About New Orleans Secrets Tours
Phone: (504) 517-5397
Website: nosecretstours.com
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New Orleans Secrets Tours - Privacy Policy
Last Updated: May 2026 --- Your privacy matters to us. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. We keep things simple because that's how we operate. If you have questions at any point, reach out to us directly. --- Who We Are New Orleans Secrets Tours is a locally owned tour company based in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. We create unforgettable experiences for visitors and groups of all kinds. When you interact with our website or book a tour with us, you're trusting us with some of your personal information. We take that seriously. --- Information We Collect We collect information you give us directly and some information automatically when you visit our site. Information you provide: Name, email address, and phone number when you make a booking or inquiry Number of guests, tour preferences, and any special requests Payment information entered through our booking platform (see Payment Processing below) Corporate billing details including ACH or check information for group and corporate clients Information collected automatically: Browser type, device, pages visited, time spent on the site, and referring URLs IP address and general geographic location Cookie and session data (see Analytics and Cookies below) We do not collect sensitive personal information such as government ID numbers, social security numbers, or health data. --- How We Use Your Information We use the information we collect to: Process and confirm your tour bookings Communicate with you about your reservation, including updates and day-of logistics Respond to inquiries and provide customer support Send occasional emails about offers, news, or experiences you may enjoy (with your consent — see Email Communications below) Improve our website and understand how visitors engage with our content Fulfill corporate contracts and process invoices We will never sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. Full stop. --- Payment Processing All credit and debit card payments are processed through Fareharbor , a third-party booking and payment platform. When you enter your card details on our booking page, that information is handled directly by Fareharbor and subject to their privacy policy and security standards. For phone bookings, card information may be taken verbally and entered directly into Fareharbor by our team. We do not write down, store, or retain card numbers in any internal system. Corporate clients may pay via ACH transfer or business check. In these cases, we collect only the account and routing information necessary to complete the transaction. This information is held securely and used solely for payment purposes. Fareharbor Privacy Policy: https://fareharbor.com/privacy/ --- Analytics and Cookies Our website uses Google Analytics to help us understand how visitors find and use our site. Google Analytics collects data such as pages viewed, session duration, device type, and traffic sources. This data is aggregated and does not personally identify you. Google Analytics uses cookies, which are small text files stored on your device. You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking at any time by installing the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on . You can also adjust your browser settings to decline cookies. Some features of our website may not function as intended if cookies are disabled. We do not use advertising cookies, retargeting pixels, or behavioral tracking tools beyond Google Analytics. --- Email Communications When you book a tour or submit an inquiry, we may send you transactional emails related to your reservation. These are not optional because they are part of delivering your experience. With your permission, we may also send you occasional emails about upcoming tours, seasonal offers, or New Orleans travel ideas. These are infrequent and intentional — not spam. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying to any email with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line, and we will remove you from all non-transactional communications promptly. We handle email in-house, so your request goes directly to a real person. We do not use a third-party email marketing platform. Your email address stays with us. --- Photos and Images Photography and video may be captured during our tours for use in marketing, social media, and advertising. By participating in a tour, you acknowledge that photos or video in which you appear may be used for these purposes. We will not link your name or any personally identifying information to images used in advertising without your written permission. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let your guide know at the start of the tour. We will do our best to accommodate you. --- Children's Privacy Our tours and this website are not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us and we will delete it promptly. Parents or guardians booking tours that include minors are the account holders of record, and all privacy rights and communications apply to the adult booking the experience. --- Data Security We take reasonable precautions to protect the information we hold. This includes limiting access to personal data to team members who need it to do their jobs, using secure email practices, and relying on Fareharbor's payment-grade security for all card transactions. No method of transmitting or storing data online is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security, but we are committed to handling your information carefully and responsibly. If you believe your information has been compromised in any way, please contact us immediately at info@nosecretstours.com. --- Third-Party Services We use a small number of trusted third-party services to operate our business. These services have their own privacy policies and security practices. | Service | Purpose | Privacy Policy | |---|---|---| | Fareharbor | Booking and payment processing | fareharbor.com/privacy | | Google Analytics | Website traffic and behavior analysis | policies.google.com/privacy | We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party platforms. We encourage you to review their policies directly. --- Your Rights and Choices You have the right to: Request access to the personal information we hold about you Ask us to correct inaccurate information Request that we delete your information, subject to any legal obligations we may have to retain it Opt out of non-transactional email communications at any time To exercise any of these rights, email us at info@nosecretstours.com and we will respond within a reasonable timeframe. --- Changes to This Policy We may update this policy from time to time as our business or applicable laws change. When we do, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of our website or services after changes are posted means you accept the updated policy. --- Contact Us Questions about your privacy or this policy? We're a real team and we're happy to talk. New Orleans Secrets Tours French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana Email: info@nosecretstours.com
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New Orleans Secrets Tours - Terms & Conditions
These terms apply to all tours, experiences, and events booked with New Orleans Secrets Tours. By completing your booking, you agree to the following conditions. --- Alcohol Policy All guests must comply with local alcohol laws. The legal drinking age in New Orleans is 21. Valid ID may be required. Guests who appear visibly intoxicated will not be served alcohol during the tour. If a guest's behavior becomes disruptive or poses a risk to the safety or enjoyment of others, your guide has the right to remove that person from the tour. No refund will be issued in that circumstance. --- Cancellations and Refunds Public Tours All Tickets: Cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour's start time are non-refundable. No exceptions. Guests arriving more than 10 minutes late will be considered no-shows and will not be permitted to join the tour. Refundable Ticket: Receive a full refund for the ticket price when cancelled 24 hours or more before the tour begins. Non-Refundable Ticket: All sales are final. No refunds or changes are allowed after purchase. Private Tours Receive a full refund when cancelled 72 or more hours prior to the tour. No refunds when cancelled within 72 hours of the tour's departure time. No exceptions. No-shows will be charged the full price. Guests more than 20 minutes late will be considered no-shows. Custom and Multi-Day Tours Cancellation terms and refund windows vary by event and will be presented to you prior to booking. By making a deposit, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions set therein. --- Weather Policy Our tours run rain or shine. New Orleans weather does what it wants, and we plan for it. In the event of extreme weather that makes it unsafe to operate, we will notify all booked guests no later than 2 hours before the scheduled tour start time. Notification will be sent to the contact information provided at booking. --- Consent to Photography and Image Use Photos and video may be taken during your tour for use in our marketing and promotional materials, including our website and social media. Participation in a tour constitutes consent to this use. Your images will not be identified by name in any public material unless you provide specific written permission to do so. If you have concerns about being photographed, please let your guide know at the start of the tour. --- Liability Disclaimer New Orleans Secrets Tours does not own or directly operate all facilities and venues visited as part of our tour services. We assume no responsibility for personal injury, death, property damage, or any other loss arising from the acts or omissions of third-party tour service providers, venue operators, or any other parties not under our direct supervision or control. Guests participate in all tours and activities at their own risk. --- Force Majeure New Orleans Secrets LLC will not be deemed in breach of this agreement or otherwise liable to you by reason of delay in performance or nonperformance of any of its obligations under this agreement to the extent that any such delay or nonperformance is due to Force Majeure. "Force Majeure" means any circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including without limitation acts of nature, terrorist activities, insurrection, explosion, flood, tempest, forceful wind, fire or accident, war or threat of war declared or undeclared, sabotage, civil disturbance, labor strikes, requisition, sickness, quarantine, government intervention, weather conditions, and unforeseen circumstances. If New Orleans Secrets LLC and/or any of our Suppliers are affected by Force Majeure, we and our Suppliers shall be entitled to, and may in our sole discretion, vary or cancel any itinerary or arrangement in relation to the tour, and choose to offer future travel credits or no refunds of money paid. This includes losses or expenses due to flight or other transportation cancellations or delays. --- Third Party Vendors Certain services reserved by New Orleans Secrets LLC for inclusion in a tour itinerary, including but not limited to transportation, accommodations, restaurants, site locations and venues, sightseeing, and activities may be purchased from independent suppliers not affiliated with New Orleans Secrets LLC (referred to as "Third Party Suppliers," "Vendors," or "Suppliers"). New Orleans Secrets LLC takes reasonable care in selecting competent, reliable, and qualified suppliers based on information that is reasonably available to us. We act only as an intermediary for these Third Party Suppliers and do not and cannot control the quality of their services. You acknowledge that these Third Party Suppliers are independent contractors, are not managed by New Orleans Secrets LLC, and are not agents or employees of New Orleans Secrets LLC. In the event of an injury, damage to property, delay, or any other loss, compensation must be sought from the Third Party Suppliers, not from New Orleans Secrets LLC. Each of these Third Party Suppliers are subject to the laws of the state or country in which the service is provided. The liability of Third Party Suppliers may be limited by their tariffs, conditions of carriage, tickets and vouchers, and international conventions and agreements. --- Privacy We will never rent or sell your personal information. The details you provide at booking are used solely for payment processing and tour-related communication. You may occasionally receive emails from us. You can opt out at any time. --- Last updated: May 2026
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Corporate Events & Private Group Tours in New Orleans
Your team deserves an unforgettable time in New Orleans. You deserve to spend only 20 minutes planning it.
See how it works. Three minutes is all it takes.
From intimate to extraordinary.
We've planned team dinners for 12 and multi-day programs for several hundred. We've handled Fortune 500 conference offsites, VIP client entertainment, executive experiences, and bachelorette weekends that turned into annual reunions. Whatever you're coordinating, whether it's a quick team night out, a full conference add-on, or something that doesn't fit a standard category, we've done something like it before. And if we haven't, we'll figure it out. That's the point. You bring us the group. We handle the rest.
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Microsoft. Coca-Cola. Delta Air Lines. Liberty Mutual. Hilton. Marriott. These are some of the organizations that have trusted New Orleans Secrets to deliver for their teams. If they can trust us with their people, so can you.
What Groups Are Saying
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Repeat Corporate Client ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ This is our third time booking with New Orleans Secrets, and Angela never disappoints. The custom progressive dinner she built for our team was exactly what we needed — sophisticated, personal, and unlike anything a hotel concierge could piece together. Every stop felt intentional, the pacing was perfect, and our group of executives walked away genuinely impressed. Read more... This is our third time booking with New Orleans Secrets, and Angela never disappoints. The custom progressive dinner she built for our team was exactly what we needed — sophisticated, personal, and unlike anything a hotel concierge could piece together. Every stop felt intentional, the pacing was perfect, and our group of executives walked away genuinely impressed. When you've done corporate events long enough, you get good at spotting the difference between someone who customizes and someone who just repackages the same tour. Angela truly customizes. We'll be back for a fourth. Show less Via Google Reviews CC Courtney C. Custom Group Experience ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ I was nervous about organizing something for 16 people with a mix of dietary restrictions — vegan, gluten-free, a shellfish allergy — but Angela handled every single detail without making it feel like a logistical headache. The experience she built for us was seamless and genuinely delicious. She coordinated with each venue in advance, made sure every person felt considered, and still managed to make the whole evening feel effortless and fun. Read more... I was nervous about organizing something for 16 people with a mix of dietary restrictions — vegan, gluten-free, a shellfish allergy — but Angela handled every single detail without making it feel like a logistical headache. The experience she built for us was seamless and genuinely delicious. She coordinated with each venue in advance, made sure every person felt considered, and still managed to make the whole evening feel effortless and fun. Our team is still talking about it weeks later. Several colleagues have already asked me for her contact details for their own groups. If you're trying to do something meaningful for a team and you want it done right, this is who you call. Show less Via Google Reviews MD Matt D. Large Group · Mardi Gras ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Booking a fully custom experience for 14 people during Mardi Gras felt like a long shot, but Angela made it happen. She wove together cocktail history, New Orleans storytelling, and ghost lore into one night that had our whole group locked in from start to finish. The timing during Mardi Gras could have been chaotic — the city is electric but overwhelming at that scale — and she navigated it expertly. Read more... Booking a fully custom experience for 14 people during Mardi Gras felt like a long shot, but Angela made it happen. She wove together cocktail history, New Orleans storytelling, and ghost lore into one night that had our whole group locked in from start to finish. The timing during Mardi Gras could have been chaotic — the city is electric but overwhelming at that scale — and she navigated it expertly. Every stop was perfectly placed, the stories were vivid and well-researched, and the cocktail pairings were a genuine highlight. For a group our size during the busiest week of the year, the level of attention and craft she brought was remarkable. Absolutely worth every penny. 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HOW IT WORKS
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About Us
We are dedicated to providing exceptional services and creating lasting memories for all our clients.
We tried to just love this city quietly, but some stories are inevitable.
New Orleans Secrets started with three people who couldn't stop talking about this city. A carriage driver who'd spent years watching tourists miss the best parts of it. A New Orleanian who took a French Quarter tour one afternoon and rediscovered his own hometown. A creative director who visited once, quit her job, and never left. None of us planned to build a tour company. We just knew something needed fixing: the gap between what New Orleans actually is and what most visitors were being shown. The scripted routes. The rushed groups. The guides reading from a card. Vacation is the most important time in most people's lives. They save for it, plan for it, fly across the world for it. That deserves better than generic. So we built something better.
HOW IT STARTED
She came for a visit. She never left.
New Orleans has a way of going right to your soul. People come for a weekend and leave feeling like something shifted. For Angela, it changed everything. At the time, she was working in a creative career somewhere else entirely. Then one trip to New Orleans turned her whole life upside down in the best possible way. She went home, gave her notice, packed up her life, and moved here. Not because it was practical, but because it felt impossible not to. Fifteen years later, she’s still completely captivated by this city and the people who make it what it is. And she still believes the best way to experience New Orleans isn’t through a checklist...it’s through the locals who truly love living here.
THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY
Every guide on our team chose New Orleans. That's not an accident. It's the foundation of everything we do.
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New Orleans Food Tours | Eat Like a Local on Magazine Street
New Orleans Food Tours
Skip the tourist traps and eat where New Orleanians actually go.
Our New Orleans food tours are built for people who actually care about what’s on the plate. We keep groups small, walk real neighborhoods, and visit owner‑run restaurants where locals eat on their days off. No giant bus groups, no chain restaurants, and no “tour group only” menus.
Eat Like a Local on Magazine Street
New Orleans food tours don’t have to mean big groups and touristy restaurants. Our Magazine Street Food Tour keeps it small, focuses on locally owned spots, and gives you a full meal’s worth of food along one of the city’s favorite streets. It feels more like eating with friends than following a flag. View The Magazine Street Food Tour →
Food Tours
More New Orleans Food Tours
Prefer a plant-based experience or want to explore beyond Uptown? We also offer a Vegan Food Tour and a Beyond the French Quarter food tour packed with local flavors.
More Ways To Eat Like A Local
Private & Small-Group Tours in New Orleans
The New Orleans locals love.
