French Quarter Walking Tour: Jackson Square to Bourbon Street

Stories behind the balconies: what the French Quarter actually is

A two-hour guided walking tour of New Orleans' French Quarter starting at Jackson Square and ending at the French Market, led by a local guide in English. You'll pass St. Louis Cathedral, explore Pirates Alley, and hear the history of Mardi Gras, literary figures like Tennessee Williams and William Faulkner, and the people and traditions that built the neighborhood: moving beyond Bourbon Street's surface to understand what makes the Quarter distinct.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each6 stops

1. Jackson Square5m
2. St. Louis Cathedral5m
3. Court of Two Sisters5m
4. The Presbytère5m
5. Bourbon Street5m
6. French Market5m

Explore French Quarter history and culture

• Visit Jackson Square
• Admire St. Louis Cathedral
• See iron balconies at Jackson Square
• Learn about Louisiana Purchase building
• Walk through Pirates Alley
• View historic building outside
• Take in French Quarter architecture
• See Tennessee Williams' home
• Learn about The Presbytère
• Hear about Bourbon Street nightlife
• Visit William Faulkner's former home
• Finish at French Market

The experience

The tour starts at Jackson Square and moves through the French Quarter's streets on foot, stopping to look at the iron balconies and Creole architecture that line them. Your guide points out the details most visitors walk past: the stories behind the buildings, the role of the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans culture, and the colonial history embedded in places like the Presbytère. You'll walk through Pirates Alley, a narrow passage where the guide shares legends and the literary history tied to the neighborhood: Tennessee Williams and William Faulkner both lived here, and their presence still shapes how locals talk about the Quarter.

The French Market closes out the route. It's been a gathering place and center of commerce in New Orleans for centuries, and the guide fills in that history as you move through it. Bourbon Street gets discussed during the tour (its role in Mardi Gras, its place in the city's nightlife culture), but you experience it through context and stories rather than walking its length. The whole walk takes two hours and stays accessible: all surfaces are wheelchair-friendly, strollers work for small children, and the pace suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Expert tour guide with local knowledge.
• two-hour guided walk through the French Quarter.
• access to Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, Pirates Alley, the Presbytère, the French Market, and the historic architecture connecting them.

Information

Lasts 2h, runs Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 10:00, from US$ 39 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday, Thursday, Friday and SundayDeparts at 10:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 27

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Tours by Foot New Orleans

Is this one for you?The tour covers two hours of walking on city streets, so you'll need comfortable shoes and a steady pace. If you prefer a slower exploration or need frequent stops, a self-guided walk or a shorter neighborhood stroll might suit you better. The guide speaks English and welcomes children from age five, making it workable for families with older kids.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What's the difference between this tour and just walking Bourbon Street on my own?

This tour moves through the quieter parts of the French Quarter (Pirates Alley, the side streets with iron balconies, the Presbytère), and a guide connects them to the neighborhood's actual history. Bourbon Street gets context rather than a visit. You leave understanding why the Quarter matters beyond its nightlife reputation.

Does the tour go inside any of the buildings?

The tour views most buildings from outside, including the Presbytère and the former homes of Tennessee Williams and William Faulkner. You spend time in Jackson Square and the French Market, where you can move freely and absorb the atmosphere while the guide talks.

How much walking is involved?

The tour is two hours of continuous walking through the French Quarter's streets. The pace suits all fitness levels, and all surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If you need to rest, the French Market at the end gives you a chance to slow down.

What makes Pirates Alley worth a stop?

Pirates Alley is a narrow atmospheric passageway where the guide shares stories of pirates, legends, and the literary figures connected to the neighborhood. It's the kind of place most visitors miss, but it's central to how locals understand the Quarter's character.

Will I learn about Mardi Gras on this tour?

Yes. The guide explains the history and traditions behind Mardi Gras and its place in New Orleans culture, including how it shaped the Presbytère and the neighborhood itself. You'll understand the festival's roots rather than just its surface spectacle.