The French Quarter

Famous for its nightlife, jazz music, and food, the historic French Quarter is the first stop on most travelers' to-do list!

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in New Orleans
Louis Armstrong Park
Sprawling over 32 acre in the center of the city, Louis Armstrong Park is one of the city's greatest gathering places.
Bourbon Street
Arguably one of the most famous streets in America, Bourbon Street fills with people every day, but none as much as during Mardi Gras.
Congo Square
Once a place where slaves gathered to socialize on their day off, the square honors the African-American history of the city.
Jackson Square
Jackson Square was at the center of city life before the Louisiana Purchase and was renamed for General Jackson in honor of the Battle of New Orleans' victory.
Dr John - Voodoo King
A free African American man, Dr John was a slave owner who claimed to be Senegalese royalty. He was a wealthy fortune teller, who specialized in lifting and placing curses.
Père Antoine Alley
Père Antoine Alley, a historic French Quarter pathway, is known for its charm, eerie ghost tales, and connection to New Orleans' Spanish colonial past.

Related Tours

Welcome to New Orleans: Private Half-Day Highlights Walking Tour

On the tourism posters, New Orleans is described as “24 4/7 Since 1718” and this fantastic introduction to one of the world's most fascinating cities will provide unique insight into the energy kick behind a unique melting pot of cultures.

On your private tour of the Big Easy, you will:

  • Discover New Orleans' most popular highlights of the city of jazz;
  • Explore Jackson Square, home to iconic landmarks such as the St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, and the Presbytere in the heart of the French Quarter;
  • Walk down Bourbon Street, stretching thirteen blocks from Canal to Esplanade Avenue known for its lively nightlife and rich in historic sights and iconic venues;
  • See Cafe du Monde, the legendary cafe that has been serving up hot, sugary pastries since 1862;
  • Hear local musicians playing their tunes, and enjoy the sounds of jazz spilling onto the streets, from street performers to jazz clubs, you'll experience the city's unique musical culture firsthand;
  • Visit notable locations in the life of jazz legend, Louis Armstrong, and his contributions to the city's live music scene. 


Enjoy a leisurely walk around this beautiful, storied city, seeking out the friendly characters, historic spots and gorgeous architecture that is New Orleans.

Visit the oldest neighbourhood in the city, the beautiful French Quarter to learn about the diverse colonial heritage, and the notable literary and cinematic landmarks, including where greats like William Faulkner and Tennessee Williams wrote some of their famous works among the nation’s most historic buildings.

Your guide will introduce you to Dixie jazz and, of course, the annual Mardi Gras when over a million partygoers descend on New Orleans for the world's best street parade (an event that brings an incredible $ 160 billion into the local economy). Then, immerse yourself in the neighbourhood where one of jazz music's greatest talents grew up.

Today, Armstrong’s birthplace is long gone, though there are plenty of ways New Orleans has sought to commemorate their greatest musical son. The airport, a downtown park, and an annual “Satchmo” summer festival are all named for Louis Armstrong - there are also plenty of sites and sounds that owe much to the city’s most famous musical talent.

At the end of your tour, your guide will recommend more ways to immerse yourself with the real locals of the Big Easy. 

The Best of New Orleans: Private Half-Day Driving Tour

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:

  • Start with a pick-up service from your central location in New Orleans;
  • Stroll through the historic French Quarter, the oldest and most iconic neighborhood in NOLA;
  • Explore Jackson Square, a central gathering spot in the city and admire the stunning Saint Louis Cathedral;
  • Visit the lively French Market, a historic marketplace where you can experience the local culture, sample delicious food, and find unique items;
  • Pass by Marigny, the music heart of the city, and stop at Frenchmen Street, a fantastic place to listen to authentic New Orleans sounds;
  • Drive through the scenic City Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, full of lush landscapes, ancient oak trees and beautiful lagoons;
  • Head to the Garden District, a picturesque neighborhood renowned for its grand mansions, historic architecture and notable residents;
  • Stop for a brief visit at the Metairie Cemetery and hear about the history behind these distinctive burial sites;
  • Gain a deeper understanding of New Orleans enduring spirit at the Lower 9th Ward, an area deeply affected by Hurricane Katrina;
  • Enjoy a relaxing ride back to your hotel or chosen drop-off location in the city center.

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. 

Historic New Orleans: Private Tour including Destrehan Plantation

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: 

  • Start your experience from a central location in New Orleans;
  • Take a stroll down the French Quarter, a district where the blend of French, Spanish, Creole, and African influences comes to life;
  • Stop at Jackson Square, one of the city's most cherished sites because of its historic significance;
  • See St. Louis Cathedral, the most recognizable landmark of New Orleans and the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic cathedral in the US;
  • Walk through the Garden District, a sanctuary of Southern charm featuring stately mansions, wrought-iron balconies and lush gardens;
  • Visit briefly Metairie Cemetery, originally a horse racing track which has become a place where the stories of the past are carved in stone and marble;
  • Glide through St. Charles Avenue, a picturesque boulevard where the charming streetcar has rattled down its tracks for over a century;
  • Head north along the picturesque River Road to a beautifully preserved Antebellum Plantation;
  • Explore the plantation on a one-hour guided tour which will cover the complex legacy of the American South during the 19th century;
  • Enjoy free time to wander the Plantation Grounds at your leisure, a stunning example of Greek Revival or Federal-style architecture;
  • Relax on the return journey to New Orleans, where you’ll be dropped off at your original location or a central point of your choice.

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.  