Intimate groups. Real stories. Daily tours, custom experiences, and multi-day escapes — far beyond the French Quarter.
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Homepage Block 3 — Category Cards Explore New Orleans Find Your Experience Most Popular Daily Tours From haunted streets to hidden bites, our daily tours pull back the curtain on the real New Orleans. Award-winning. Intimate. Unforgettable. See Daily Tours → Signature Experiences Multi-Day Tours Haunted plantation nights, Magazine Street feasts, and the deepest secrets Louisiana holds. Designed for travellers who want more than a postcard. Explore Multi-Day → Bespoke Group Events Corporate Events Give your team something they'll actually talk about. Private tours, custom itineraries, and exclusive New Orleans experiences built around your group. Plan Your Event → Not sure which is right for you? Get in touch and we'll point you in the right direction.
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DAILY TOURS
Some trips deserve more than a single afternoon.
New Orleans rewards the curious. The more time you give this city, the more it gives back. Our multi-day experiences are built for travelers who want to go deeper — private dinners, hidden neighborhoods, the stories that don't make it onto any map. Curated from scratch. Small groups. Nothing generic. Explore Multi-Day Experiences →
GO DEEPER
Your group deserves better than a generic itinerary.
New Orleans is one of the most electric cities in the world for a corporate event or group experience. We've handled everything from intimate team dinners to large-scale multi-day buyouts — and every one is built from scratch around your group, your goals, and your timeline. Plan Your Event →
CORPORATE & CUSTOM
New Orleans tips, new experiences, and the occasional offer you won't find on the booking sites.
Before you book
The questions we hear most — answered honestly.
Three people who fell in love with New Orleans — and never got over it.
New Orleans Secrets started the way most good things do — not with a business plan, but with a feeling. A carriage driver who'd spent years watching tourists miss the best parts of the city. A New Orleanian who took a French Quarter tour one day and rediscovered his own hometown through a stranger's eyes. A creative director who visited once, quit her job, and moved here. Three different stories. One shared conviction: that vacation is the most important time in most people's lives, and the people leading those experiences have a responsibility to get it right. We built NO Secrets because we'd seen what the big companies do — and we knew we could do better. Smaller groups. Real stories. Guides who actually live here and genuinely love showing this city off. Because if you're spending your hard-earned time and money in New Orleans, you deserve to leave with the right memories. Meet the team →
WHO WE ARE
Whether you're planning a night out, a week in, or a full corporate event — we're easy to reach and happy to point you in the right direction.
Tours & Activities
Magazine Street Foodie Tour
Magazine Street is where New Orleans actually eats. Six miles of shotgun storefronts, century-old corner spots, and kitchens that have been perfecting the same dishes longer than most cities have had restaurants. This is the Garden District's main artery: colorful, alive, and layered with food culture that runs so deep locals will exchange recipes at the dinner table and then go back to the same place the next morning with their “mom ‘n dem.” If you want to understand this city, you eat here. This three-hour walk takes you through it all. Stroll past the places that have been feeding New Orleans families for generations, behind the stories of the people who built them, and straight to the kind of meal that makes a vacation nap feel earned. No tourist menus. No manufactured atmosphere. Just the real thing. You'll eat at five stops — seven dishes, minimum — and every one was chosen because the food means something here. There's history in every delicious bite! And stories behind them that most visitors never hear, since this tour takes you way beyond gumbo, beignets, and muffulettas. In fact, this tour was specifically designed to feed you dishes that locals love, but most visitors would never think to order them on their own. Your guide handles everything. The reservations, the introductions, the bill. You show up curious and leave knowing New Orleans the way a local does — through what it eats, how it cooks, and why it matters. To enhance your experience, we’ll even include a local beer, poured exactly where it belongs. Groups stay small — nine guests maximum — so you're never waiting in a pack or shouting over a crowd. You're just eating, talking, and working your way through one of the best streets in one of the best food cities in the world. This New Orleans food tour walk covers 1/2 mile and will be held rain or shine. This tour does not accommodate vegan, low or sugar-free, gluten-free, kosher, or reduced-sodium dietary restrictions. This tour may not be a good fit for diets that prohibit both seafood and pork, since many dishes contain one or the other. A minimum of 2 people are required for this tour to run (may be booked separately).Sales Pitch
If you’re choosing between this and a standard French Quarter food tour, this Magazine Street route is for food lovers who want real neighborhood spots and smaller groups. Most food tours in New Orleans take you somewhere you would have found anyway. A famous gumbo spot. A beignet you already knew about. A photo opportunity with powdered sugar on your shirt.
This is not that tour.
Magazine Street sits in the Garden District, away from the French Quarter rush, on a stretch that locals actually live and eat. The restaurants here are not meant for tourists and don't need your attention to survive. That's what makes them worth your time.
Every stop on this tour was chosen because the food tells a story that connects directly to who New Orleans is. Your guide doesn't recite facts — they open up the culture, the history, the people behind the dishes, and the reasons certain flavors exist in this city and nowhere else on earth.
You'll leave having eaten more than you planned, having learned more than you expected, and having spent three hours in the version of New Orleans that most visitors never find. The most common thing guests say at the end of this tour is "I need a nap." We take that as the highest possible compliment.
Highlights
- 3 hours · 5 tasting stops · Small group (max 9 guests)
- Five stops, minimum seven dishes; this is a full meal, not a tasting!
- Every dish chosen for its cultural and historical significance to New Orleans
- One local beer (or soft drink) included, poured at the right stop at the right moment
- Maximum nine guests: intimate by design, never a crowd
- All restaurant costs covered; show up hungry, nothing else required
Included
- Guided Tour
- Licensed Local Guide
- Food Tastings
- One Featured Beer (or equivalent)
- Restaurant Gratuities, Taxes, and Fees
Not Included
- Transportation
- Additional Food or Cocktails
- Guide Gratuity
FAQs
Where do we meet?
Meeting Location: We will meet just outside of Mahony’s Po-Boy’s Magazine Street location at 3454 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70115. Look for your guide in our NO Secrets bright blue polo shirt when you arrive.
How early should I arrive?
We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes before your start time. Late arrivals can't always be accommodated once the tour is underway.
How much walking will there be?
On this tour, you will walk approximately half a mile.
How large are the tour groups?
Our groups max out at nine guests. That means more conversation, more attention from your guide, and a much more personal experience than you'd get on a larger tour.
Which restaurants will we be going to, and what will we eat?
The typical menu includes beef, pork, seafood/shellfish, and vegetables. Because we love anticipation (and because the tour may change on a given day due to restaurant closures/changes), we do not release where we go or what we eat –– except to say that it’s all wonderful!
Will there just be small samples?
Not at all. Every stop is a full-sized portion — this is a meal, not a tasting. Most guests leave quite full.
Are alcoholic drinks included?
At one stop, we will pair the food with a particular beer (or soda for those not interested in beer). Water is provided throughout the tour, and additional alcoholic drinks are available for purchase at stops that serve them.
Can vegetarians attend?
This tour can accommodate vegetarians and pescatarians with advance notice. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate vegan, gluten-free, kosher, or low-salt diets. If you're vegan, our Vegan New Orleans Food Tour was built with you in mind.
What if someone in my party is allergic to shellfish?
We can accommodate guests who don't eat shellfish, but this tour may not be suitable for anyone with a severe shellfish allergy. Please call us before booking so we can talk through the details.
Is there a different price for children?
Children 12 and under who share portions with a parent qualify for a discounted ticket at $39, available by calling our office directly at 504-517-5397. If your child is a big eater, a full-priced ticket may be the better call.
What about strollers and young children?
This tour isn't suitable for children under six, and the restaurants we visit can get tight — strollers are genuinely difficult to navigate. If you have younger children or need stroller access, a private tour may be a better fit. Contact us and we'll work something out.
Is this tour wheelchair or scooter accessible?
Yes, with a little advance planning. Give us a call before your tour and we'll add a note to your booking so your guide can make the appropriate adjustments on the ground.
What if it’s raining?
Our tours run rain or shine; please bring an umbrella or poncho in order to stay dry during the tour. If the weather is severe enough that it poses a danger, we will call you to explain our decision and discuss alternatives (this is why it’s very important to list a good cell phone number when booking online!). If we cancel a tour because of severe weather, all guests will be given a full refund.
Location
We will meet just outside of Mahony’s Po-Boys Magazine Street location.
Vegan New Orleans Food Tour
Yes, vegan food in New Orleans! Hear us out. This city built its reputation on butter, lard, and things pulled straight from the Gulf — and somehow, it's also home to some of the most creative plant-based cooking in the South. That's not a compromise. That's a culinary dare, and the chefs taking it on are winning. Over three hours in the French Quarter, you'll eat your way through stops that reveal themselves as you go. The dishes are real food: the kind that fills you up and makes you talk about it at dinner the next night. One vegan beer or soda is included because this is New Orleans and you should always have something in your hand. You don't have to be vegan to book this tour. You just have to be hungry and a little curious about what this city can do when it plays by different rules. No more than nine guests on our regularly-scheduled tours. Ever.Sales Pitch
New Orleans doesn't do anything halfway, including plant-based food. The kitchens behind these stops aren't hedge-betting with a token vegan option. They're cooking with intention, and the results don't need a disclaimer.
Past guests who came as skeptics have left converted. We hear it constantly. People who booked this for a vegan partner and ended up eating everything on the plate. People who didn't think they could eat well in New Orleans without the meat or seafood and came back the next day to try more.
This is the tour for anyone who thinks New Orleans couldn't do it. Come prove yourself wrong.
Highlights
- Three hours of eating — not tasting — through the French Quarter
- Guided by a local who knows these kitchens, these chefs, and this neighborhood
- One vegan beer or soda included per guest
- Small group of no more than nine people, always
- Open to vegans, vegetarians, and skeptical omnivores alike
Included
- Guided Tour
- Licensed Local Guide
- Food Tastings
- One Featured Beer (yes, it's vegan!) or Soda
- Restaurant Gratuities, Taxes, & Fees
Not Included
- Transportation
- Additional Food or Cocktails
- Guide Gratuity
FAQs
Where do we meet?
We will meet just outside of Nola Mia located at 2230 St. Claude Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70117. Look for your guide in our NO Secrets bright blue polo shirt when you arrive.
How early should I arrive?
We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes before your start time. Late arrivals can't always be accommodated once the tour is underway.
How much walking will there be?
On this tour, you will walk approximately 1.5 miles.
How large are the tour groups?
Our groups max out at nine guests. That means more conversation, more attention from your guide, and a much more personal experience than you'd get on a larger tour.
Is this tour just vegetarian food in New Orleans?
No. This tour will expose guests to places and dishes that are great for vegetarians but are vegan in nature. This means that in addition to there not being any meat, there will also not be any animal-derived ingredients such as honey or dairy.
My partner isn’t vegan. Will they enjoy this tour?
Absolutely. The food on this tour stands on its own — it's delicious regardless of your diet. Most non-vegan guests are genuinely surprised by how good it is.
Which restaurants will we be going to, and what will we eat?
Because we love anticipation (and because the tour may change on a given day due to restaurant closures/changes), we do not release where we go or what we eat –– except to say that it’s all wonderful AND vegan!
Will there just be small samples?
Not at all! This is not a “tasting” tour –– it’s an “eating” tour! You’ll have an entire vegan meal by the time the tour is done.
Are alcoholic drinks included?
At one stop we pair the food with a vegan beer, or soda for those who prefer it. Water is provided throughout the tour, and additional alcoholic drinks are available for purchase at stops that serve them.
Can you accommodate my allergies?
This tour is fully vegan and free of animal products. However, nuts and gluten are used extensively throughout the tour and we cannot accommodate nut allergies or gluten-free diets. Please contact us before booking if you have other dietary concerns.
Is there a different price for children?
Children 12 and under who share portions with a parent qualify for a discounted ticket at $39, available by calling our office directly at 504-517-5397. If your child is a big eater, a full-priced ticket may be the better call.
What about strollers or young children?
This tour isn't suitable for children under six, and the restaurants we visit can get tight — strollers are genuinely difficult to navigate. If you have younger children or need stroller access, a private tour may be a better fit. Contact us and we'll work something out.
Is this tour wheelchair or scooter accessible?
Yes, with a little advance planning. Give us a call before your tour and we'll add a note to your booking so your guide can make the appropriate adjustments on the ground.
What if it's raining?
Our tours run rain or shine; please bring an umbrella or poncho in order to stay dry during the tour. If the weather is severe enough that it poses a danger, we will call you to explain our decision and discuss alternatives (this is why it’s very important to list a good cell phone number when booking online!). If we cancel a tour because of severe weather, all guests will be given a full refund.
Location
We will meet just outside of NOLA Mia restaurant: 2230 St Claude Ave. New Orleans, LA 70117
New Orleans Cocktail Tour
New Orleans didn't invent drinking…but it did invent doing it better! The Sazerac, the Ramos Gin Fizz, and the Grasshopper weren't accidents. They were born in the bars, parlors, and back rooms of the French Quarter by people who believed a great drink deserved a great story. This is a small-group walking tour through the heart of one of the world's great drinking cities. You'll visit some of the oldest and most storied bars in the country, taste cocktails that defined American drinking culture, and hear the real history behind what's in your glass. Not the rehearsed version, the actual one. Your guide keeps the group small, just nine guests maximum, so you're never shouting over a crowd, never rushed, and never part of a pack. Drinks aren't included in the tour price, and that's by design: whether you want to share a round with friends, order your own, or simply soak it all in, the choice is entirely yours. By the time the evening ends, you won't just know what you drank. You'll know why it matters.Sales Pitch
New Orleans has more bars per block than almost anywhere in the United States, and most visitors never find the good ones. They end up on Bourbon Street with a plastic cup, wondering what all the fuss is about.
This tour is for the traveler who wants to sit at a bar that's been pouring since before their grandparents were born, actually understand what they're holding, and somehow end up laughing with people they didn't know when the night started. (We can't promise that last part, but it tends to happen when the group is small, the guide feels like a local friend, and the night stops feeling like a tour!)
With a maximum of nine guests, every stop feels personal. Your guide isn't reciting a script; they're sharing a city they know and love, one drink at a time. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast or just someone who appreciates a good story, you'll leave the French Quarter with a deeper connection to one of America's most extraordinary cities.
Please note: This tour is for guests 21+ only, does not include drinks or food and will proceed rain or shine. Wear comfortable shoes and get ready to raise your glass to New Orleans!
Highlights
- Enjoy iconic New Orleans cocktails at the historic bars that made them famous
- Small group of 9 — intimate, relaxed, and genuinely social
- Get the real history of the American cocktail, told right where it started
- Walk the Quarter the way locals do with no tourist traps or scripted performances
- Leave with new friends, full glasses, and stories worth repeating
Included
- Guided Tour
- Licensed Local Guide
Not Included
- Guide Gratuity
- All Cocktails & Drinks
FAQs
Where do we meet?
