New Orleans French Quarter: Walking History Tour & Courtyards

Summary

Stories echo through Jackson Square and secret courtyards in the French Quarter

You’ll wander through New Orleans’ French Quarter with a local guide who brings legends and history alive—from St. Louis Cathedral to tucked-away courtyards and lively markets. Expect laughter (sometimes at your own expense), moments of quiet reflection, and plenty of chances to soak up street music and Creole culture along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost bailed when I realized how humid it was that morning in New Orleans. But our guide—her name was Carla—met us by the Musical Legends Park with this big grin and an iced coffee in hand, so I figured if she could handle it, so could I. Within five minutes, we were standing at the edge of the Mississippi River, listening to her explain how the city basically wrestled itself out of a swamp. There was this faint smell of river mud and beignets drifting over from somewhere—I still think about that mix.

The pace was slow enough for me to actually notice things: old bricks underfoot, street musicians warming up by Jackson Square (one guy’s trumpet was just slightly off-key but somehow perfect). Carla told us about fires that gutted half the Quarter—she pointed at a spot near St. Louis Cathedral where it all started. The cathedral itself felt cool inside, even though outside my shirt was sticking to my back. She didn’t sugarcoat anything about Creole society or slavery; there was this quiet moment in a shaded courtyard where nobody said much after her story.

I tried to pronounce “Tennessee Williams” with a bit of Southern drawl when we passed his old haunt—Carla laughed and said he’d probably haunt me for that attempt. We slipped down Pirate’s Alley, which is narrower than you’d expect and smelled like wet stone after last night’s rain. The whole time, people waved from balconies or just nodded as we passed—felt like everyone here knows everyone else’s business, you know?

By the end, back near the river levee again, my feet were tired but I wasn’t really ready to leave. There’s something about hearing these stories right where they happened—it sticks with you longer than any museum plaque ever could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — French Quarter walking history tour

• Meet guide at Musical Legends Park
• Walk to Mississippi River banks
• Learn about levee construction
• Walk through French Market
• Visit Jackson Square
• See the Cabildo building
• View the Presbytere museum
• Explore block-long buildings at Jackson Square
• Enter St Louis Cathedral
• Visit Creole courtyard and Quadroon Balcony
• See film and literary sites
• Stop at Pirate's Alley
• Hear street musicians
• View Ursuline Convent outside

Top questions

How long is the French Quarter walking tour?

The tour lasts around 2 hours at a relaxed pace.

Where does the walking tour start?

You meet your guide at Musical Legends Park in New Orleans’ French Quarter.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

What landmarks are included on this walking tour?

You’ll see St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, the Cabildo, Presbytere, French Market, and more.

Does the tour include entry inside buildings?

Yes, you go inside St. Louis Cathedral and some historic courtyards during the tour.

Are there options for morning or evening tours?

You can choose between morning or evening departures when booking.

How far do you walk during the tour?

The route covers about 2 miles (3.2 km) through the French Quarter.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is included; you make your own way to the meeting point.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided 2-hour stroll through New Orleans’ French Quarter with entry into historic courtyards and St. Louis Cathedral—all led by a knowledgeable local guide. The entire route is wheelchair accessible so everyone can join comfortably from start to finish.