Explore New Orleans' Garden District: Private 2-hour Walking Tour
Perfect for an idyllic stroll down tree-lined boulevards, New Orleans' Garden District is filled with the most beautiful and historic homes, most listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and gardens in the city. See some of the best sights and attractions in the Garden District on this private 2-hour tour.
On your private tour, you will:
- Take a stroll down the city formerly known as Lafayette and learn about the complex history of the 19th-century mansion-filled neighbourhoods and the cotton economy;
- See the Commander's Palace, a beautiful building in a Victorian style which has been a New Orleans institution since 1880;
- Pass by Walter Robinson's house, which was an important venue for jazz musicians during the early 20th century;
- See Anne Rice House, the former home of the best-selling author who wrote "Interview with the Vampire";
- Pass by Louise S. McGehee School, an all-girls school in a stunning Greek Revival style built in 1858;
- Admire the Women's Opera Guild, designed in Queen Anne-style architecture, now used as a venue for events and weddings
- See Colonel's Short Villa, named after Colonel Robert Short, who lived in the house during the Civil War;
- Discover Briggs-Staub House, built in 1859, became a popular filming location for several movies and TV shows, including "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button";
- Marvel at Carroll-Crawford House, famous for its stunning wrought-iron fence and intricate millwork;
- Pass by Bradish Johnson, known for its ornate cast-iron fence and elaborate cornices which has been featured in several movies and TV shows, including "American Horror Story: Coven";
- See the homes of the stars who have settled in the district, including Sandra Bullock, John Goodman, and Archie Manning;
- Finish your tour at Lafayette Cemetery with a short guided visit. (Please note it's occasionally closed to the public)
Today’s New Orleans Garden District was once Lafayette before becoming incorporated into New Orleans.
The area is packed with resplendent 19th-century mansions, built for cotton kings and the fortunes of industries which grew up around cotton. From Greek Revival and Italianate styles to Queen Anne and Second Empire, each mansion captures the grand vision of its original owner. You'll have the opportunity to admire the intricate ironwork, grand columns, and expansive porches of these homes and hear about fascinating families of old and new residents. The Garden District is also known for its celebrity residents, your guide will point out the homes of well-known figures and share anecdotes about their lives in New Orleans.
Though the grandeur of the homes on the street lined with sprawling magnolias and towering oaks feels like a haven, your guide will tell the stories of the slaves who toiled for decades without compensation to build the vast fortunes which enabled areas like the Garden District to exist.
As you wander down St. Charles Avenue, imagine the era when carriages traversed these roads. This avenue was the heart of the wealthy American sector of the city, and it remains a showcase of the affluence of the 19th century. The streetcars themselves, some of the oldest continuously operating in the world, add a nostalgic charm, taking you back to a time when life moved at a slower pace.