We’ll meet at: the Bourbon O bar inside the Bourbon Orleans Hotel at 730 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70116.
How early should I arrive?
We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes before your start time. Late arrivals can't always be accommodated once the tour is underway.
How large are the tour groups?
Our groups max out at nine guests. That means more conversation, more attention from your guide, and a much more personal experience than you'd get on a larger tour.
Is this just a pub crawl?
Not even close. This is a history tour where the American cocktail is the lens. You'll leave knowing why New Orleans matters to the story of the drink — not just where the bars are. Guests who arrive visibly intoxicated will be asked to leave with no refund.
What is the minimum age? Can I bring my child or stroller?
This tour is 21 and up. Guests must be of legal drinking age to enter the bars on the route, so children and strollers cannot be accommodated.
Are drinks included? Is this a good tour for non-drinkers?
Drinks are not included, and that's intentional. You choose what you order and what you spend at each stop — no package pricing, no pressure. Non-drinkers are absolutely welcome and your guide will make sure you're taken care of at every stop.
What bars will we go to, and what drinks are featured at each?
Believe it or not, we don’t know yet! And that’s one of the hardest parts of leading this tour: there are so many great places that we love, yet we can only choose 3! But since our groups are so small, we like to wait until we actually meet you at the beginning of the tour before determining a route. That way we can pick what will best fit your group’s tastes and interests. We typically go to a mix of bars and restaurants in historic buildings and feature a range of drinks (from lighter to pre-prohibition) and often highlight two at each venue to cater to multiple palates.
Will there be food available?
The tour moves at a steady pace and stopping for food isn't possible. We strongly recommend eating a solid meal beforehand — and your guide will have great recommendations for afterward.
What if I’m bringing more than 9 people?
No problem! Private tours are available for larger groups. Just select “Private Tour” at check out or give us a call or email.
Is this tour wheelchair or scooter accessible?
Yes, with a little advance planning. Give us a call before your tour and we'll add a note to your booking so your guide can make the appropriate adjustments on the ground.
What if it’s raining?
Our tours run rain or shine; please bring an umbrella or poncho in order to stay dry during the tour. If the weather is severe enough that it poses a danger, we will call you to explain our decision and discuss alternatives (this is why it’s very important to list a good cell phone number when booking online!). If we cancel a tour because of severe weather, all guests will be given a full refund.
Location
We’ll meet at: the Bourbon O bar inside the Bourbon Orleans Hotel at 730 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
Mysteries of Voodoo Tour
Most visitors leave New Orleans thinking they understand Voodoo. They don't — because what they saw was the tourist version. The real story is older, more complex, and far more interesting than anything you'll find on a shop shelf on Bourbon Street. Vodun began as a sophisticated West African spiritual tradition, crossed the Atlantic through the slave trade, and put down deep roots in Louisiana. Here it collided with Catholicism, colonial power, and the fierce determination of a community that refused to disappear. On this two hour walking tour, you'll finally hear that story told the way locals tell it.Sales Pitch
New Orleans has a version of Voodoo made for movies, television, and tourists — and then it has the real thing. This tour is built around authenticity: the history, the practice, the figures, and the meaning that serious visitors are seeking. Small groups, primary source research, and guides who care more about getting it right than making it spooky. If you want to leave this city understanding something most people miss entirely, this is a great place to start.
Highlights
- Hear where Voodoo actually comes from: the history most New Orleans tours skip entirely
- Get the real Marie Laveau: who she was, what she built, and why the myths don't do her justice
- Learn to read the symbols locals recognize: veves, gris-gris, and sacred altars explained from the inside
- Understand the complicated relationship between Voodoo and Catholicism
- Find out how Voodoo is practiced in New Orleans today, by real people, in real communities
Included
- Guided Tour
- Licensed Local Guide
Not Included
- Guide Gratuity
- Transportation
FAQs
Where do we meet?
We’ll meet at the New Orleans Playing Card Company, 521 Dumaine Street, in the heart of the French Quarter.
How early should I arrive?
We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes before your start time. Late arrivals can't always be accommodated once the tour is underway.
How much walking will there be?
This tour covers approximately 1 mile, with periods of standing for up to 15 minutes; guests will be walking or standing throughout the entire two-hour tour.
How many people will there be on the tour?
Our groups max out at nine guests. That means more conversation, more attention from your guide, and a much more personal experience than you'd get on a larger tour.
Is this appropriate for children?
Yes. All of the information presented is appropriate for children. That said, the tour is two hours long and quite information-dense, so younger children may not enjoy it as much as older kids. You know your child's attention span better than we do.
Do you visit a cemetery on this tour?
No. This tour focuses on the living tradition of New Orleans Voodoo — its history, its practices, and its place in the culture of the city.
Will this be scary?
Not in the way you might expect. This tour is educational and respectful — we're here to understand Voodoo, not sensationalize it. That said, some of what you'll learn may genuinely surprise you.
How is New Orleans Voodoo different from other forms of Voodoo?
Like the rest of our culture, New Orleans Voodoo is unique because it combines many different versions of the religion, brought to New Orleans by people from different countries. For the sake of simplicity, it is largely a result of blending Haitian Voodoo and multiple African Voodoo traditions. The people who practice Voodoo here are also unique because many also practiced Catholicism, and therefore there are elements of the Catholic traditions integrated as well.
How are your guides qualified to teach about Voodoo?
Our guides have spent years studying the religion academically. While some are practitioners themselves, they have all attended multiple Voodoo rituals and ceremonies, and have first-hand knowledge of the faith and practices learned from Voodoo priests and priestesses.
I don't see much written on New Orleans Voodoo -- why?
Because people of different backgrounds blended their beliefs into the religion, there was no common written language universally used by the practitioners. For this reason, much of the religion has been handed down orally and through the practice of rituals. It’s also important to note that, like the media, many sources online do not accurately portray the religion and definitely don’t provide a full picture of it.
Will there be food available during the tour?
There will not be a stop for food, so we suggest eating before the tour as needed.
Is this tour wheelchair or scooter accessible?
Yes, with a little advance planning. Give us a call before your tour and we'll add a note to your booking so your guide can make the appropriate adjustments on the ground.
What if it’s raining?
Our tours run rain or shine; please bring an umbrella or poncho in order to stay dry during the tour. If the weather is severe enough that it poses a danger, we will call you to explain our decision and discuss alternatives (this is why it’s very important to list a good cell phone number when booking online!). If we cancel a tour because of severe weather, all guests will be given a full refund.
Location
We’ll meet at the New Orleans Playing Card Company, 521 Dumaine Street, in the heart of the French Quarter
Beyond the French Quarter Food Tour
New Orleans has always been a food city. But the version most visitors experience is a fraction of the story. This is the rest of it. NO Secrets takes you Uptown, into the Audubon neighborhood, where the restaurants are quieter, the menus are more deliberate, and the locals actually book reservations. Over three hours, you'll move through a progressive dinner at three celebrated restaurants, with multiple dishes at every stop, that begins with cocktails at the bar and ends at one of the most respected tables in the city. Seven guests maximum. Twenty-one and older. Three hours in a part of New Orleans most visitors fly home without ever finding.Sales Pitch
Most food tours give you a bite. This gives you dinner.
There's a version of New Orleans that runs on neon and novelty, and it has its place. This isn't that. The Audubon neighborhood doesn't market itself. The restaurants here were built for people who eat seriously. The food speaks for itself, at restaurants that have earned every word written about them.
The arc of this meal is part of what makes it. You open at a neighborhood bar that locals have claimed as their own; the kind of place that fills up on a Tuesday because the people who live nearby keep coming back. The stroll between stops is its own reward of wide sidewalks underneath a canopy of oaks in the kind of neighborhood that reminds you why people fall in love with this city. From there, you sit down to the first course at a Michelin-mentioned kitchen serving food that has no business being this good. You move through an elevated middle course. And you finish the way New Orleans finishes: something classic, something satisfying, and something sweet. Four stops. Three restaurants. One unhurried evening.
New Orleans Secrets keeps this tour at seven guests because the rooms deserve it. You're not shuffling through in a group. You're sitting down, being fed well, and getting to know a corner of this city that takes a little longer to find…and stays with you well beyond your trip.
For guests 21 and older. Three hours. Seven seats per tour.
Please note: This tour cannot accommodate specific dietary restrictions. Book now to secure your spot on this unforgettable culinary adventure!
Highlights
- A progressive dinner across three celebrated Uptown kitchens, including Michelin-mentioned restaurants
- A spread of dishes at every stop (this is a meal, not a series of samples)
- No more than seven guests per tour, intimate by design
- Restaurants chosen for culinary reputation, not tourist foot traffic
Included
- Guided Tour
- Licensed Local Guide
- Food Tastings
- One Featured Cocktail (or equivalent)
- Restaurant Gratuities, Taxes, and Fees
Not Included
- Guide Gratuity
- Transportation
- Additional Food or Cocktails
FAQs
Where do we meet?
We will meet just outside of St. Joe’s Bar at 5535 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70115. Look for your guide in our NO Secrets bright blue polo shirt when you arrive.
How early should I arrive?
We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes before your start time. Late arrivals can't always be accommodated once the tour is underway.
How do I get to the starting location?
This tour takes place in the Audubon neighborhood, about six miles from the French Quarter. We recommend taking an Uber or taxi to the meeting point at St. Joe's Bar, 5535 Magazine Street. For the return trip, the Magazine Street Bus (Route 11) and the St. Charles Streetcar are both great options — just allow a little extra time.
What is the dress code?
One of the restaurants is a bit upscale, so please no shorts, graphic t-shirts, or ripped clothing, and no open-toe shoes or tank tops for men.
Is this tour 21+?
Yes. All guests must be 21 or over to attend.
How much food will be on the tour?
Short answer: a lot! The longer answer is that it will be enough food for dinner, and most guests will leave quite full. For that reason, we advise you to come hungry!
Will drinks be provided?
We kick things off with a special cocktail at our meeting spot, and water is provided at every restaurant. Additional beverages are available for purchase along the way — each restaurant will settle up with you separately before we move on.
What if I have an allergy or special dietary restriction?
This tour is built around the full New Orleans culinary experience, which means we cannot accommodate vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, low-salt, low-fat, kosher, dairy-free, egg-free, or gluten-free diets. We also cannot guarantee that items have been prepared in peanut-free facilities. If you have concerns about a specific allergy, please contact us before booking.
The tour only allows 7 people, but I have a larger group — can we still book?
If your group is larger than 7, or there aren't enough tickets left for everyone, give us a call or send us an email. We'll check guide and venue availability for your date and see what we can work out.
Can I book a private tour for my group?
Absolutely. Private bookings are available for groups who want the full experience to themselves. Contact us for details.
Can I just show up for the tour, or do I need to book ahead?
Advanced booking is required. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
Do I leave a tip at the restaurants?
Your heart is certainly in the right place, but…nope! That is all included with your ticket price (and we take care of the wait staff very well!). The exception would be if you did decide to purchase additional drinks—then it would be customary to leave $1 or $2 per drink tip.
Is this tour wheelchair or scooter accessible?
Yes, with a little advance planning. Give us a call before your tour and we'll add a note to your booking so your guide can make the appropriate adjustments on the ground.
Do you tour in the rain?
Absolutely! Our lovely, year-round flowers mean we are a sub-tropic climate, so we often get short rain showers, especially in the summer. Often the shower will be over by the time we are ready to head to the next stop, but please bring an umbrella or poncho if you are concerned about rain. If the weather is so severe that it becomes dangerous to be outside, we will call you to discuss options. If we cancel the tour due to severe weather, you will of course receive a full refund along with a bunch of restaurant recommendations for dinner. 😉
Location
We will meet just outside of St. Joe’s Bar at 5535 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
Ghosts of the French Quarter Tour
New Orleans has 300 years of history packed into a few square miles — and not all of it rests easy. This two-hour walking tour through the French Quarter pulls back the curtain on the real stories behind the city's most famous legends. We're talking primary sources, newspaper accounts, and documented history…not campfire stories dressed up for tourists. You'll trace the footsteps of Delphine Lalaurie, whose Royal Street mansion became the site of one of the most shocking crimes in American history. You'll hear the truth about the Casket Girls and the vampiric legends tied to the Old Ursuline Convent. You'll visit a fine-dining restaurant where guests and staff alike report encounters that can't quite be explained. And that’s just the start. New Orleans has earned its reputation as the most haunted city in America. Yellow fever, hurricanes, duels, fires, slavery — the city absorbed centuries of trauma, and some of it never left. This tour is where history and the unexplained meet, explored through the eyes of guides who know the difference between a ghost story and the truth.Sales Pitch
Most ghost tours in New Orleans are a performance. Ours is an honest reckoning.
With a hard cap of 9 guests, you're never lost in a crowd. You can ask questions, hear every detail above the street noise, and become more entrenched in the story, rather than constant distractions from other guests. It feels more like being led by a friend than a large group rehearsed lecture.
Your guide didn't memorize a script; they wrote their own tour. They've spent hours digging through records, collaborating with fellow guides to chase down the real history behind every story, and weaving in their own personal experiences along the way. No shortcuts, just guides who know this city the way only locals do, because they've lived inside it and cared enough to look deeper.
You'll hear how the city's darkest chapters, including mass disease outbreaks, the horrors of slavery, and catastrophic fires left a mark that locals still feel today. You'll visit the sites where those events unfolded and decide for yourself what to make of what happened there.
If you're after jump-scares from someone in a cape waving a lantern, those tours can be fun and we’re happy to recommend another company. If you want the real stories, this is your tour.
Highlights
- Capped at 9 guests — one of New Orleans' most intimate ghost tour experiences
- Every story sourced from real historical accounts, newspaper records, and documented events
- Explore iconic haunted locations: the Lalaurie Mansion, Old Ursuline Convent, and more
- Learn the difference between residual and intelligent hauntings, with real examples from each site
- PG-13 experience: genuinely eerie, historically grounded, and zero jump scares
Included
- Guided Walking Tour
- Licensed Local Guide
Not Included
- Guide Gratuity
- Transportation
FAQs
Where do we meet?
We’ll meet at: CC’s Coffee House at 941 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70116.
How early should I arrive?
We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes before your start time. Late arrivals can't always be accommodated once the tour is underway.
How much walking will there be?
This tour covers approximately 1 mile, with periods of standing for up to 15 minutes; guests will be walking or standing throughout the entire two-hour tour.
How many people will there be on the tour?
Our groups max out at nine guests. That means more conversation, more attention from your guide, and a much more personal experience than you'd get on a larger tour.
Will this be scary?
