New Orleans: Garden District Walking Tour

Stepping into the lush greenery of New Orleans’ Garden District, visitors embark on a captivating journey through the city’s storied past. This guided walking tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the grand 19th-century mansions and uncover the wealth, influence, and fading fortunes that shaped this architectural marvel. From Greek Revival to Italianate styles, the diverse array of residences captivates the senses, and the tour’s exploration of the oldest above-ground municipal cemetery adds an intriguing layer to the experience. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to learn about the city’s charm, this tour promises to leave you…

Key Points

• The 2-hour guided walking tour explores the 19th-century mansions and architecture of the historic Garden District in New Orleans.
• Visitors can skip the ticket line and tour the District in either English or German.
• Highlights include visiting a mansion featured in a Hollywood movie, the Caroll-Crawford Mansion, and the oldest above-ground municipal cemetery.
• The tour showcases the diverse architectural styles, from Greek Revival to Italianate, and the captivating histories of the former mansion owners.
• The tour concludes at the Rink, where visitors can unwind with locally-roasted coffee or tea and browse the selection of books and unique gifts.

Overview of the Tour

This guided Garden District walking tour provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of the area’s renowned 19th-century mansions, lasting approximately 2 hours and featuring a live local guide.

The tour is available in both English and German, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers.

Attendees can skip the ticket line and embark on a journey through the opulent neighborhoods, marveling at the Greek Revival and Italianate architectural styles that define the area.

The tour is also wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone can participate and enjoy the rich history and stunning sights of the Garden District.

Duration and Accessibility

The Garden District walking tour lasts approximately 2 hours, providing visitors ample time to explore the opulent 19th-century mansions and learn about the area’s rich history. Notably, the tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all attendees can participate and appreciate the stunning architectural styles and iconic landmarks that define this vibrant New Orleans neighborhood.

Tour Details	Duration
Garden District Walking Tour	2 hours
Languages Offered	English, German
Accessibility	Wheelchair accessible

This comprehensive tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the charming ambiance of the Garden District, making it an ideal choice for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers to New Orleans.

Highlights of the Tour

Visitors on the Garden District walking tour can admire a mansion that appeared in a Hollywood blockbuster, as well as the Caroll-Crawford Mansion, both of which showcase the area’s rich architectural heritage.

Plus, the tour includes a visit to the oldest above-ground municipal cemetery, providing a unique glimpse into the city’s storied past.

Throughout the two-hour excursion, the live tour guide shares the history behind the former owners, wealth, and loss associated with these opulent 19th-century mansions, designed in Greek Revival and Italianate styles.

The tour also makes stops at iconic landmarks like Commander’s Palace, a famous New Orleans restaurant, and the Eustis-Haus, home of actress Sandra Bullock.

Mansions and Architectural Styles

Many of the opulent 19th-century mansions showcased on the Garden District walking tour feature a mix of Greek Revival and Italianate architectural styles, captivating visitors with their ornate facades and intricate details.

These grand homes often boast:

1. Columned porticos and pediments characteristic of Greek Revival design.
2. Decorative brackets and low-pitched roofs typical of the Italianate style.
3. Elaborate ironwork balconies, ornamental moldings, and unique architectural flourishes.

The tour guides share the fascinating history behind these magnificent residences, from the wealth and status of their former owners to the stories of loss and restoration. Exploring the Garden District’s architectural gems provides a glimpse into the past and an appreciation for the enduring beauty of New Orleans’ historic architecture.

History and Former Owners

As visitors explore the opulent mansions of the Garden District, they’ll uncover captivating tales of the former owners who shaped this historic neighborhood.

From the titans of industry who flaunted their wealth through grand architecture to the actors and authors who found inspiration in these stately homes, each property tells a unique story.

Many of the historic mansions were once owned by wealthy merchants, bankers, and plantation owners who showcased their status and prosperity through the homes’ elaborate designs.

Guests will learn how these affluent families rose to prominence, often through the slave trade and other controversial means, and how their fortunes eventually faded over time, leaving behind the architectural gems that now captivate visitors.

Additional Stops on the Tour

The tour also includes stops at several other notable landmarks and attractions in the Garden District. Visitors can admire the iconic Commanders Palace restaurant, a famous New Orleans hotel known for its Creole cuisine.

The tour also visits the Eustis-Haus, the home of acclaimed actress Sandra Bullock.

Plus, the Lonsdale House, the oldest residence in the Garden District, is included on the walking tour.

The tour provides an opportunity to:

1. Explore the renowned Commanders Palace restaurant.
2. See the home of actress Sandra Bullock.
3. Discover the historic Lonsdale House.

These additional stops offer a well-rounded experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich culture and architecture of the Garden District.

Visiting the Oldest Cemetery

One of the tour’s highlights is a visit to the oldest above-ground municipal cemetery in New Orleans, where visitors can explore the unique architecture and learn about the city’s rich history.

This historic cemetery, known as Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, dates back to the early 19th century and features elaborate tombs and monuments that reflect the diverse cultural influences of New Orleans.

As you wander through the cemetery, your tour guide will share stories about the former residents and the significance of the different burial practices and architectural styles.

This stop provides a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past and the enduring traditions that shape its unique character.

The Tour Ending Point

The tour concludes at the Rink, a former skating rink that now houses a charming coffee shop, bookstore, and boutiques, providing visitors with a delightful end to their exploration of the Garden District’s architectural and historical wonders.

After learning about the district’s grand mansions and captivating stories, visitors can unwind and enjoy the following at the Rink:

Sip on a locally-roasted coffee or tea while browsing the selection of books and magazines.

Peruse the unique gifts, apparel, and home goods offered by the eclectic boutiques.

Relax and take in the vibrant atmosphere, reflecting on the insights gained during the informative walking tour.

This final stop offers a perfect conclusion to a memorable exploration of New Orleans’ iconic Garden District.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, guests are typically allowed to take photos during the tour. However, it’s always best to check with the tour guide beforehand as some locations may have restrictions on photography.

Is There a Restroom Break During the Tour?

The tour typically includes a restroom break at one of the stops, such as the coffee shop at the Rink. This allows guests to refresh themselves during the 2-hour walking tour through the historic Garden District.

What Should We Wear for the Walking Tour?

For a walking tour, wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Dress in layers to accommodate any changes in temperature or weather. Bring sun protection like a hat or sunscreen if needed. Stay hydrated by bringing a water bottle.

Is There an Option to Join a Private Tour?

Yes, the tour offers a private option. Guests can book a private walking tour to explore the Garden District at their own pace with a dedicated guide, allowing for a more personalized and flexible experience.

Can We Purchase Souvenirs at the End of the Tour?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the end of the tour. The tour concludes at the Rink, which has a coffee shop, bookstore, and boutiques where travelers can browse and buy local goods and mementos from their New Orleans experience.

Recap

The Garden District walking tour in New Orleans offers visitors a captivating exploration of the city’s 19th-century mansions and architectural wonders.

The guided tour delves into the rich history and stories behind the lavish residences, showcasing the wealth and influence of former owners.

Visitors can marvel at the diverse architectural styles and learn about the fading fortunes that left behind these architectural gems.

The tour also includes a visit to the oldest above-ground municipal cemetery, providing a glimpse into the city’s enduring traditions.