French Quarter such as Ursuline Convent and Jackson Square before continuing to the Garden District, Metairie Cemetery, and the 1,300-acre City Park. Throughout the tour, hear fun facts and get local-approved recommendations for restaurants, jazz bars, and other Big Easy haunts.
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From
$145.00
Price varies by group size
From
$145.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Three Hour City Tour of New Orleans
790
Although not your typical tour of New Orleans, this expedition through the Big Easy takes in some of the major points of interest, including the French Quarter, Treme, the Esplanade, the Garden District and the Metairie Cemetery. Relax in air-conditioned minibus comfort, and listen as a guide leads you through one of America's most historic cities.
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From
$36.00
From
$36.00
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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French Quarter Haunted Excursion In New Orleans
11
This haunted excursion around New Orleans takes in the greatest hits of ghosts and vampires alongside lurid New Orleans history, popular culture and architecture, cemetery explorations and, of course, tales of the city's great unsolved mysteries. Popular with families and individuals alike, the tour includes fun commentary during a walk through the French Quarter. As the Cajun expression 'laissz les bon temps rouler' goes, let the good times roll!
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From
$25.00
From
$25.00
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Regular temperature checks for staff
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French Quarter Culinary History and Tasting Tour
253
Perfect for food and culture enthusiasts, this tasting tour in New Orleans' French Quarter allows you to visit two of the oldest restaurants in the city. Learn about Creole and Cajun cuisine and taste both as you walk through the lively neighborhood. All food tastings included.
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From
$68.58
From
$68.58

Adults Only New Orleans Ghost, True Crime, Voodoo, & Vampire Tour
715
"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.
• Led by accredited Parapsychologists and Paranormal Historians
• See the home of Madame Lalaurie, and more
• Top-rated, licensed, and insured
Please arrive 30 minutes prior for check-in. Tours depart at their scheduled times.
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From
$21.97
From
$21.97

City Sightseeing New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
2052
Discover historic New Orleans in an open‐top double‐decker bus on this hop‐on hop‐off sightseeing tour. With either your 1‐or 3-day ticket, design a personal itinerary with several stops, including the French Market, Jackson Square, and the Garden District, plus available walking tours, depending on the option you buy. Enjoy unobstructed views and fun onboard commentary as you soak up ‘The Big Easy’.
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From
$39.00
From
$39.00
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Learn More

New Orleans Cooking Class
1038
Get the full Louisiana dining experience during a fun and educational New Orleans cooking demonstration class. Take a seat amongst other foodies in a converted 19th century molasses warehouse and get ready to learn and eat! Meet a lively local chef and learn the fundamentals of preparing classic Creole dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines. Then dig into delicious samples complemented by local beer or a sweet ice tea.
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From
$34.45
From
$34.45
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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French Quarter Cocktail and Foodie Crawl
35
Get the full New Orleans tasting experience with a 3-hour French Quarter cocktail and foodie tour! Discover the pillars of New Orleans’ restaurant scene with visits to renowned establishments such as Seafood Treasure for grilled oysters and Cafe du Monde for a warm beignet (or three!). Learn about local food and drink history from your savvy guide, and sip on some of New Orleans most celebrated drinks.
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From
$95.95
From
$95.95
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Learn More

French Quarter Drunken Ghost and Vampire Tour
2
Explore New Orleans’ dark side on an occult-themed pub crawl through the French Quarter. With an local guide leading the way, grab a drink to go (own expense) and hear stories about unsolved murders, ghosts, and vampires. Plus, power up an electromagnetic radiation detector.
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From
$25.00
From
$25.00
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Regular temperature checks for staff
Learn More

New Orleans Haunted History Ghost Tour
435
Discover New Orleans’ dark side on this haunted history ghost tour. Hear tales of famous hauntings from your local guide, and visit the French Quarter’s most infamous and eerie locations—hotspots for paranormal investigators and historical videographers. By the end, see the Vieux Carré in a different (and profoundly more ominous) light.
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From
$25.00
From
$25.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

New Orleans French Quarter Architecture Walking Tour
25
Stroll the streets of New Orleans' famous French Quarter on this 2-hour walking tour. Listen to your guide's commentary on the area's French- and Spanish-influenced architecture, with many buildings dating from the 18th and 19th century. Landmarks include the Louisiana Supreme Court, the Ursuline Convent, and many Creole Colonial Buildings.
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From
$32.00
From
$32.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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New Orleans French Quarter and Garden District Bike Tour
116
Pedal through two centuries of New Orleans history on a combo bike tour of the French Quarter and Garden District. Learn about the city’s Creole roots as you ride along the banks of the Mississippi and through the legendary streets of the oldest neighborhood in town. Then, cross over to the ‘American’ side, where stately southern mansions overlook leafy boulevards and the time-worn tombs of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. It’s a great way to meet the many faces of New Orleans while enjoying fresh air and exercise.
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From
$50.00
From
$50.00

Private Carriage Tour of French Quarter in New Orleans
277
Experience New Orleans from a perspective rare to visitors on a carriage ride through the French Quarter. In addition to navigating for you, your guide tells anecdotes about the historic landmarks from Jackson Square to Bourbon Street. Booking a private tour ensures the itinerary is customized to your own interests, whether it be a food–themed tour or a quiet, romantic ride.
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From
$250.00
per group
From
$250.00
per group
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Gear/equipment sanitized between use
Learn More
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