The subject matter is creepy and macabre, but think of this as a PG-13 experience — we can raise or lower the fear factor depending on who's on the tour. The stories are real, the history is dark, and some guests do leave a little unsettled. But there are no jump scares, and this is a history tour first. The ghosts are just part of the story.
Is this appropriate for children?
This is probably our most kid-friendly tour. Think of it as a PG-13 scary movie — we adjust for younger guests on the tour, and if your kids can handle that kind of spooky, they'll have a blast.
Should we eat before the tour?
The tour moves at a steady pace and stopping for food isn't possible. We strongly recommend eating a solid meal beforehand — and your guide will have great recommendations for afterward.
Isn't it LaLaurie, with two capital Ls?
It is indeed a common spelling, but historical records — including newspaper accounts from the time — consistently use a lowercase second L. We go with the historical record.
Is this tour wheelchair or scooter accessible?
Yes, with a little advance planning. Give us a call before your tour and we'll add a note to your booking so your guide can make the appropriate adjustments on the ground.
What if it’s raining?
Our tours run rain or shine; please bring an umbrella or poncho in order to stay dry during the tour. If the weather is severe enough that it poses a danger, we will call you to explain our decision and discuss alternatives (this is why it’s very important to list a good cell phone number when booking online!). If we cancel a tour because of severe weather, all guests will be given a full refund.
Location
CC’s Coffee House at 941 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
LGBT Queer History Tour
The French Quarter has been a haven for outsiders longer than most American cities have had a gay bar. Long before the politics caught up, New Orleans was already offering something rarer: actual space to exist. This two-hour walking tour moves through the heart of the French Quarter, tracing the full arc of queer life in one of America's most complex and least-documented LGBTQ histories. You'll learn about hidden social clubs that operated in plain sight, underground bars that survived by knowing who to trust, and the artists, activists, and everyday people who carved out lives here on their own terms. The stories range from quietly triumphant to genuinely devastating. The 1973 UpStairs Lounge fire killed 32 people and was largely ignored by the press, the city, and the church. Many Americans have never heard of it. It happened four blocks from where tourists eat beignets, and most people who walk past that corner today have no idea anything happened there. The weight doesn't disappear…it just goes unacknowledged. The silence is part of the history too: the way a community grieved without the city grieving with them, the way a street can hold that kind of loss and show no sign of it. These stories have survived because people kept them alive when no one else would. And this tour continues that legacy, telling them with the specificity and care they've earned.Sales Pitch
Almost none of this history is in the textbooks.
New Orleans has one of the most layered, defiant, and human LGBTQ histories in America. It didn't make the news the right way, didn't get the monuments, and didn't get sanitized into a tidy narrative. What it got instead were real people, living real lives, in a city that left room for them when almost nowhere else would.
Our guides know this neighborhood from the inside. They bring both personal connection and serious historical knowledge to every walk, and the combination makes a difference you'll feel within the first ten minutes.
This tour is for curious travelers who want to understand a city beyond its surface. If you're willing to listen, New Orleans has been holding onto these stories for a long time.
Highlights
- Walk the French Quarter, one of America's most storied queer neighborhoods, with a history that predates the modern LGBTQ rights movement by decades
- Learn about the UpStairs Lounge fire of 1973, one of the deadliest anti-LGBTQ attacks in American history, and one of the most overlooked
- Discover the hidden social clubs and underground bars that gave queer New Orleanians somewhere to be themselves long before it was safe
- Hear the stories of artists, activists, and locals who built lives here on their own terms, not as symbols, but as people
- Understand why New Orleans became a sanctuary when other cities weren't and what it cost the people who built it
- Lean about gay Mardi Gras Krewes and the Southern Decadence festival
Included
- Guided Walking Tour
- Licensed Local Guide
Not Included
- Guide Gratuity
- Transportation
FAQs
Where do we meet?
We’ll meet at the LGBT+ Archive of Louisiana, 311 Burgundy Street, New Orleans, LA, 70112. Pro tip: Get there early if you wish peruse the Archive! We’ll begin the tour promptly at the starting time.
How early should I arrive?
We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes before your start time. Late arrivals can't always be accommodated once the tour is underway.
How many people will there be on the tour?
Our groups max out at nine guests. That means more conversation, more attention from your guide, and a much more personal experience than you'd get on a larger tour.
How comprehensive is this tour?
Because this is a French Quarter walking tour, the focus is primarily on LGBTQ history as it relates to that neighborhood, with particular depth in the 20th century where documentation is most available. That said, history doesn't stay in one place — the tour regularly draws connections beyond those boundaries. Questions about the broader community history and gay pride in New Orleans are always welcome.
Is the focus more entertainment, or more education?
The history of the LGBTQ community in New Orleans spans fun stories and important political events — we cover a good range of both. The tour leans toward the informative side, but it's never dry. And while this isn't a bar crawl, your guide can point you toward some of the best gay clubs in the city for after the tour.
Why use the word "queer?"
While there are many different opinions and debates around whether this word has been “reclaimed” by the community, it is used as part of the title of this tour primarily in a historical context; many of the first activist groups changed the word “queer” during marches and banded together under the word. In addition, the academic field of study related to the history of our community also calls itself “Queer Studies.” On a more personal note, the author and primary provider of the tour strongly and proudly identifies as queer, and she considers it a powerful, unifying identifier.
Is the tour appropriate for children?
Yes. The tour does deal with some heavy themes — including the arson of the Upstairs Lounge and the murder of Fernando Rios — but there are no graphic details. Every story is handled with care and respect. Think of it as rated PG. That said, the tour is two hours long and quite information-dense, so younger children may not enjoy it as much as older kids. You know your child's attention span better than we do.
Is this tour wheelchair or scooter accessible?
Yes, with a little advance planning. Give us a call before your tour and we'll add a note to your booking so your guide can make the appropriate adjustments on the ground.
What if it's raining?
Our tours run rain or shine; please bring an umbrella or poncho in order to stay dry during the tour. If the weather is severe enough that it poses a danger, we will call you to explain our decision and discuss alternatives (this is why it’s very important to list a good cell phone number when booking online!). If we cancel a tour because of severe weather, all guests will be given a full refund.
Location
The LGBT+ Archive of Louisiana
French Quarter History Tour
The French Quarter is one of the most photographed neighborhoods in America. It's also one of the most misunderstood. This isn't a walk through the highlights reel. It's a small-group morning tour (nine guests maximum) that takes you beyond the surface of the Quarter's most iconic streets and into the stories that don't make it onto the plaques. You'll learn why the French Quarter isn't actually very French, what really happened behind the closed doors of the city's most powerful families, and how the neighborhood survived fires, floods, epidemics, and economic collapse to become what it is today. Your guide lovingly calls this city home. They know the stories locals tell…the ones that got edited out of the official version. By the time the tour ends, you'll see the Quarter differently. And once you do, you can't unsee it.Sales Pitch
Most French Quarter tours hand you the same curated version of the same familiar names. You'll hear about fires and famous pirates and leave with roughly the same information you could find on a Wikipedia search.
This tour is built for people who want more than that.
New Orleans Secrets exists for curious travelers who want the real stories. We’re talking about the ones locals trade over coffee, and those that were left out of the history books because they were too complicated, or too uncomfortable, or too human to fit the narrative.
The French Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in the city. It has absorbed wars, occupations, plagues, and cultural collisions that most cities never survive. That history is layered into every block, and almost none of it is labeled.
Morning is the best time to see it. The streets are quieter, the light is better, and the neighborhood reveals itself before the crowds arrive. With a maximum of nine guests, this is as close to a private tour as you'll get without booking one.
If you want to leave New Orleans knowing something real about the place you visited (something you couldn't have Googled), this is where you start.
Highlights
- The French Quarter was almost entirely destroyed — twice. The city you're walking through is largely Spanish, not French.
- New Orleans had one of the wealthiest free Black communities in antebellum America, and the Quarter holds the evidence if you know where to look.
- The people who shaped this neighborhood weren't saints. The real stories are messier, stranger, and far more interesting than the tourist version.
- Maximum nine guests, so you'll actually hear your guide and get to ask the questions you'd never ask in a crowd.
Included
- Guided Tour
- Licensed Local Guide
Not Included
- Guide Gratuity
- Transportation
FAQs
Where does the tour meet?
We’ll meet near 618 Decatur Street at the base of the big OUTDOOR staircase that is right between Kilwins and CVS. Look for your guide in our NO Secrets polo shirt when you arrive.
How early should I arrive?
We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes before your start time. Late arrivals can't always be accommodated once the tour is underway.
Is transportation provided?
This is a walking tour. Comfortable shoes are recommended — we cover a lot of ground but at a relaxed pace.
Is there food available? Are we eating at Café du Monde?
We will certainly talk about Café du Monde and prepare you with insider tips for a future visit, but we will not have time to stop here or any place else for food on a Public Tour. If you are booking a Private Tour and would like to include a short beignet stop or cocktail stop, give us a call and we can let you know if that would be possible.
What happens if it rains?
As the “Northern-most Caribbean City in the World,” we do get rain in New Orleans quite often. But usually it is short, scattered showers, and nothing your favorite travel umbrella or poncho can’t handle. Plus, lots of buildings have awnings. For this reason, we go rain or shine. On the other hand, if there is a flash flooding alert or other severe weather that causes a safety concern, we will notify you in advance of the start time and discuss rebooking if your schedule allows, or a refund.
I use a wheelchair or scooter...is this tour accessible?
Yes, with a little advance planning. Give us a call before your tour and we'll add a note to your booking so your guide can make the appropriate adjustments on the ground. The French Quarter is largely navigable but your guide will know exactly how to make it work for you.
Are children welcome?
The tour content is family friendly, so as long as they are ok being on their feet for two hours and listening to the tour guide, they should enjoy it.
Can I bring my dog?
No…and yes. We love our pooches, too! But they can be a distraction, so to be fair to the other tour guests, we do not allow dogs or other pets on Public Tours. But if you would like to book a Private French Quarter History Tour, then yes! Your furry family member is welcome. Please let us know when booking so we are aware.
Location
We’ll meet near 618 Decatur Street at the base of the big OUTDOOR staircase that is right between Kilwins and CVS
Garden District Tour
New Orleans was never supposed to share power. When American merchants arrived after the Louisiana Purchase, the Creole families who had built this city made their position clear: they were not welcome here. So the Americans did what Americans do. They built something better. The Garden District was their answer. Block after block of grand houses rising just upriver from the French Quarter, each one designed to outshine the last. What looks like a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood today is actually the physical record of one of the most fascinating cultural rivalries in American history. In this two-hour walking tour, your guide doesn't just point at facades. They bring you the stories behind them…who built here and why, what it cost, what it meant, and what it says about this city today. You'll stop at the gates of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, one of New Orleans' most atmospheric above-ground burial grounds. The cemetery is closed to the public, but standing outside its gate, your guide will tell you the real story of why this city buries its dead the way it does. Yellow fever epidemics that killed thousands, family tombs built to last generations, the ideology of the times, and a climate and geography that made underground burial a little tougher. It's one of the most memorable stops on the tour. Groups stay small with no more than nine people. Every guide adds their own expertise and personal stories to their tour. That's not a gimmick. It means what you hear is researched, considered, and told by someone who genuinely cares about getting it right…and has lived it.Sales Pitch
Most Garden District tours are name-drop walks. This one isn't.
Yes, famous people have lived here, and some still do! But a house doesn't get interesting because a celebrity owned it. It gets interesting when you understand why it was built the way it was, what statement it was making, and who it was trying to impress. That's the lens this tour uses, and knowing the rivalry that produced this neighborhood is what makes every house on the block worth looking at.
Your guide will have walked these streets dozens of times, shaped their own interpretation of the neighborhood, and thought carefully about what actually deserves to be said. No two guides tell the same tour. That means you're getting a point of view, not a script.
With a group capped at nine, this stays a conversation, not a lecture. If you want to stop and ask something, ask! That's the point.
The Garden District is one of the most photographed neighborhoods in New Orleans. This is the tour that explains it.
Highlights
- The American vs. Creole rivalry that created one of the most architecturally ambitious neighborhoods in the South
- Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 and learning the full story of above-ground burial, yellow fever, and New Orleans' relationship with death
- The real histories behind the houses, including their famous residents in proper historical context
- A maximum of nine guests, so you actually hear your guide and can ask questions
Included
- Guided Walking Tour
- Licensed Local Guide
Not Included
- Guide Gratuity
- Transportation
FAQs
Where do we meet?
We’ll meet near the stairs of The Rink shopping center; The Rink is located at the corner of Washington Avenue and Prytania Street at 2727 Prytania Street.
How early should I arrive?
We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes before your start time. Late arrivals can't always be accommodated once the tour is underway.
Can I walk to the starting location to/from the French Quarter?
If a two-mile walk doesn't faze you, absolutely — it's about 45 minutes on foot. Most guests take an Uber or taxi to make sure they arrive on time. The streetcar is not recommended as it can run late, but it's a great option for the return trip to the French Quarter after the tour.
How much walking will there be?
The tour covers a little more than a mile with frequent stops; guests will be walking or standing throughout the entire two-hour tour.
How many people will there be?
Our groups max out at nine guests. That means more conversation, more attention from your guide, and a much more personal experience than you'd get on a larger tour.
Will we see gardens?
While we will see some beautiful landscaping and small gardens on our tour, the Garden District Tour is primarily a history and architecture tour.
Will we go into a house?
The Garden District is a residential neighborhood, so access to a home, unfortunately, is not possible.
Can I bring my child in a stroller?
Strollers are welcome on this tour. The Garden District is largely navigable, though some sidewalks are quite uneven — just something to keep in mind.
Is this tour wheelchair or scooter accessible?
Yes, with a little advance planning. Give us a call before your tour and we'll add a note to your booking so your guide can make the appropriate adjustments on the ground.
What if it rains?
Our tours run rain or shine. If the weather is severe enough that it poses a danger, we will call you to explain our decision and discuss alternatives (this is why it’s very important to list a good cell phone number when booking online!). If we cancel a tour because of severe weather, all guests will be given a full refund.
Location
We’ll meet near the stairs of The Rink shopping center
Custom Tours
Not every New Orleans experience fits a set itinerary. Maybe you want a French Quarter food tour for twelve. A haunted pub crawl for a bachelorette party. A private voodoo experience followed by a tarot reading. Something we haven't even thought of yet. That's what this is for. Tell us what you're imagining — the occasion, the group, the vibe — and we'll build it. Our guides have led everything from intimate anniversary tours to full corporate evenings in the French Quarter. If it can be done in New Orleans, we can probably make it happen. Custom tours start at $550 and vary based on experience type and group size. Tours are also available in Spanish, French, and German by request.Sales Pitch
Because the best New Orleans experience is the one designed around you. Private, personal, and built from scratch — no set route, no shared group, no compromises. Tell us what you're imagining and we'll make it happen.
