French Quarter Walking Tour

The French Quarter Walking Tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through New Orleans’ vibrant history. Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour explores the neighborhood’s transformation from colonial roots to a lively cultural hub. Guests will discover iconic landmarks like Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral while uncovering captivating stories that bring the past to life. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned New Orleans enthusiast, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the French Quarter’s rich heritage and understand what makes it such a beloved destination. Prepare to be captivated by the city’s enduring charm and uncover the secrets that lie within these historic streets.

Good To Know

• The French Quarter Walking Tour is a 1-2 hour guided tour that explores the rich history and transformation of the iconic New Orleans neighborhood.
• The tour visits key landmarks, including Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, Cabildo, Ursuline Convent, and Presbytere, with a focus on the area’s cultural heritage.
• Led by local professional guides, the tour shares captivating stories about the French Quarter’s evolution from colonial roots to a renowned entertainment hub.
• Paranormal equipment is available for checkout, and photography is encouraged, though video recording is prohibited.
• The tour departs from Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, and late arrivals or no-shows are not eligible for refunds.

Tour Overview

The French Quarter Walking Tour, operated by New Orleans Drunk History Tours, provides guests with a comprehensive exploration of the iconic Vieux Carré neighborhood in the heart of the city.

Lasting 1-2 hours, this tour offers an immersive experience led by local professional guides. Guests will visit landmarks like Jackson Square, Ursuline Convent, Presbytere, Cabildo, and St. Louis Cathedral, while learning about the area’s rich history and its transformation into a renowned party district.

With 11 reviews, the tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the captivating stories and hidden gems of New Orleans’ most famous neighborhood.

Meeting and Departure

Guests will meet at the sidewalk in front of Lafittes Blacksmith Shop Bar, located at 941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116.

The tour will depart from this location and end in the French Quarter of New Orleans. It’s recommended to arrive a few minutes before the scheduled departure time, as late arrivals won’t be refunded.

The tour’s duration may vary based on wait times at bars along the route, but generally lasts 1-2 hours.

At the tour’s conclusion, guests will be free to explore the French Quarter on their own. Late arrivals and no-shows won’t be eligible for refunds.

Guided Tour Experience

A local professional guide leads the French Quarter Walking Tour, providing an in-depth exploration of Vieux Carré (the French Quarter).

The route includes visits to iconic landmarks like Jackson Square, Ursuline Convent, Presbytere, Cabildo, and St. Louis Cathedral.

Throughout the tour, the guide shares captivating stories about the area’s history and transformation into a vibrant party neighborhood.

Guests have the opportunity to use paranormal equipment, though a fee applies for any lost or damaged items.

Photography is encouraged, but video recording isn’t allowed.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, and extreme intoxication may result in refusal of service.

Visiting Landmarks

Vieux Carré (the French Quarter) hosts a wealth of iconic landmarks that guests explore during the walking tour. The guided route takes visitors to Jackson Square, a picturesque public park framed by the St. Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo, the original Spanish colonial city hall. Nearby, the Ursuline Convent stands as a testament to the area’s rich religious history. The tour also visits the Presbytere, a museum dedicated to Louisiana’s cultural heritage. As guests navigate the charming streets, they’ll learn how this historic neighborhood transformed into a vibrant party district while preserving its architectural and cultural significance.

Landmark	Significance
Jackson Square	Picturesque public park
St. Louis Cathedral	Iconic religious landmark
Cabildo	Original Spanish colonial city hall
Ursuline Convent	Showcase of the area’s religious history
Presbytere	Museum dedicated to Louisiana’s culture

History and Transformation

The French Quarter’s rich history and transformation into a vibrant party district are at the heart of this walking tour. Guests will learn how this neighborhood evolved from its colonial roots to become the iconic entertainment hub it’s today.

Highlights include:

• Discovering the area’s architectural gems, such as the iconic St. Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo, which housed the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremony.

• Exploring the colorful history of the Ursuline Convent, which served as a school, hospital, and convent over the centuries.

• Understanding how the French Quarter’s reputation as a party destination emerged, from Prohibition-era speakeasies to the modern-day revelry along Bourbon Street.

• Delving into the district’s role in shaping New Orleans’ diverse cultural identity.

• Uncovering the tales of famous figures who’ve left their mark on this storied neighborhood.

Policies and Conditions

Typically, no refunds are provided for cancellations, including those due to weather-related issues. All sales are final for this tour. However, the tour may be cancelled due to insufficient participants or inclement weather. In such cases, guests will be contacted up to 1 hour before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility	Restrictions
Not wheelchair accessible	No video recordings allowed; photos encouraged
Stroller and service animals allowed	Children must be accompanied by an adult

Guests are expected to respect private property and follow tour guidelines. Extreme intoxication may result in refusal of service. Additional fees apply for lost or damaged paranormal equipment.

Additional Tour Information

Guests can use paranormal equipment during the tour, which must be checked out from the guide. A fee applies for any lost or damaged items.

While video recordings aren’t allowed, guests are encouraged to take photos to capture their experience.

Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Tour participants are expected to respect private property and follow the guidelines set by the tour leader.

Extreme intoxication may result in refusal of service.

• Paranormal equipment available for checkout
• Photos encouraged, but no video recordings
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Respect private property and follow guidelines
• Extreme intoxication may lead to refusal of service

Things To Known

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The tour description doesn’t specify the average group size. However, it’s common for walking tours in popular destinations to accommodate groups of varying sizes, typically ranging from 10 to 30 participants.

Is There Any Live Music or Entertainment During the Tour?

The tour does not feature any live music or entertainment during the walking portion. However, it focuses on exploring the historic landmarks and learning about the area’s transformation into a lively party neighborhood.

Can We Purchase Drinks or Food Along the Tour Route?

The tour does allow participants to purchase drinks or food along the route at various establishments. However, guests are expected to maintain appropriate conduct and avoid extreme intoxication during the tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Joining the Tour?

While there are no specific age restrictions, the tour involves visiting bars and drinking establishments. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to those who are extremely intoxicated.

Can We Request a Private or Customized Tour Option?

Private or customized tour options may be available upon request, though they’re not explicitly mentioned in the details provided. Guests should contact the tour operator to inquire about any specialized tour arrangements.

Sum Up

The French Quarter Walking Tour offers an engaging exploration of New Orleans’ rich history and cultural heritage. Led by local guides, visitors will discover the area’s evolution from colonial roots to a vibrant party district, with stops at iconic landmarks like Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral. This tour provides a unique and informative glimpse into the city’s past, making it a must-do for those seeking to enjoy the essence of the French Quarter.