New Orleans Treme Walking Tour: Jazz History & Storyville

Summary

Jazz roots echo through Treme’s streets and Congo Square

You’ll walk through Treme’s living history with a local guide who knows every story behind Congo Square and Storyville. Expect laughter, honest moments at powerful sites like the Tomb of the Unknown Slave, and real jazz memories echoing around you. This isn’t just sightseeing—it’s feeling New Orleans under your skin.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I thought I knew what New Orleans sounded like—brass bands, that warm hum from the French Quarter. But stepping into Treme with our guide, Angela (she grew up just blocks away), was something else. She started us off right on the edge of Storyville, and honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so much just standing there. The air had this faint sweet smell—maybe someone was frying beignets nearby?—and Angela pointed out a faded mural where jazz legends used to hang out after gigs. She told us about Alphonse Picou and Trombone Shorty like they were old friends. I tried to imagine those nights, music spilling out of every doorway.

We wandered deeper into the neighborhood, past St Augustine’s Church and this tiny museum that looked almost hidden behind a tangle of vines. There was a stop at the Tomb of the Unknown Slave—Angela got quiet for a second there—and you could feel everyone listening harder. It’s weird how history sits right under your feet in Treme. Kids zipped by on bikes yelling to each other, and someone on a porch waved when we passed (I’m still not sure if it was at us or Angela). The day trip through Treme from downtown New Orleans is mostly flat walking, maybe an hour and a half total? Bring good shoes—my feet thanked me later.

Congo Square was louder than I expected—not from crowds but from drumming somewhere off in the distance. Angela explained how enslaved and free people gathered here centuries ago for music and markets; she even did this little dance move to show how rhythms traveled across generations. I probably butchered her pronunciation of “Treme” (she laughed), but she promised nobody would judge my accent as long as I listened with my whole self. So yeah, if you want to actually feel where jazz began—not just read about it—this walking tour is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Treme' and Jazz history

• Start with general Treme history
• Visit Storyville District and learn history
• Explore Treme neighborhood and historic sites
• Visit Congo Square and learn its significance
• See Laundry and Museum, former recording studio

Top questions

How long does the New Orleans Treme walking tour last?

The tour lasts about 1.5 hours with mostly flat walking through historic neighborhoods.

Is the Treme walking tour wheelchair accessible?

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

What sites are included in the Treme walking tour?

You’ll visit Storyville District, St Augustine’s Church, Tomb of the Unknown Slave, Congo Square, and more local landmarks.

Does the tour include a professional guide?

Yes, your experience includes a knowledgeable local guide throughout.

Can infants or small children join the tour?

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

Are service animals allowed on this walking tour?

Service animals are welcome on all parts of the tour route.

Is public transportation available near the starting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to where the tour begins in Treme.

Should I bring anything special for this day trip in New Orleans?

Wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera—no videotaping allowed though!

What’s included

Your day includes guiding from a passionate local expert who leads you through Storyville District, Congo Square, St Augustine’s Church, and more—all fully wheelchair accessible. You’re welcome to bring strollers or service animals along for this relaxed walk through New Orleans’ musical heart.