New Orleans Gems: Private City Tour & Shared Airboat Adventure

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:

  • Explore the famous French Quarter, the city’s most vibrant district, known for its colourful architecture and lively atmosphere product of French, Spanish, Creole, and African influences;
  • Be delighted by the charm of Jackson Square, home to the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral, an 18th-century architectural and cultural gem;
  • Visit the bustling French Market, a historic open-air market offering a perfect blend of unique souvenirs and artisanal goods, a treasure trove of sensory delights;
  • Uncover the Garden District, located in uptown New Orleans popular for its picturesque streets, antebellum mansions and lush gardens;
  • Cruise along the tree-lined St. Charles Avenue, a scenic boulevard famous for its 19th and 20th-century mansions and for being the backdrop of New Orleans' most famous tradition, Mardi Gras;
  • Admire the serene beauty of City Park, a sprawling urban oasis of verdant landscapes, majestic trees, and picturesque lagoons;
  • Dive into the natural wonder of the New Orleans Swamps on an exhilarating Shared Airboat Tour through the bayous;
  • Discover the rich biodiversity of this unique ecosystem, home to alligators, exotic birds, and ancient cypress trees, while enjoying the thrill of high-speed exploration. 

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.

The Ghosts of New Orleans: Private 1.5-hour Spooky Evening Tour

New Orleans, particularly the French Quarter, has a long-standing reputation for being one of the most haunted and mysterious cities in the United States. The city’s deep history, intoxicating mix of cultures, and turbulent past contributed to its strong association with the supernatural. The French Quarter also known as Vieux Carré, is the city's oldest and most iconic neighbourhood, packed with history, culture, and plenty of ghost stories. Join us for a private 1.5-hour spooky tour through some of the most captivating corners of the French Quarter and hear some of the most gruesome tales of ghosts, murder and the occult from a passionate local expert.

On this private ghost tour, you will:

  • Soak up the deep history of the French Quarter;
  • Uncover the mysteries nestled within the walls of the Old Ursuline Convent, thought to host spirits and vampires;
  • See the infamous LaLaurie Mansion a stately home with a dark past famed for ghost sightings and paranormal activity;
  • Experience a surprising spectral presence outside the enigmatic Beauregard-Keyes House;
  • Pass by Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, the legendary dive bar founded by a notorious pirate;
  • Take in the neighbourhood highlights including Père Antoine Alley and Jackson Square;
  • Get acquainted with the key figures who have shaped New Orleans society over the centuries;
  • See the Bourbon Orleans Hotel and discover why so many consider it to be haunted;
  • Hear a wealth of gripping ghost stories from the early days of New Orleans right up until the present day;

Your eerie evening adventure will begin in the heart of the French Quarter. You'll meet your charismatic local guide who will set the scene for your intriguing journey into the underbelly of New Orleans. Opting for a private tour means you will have the guide’s undivided attention, and you will soon be enthralled by their anecdotes about the city’s unmistakable connection with the supernatural and the key figures who made their mark upon the Quarter’s mystifying streets.

You will pass by a carefully curated selection of the neighborhood’s most iconic and terrifying landmarks including the Old Ursuline Convent, the oldest building in the whole of Louisiana. As you admire the aesthetically pleasing French Colonial architecture, you will learn about the French nuns who founded the convent which became an integral part of the New Orleans community in the 18th Century. You will hear the legend of the Casket Girls, young women sent from France to wed the men of New Orleans who soon caused a stir due to the strange happenings that began to occur after their arrival. If the tale is to be believed, the nuns made a gruesome discovery about the young ladies that sparked the first suspicions of vampires lurking in the shadows of the Vieux Carré.

Opposite the convent, you will find the Beauregard-Keyes House, a haven for ghost hunters thanks to its apparent myriad of ghostly residents. Your guide will explain the stories of the different spirits who may dwell here, from a Confederate soldier who served as its first owner to the enslaved men who built the home, a famous poet and author, and even a trio of murdered mobsters. While it is not unclear who or what exactly haunts the house, residents and visitors alike have felt a strange and powerful malevolent presence there over the years, seemingly intent on causing trouble.

Another stop on your tour will be the notorious LaLaurie Mansion, a house that has long been synonymous with ghosts and hauntings in New Orleans. Thanks to your guide, you will get the lowdown on Madame Delphine LaLaurie, the lady of the house who went from a respected member of Louisiana high society to one of the most brutal killers the city has ever seen. You will get a detailed description of the heinous crimes she committed that is not for the faint of heart and hear about the ghosts of her unfortunate victims who are widely believed to have wandered the halls of the mansion for almost 200 years.

Throughout your time together, your guide will make sure to take you along the most famous streets including Jackson Square and Pere Antoine Alley, where many have spotted the ghost of the popular priest who gives the passage its name. Right around the corner, you will have the opportunity to stroll along the world-famous Bourbon Street and call upon another of the city’s oldest surviving structures: Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop. Your guide will regale you with the incredible story of the pirate Jean Lafitte who set up shop here in the 19th Century and has been linked with a long list of shady dealings. Unsurprisingly given the shop’s illicit origins, there have been eyewitness accounts of hauntings going back hundreds of years.

The French Quarter is known to have several haunted hotels. Your guide will reveal the secrets of the Orleans Bourbon Hotel, formerly the New Orleans Theatre and Ballroom, an important opera house and a gathering place for Creole society. You will uncover the dramatic history of the building including the tragic events of 1854 and soon understand the Bourbon’s reputation as one of the most haunted hotels in the entire US. You may also pass by the Omni hotel as your guide divulges a gory true crime story that gripped the nation in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, proving that sinister occurrences of death and destruction in New Orleans are not confined to the distant past.

Your tour will come to an end outside the lively Ghost Bar where you are free to continue your evening with one of their fabulous signature cocktails or immerse yourself in the rest of the French Quarter’s animated nightlife. As your guide disappears into the night, their entertaining accounts of centuries of ghostly goings-on will leave a lasting impression as a highlight of your trip to the Big Easy.

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