Highlights
- Designed around your group's specific interests
- Flexible route, stops, and length
- Perfect for private groups, special occasions, and travelers who want more than an off-the-shelf experience
- Available any day, subject to guide availability
FAQs
How far in advance do I need to book?
It depends on the complexity of your request, the size of your group, and availability. Some experiences come together quickly; others need more runway. The best first step is a call so we can give you an honest answer based on what you have in mind.
Is there a minimum group size?
Two people.
How does pricing work?
Custom pricing starts at $550 per tour, including gratuity, for a two-hour experience and scales based on inclusions — food, transport, duration, venue access, and the specific experiences involved. Every quote is built from scratch for your group. Call us and we'll give you a clear number.
What's included in a custom tour?
A personalized itinerary built around your interests, behind-the-scenes arrangements through our local partnerships, the ability to request specific subject matter or content, and all associated admissions, meals, fees, gratuities, and taxes where applicable. All you have to do is show up.
Can you accommodate special requests?
Yes — dietary restrictions, mobility considerations, and other specific needs are all part of the conversation. Give us a call and we'll take care of the rest.
How do I confirm my booking?
After your consultation, we'll send a formal proposal outlining every detail along with a deposit link. Once the deposit is received, your booking is confirmed and all required venues and transport are secured.
New Orleans Unlocked: A Five-Day Culinary Experience
New Orleans doesn’t just have a food culture. It has a food religion. Its iconic dishes have circled the globe, yet they never taste quite the same once they leave home. That’s because the secret ingredient isn’t found in a market or a recipe. It’s woven into the city itself: its history, its personality, and its timeless talent for turning every meal into a celebration. This five-day experience was built for the traveler who knows that the best way to understand a place is to eat your way through it. Not through the tourist trail, but through the kitchens, the family recipes, the neighborhood institutions, and the tables where locals have been arguing about gumbo for generations. You'll share a meal with personalities you may recognize from your television. You'll dine at restaurants that have been feeding New Orleans since before the Civil War. You'll learn to make the cocktail that was invented in this city, browse one of the best food streets in the American South, and finish with a dinner that reminds you why New Orleans belongs in the same conversation as any culinary capital on earth. Five days. One city. Endless reasons to loosen your belt.Sales Pitch
Every city has restaurants. New Orleans has a relationship with food that goes back three centuries; one that shaped American cuisine, invented dishes that spread across the world, and built a culture where a meal is never just a meal. It is history, community, and identity on a plate.
The difference between eating well in New Orleans and truly understanding it comes down to access. The right tables, the right guides, the right conversations. This five-day experience was built around that access and includes a James Beard Award-winning chef's dining room, a Netflix-documented food culture brought to life neighborhood by neighborhood, hands-on time in a cooking class kitchen, and a final breakfast at the institution that helped convince the world that mornings deserved great food too.
This is not a food tour. It is a full immersion into one of the greatest culinary cities on earth, guided by people who know where the real meals are.
Highlights
- Five nights at the Hotel Monteleone — a French Quarter landmark since 1886 and an icon in its own right
- A behind-the-scenes meet and greet with a celebrated New Orleans chef, over a meal at their own restaurant
- An immersive evening bringing Netflix's Street Food: New Orleans to life — meeting personalities from the show and tasting their signature dishes across multiple neighborhoods
- Dinner at Mosquito Supper Club — James Beard Award-winning Chef Melissa Martin's farm-to-table experience, with wine pairing and a signed cookbook to take home
- A hands-on Creole cooking class at the Mardi Gras School of Cooking — the roux, the trinity, and the techniques Louisiana kitchens have been perfecting for centuries
- Commander’s Palace meal — the quintessential fine dining experience
- A final morning at Brennan's, the French Quarter institution that helped put brunch on the map
- A bespoke craft cocktail tour through the French Quarter with your historian guide
- A pre-trip planning call to handle every detail before you arrive
- Comparable restaurants to those named here if you have already dined at them and wish to try new places
Itinerary
Day 1: Day 1: Welcome to the City That Invented Brunch
Your guide meets you at the airport with a bead welcome, because this is New Orleans, after all! From there, your private shuttle delivers you to the Hotel Monteleone, a French Quarter institution since 1886 and your home for the next five nights. This is not a chain hotel dressed up in local character. It is the real thing…a family-owned landmark that has hosted Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, and Ernest Hemingway, and earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places. Once you've settled in, the evening is yours to ease into the city at your own pace before your welcome dinner at one of the French Quarter's finest tables. This will be at the kind of restaurant that has been defining New Orleans cuisine for generations.Day 2: Day 2: The City Through Its Food
Morning begins with beignets and a light stroll through the French Quarter, narrated by a local historian with a gift for storytelling. Consider it a gentle warm-up for what's ahead. Lunch is one of the top-rated food activities in the country, a cooking demonstration at the New Orleans School of Cooking. See skilled, entertaining chefs prepare a classic Cajun and Creole meal right before your eyes. Watch, learn, and eat. Recipe cards are included so you can recreate it all back home. The afternoon and evening belong to Netflix. Your group sets out on a full excursion designed to bring the Street Food: New Orleans episode to life. You will be visiting different neighborhoods throughout the city, meeting personalities featured on the show, and tasting the signature dishes that made them famous. It is a long, delicious, unhurried afternoon into evening, and it earns every minute. When this exclusive experience winds down, you are free to enjoy a live jazz show, or perhaps a quiet nightcap in the Hotel Monteleone lounge.Day 3: Day 3: A Day Built Around the Table
The morning is yours. Sleep in, explore, or simply sit with a coffee and watch the French Quarter wake up. Late morning, your group gathers for a meet-and-greet with a celebrated chef at their own restaurant. This is a rare behind-the-scenes conversation over an early lunch at one of the city's most talked-about tables. The afternoon is unscheduled by design. Shop, visit a museum, book a spa treatment, or simply wander. When happy hour arrives, your historian guide leads a bespoke cocktail experience through some of the French Quarter's finest craft cocktail bars for a leisurely, spirited tour through the city's drink culture. Join in or continue your afternoon on your own terms. Dinner is the evening's centerpiece. Mosquito Supper Club is the kind of place you only find if someone points you there — a James Beard Award-winning farm-to-table experience from Chef Melissa Martin that draws on the flavors and traditions of coastal Louisiana. Wine pairing is included, and you'll leave with a signed cookbook to remember the meal by. The night is yours from there. Maybe you will head to Frenchmen Street, where live music spills from club doorways while artists fill the open-air night market. Or perhaps wind down closer to the hotel at Mahogany Jazz Hall.Day 4: Day 4: Your Own New Orleans
This day starts unscheduled, by design. Sleep in, wander the French Quarter, get lost in the Garden District, or finally sit down at that restaurant you've been walking past all week. By now your guide knows your interests — ask them for a shortlist and they'll point you exactly where you need to go. At 6pm, roll up your sleeves at the Mardi Gras School of Cooking. This hands-on Creole cooking class puts you at the stove alongside a master chef, learning the roux, the trinity, and the techniques that have been passed down through Louisiana kitchens for centuries. Leave with the skills to bring a little New Orleans back home with you.Day 5: Day 5: Adieu, The Delicious Way
It’s documented history that New Orleans invented brunch. It only makes sense that your final morning is spent at the table where the tradition was perfected! Brennan's has been drawing fine-dining aficionados from across the country for three-quarters of a century. A French Quarter institution, Brennan’s manages to feel both timeless and alive every single morning. The eggs are extraordinary. The Bananas Foster, invented right here at this table, is non-negotiable. And the unhurried pace of a long breakfast in a room this beautiful is the perfect way to let the week wash over you one last time. Five days. Beignets and bespoke cocktails, neighborhood institutions and James Beard kitchens, cooking lessons and celebrity chefs, and a city that treats every meal like it matters. Because here, it does.Included
- Five nights at the Hotel Monteleone, French Quarter
- Pre-trip planning Zoom call to handle every detail before you arrive
- Welcome dinner at a landmark New Orleans restaurant
- Beignets and a narrated French Quarter morning stroll with a local historian
- Cooking demonstration and lunch at the New Orleans School of Cooking — recipe cards included
- A full afternoon and evening excursion bringing Netflix's Street Food: New Orleans to life — multiple neighborhoods, multiple personalities, multiple signature dishes
- Celebrity chef meet and greet and early lunch at their restaurant
- Bespoke craft cocktail tour through the French Quarter with your historian guide
- Dinner at Mosquito Supper Club with wine pairing and signed cookbook
- Hands-on Creole cooking class at the Mardi Gras School of Cooking
- Breakfast at Brennan's
- Private guides and gratuities throughout
Not Included
- Flights to/from New Orleans
- Airport bead welcome and airport transfers (~$200 per vehicle)
- Meals not listed in inclusions
- Drinks during free time and self-guided evenings
- Souvenirs and personal purchases
- Activities and entrance fees during free time
- Anything not listed in the inclusions above
Mardi Gras Unlocked: Five Days Inside New Orleans
New Orleans has been confusing people's senses since 1718. The food is too good to be real. The music leaks out of doorways at noon. The history is stranger than anything a screenwriter would dare pitch. This five-day experience was built for people who want all of it! Not a highlights reel, but the real thing. Your private guide knows which hole-in-the-wall lunch spot James Beard winners eat at on their days off, why the above-ground cemeteries have nothing to do with the water table, and exactly which corner of Frenchmen Street to be standing on when the night art market comes alive. And the timing? It couldn't be better! Your experience falls the week before Mardi Gras Day. It’s the sweet spot that most visitors never find, and locals look forward to. Parades rolling turn the city electric with color and music for full Carnival energy, but the wall-to-wall crowds of the final days haven't arrived yet. You'll have New Orleans at its most alive, with room to actually breathe and enjoy it. "There are a lot of places I like, but I like New Orleans better." — Bob Dylan He wasn't wrong.Sales Pitch
You've been thinking about this trip for a long time. Why? Because you know New Orleans has a reputation for amazing food, soul-awakening music, and a way of life that doesn't quite exist anywhere else on earth. And you want to experience the real version of it, the one only locals know.
That's exactly what this experience is designed to deliver. It starts before you even arrive with a pre-trip call to go over every detail so nothing is left to chance, and nothing catches you off guard.
Every dinner reservation, every guide, every carefully chosen stop has been selected because it's genuinely the best version of that experience available in this city. Not the most Googled or most advertised. The best. There's a difference, and in New Orleans, that difference is enormous.
You may have already discovered that the hardest part about visiting New Orleans isn't finding something extraordinary to do…it's choosing between all of it. These five days take that problem off your plate entirely. All you have to do is show up hungry, curious, and ready for a city that will exceed every expectation you brought with you.
This is New Orleans the way it's meant to be experienced. You'll know the difference.
Highlights
- A fully personalised private experience that begins before you arrive with a pre-trip planning call and continues with your own guide, your pace, and your own custom New Orleans itinerary
- Morning beignets and a French Quarter orientation that sets up everything that follows
- A bespoke craft cocktail crawl through the Quarter's best hidden bars
- Front-row seats to a live Mardi Gras parade with floats, beads, marching bands, dancing groups, and all of it
- Guided city tour through the Garden District's legendary mansion-filled streets and above-ground cemeteries (the real reason for them is not what you think)
- The Magazine Street Foodie Tour for a guided, culinary walk through one of New Orleans' most beloved areas
- Dinner at a James Beard Award-winning restaurant
- Hands-on Creole cooking class with a fabulous local chef
- Farewell brunch at Brennan's: the restaurant in the very city that invented brunch, serving fine dining aficionados for three-quarters of a century
Itinerary
Day 1: Day 1: Welcome to New Orleans
Arrive, settle in, and get your bearings. New Orleans has a way of grabbing your attention the moment you step outside — the smells, the sounds, the architecture — but tonight is about easing in, not keeping up. Your guide meets you for a Welcome Cocktail Hour to make introductions and set the tone for the week ahead. Think of it as the warmup act. Then it's off to dinner at a restaurant that will quietly set the standard for everything that follows over the next five days. The rest of the evening is yours. If the city is calling you, answer it! The nightlife here has earned its reputation. Or head back to the hotel, rest up, and save your energy. Day 2 has a full agenda (starting with beignets that have your name on them!).Day 2: Day 2: Get to Know the Real New Orleans
Morning starts the right way: beignets and café au lait in the French Quarter, followed by a stroll with your guide through streets that have been surprising visitors for three centuries. You'll uncover the history, architecture, and colorful characters that shaped this city into what it is today. Consider it your orientation; the kind that actually sticks because it comes with the entertaining stories behind everything you're looking at. The afternoon is yours to do with as you please. Come evening, your guide rejoins you for a bespoke cocktail crawl through some of the French Quarter's best craft cocktail bars. Drinks are on your own so you can order exactly what you want rather than being locked into a set menu. Just show up thirsty. Dinner reservations are made on your behalf at a highly rated restaurant showcasing the world-class local cuisine this city has built its reputation on. Then it’s parade time! Floats the size of houses. Beads flying in every direction. Marching bands that make your chest vibrate. This is Mardi Gras, and tonight you're in the middle of it!Day 3: Day 3: A Day to Remember in "The City That Care Forgot"
Take your morning slow. Breakfast at your own pace, no agenda until your guide picks things back up. Then it's time to see the city properly. Your guided tour moves through New Orleans' many distinct neighborhoods — each one its own world. The Garden District stops you in your tracks with its block after block of antebellum mansions. And yes, you'll visit one of those above-ground cemeteries and finally hear the real reason they're built that way. Hint: it has nothing to do with the water table. From there, the Magazine Street Foodie Tour takes over for a guided culinary walk through one of New Orleans' most beloved streets, with stops that cover everything from local institution dishes to hidden gems most visitors walk right past. Afterward, there will be free time on Magazine Street to peruse the upscale boutiques, funky independent shops, and some great watering holes if you need a reason to sit down. Browse, wander, or do absolutely nothing — it's your afternoon. Dinner tonight is your call. Pick the spot yourself or let us handle the reservation. Either way, no one is rushing you. The night is wide open. Tonight's parades are rolling, and Frenchmen Street's live music clubs and night art market are both worth your time. Pro tip: do both!Day 4: Day 4: Relax and Adventure
The morning and afternoon are entirely yours, and New Orleans will give you plenty of ways to fill them. A slow wander through the French Quarter. A long-overdue massage. A few hours inside the Smithsonian-quality National World War II Museum, which has stopped more than a few people in their tracks. Or a visit to Mardi Gras World, where you can get behind the curtain on the floats and artistry that make Carnival Season such a spectacle. Your guide knows this city deeply; just say what you're in the mood for, and they'll point you exactly where to go. Tonight is where things get interesting, and you get to choose your own adventure. Tonight's dinner is at a James Beard Award-winning restaurant that most visitors never find, such as Mosquito Supper Club or Frank Brigtsten's. These are the kind of places that regulars keep quietly to themselves, and the type of meal you'll still be talking about a year from now. Or, if you'd rather have your hands literally in the thick of it, roll up your sleeves for a hands-on Creole cooking class led by a fantastic local chef! Equally as entertaining as it is enlightening, you'll leave with new skills, a full stomach, and a set of tried-and-true New Orleans recipes to take with you.Day 5: Day 5: A Spectacular Send-Off
There is no better way to close out a week in New Orleans than breakfast at Brennan's. Fine dining aficionados have been making the pilgrimage here for three-quarters of a century — and this is, after all, the city where brunch was invented. Two breakfast cocktails are included. Sport coat not required. After that, New Orleans is yours until your flight calls you home. This isn't a trip you'll describe as nice. Five days in, and you'll understand exactly why this city has been ruining people for everywhere else since 1718.Included
- Private tour guide and gratuities
- Morning beignets and café au lait
- Welcome cocktail reception
- Magazine Street Foodie Tour
- One 3-course lunch with two cocktails
- One 3-course dinner with two cocktails
- Farewell brunch at Brennan's with two breakfast cocktails
- Bespoke craft cocktail crawl (venue fees and gratuities included)
- Private transport during City Tour and driver gratuity
- All tour and activity tickets and entrance fees when led by your guide
- Surprise in-room hotel gift
Not Included
- Flights or transport to/from New Orleans
- Accommodations (can be quoted separately)
- Airport and hotel transfers
- Drinks during cocktail crawl
- Souvenirs and shopping purchases
- Activities and entrance fees during free time (museums, spa, musician tips, etc.)
