The Garden District in New Orleans is a picturesque and historic neighborhood known for its stunning antebellum mansions, lush gardens, and charming streets. Located uptown, away from the bustling French Quarter, the Garden District offers a serene and elegant atmosphere that attracts both tourists and locals.
Is famous for its well-preserved 19th-century mansions. These grand homes showcase a variety of architectural styles, including Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian. Many of these homes feature intricate ironwork, sweeping verandas, and beautifully landscaped gardens.
One of the city's oldest cemeteries, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, is located in the heart of the Garden District. Established in 1833, it is known for its above-ground tombs and elaborate burial vaults. The cemetery has been featured in numerous films and TV shows, adding to its mystique.
Enjoy an in-depth look at the city's most popular landmarks on our private 4-hour driving tour of New Orleans where you will walk through the historic French Quarter, explore Jackson Square, admire the stunning Saint Louis Cathedral, wander through the bustling French Market, and more!
On your private half-day tour, you will:
Uncover the essence of New Orleans on a private 4-hour tour through the city's most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks. Explore the historic French Quarter, the charming Garden District, and the scenic City Park. This tour offers an in-depth exploration with the comfort of private transportation and the insights of a knowledgeable driver-guide.
Your tour starts from your chosen location in central New Orleans and your first stop will be the historic French Quarter, famous for its charming, historic buildings featuring a mix of Spanish, French, and Creole influences in its architecture, with intricate ironwork balconies, colorful facades, and lush courtyards.
Next, you will visit Jackson Square where you will be marvelled by the magnificent Saint Louis Cathedral, the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States from 1727.
You will explore the French Market, one of the oldest public markets in the United States, dating back to the late 18th century where locals and tourists alike come to shop, eat, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. It’s a great place to find unique gifts and locally crafted items!
Your journey continues to the Marigny neighbourhood on Frenchmen Street, famous for its live music, this area is a hub of the city’s artistic and musical scene. We will then travel to the expansive City Park, an urban oasis that spans over 1,300 acres, making it one of the largest and oldest urban parks in the United States. Enjoy the serene beauty of ancient oak trees, scenic lagoons, and stunning landscapes.
Later, head to the Garden District for a leisurely walk among its stunning mansions, manicured gardens, and historic architecture. Your guide will tell you about the district’s notable residents and the history of some of the most picturesque homes in the neighbourhood. Continue with a short visit to Metairie Cemetery, one of the city's most famous burial sites, known for its unique above-ground tombs. Your guide will explain the traditions and history behind these distinctive burial practices, offering a deeper insight into New Orleans' culture.
Your last stop will be Lower 9th Ward, one of the hardest-hit areas during Hurricane Katrina. In the years following the hurricane, the neighborhood became a symbol of resilience after the devastation caused by the storm. Various organizations and volunteers have worked tirelessly to rebuild and restore the community, including the "Make It Right Foundation" founded by actor Brad Pitt.
As you return to your accommodation, you'll carry with you the magic and spirit of this extraordinary city, ready to inspire and delight you long after your tour ends.
Embark on a 4-hour private tour through New Orleans’ most renowned neighbourhoods and discover the rich connection between the city’s past and how it has had a great impact on NOLA's present, as you journey through the cobblestone streets and beneath the grand, ancient oaks draped with Spanish moss.
On your private half-day tour, you will:
Embark on an immersive journey that takes you deep into the heart of New Orleans’ most iconic neighbourhoods, followed by a profound visit to a historic antebellum plantation. This private tour is designed to reveal the striking contrasts between the city’s lively, colourful streets and the tranquil, yet hauntingly beautiful, landscapes of Louisiana’s storied past where history, culture, and elegance converge in a unique blend that is quintessentially New Orleans.
Your tour begins with a seamless pickup from your chosen location in central New Orleans. Settle into your comfortable vehicle as you’re whisked away to explore the city’s diverse and fascinating neighbourhoods, each with its unique charm and history.
