New Orleans: Movie & TV Walking Tour in French Quarter

Summary

Walk where movies were filmed in the French Quarter with real stories and surprises

You’ll walk through New Orleans’ French Quarter seeing famous filming spots from movies and TV shows like The Originals and Interview with the Vampire. Hear quirky stories from your local guide, step inside historic places like the Pharmacy Museum, and catch unexpected moments of music or laughter along the way. It’s not just for film buffs — you’ll feel part of both movie magic and city life.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you’re standing somewhere and it’s like you’ve already been there — but only on a screen? That’s how I felt as we shuffled past the LA Supreme Court building, our guide waving a folder of movie stills. He had this way of pausing mid-sentence to point out some detail — like the faded paint on Napoleon House’s shutters — and then suddenly you’d realize, oh, that’s where they shot that scene from The Originals. I didn’t expect to laugh so much either; someone in our group tried to reenact a bit from NCIS New Orleans right outside the Pharmacy Museum (which, by the way, is apparently the first licensed pharmacy in the US — smelled faintly of old wood and something sweetly medicinal inside).

Jackson Square was buzzing with artists setting up their easels, and our guide told us about all the movies filmed there — Interview with the Vampire, Chef, even The Simpsons had an episode set here. I kept getting distracted by street musicians; one guy played trombone so loud it almost drowned out our guide’s story about Runaway Jury. There was this moment near Voodoo Authentica where he got quiet and shared a little about real voodoo history (not just Hollywood stuff). I think that part stuck with me more than any film trivia.

Later we wandered toward what he called “the horror loop” — witches, vampires, all those legends tangled up with actual history. The buildings are so old you can feel it under your shoes; one spot had survived the Great Fire somehow. At Homer Plessy Community School across the street, he slipped in a story about early Civil Rights. It wasn’t just movie facts — it felt like peeking behind both film sets and real life at once. By the end my feet were tired but my head was full of odd details and half-remembered scenes. I still think about that view down Chartres Street at dusk.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore New Orleans filming locations

• Start at LA Supreme Court building
• Walk to Napoleon House
• Visit New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
• Explore Jackson Square filming sites
• Discover Voodoo Authentica area
• See the only pre-fire building
• Visit Homer Plessy Community School
• View second oldest French Quarter building
• Stop at major vampire filming location
• End tour at final film project site

Top questions

How long is the New Orleans movie & TV walking tour?

The walking tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Is this tour suitable for people who use wheelchairs?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Does the tour include stops at Jackson Square?

Yes, Jackson Square is one of the featured stops on this tour.

Are infants or small children allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join in a pram or stroller.

What kind of films or TV shows are covered during the tour?

The tour includes locations from The Originals, NCIS New Orleans, Interview with the Vampire, Chef, Runaway Jury, Your Honor, Renfield, Angel Heart, The Simpsons, Lolita, King Creole, The Princess and the Frog, Now You See Me and more.

Is public transportation available near the starting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby.

Do I need to be physically fit for this walking tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended if you cannot walk long distances.

What’s included

Your experience includes a licensed local guide leading you through iconic movie & TV filming locations on a two-hour walking route around New Orleans’ French Quarter. Service animals are welcome; strollers or prams for little ones are fine too. No hotel pickup but public transport is close by—just meet your group at the starting point for stories you won’t find anywhere else.