- Anything not listed in the itinerary above
The Most Haunted Week of Your Life
Tulane University has called it the most paranormally active city in America. After seven days here, you'll understand why. New Orleans has spent three centuries accumulating its haunted reputation through plagues, fires, floods, wars, and a cultural relationship with death unlike anywhere else on earth. The stories are real. The evidence is documented. And the access available this week goes further than anything a standard ghost tour can offer. Seven haunted days. Six haunted nights. Private investigations inside some of the most active buildings in the country. Plantation overnights. A vampire speakeasy. A Voodoo Priestess. An escape room designed to resemble a tuberculosis hospital-turned-asylum, followed by a night in a real haunted former jail. This isn't a highlights reel of haunted history. It's seven days built for people who want to go deeper. Deeper into the stories, the evidence, and the unexplained corners of a city that has never stopped surprising even its most devoted visitors. Each departure is intentionally limited to ensure this is a private, immersive experience, not a bus tour. If this week is calling to you, the time to move is now.Sales Pitch
New Orleans doesn't need to manufacture its haunted reputation. It has spent three centuries earning it…through plagues, fires, floods, wars, and a cultural relationship with death that is unlike anywhere else in America. The stories here are real. The evidence is documented. And the experiences available to those who know where to look go far beyond anything a standard ghost tour can offer.
The guides behind this experience have investigated some of the most well-documented paranormal locations in the world — The Myrtles Plantation, Waverly Hills Sanitorium, the Queen Mary, and the Stanley Hotel. They have appeared on national television, consulted on paranormal productions, and spent decades building relationships with the investigators, practitioners, and historians who make this week possible.
This isn't a tour built for the curious. It's built for the committed, people who want real access, real investigations, and a week that treats the paranormal with the seriousness it deserves.
Highlights
- Six nights of haunted accommodations, including an overnight at The Myrtles Plantation and a real haunted former jail
- A private ghost investigation of the Old Absinthe House or similarly known active buildings
- The Mysteries of Voodoo Tour, plus a private Gris Gris bag clinic — you'll leave with your own bag, dressed and blessed by a Voodoo Priestess
- Two of the South's most documented haunted plantations, with investigation time at each
- A visit to 13th Gate, home to the most acclaimed escape room in the country, built by professional Hollywood set designers
- Plus other special surprises, based on your dates (examples: A meet and greet with vampire author Marita Wywood Crandle in her hidden speakeasy, a paranormal investigation with a member of the Paranormal Society of New Orleans)
- A pre-trip planning call to handle every detail before you arrive so nothing is left to chance
Itinerary
Day 1: Day 1: Welcome to the Most Haunted City in America
Your first afternoon begins at Antoine's Restaurant. This is the longest continuously family-owned restaurant in the nation, serving the country's elite since 1840. Lunch is three courses of classic Creole cuisine inside a building that has lived many lives: brothel, private dining room, colonial jail. After your meal, your guide leads you through several of Antoine's most spirited hot spots. Many guests have independently reported the presence of a uniformed male figure in the dining rooms. Others have caught a glimpse of Antoine himself, still keeping a watchful eye on his beloved restaurant. The rest of the afternoon is yours. The Museum of Death, Ursuline Convent Museum, Bloody Mary's Haunted Museum, the Hermann-Grima House, the Jazz Museum at the old U.S. Mint…the French Quarter rewards the curious. Come nightfall, your private Ghosts of the French Quarter walking tour begins. Three hours of fascinating, factual stories and the hauntings that have stayed behind to bear witness, with two haunted cocktail stops along the way, should you wish to make it a "spirits with spirits" evening. Highlights include the Ursuline Convent and the Casket Girls, Muriel's Restaurant, Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop, the Andrew Jackson Hotel, and the infamous LaLaurie Mansion. Bring your investigation equipment. Tonight is just the beginning.Day 2: Day 2: The Golden Age of New Orleans Vampires
Start the morning at your leisure, perhaps with beignets and café au lait, a 150-yr-old local tradition (for good reason!). From there, step aboard a Paddlewheel Riverboat for a two-hour cruise along the Mighty Mississippi. A Dixieland Jazz band sets the scene as the gorgeous city skyline drifts past — the same view that welcomed visitors when commerce, vice, and vampires ruled these streets. The afternoon moves to the Pharmacy Museum, housed in the first licensed pharmacy in the country when it opened in 1823. The collection is extraordinary — early practitioners' tools, midwifery and dental instruments, jars of salves, tinctures, authentic Voodoo potions, and leeches. You'll hear the unlikely legend behind its hauntings before stepping into one of the most beautiful interior courtyards in the French Quarter. From there, descend into a vampire-themed speakeasy for a private meet and greet with Ms. Marita Wywood Crandle, author of "New Orleans Vampires: History and Legend" and recently featured on William Shatner's "The Unexplained." Nobody alive knows New Orleans vampire lore more intimately. You'll leave with a signed copy of her book. Tonight belongs to you. A curated booklet of mystical restaurants, shops, and attractions is yours to explore — perhaps dinner at Napoleon House, a séance at Bloody Mary's, or live music on Frenchmen Street before returning to The Haunted Hotel for a night investigation.Day 3: Day 3: Witches, Voodoo, and The Dead
The veil is especially thin in New Orleans. Today you'll walk through it. Morning begins at St. Louis Cemetery #1, home to some of the city's oldest graves and most notable past residents. Learn how the above-ground tombs work, decode the symbolism carved into the stonework, and pay your respects at one of the most visited grave sites in the country: the tomb of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. You'll also see the future resting place of actor Nicolas Cage, which raises questions best left for another day. The afternoon brings the Mysteries of Voodoo Tour and a chance to finally hear the story told the way locals tell it. Vodun began as a sophisticated West African spiritual tradition, crossed the Atlantic through the slave trade, and put down deep roots in Louisiana, where it collided with Catholicism, colonial power, and the fierce determination of a community that refused to disappear. Visit authentic Voodoo altars and shrines throughout the French Quarter, and finish with something not on the public tour: a private clinic on Gris Gris bags, taught by a Voodoo Priestess. You'll leave with your own bag, handmade, dressed, and blessed for your stated desire. After enjoying dinner on your own, you will meet up for a very special private investigation before returning to the Haunted Hotel for additional investigation at the hotel.Day 4: Day 4: Uniquely New Orleans, and Anne Rice
This morning you venture into neighborhoods most visitors never find. Your first stop is St. Roch Cemetery, which is not just a burial ground, but a shrine. The chapel inside is lined floor to ceiling with unusual offerings left by those who believe miracles of healing occurred here: plaster casts, crutches, glass eyes, prosthetic limbs. It is unlike anything else in the city. From there, visit the New Orleans Healing Center and Botanica Macumba, where neighborhood Voodoo and Santeria traditions are alive and practiced today. The afternoon moves to City Park and the breathtaking Dueling Oaks, ancient trees that stood witness as early Americans settled disputes the old-fashioned way. Browse the Statue Garden and grab a café au lait on your own before heading into Anne Rice’s old stomping grounds. The Garden District walking tour winds through some of the most gorgeous and ornate mansions in the American South, including Anne Rice's Violin home, the Mayfair Witches house (from the books), and the American Horror Story: Coven filming location known as Miss Robichaux's Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies. The evening is yours on Magazine Street, which is one of the best streets in New Orleans for dining and browsing. When you're ready, take a streetcar back to the French Quarter. Tonight, your group has exclusive access to another private investigation with known activity, plus the option to return to City Park for a night investigation beneath the Dueling Oaks on your own.Day 5: Day 5: Haunted Plantations
Plantations carry a complicated history. Prosperity and wealth built entirely through human trafficking and the enslavement of innocent people. The trauma and death that soaked into these grounds over generations doesn't simply disappear, and most of these properties will tell you so themselves. Today you visit two of the most documented haunted plantations in the South, with time for investigations at each. First: Oak Alley Plantation, its legendary quarter-mile canopy of 300-year-old oak trees as breathtaking in person as in the countless films that have used it as backdrop. Tour the big house, fully restored with period antiques, then move through the Civil War exhibit and the Slavery at Oak Alley exhibit for an unflinching look at the daily reality of enslaved life here. Saving the most revered for last: The Myrtles Plantation. Built in 1796 and now a bed and breakfast, it has earned a reputation that extends well beyond Louisiana. Consistently named one of the most haunted properties in America, The Myrtles has decades of documented evidence to back it up. The ghost of Chloe, an enslaved woman whose story is as heartbreaking as it is chilling, is the most frequently encountered. The infamous mirror, said to trap the souls of those who died in the house, has confounded investigators for generations. Tonight, you're not just visiting The Myrtles. You're sleeping there, with your own investigation access after dark. Every room has a story, and some aren't finished yet.Day 6: Day 6: Only Some Escape…
This morning you check out of The Myrtles and board your private bus for the drive back toward New Orleans, with one unforgettable stop along the way. In Baton Rouge, your team has one hour to escape The Asylum at 13th Gate, which is consistently ranked among the most acclaimed escape rooms in the country. Professional Hollywood set designers built this fully immersive experience to resemble a tuberculosis hospital-turned-jail for the criminally insane. Consider it a warm-up, because tonight you'll be checking into the real thing. Tonight's accommodations are at the Inn at the Old Jail, an elegant Queen Anne Victorian boutique inn built in 1902 as a working jail and patrol station. Later a library and community center, it sat abandoned for nearly a decade after Hurricane Katrina before being painstakingly restored. The history inside these walls is vivid, and the activity even more so. Tonight the Inn is yours for a full investigation. Before the investigation, gather one last time for your farewell dinner at a haunted New Orleans restaurant…a fitting final meal in a city that never lets go easily.Day 7: Day 7: Adieu
All things must come to an end, even the most haunted week of your life. This morning, enjoy breakfast while reminiscing on a full week of stories, evidence, and experiences that most people will never believe. The French Quarter, the cemeteries, the plantations, the speakeasies, the investigations…seven days that have a way of staying with you long after you've left. New Orleans has that effect on people. The city gets under your skin, and if the locals are to be believed, it never fully lets you go. Given everything you've seen this week, you might be inclined to agree. Safe travels. And thank you for spending your most haunted week with us.Included
- Six nights accommodations: three or four nights at a location such as The Haunted Hotel or Hotel Provencial, one night at The Myrtles Plantation, one or two nights at the Inn at the Old Jail
- Private paranormal investigation of the Old Absinthe House or exclusive access to another historically haunted location
- Tour and investigation access at The Myrtles Plantation
- Investigation access at The Haunted Hotel and the Inn at the Old Jail overnight
- Private Ghosts of the French Quarter walking tour with two haunted cocktail stops
- Gratuities for all guides, drivers, and included meal servers
- Welcome lunch at Antoine's Restaurant (3 courses) with guided tour of haunted hot spots
- Pharmacy Museum tour
- Mysteries of Voodoo Tour with private Gris Gris bag clinic and your own bag to keep
- Cemetery guided tour
- Garden District walking tour
- Private transport on plantation day
- 13th Gate Asylum Escape Room
- Breakfast at The Myrtles
- Farewell dinner
- Jazzy Pass streetcar pass
- Pre-trip planning Zoom call
- Custom guide to mystical New Orleans restaurants, shops, and attractions
- Copy of Secret New Orleans
Not Included
- Flights to/from New Orleans
- Airport and hotel transfers (available as an add-on)
- Meals not listed in inclusions
- Drinks during free time and self-guided evenings
- Souvenirs and personal purchases
- Activities and entrance fees during free time
- Anything not listed in the inclusions above
Louisiana Unlocked: Eight Days, Two Cultures
Louisiana has more flavors and cultures than anywhere else in America. In eight days, you will taste them all! The first half of your journey is dedicated to New Orleans. Not the surface version tourists photograph from Bourbon Street and call it done. The real one. You will eat at the tables that define Creole cooking, from a first dinner with secrets your guide will unlock, to a farewell at Commander's Palace, one of the most decorated restaurant kitchens in American history. You will go behind the scenes of Mardi Gras, roll up your sleeves at a hands-on cooking class, and set sail down the Mississippi on the Steamboat Natchez for live jazz as the city drifts past. You will walk the French Quarter with a historian, visit the beautiful Garden District, and spend an afternoon on Magazine Street the way locals do…unhurried, curious, and well fed. Then you head west, and Cajun country rewrites everything you thought you knew about Southern food. Slower, earthier, and fiercely proud of a culture that has survived centuries of pressure to be something else, this is a different Louisiana entirely. You will tour the factory where every bottle of Tabasco on earth is born, ride a boat through bayous that feed the entire American South, and lose yourself in Vermilionville, a living recreation of the Cajun village life that shaped this region's food, music, and identity. A full day with Cajun Food Tours puts the best of Lafayette on your plate, and your last evening ends the way all great Louisiana nights should — around a backyard shrimp boil with a native seafood fisher who knows exactly what he's doing and is happy to tell you all about it. This is Louisiana the way Louisiana wants to be experienced.Sales Pitch
Most people who visit New Orleans see the French Quarter, eat well, and leave thinking they understand the city. They don't. And almost none of them make it to Cajun country at all.
This tour was built for the traveler who wants the real thing. Not a highlight reel, not a greatest hits package assembled from the same five attractions every group tour visits. Eight days of genuine access, visiting places and meeting people that few non-locals even know exist.
