New Orleans: Garden District Walking Tour & Lafayette Cemetery

Summary

Wander past mansions in the garden district with stories echoing from old porches

You’ll stroll beneath live oaks along New Orleans’ Garden District streets as your local guide shares stories behind iconic mansions and hidden corners. Step inside Lafayette Cemetery to learn about unique burial traditions among mossy tombs. Expect small moments—a neighbor’s wave, jasmine on the breeze—that make this walk linger long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way sunlight hit those iron fences—sort of soft, but sharp enough to catch every curl and twist. Our guide, Marcus, waved us over by a gate covered in jasmine. He’d already started telling us about the families who built these huge houses in the Garden District—some names I recognized from street signs, others just faded letters on mailboxes. There was this faint smell of cut grass and something sweet (maybe magnolia?) hanging in the air. I kept thinking how quiet it felt compared to the French Quarter; just footsteps and an occasional dog barking behind a hedge.

We stopped in front of one house that looked like it belonged in a movie—columns, balconies, all that. Marcus pointed out how you could spot Greek Revival versus Italianate architecture by counting the windows or checking the roofline. Honestly, I’d never really thought about columns before, but he made it weirdly interesting. He told us about Samuel Jameson, who designed some of these places back in the 1800s—apparently he was Irish and kind of a character. Someone asked if any celebrities lived nearby and Marcus just grinned and nodded at a blue house across the street (I won’t spoil who). The main keyword here is Garden District tour, but it didn’t feel like a “tour” at all—more like walking with someone who knows every crack in the sidewalk.

Lafayette Cemetery was next. The gates were open that day—Marcus said sometimes they close for services, so we got lucky. Inside, everything felt cooler and oddly peaceful. The tombs are above ground because of the water table (which I didn’t know), and some had little statues or faded flowers stuck in cracks. Marcus explained how families reused tombs over generations; he pointed to one with dates going back before the Civil War. There was this moment where everyone just went quiet—not out of respect exactly, more like curiosity mixed with something else I can’t quite name.

We finished up near Commander’s Palace (the bright blue building you see on postcards). Marcus told us about its history—something about opera singers and giant dinners—and then let us wander for a bit before heading back toward Magazine Street. My feet were tired but honestly? I still think about that stretch of sidewalk lined with oaks and shadows moving across porch swings. If you’re looking for a day trip through New Orleans history—with real stories and not just facts—you’ll probably remember this Garden District tour too.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Garden District architecture and cemetery tour

• Start tour with neighborhood history
• Admire antebellum mansions
• Learn about 19th century architects
• Visit Lafayette Cemetery and burial customs
• Discuss Commander's Palace architecture and history
• See Italianate house by Samuel Jameson
• Explore Women's Opera Guild House styles
• Learn history of McGehee School library building
• View another Italianate house by Samuel Jameson
• Discover historic skating rink building

Top questions

How long does the Garden District walking tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Is Lafayette Cemetery included on this tour?

Yes, there is a short stop at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 unless it is closed for services.

What kinds of architecture will I see?

You’ll see Greek Revival, Italianate, Victorian styles and more throughout the neighborhood.

How big are the tour groups?

Groups are limited to no more than 14 people for a more personal experience.

Is this tour suitable for children or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers during the walk.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted throughout the route.

What happens if there’s bad weather?

If weather is poor, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

Does the tour include information about local residents or celebrities?

The guide shares stories about past architects as well as former and current celebrity residents.

What’s included

Your walk includes guidance from a licensed local expert deeply familiar with New Orleans’ history and architecture; entry into Lafayette Cemetery when available; plenty of time to admire both famous mansions and lesser-known corners; plus space for questions along quiet streets—all within an intimate group setting so you won’t get lost in a crowd.