Your first stop is the legendary French Quarter, the beating heart of New Orleans and its oldest neighbourhood where the vibrant Creole architecture tells tales of the city’s rich and tumultuous past, featuring colourful facades and wrought-iron balconies that give this district its unmistakable character.
Next, you will immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere at Jackson Square, where the majestic St. Louis Cathedral —America’s oldest continuously active Roman Catholic cathedral— stands as a testament to New Orleans's deep-rooted spiritual heritage. The square itself comes to life with street performers, and local artisans, all under the watchful eye of Andrew Jackson’s iconic statue.
You will continue to the Garden District, a neighbourhood that embodies the opulent charm of 19th-century New Orleans, with grand homes that once housed the city’s wealthiest residents—cotton kings, sugar barons, and industrial magnates, and manicured gardens which are true works of art. Driving through the elegant backdrop of St. Charles Avenue, you will discover a scenic boulevard lined with ancient oak trees and stately mansions over the world’s oldest continuously operating streetcar line, in service since 1835.
Leaving the city behind up River Road, you will arrive at a magnificent antebellum plantation where you will step back to the era of the French and Spanish colonial influence, through the rise of the sugar barons, and into the tumultuous years of the Civil War and Reconstruction. On a one-hour plantation guided tour, you will hear compelling stories of both the free and enslaved people who lived and worked there, gaining a deeper understanding of Louisiana’s complex and often painful history.
After the guided tour, you will have an additional hour to explore the plantation grounds at your leisure before heading back to central New Orleans. You could take a stroll through the verdant gardens, or delve deeper into the exhibits that further illuminate the lives of those who shaped—and were shaped by—this place.
This tour is perfect for those seeking a deeper connection with the region’s past as this experience will leave you with a profound appreciation for the depth and diversity of Louisiana’s cultural heritage. Don’t miss the chance to uncover the many layers of history and culture that make this region so unique.
Disclaimer: Our plantation tours are designed to provide a historical perspective on the lives of those who lived and worked on these plantations, with a focus on education, remembrance, and respect for the experiences of the enslaved people. We aim to foster a deeper understanding of this challenging chapter in history, ensuring that the stories of those who suffered are heard and acknowledged. By running these tours, Travel Curious does not support, nor does it want to purport to support any form of social and/or economic racial disparity, but rather we view it as a vital educational resource with which to combat modern-day racism of any kind.
Embark on a 5-hour driving tour through some of the most popular and recognised New Orleans's neighbourhoods followed by a 1.5-hour airboat swamp adventure. The perfect combination of New Orleans gems including city and wildlife experiences!
On your private tour, you will:
Discover New Orleans gems on a private 5-hour tour that combines an immersive city experience exploring iconic neighbourhoods with an exhilarating shared group swamp adventure through Louisiana's stunning wetlands.
Begin your day with a private driving tour through New Orleans' most popular neighbourhoods each one with a distinctive and unique charm.
Your journey will take you first through the historic French Quarter, the elegant Garden District, and other captivating areas like Uptown, Mid City, and the expansive City Park.
After soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere, you will embark on a scenic drive to the swamps located a short distance from the city. Here, you will join on a 1.5-hour shared airboat tour or flat-bottom boat tour through Louisiana’s mesmerizing bayous.
As you glide through the wetlands, you'll be captivated by the unspoiled beauty of the swamps, where ancient cypress trees draped in Spanish moss create a magical backdrop. Keep your eyes peeled for various wildlife, including alligators, snakes, turtles, and a diverse array of bird species, such as egrets, herons, and ibis. On some special occasions and if you are lucky, you might even see hawks, owls, or bald eagles soaring above!
This tour offers an immersive experience offering both a cultural and natural adventure that showcases the best of New Orleans and its surrounding wilderness in a fast-paced and exhilarating airboat, promising a unique and memorable encounter with Louisiana's ecosystem.
Experience the magic of New Orleans like never before—book your adventure today and let us guide you through the city's historic streets and into the heart of Louisiana’s wild beauty.
Please note that Airboats accommodate 6-16 passengers so that additional guests may join you during your tour.
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