New Orleans: Magazine Street Donut & Beignet Walking Tour

Summary

Magazine Street’s donut secrets, sweet bites and local laughter

You’ll taste classic New Orleans beignets and inventive donuts along Magazine Street, sip fresh coffee at PJ’s, and hear stories from a local guide as you wander past street art and neighborhood cafes. Expect laughter over messy powdered sugar moments and new flavors you probably won’t find back home.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed stepping onto Magazine Street was the way everything felt just a bit slower than the French Quarter — like the city took a breath here. We met our guide outside PJ’s Coffee, who handed me a hot cup before I’d even said good morning. The beignets came out warm, powdered sugar drifting everywhere (I gave up trying to keep my shirt clean). There was this quiet hum from the regulars inside — not tourists, just folks reading the paper or chatting about last night’s game. Our guide started telling us about how this stretch of New Orleans has always been more local than flashy, and honestly, you could feel it.

The walk between stops was easy — maybe ten minutes at most — but every block had something to catch your eye: bright murals, a guy playing trumpet for nobody in particular, that faint smell of fried dough mixing with gardenias. At District Donuts, we tried these ridiculous creations (one had bacon on top; I still don’t know how I feel about that). Someone in our group tried to pronounce “beignet” properly and got a laugh from Li, our guide — apparently my attempt wasn’t much better. It felt more like wandering with friends than being herded around.

By the third stop I was already full but couldn’t say no to another round — these ones had sauces drizzled over them, nothing like what you get in the French Market. There was this moment where we all just stood there quietly chewing, powdered sugar on our lips and fingers sticky. Even now I remember that little pause before anyone said anything again. The tour doesn’t loop back to where it started (just a heads up), but by then it didn’t matter — we’d walked off enough calories to justify one last bite anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Donuts and beignets on Magazine Street

• Start at PJ's Coffee in Garden District
• Try traditional beignets with coffee
• Walk along Magazine Street
• Visit District Donuts for artisanal donuts
• Walk to third stop for unique beignets
• Visit fourth stop for final beignet tasting

Top questions

How long is the New Orleans donut & beignet walking tour?

The tour lasts around 2 hours along Magazine Street.

Does the tour include coffee or drinks?

Yes, coffee or tea is included at PJ's Coffee at the start of the tour.

Is this food tour suitable for kids or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the walk.

Where does the Magazine Street donut tour start?

The tour begins in the Garden District at PJ's Coffee on Magazine Street.

Do you return to the starting point after the tour?

No, the walking tour does not end at the same place it starts.

Are service animals allowed on this food tour?

Yes, service animals are welcome on this walking tour.

What kinds of donuts and beignets do you try?

You’ll sample traditional beignets plus creative donuts with various toppings and sauces at four different shops.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to Magazine Street for getting to or from the tour route.

What’s included

Your day includes tastings of several styles of donuts and beignets across four local shops on Magazine Street, plus fresh coffee or tea at PJ’s Coffee to start things off right—all guided by a local who shares stories as you stroll together through one of New Orleans’ most character-filled neighborhoods.