New Orleans: Street Art Walk ft. Banksy & Local Murals

Summary

Street art stories from Bywater to French Quarter with Banksy stops

You’ll follow a local through New Orleans’ Bywater and Marigny neighborhoods hunting for street art—from shimmering mosaics to rare Banksy murals—pausing for snacks at historic St. Roch Market along the way. Expect real stories behind each wall and moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that one? The paint’s barely dry,” our guide grinned as we squinted up at a wall off St. Claude Avenue. I’d just finished my coffee (the kind that leaves a little grit on your tongue), and already the city felt different—more alive, maybe. We were somewhere between the 9th and 7th Wards, where the sidewalks crack and the murals seem to grow out of nowhere. A local guy with paint on his jeans nodded as we passed; he didn’t say much but smiled when our guide mentioned his name. It’s weird how quickly you start noticing things—tiny stickers on lamp posts, the way old bricks feel under your shoes, even the faint smell of spray paint drifting in the air.

I didn’t expect to get hungry so fast, but after wandering around Bywater and St. Roch (and pausing way too long to photograph a mosaic by Laurel True), we ducked into St. Roch Market for a break. It’s been there for almost 150 years, apparently, but it still feels fresh inside—cool air, clatter of plates, someone laughing over oysters at noon. I grabbed something sweet and cold water; honestly could’ve stayed longer just people-watching if we hadn’t had more murals to find.

Later in Faubourg Marigny, our guide pointed out a whole stretch of road where every other building has some kind of art—some bold and wild, others almost hidden unless you look twice. There was this moment where we all stood quiet in front of one piece (I think everyone was trying to figure out what it meant), then someone made a joke about Banksy hiding behind a dumpster. Eventually we ended up at the edge of the French Quarter, staring at one of Banksy’s last works left in New Orleans—a little faded but still sharp somehow. Our guide told us how much these murals mean here after Katrina; I didn’t know street art could carry that weight.

I keep thinking about that last mural—the way everyone went silent for a second before drifting off toward their next thing. Maybe it’s silly but I still see flashes of color when I close my eyes now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore New Orleans street art districts

• Meet at St. Coffee on St. Claude
• Walk through 9th, 8th, and 7th Wards
• Learn local art history in St. Roch
• Break at 149-year-old St. Roch Market
• View mosaic art by Laurel True
• Visit murals by local street artists
• Explore public art stretch in Faubourg Marigny
• See Banksy artwork at French Quarter edge

Top questions

Where does the New Orleans street art tour start?

The tour starts at St. Coffee on St. Claude Avenue in New Orleans.

Does this tour include seeing Banksy’s art in New Orleans?

Yes, you’ll visit one of Banksy’s remaining works near the French Quarter during the walk.

Is this street art walk wheelchair accessible?

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

Are food or drinks included on this tour?

No food or drinks are included, but there is a break at St. Roch Market where you can buy snacks or drinks.

How long does the New Orleans mural walk last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but covers several neighborhoods with breaks along the way.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

The reference doesn’t specify, but advance booking is recommended for availability.

Can families or solo travelers join this tour?

Yes, it’s suitable for families, couples, solo travelers—even infants in strollers are welcome.

Will we meet any local artists during the walk?

You may meet local artists or learn about them as part of the experience.

What’s included

Your day includes an immersive guided walk through Bywater, Marigny, and up to the French Quarter with stops for photos and stories behind each mural; access to restrooms and gourmet snacks at St. Roch Market; plus post-tour artist information shared by your guide before wrapping up near Banksy’s mural.