The difference between Louisiana and everywhere else is culture. It runs deep here, in the food, the music, the way people talk about their ingredients and their recipes and their traditions. Eight days gives you enough time to stop being a tourist and start feeling it. New Orleans in the first half, Cajun country in the second — two places that share a state and almost nothing else, both of them worth understanding on their own terms.
This is the trip you will still be talking about in ten years. Not because of what you saw, but because of what you tasted, learned, and took home with you.
Highlights
- Dinner and a behind-the-scenes kitchen look at Commander's Palace, one of the most decorated restaurants in American history
- Behind-the-scenes access to the Mardi Gras World float den, where the magic is actually made
- Hands-on Creole cooking class at the Mardi Gras School of Cooking
- Live jazz aboard the Steamboat Natchez or a visit to the WWII Museum
- A tour of the Tabasco factory on Avery Island, the origin spot of every Tabasco bottle in the world
- A boat ride through the Louisiana bayou, the ecosystem that feeds a nation
- Eating through Lafayette's best kitchens and markets
- An evening backyard shrimp boil with a true Cajun
Itinerary
Day 1: Day 1: Welcome to The City That Care Forgot
As evening arrives, your group gathers for a welcome reception before a stroll through the French Quarter, one of the most storied neighborhoods in America, and the perfect introduction to New Orleans's particular brand of beauty. Dinner is at a well-loved restaurant like Muriel’s or Compere Lapin, and you will know you’re in New Orleans as the food and ambiance here is like no place else. The buildings themselves are treasure troves of history, such as a former high-society mansion, or an old tobacco warehouse, with secrets your guide will unpack over the course of the meal. Layer by layer, each detail is more colorful than the last. The food is Creole at its finest: a cuisine born from French, Spanish, African, Native American, Italian, German, Haitian, and Chinese influences, woven together over centuries into something that belongs entirely to this city alone. Your first taste of New Orleans is an unforgettable one and sets the tone for the rest of the trip. The evening closes with a guided stroll down Bourbon Street. Hear how jazz got its name, how it became what it is, and where to find the best live Dixieland jazz music to enjoy the rest of your trip.Day 2: Day 2: The French Quarter, Properly
There is only one way to begin your first morning in New Orleans: beignets and café au lait. A tradition a century-and-a-half in the making, and your guide will tell you exactly why it never stopped. From there, two hours in the French Quarter with a local historian: the architecture, hidden courtyards, movie locations, and if the doors are open, a peek inside St. Louis Cathedral, the longest continuously-operating Catholic church in the country. Lunch is at the Napoleon House. The locally-invented Muffuletta is non-negotiable, the New Orleans Pimm's Cup pairs perfectly, and a taste-and-learn spread of jambalaya and red beans and rice rounds out a meal as historically rich as the building around you. The afternoon is yours. Take in the French Market, Royal Street galleries, Jazz Museum, Hermann-Grima House, Presbytere's Hurricane Katrina exhibit, or simply wander Jackson Square while artists hang work on the iron fence and street musicians compete for your attention. The French Quarter rewards the unhurried. Dinner is at Commander's Palace, a Culinary Institute Hall of Fame member with seven James Beard Foundation awards. This 19th century Victorian mansion trained Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme, and current chef Meg Bickford is the first woman to hold the title in its storied kitchen. Before you sit down, see behind-the-scenes with a walk through one of the most important kitchens in the USA. Haute Creole cuisine has never had a better address.Day 3: Day 3: Out and About in the Big Easy
Breakfast is on your own. Eat light; a hearty lunch is waiting. Morning belongs to Mardi Gras. Most visitors think they know what it is. They've seen the footage, the beads, the chaos on Bourbon Street. What they haven't seen is the other ninety percent: families who have held the same spot on the parade route for three generations, the fried chicken, the footballs, the genuine community of it all. A short film sets the scene before you get up close to the floats, where the craftsmanship will stop you in your tracks. Enjoy King Cake sampling and learn what the plastic baby really means. From there, head Uptown beneath the centuries-old oaks of St. Charles Avenue into the Garden District, where grand mansions framed by lush gardens and ornate ironwork represent some of the finest antebellum architecture in the South. Continue to Magazine Street for a guided culinary tour: five restaurants, three hours, dishes deeply connected to New Orleans but often overlooked by visitors. These are neighborhood favorites and regional specialties that go well beyond the city's most famous classics. After time to yourself, dinner is at the Mardi Gras School of Cooking, and tonight you are the chef. Crawfish Étouffée, Gumbo, Shrimp Creole: you will learn them, make them, and eat them, with Bread Pudding or Bananas Foster for dessert. They say family is made in the kitchen. After tonight, you'll believe it.Day 4: Day 4: Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler
Breakfast at Brennan's is a New Orleans rite of passage. The Benedicts and Brandy Milk Punches have made it an institution since the 1940s, but the building itself earns the visit: the Kings Room, the Queens Room, the Paul Morphy Room, and a courtyard turtle pond that leads to one of the more delightful annual traditions in a city full of them (ask your guide about the turtle parade!). From there, choose your afternoon. The National World War II Museum, consistently ranked the number one attraction in New Orleans and one of the finest of its kind in the world, offers WWII aircraft cockpits and a 4D film narrated by Tom Hanks that stays with you long after you leave. Or board the Steamboat Natchez for a cruise along the Mighty Mississippi to live jazz and the sound of the paddle wheel and slow, wide river moving beneath you. Dinner is unscheduled. Your guide will have recommendations ready, or we can sort it during your pre-tour call so reservations are locked in before you arrive. Two Michelin-star Emeril's, the celebrated Mosquito Supper Club, local favorite Brigston's, James Beard Award-winning Dakar NOLA, or romantic N7. Deciding may be the hardest part of your whole trip!Day 5: Day 5: Journey to the Country
This morning you leave the city behind and start with breakfast at Russell's Marina Grill, right near the shores of Lake Pontchartrain. School kids, business professionals, retirees — the locals who pack this place every morning are the best possible endorsement. Locally-sourced ingredients, made-from-scratch dishes, and the kind of unpretentious cooking that reminds you why New Orleans people eat so well without even trying. Then the road heads west, and Louisiana changes around you. The first stop is Oak Alley Plantation, and the cameras come out before you've even stepped off the vehicle. The oak-lined approach alone has appeared in more films than most actors. A guided tour of the restored main house covers family life on a sugar plantation in full, before moving through the Civil War exhibit and finally the Slavery at Oak Alley exhibit, which is a thoughtful, moving account of the people whose daily lives made this place run, told through preserved cabins and carefully documented artifacts. Then continue heading west for your final destination: Lafayette. This city was recently named the Happiest City in America and is the beating heart of Acadiana. After time to settle in and rest, the group gathers for dinner at a tried-and-true Cajun restaurant where traditional recipes, no shortcuts, and a delicious first taste of what the next few days have in store await. As the Cajuns say…allons manger!Day 6: Day 6: Cajun Country
Your guide for the day is a Cajun food insider who knows every kitchen worth knowing in Acadiana. The kind of person who makes every room better, and whose running commentary makes the food taste even better than it already does. You will move through several of them, dish by dish, story by story. Between restaurants, a boat ride through the bayou puts the whole food culture into context. This is not scenery. This is the ecosystem that feeds the entire American South. The Spanish moss, the still water, the wildlife moving through it. Your guide will explain exactly why this landscape produces the ingredients that make Cajun cooking what it is. Vermilionville rounds out the afternoon. Part living history museum, part cultural experience, this recreation of a traditional Cajun village is staffed by costumed docents who bring the old ways to life: the music, the crafts, the daily rhythms of a community that held onto its identity through centuries of pressure to let it go. Dinner is at Charley G's, where the kitchen bridges the gap between tradition and elevation. Fresh seafood and aged beef grilled over southern hardwoods, plated with the kind of care that honors the ingredients without losing sight of where they came from.Day 7: Day 7: Hot Stuff
Somewhere in your kitchen right now, there is likely a bottle of Tabasco. That bottle was made here, on Avery Island, Louisiana. After this morning you will never look at it the same way! The museum tells the story of Edmund McIlhenny, who invented the sauce in 1868, and the interesting family that has protected it ever since. The factory tour moves through pepper seedlings, barrels of fermenting mash stacked to the ceiling, the bottling line at full tilt, and a sampling station with no time limit. The Jungle Garden wraps up the visit: 170 acres of bayou landscape, 64 varieties of bamboo, a bird sanctuary, and Ol' Monsurat, a life-size replica of an eighteen-foot alligator who has startled more than a few visitors. Lunch in New Iberia is the opposite of fancy and exactly right. A down-home Cajun kitchen where the cooking is slow, full-flavor, and entirely unapologetic. The evening opens with music. Cajun music deserves to be understood before it's experienced: the button accordion, the fiddle, the Cajun-French lyrics. Then a fais do-do puts all of it into motion: music, dancing, and a room full of people who have been doing this together for generations. The night ends the only way a last evening in Cajun country should. A backyard shrimp boil hosted by a native with strong opinions about how it's done. Corn and potatoes in the pot, cold drinks in hand. The seafood down here just tastes different. By now, you know exactly why.Day 8: Day 8: Adieu
Eight days of beignets and shrimp boils, of bayous and battlefields, of kitchens that taught you something and tables that will stay with you. It ends the right way. Breakfast is at the French Press, and Lafayette locals will tell you this place is non-negotiable before you leave town. The Cajun Benedict and the Sweet Baby Breesus (a dish whose name alone is worth the visit) have made this one of the most beloved breakfast spots in Acadiana. Take your time. Order something you can't get at home. Let the meal do what a good last meal should. When you're ready, the road back to MSY begins. Eight days, two cultures, one state, and a version of Louisiana that most visitors never get close to. You've earned the window seat on the flight home.Included
- Hotel accommodations throughout (two locations)
- Six breakfasts (or brunch), four lunches, seven dinners, eighteen cocktails (or specialty drinks)
- Private transport to all activities that more than one mile away from the hotel
- All tour, activity, and entrance fees throughout
- Hands-on Creole cooking class at the Mardi Gras School of Cooking
- Tour of the Mardi Gras World float den
- Steamboat Natchez cruise or WWII Museum admission and movie
- Food Tour on Magazine Street
- Full day with Cajun food insider including restaurants, bayou boat ride, and Vermilionville
- Tabasco factory and Jungle Garden tour on Avery Island
- Backyard shrimp boil in Cajun Country
- Surprise in-room gifts
- Pre-trip planning Zoom call with your local guides
- Gratuities to all guides, drivers, and restaurant servers throughout
Not Included
- Flights to/from New Orleans
- Alcohol (unless noted in the itinerary)
- Meals not listed in inclusions
- Souvenirs and personal purchases
- Activities and entrance fees during free time
- Anything not listed in the inclusions above
What do people say about New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Mark, the owner, was phenomenal! He was personable, lively, and truly knowledgeable about local food and history. It was awesome to have a guide who had a true passion for local food and history. 100% recommend. Just make sure you bring your appetite because it is a good amount of food! All of the spots had fantastic flavor and creative dishes. Next time we come we want to do their other tours! Thanks Mark!
Author: Jessica Boff | Date: 6/18/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Ty our guide was very knowledgeable. We have been on over 15 food tours and this ranks high on the top of the list. We ate until we were Thanksgiving full. We really enjoyed the authentic NOLO food. Excellent Tour!
Author: Lisa Holcombe | Date: 6/13/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Adelai was an excellent tour guide! She is so entertaining and knowledgeable. We learned so much lore and history and the food was delicious!
Author: carla lindeman | Date: 6/11/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐We had an amazing experience on the New Orleans Secrets Tour with Anderson! He was incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and truly brought the history and hidden stories of New Orleans to life. His passion for the city was evident throughout the tour, and he shared fascinating details that we never would have discovered on our own.Anderson was professional, friendly, and made the experience both entertaining and informative. If you're looking for a unique way to explore New Orleans and learn about its rich culture and history, I highly recommend this tour. Thank you, Anderson, for a superb experience! We thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
Author: Bridget Jordan | Date: 6/10/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
We were lucky enough to be the only 2 people on our tour tonight! We couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide than Evian! He was extremely knowledgeable of all the areas we visited, and made our tour so much fun! He had so many interesting details and stories about the city. Can’t recommend this tour and this tour guide enough!
Author: Katie Boice | Date: 6/7/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
We’ve done 3 tours with New Orleans Secrets over the years and I highly recommend them! You’ll learn a lot about the city’s fascinating history and culture and any of their food tours are not to be missed. This is the tour company we choose again and again when we visit.
Author: Lindsey McMullen | Date: 6/6/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Author: Matt Modica | Date: 6/5/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
The amount of knowledge Barnett has of the Garden District was amazing. We also lived the tidbits about movies and show that were made at certain houses. It was an overall great tour and better than I anticipated. My brother and sister in law did a self guided phone tour but it was very worth it to pay for a tour with New Orleans Secrets Tours.
Author: heather zeh | Date: 6/4/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Can't think of a better way to experience food in NOLA! We experienced the food tour on Magazine St and it was awesome. Our guide Mark was awesome! He not only showed us a great food experience, he also gave us a history lesson on NOLA. I highly recommend Secrets for your food tour in New Orleans!!
Author: Ed Bartow | Date: 5/29/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Adelai was great! The cultural information shared was beyond the norm and personal. The food was delicious and unique. Our party of three highly recommends this tour!
Author: Kelley Kalinich | Date: 5/28/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Barrett was a fantastic guide! He told the stories very compelling and made the evening very fun!
Author: Susan Benton | Date: 5/28/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
I have taken several tours over the years in various locations, but the New Orleans Secret Tours has been by far the best. It felt like we were hanging out with friends in a small group, simply enjoying the culture of the city.Thank you for the wonderful experience.
Author: Chris Bottoms | Date: 5/24/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Very high quality tour and guide. We did the 2 hour walking tour of garden city and learned so much about both the history of New Orleans, Louisiana, and architecture of garden city. Our guide Barnett was super kind and fun and made the experience very alive. Highly recommend!
Author: Lara Loussert | Date: 5/23/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
We took the Magazine Street Food Tour with Ty and it was money and time very well spent! More than enough good foot but the best part was all the insights Ty shared with us about the food and history of the city. We all loved it, learned a lot, and tried many foods we would have not otherwise. The whole experience was excellent!
Author: Matthew Ingram | Date: 5/20/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
We had a great time! Our guide was very knowledgeable about the area passionate about the food
Author: robynogrady | Date: 5/18/2026 | Source: tripadvisor | Rating: 5 stars
Barrett was an awesome host! His historic knowledge was amazing as was his enthusiasm. I highly recommend this tour. We learned so much. Barrette also gave us good restaurant recommendations. 🙏
Author: Kristi Carter | Date: 5/15/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
We took the vegan food walking tour. This was a great tour! We got to explore the city while eating great food. Our guide was fun and knowledgeable. Thank you for a great time!
Author: Michelle Barber | Date: 5/14/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Amazing tour. Our guide was EJ he was fabulous so knowledgeable and the restaurants were amazing, we loved the stop into the art gallery what a nice surprise.
Author: Brenda Karzen | Date: 5/9/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Did the Foodie Tour and it was great. Loved starting off with Mahoney’s and finishing wth the best bread pudding at Red Dog Diner. EJ gets at lest 5 stars, wish we could give him more!
Author: Joel Karzen | Date: 5/9/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
We've had the good fortune of working with New Orleans secrets twice, and they are a top-notch organization! All of their guides are passionate about New Orleans and you can feel that on their tours. It's also a very well-run, organized company - customer service is a priority. Highly recommended!
Author: NolaVid | Date: 5/8/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Had a great time, and learned a ton too!
Author: Shaunescy Willard | Date: 5/5/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Adelai was great--able to really tailor the speaking points to our interests and the entire afternoon was full of surprises and delights!
Author: stubbear | Date: 5/4/2026 | Source: tripadvisor | Rating: 5 stars
We had a great experience. The food was great and the guide was friendly and knowledgeable. He was very engaging we felt like we made a new friend around great food!
Author: Tyler S | Date: 5/3/2026 | Source: tripadvisor | Rating: 5 stars
This was a great experience! Lots of great food and drink. Adelai gave us a look into the culture and stories behind the food. Truly enjoyed.
Author: Vacation819654 | Date: 4/29/2026 | Source: tripadvisor | Rating: 5 stars
One of the best food tours I've ever been on. Mark was amazing and had so much to share about his home town of New Orleans! The food was not the usual you normally get on other tours. It was deliciously unique and the portions were big and satisfying! I would highly recommend this food tour in particular!!
Author: A R | Date: 4/28/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Amazing food, great and knowledgeable guide. We learned so many cool food facts and left full and happy.
Author: Emma Parston | Date: 4/25/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
OMG. This was the best decision I made for my work group meeting activity - Magazine St food tour. Angela was amazing, helping to create a custom experience for 16 people and navigating a few dietary restrictions. Adelai was our guide and.... just WOW! My team was talking about the food and the tour content for the rest of the trip. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. 10/10
Author: Courtney Cola | Date: 4/23/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Fantastic tour!! No need to look any further if you're looking for an experience that doesn't feel gimicky. The tour guides don't add extra fluff to the stories, they're spooky enough on their own.
Author: Amanda Moreno | Date: 4/22/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Very informative and a fun walk
Author: Marian Sherwood | Date: 4/20/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
I have Alpha Gal Syndrome and this tour is great so you can find some places in New Orleans that have great classic food fare that is safe.The tour guide was so engaging and knowledgeable about the food histories. You will not want to miss this amazing tour even if you are a meat eater. See how vegan can be taken to a new level of deliciousness and find your new favorite food stop!
Author: Tara Schneider | Date: 4/20/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Ty was fantastic! Kind, knowledgeable and a great listener. We had a wonderful time with great company!
Author: Maria Schuster | Date: 4/18/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Tylyn was a wonderful guide for our food tour. We learned a lot about New Orleans food and culture. We had a great time meeting people from other parts of the world on our tour. We enjoyed all of the food at the stops on the tour.
Author: Michael Rhodes | Date: 4/16/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
I booked New Orleans Secrets food tour for a company onsite last November and when everyone raved about their experience, I knew I had to book myself a spot on the same food tour for a personal trip. It did not disappoint!We loved learning about New Orleans history from our guide and appreciated the additional historical & cultural lens through food. I had no idea what to expect outside of Creole cuisine and was delighted to learn the difference between jambalaya & gumbo, to try alligator which is apparently pescatarian friendly, and to better understand the city and its people.Highly recommend to anyone new to New Orleans!
Author: Francesca Pardini | Date: 4/15/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
This was a great tour! Mark was so helpful and did a great job working with us on a mobility issue!
Author: Joan Jung | Date: 4/14/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
My wife and I have done a handful of food tours. This was easily the best food tour we have done! Tylyn was an amazing guide for us. He knew so much history and knowledge of all of the places we went, on all kinds of food, and history of just New Orleans in general. He was very attentive, he gave us great recommendations, and really made this tour experience a memorable one. This is also not your average food tour. Most food tours will give you very little samples at all of your stops. This food tour made sure to actually feed us and gave us excellent portion sizes at every place we went. We started this food tour very hungry, and ended it feeling full. This was an amazing food tour that I cannot recommend enough!
Author: TJ Simmons | Date: 4/13/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Knowledgeable, interesting and engaging. I was impressed with the tour and recommend anyone with a desire to earn about the queer history and footprint of the French Quarter and New Orleans. It was great!
Author: Mario Herrera | Date: 4/13/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
My wife and I have done a handful of food tours. This was easily the best food tour we have done! Tylyn was an amazing guide for us. He knew so much history and knowledge of all of the places we went, on all kinds of food, and history of just New Orleans in general. He was very attentive, he gave us great recommendations, and really made this tour experience a memorable one. This is also not your average food tour. Most food tours will give you very little samples at all of your stops. This food tour made sure to actually feed us and gave us excellent portion sizes at every place we went. We started this food tour very hungry, and ended it feeling full. This was an amazing food tour that I cannot recommend enough!
Author: Thomas S. | Date: 4/13/2026 | Source: yelp | Rating: 5 stars
My wife and I have done a handful of food tours. This was easily the best food tour we have done! Tylyn was an amazing guide for us. He knew so much history and knowledge of all of the places we went, on all kinds of food, and history of just New Orleans in general. He was very attentive, he gave us great recommendations, and really made this tour experience a memorable one. This is also not your average food tour. Most food tours will give you very little samples at all of your stops. This food tour made sure to actually feed us and gave us excellent portion sizes at every place we went. We started this food tour very hungry, and ended it feeling full. This was an amazing food tour that I cannot recommend enough!
Author: Tmac331 | Date: 4/13/2026 | Source: tripadvisor | Rating: 5 stars
Fun and informative! Thanks to Evian for the great storytelling.
Author: Sarah Cobbett | Date: 4/12/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
This was such a fascinating, entertaining, and informative tour! Evian did an amazing job showing us around the French quarter and giving us a real deeper understanding for not just the spookier sides of New Orleans but the history related to it. I’d definitely recommend going on a tour for anyone visiting the city!
Author: Megan Biglow | Date: 4/12/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Evian was a fantastic guide! If you are looking for a historic tour filled with truly fascinating and chilling facts about NOLA, look no further! We truly enjoyed getting to know about the city and its spooky past. 10/10 recommend!
Author: Peyton Anstine | Date: 4/12/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Author: Bonita H | Date: 4/11/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
This was our second New Orleans food tour, and it did not disappoint. The small group size was good for comfortable conversation, and the tour took us to some establishments we would never have thought to investigate on our own. The food selections were carefully curated and delicious, and our tour guide, Ty, was very friendly and knowledgeable. Definitely a favorite activity this trip!
Author: David and Heather MacMahon | Date: 4/10/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
We had a wonderful time on the Ghosts of the French Quarter tour with Barrett! He was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the history and stories which made for a very engaging tour. Highly recommend!!
Author: Mattison McLain | Date: 4/9/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
This is a walking tour, but you don’t actually walk that far. There’s great shopping after you’re done with the tour. All the food was very good. All the restaurants visited were organized and ready for us. Our tour guide was polite, professional, and knew his history.
Author: kim p | Date: 4/8/2026 | Source: tripadvisor | Rating: 5 stars
Barrett showed us New Orleans this morning on a 2 hour walking tour - it was fabulous! He is incredible knowledgeable, entertaining and so fun to spend time with. We all thoroughly enjoyed our tour and learned so much! I don’t think I ever met a tour guide with a better command of American history. Well done e Barrett, this was the highlight of our trip!
Author: anne jensen | Date: 4/7/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Outstanding tour and selection of restaurants. They weren't kidding. Come hungry. You will get your fill and then some. Some great background on the neighborhood and history of NOLA. We've visited many times and are never disappointed.
Author: Randall Paulson | Date: 4/7/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Excellent tour, our guide was extremely knowledgeable and made sure to include topics we were specifically interested in.
Author: Karen W | Date: 4/7/2026 | Source: tripadvisor | Rating: 5 stars
Evian was our guide and he was fabulous! I chose this tour for my visiting family because of the small group size and it was perfect. Focus is on the history and there's no unnecessary theatrics like some other tours I've been on. I will absolutely recommend NO Secret Tours to everyone!
Author: Julie Wilson | Date: 4/6/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Tylyn Anson was a wonderful guide on the Queer History tour. Excellent communication skills and knowledge of New Orleans queer history. Thank you for making our first trip to this city so memorable.
Author: Ricardo Alejandro-Pabon | Date: 4/5/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Mark took us on a delicious and delightful tour. His encyclopedic knowledge and charismatic personality kept us entertained and informed. My second tour with New Orleans Secrets. Will return!
Author: Erin Pope | Date: 4/5/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
What an amazing tour, we have taken several food tours and this by far was the best. Mark, our guide was extremely passionate about New Orleans food, restaurant, and culture. We will definitely set up another tour next time we are in town.
Author: Michael Roseff | Date: 4/5/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Our Mysteries of Voodoo tour was a great experience. Communication was timely and clear, and our meeting spot was easy to find. Anderson, our guide, was very engaging and full of stories. He was happy to take pictures, answer any questions, and provide food recommendations. Voodoo has a fascinating history and this tour is definitely worth it!
Author: Cara Larson | Date: 4/4/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
This tour was fantastic, just the right mix of beautiful sites and history. A great immersion into New Orleans, and we got a fantastic lunch recommendation as well. Nathan was a great tour guide - the whole family enjoyed his perspective on the city, culture, and history
Author: Derek Johnson | Date: 4/4/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
The ghost tour was a highlight of our trip!! Our guide, Barrett, made this tour the absolute best. The delivery of the material and the personable way it was presented made it engaging and entertaining. We have done a food tour in the past and will use New Orleans Secrets every time we come into town. If you are looking for a great tour service then look no further, you will not regret the decision!!
Author: Kara Montgomery | Date: 4/4/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
We loved Barrett, our tour guide! He was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and humorous. I recommend this tour.
Author: Amy Carpenter | Date: 4/3/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
We had an amazing time. I absolutely loved the cheesecake. My first time having a vegan slice. I couldn’t tell the difference I would definitely recommend this tour. The tour guide Adelai I believe her name was very knowledgeable about the city and history about the upcoming vegan population. I learned so much on this tour. The walk was great as well. The places were close range to each other
Author: Terrie Abernathy | Date: 4/2/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Adelai is an amazing tour guide! Glad I signed up. One of the rare tours I would do again to learn more.
Author: frank selden | Date: 4/2/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Ty was incredibly knowledgeable about every restaurant we stopped at. Having history of the food and culture go hand and hand with delicious food.
Author: Colby Hill | Date: 4/2/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Ty was awesome! Very informative about the history of creole & cajun cuisine. We loved the food choices all of which we would not have tried, if not for this tour ! Loved and would highly recommend!
Author: Melissa Harary | Date: 4/1/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
We enjoyed two outstanding tours with New Orleans Secrets! First, Nathan gave us a history tour of the French Quarter, which was informative, humorous, and perfectly crafted for all the ages in our family. We saw the highlights of this historic part of the country and it set the stage to understand our full time in NOLA. On our last day, Mark led us through an amazing Foodie Tour along Magazine Street. We cannot stop talking about this. With four savory stops and a sweet spot, we learned of the history, culture, and feed trends of New Orleans and greater Louisiana. Mark's love of NOLA and food shines through and the experience was truly remarkable. We highly recommend both activities. We only wish we had more time, but look forward to future trips!
Author: Evan F | Date: 3/31/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
This is a great tour! Great opportunity to Get out of the French Quarter and see some of Magazine St. a new favorite for me, I’ll definitely head back next time I visit). Each of the restaurants on the list was great anf the food was absolutely delicious.EJ, my guide, was awesome! Super knowledgeable, very interesting, very friendly and great to talk to. Thank you, EJ!
Author: Manuel Parra | Date: 3/29/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
The vegan tour was absolutely outstanding. I’m not vegan and have zero dietary restrictions, and I can honestly say the food was incredible—every stop exceeded expectations.Our guide was knowledgeable, welcoming, and genuinely engaging, making the experience feel personal and fun. Not only did we get amazing food, but we also learned a ton about New Orleans cuisine and the neighborhood’s history.Whether you’re vegan or just curious, this tour is a must-do in New Orleans. Come hungry—you won’t be disappointed.
Author: Andrew | Date: 3/29/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
*from a non-vegan eater... My friend is vegan, likes to walk and we thought a mini tour of NOLA would be cool. Let's just say... Mark was GREAT, the food was DELICIOUS, the walk was less than 3000 steps (easy, spaced out and flat), there was cool history bits throughout, and the food. Wow. So. Good. We had so many different flavors, everything was Do yourself a favor and try something that you might not have experienced before, this one is an easy win!!! *would do any of Mark's tours, he's just that good!
Author: Michelle D. | Date: 3/28/2026 | Source: yelp | Rating: 5 stars
*from a non-vegan eater…My friend is vegan, likes to walk and we thought a mini tour of NOLA would be cool.Let’s just say…Mark was GREAT, the food was DELICIOUS, the walk was We had so many different flavors, everything was 💯Do yourself a favor and try something that you might not have experienced before, this one is an easy win!!! *would do any of Mark’s tours, he’s just that good!
Author: Michelle Dew | Date: 3/28/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Amazing - well worth the $ !I’m not even vegan , my son who went with me on the tour is - yet the food was delicious , couldn’t tell it was vegan. Our guide was passionate about food , SO knowledgeable and kind. One if the best tours I’ve been on. Don’t think twice - just book this. But come hungry - it’s a LOT of good food.
Author: Kala | Date: 3/27/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
This was the best tour ever!! Adi was the best tour guide - she has so many amazing facts and really brought the Cajun culture to life for us. We’ve done tours in NOLA before but learned so many new things. The food was delish as well!!!
Author: Christal Smith | Date: 3/25/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
We had Angela for a private tour of the Garden District. She was funny, insightful, and quick to respond to inquiries on specific items.All in all, this was a great tour. Would have this company (and Angela) again
Author: Thomas Fagan | Date: 3/25/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
I liked that this was more informational rather than hokey. Anderson covered a lot of history and was able to quote from his sources. He also had a great sense of humor, and was a great storyteller. The thing he helped me realize was how, because of the vast history, Many sorrowful things have happened, which has led to the lore of this community.
Author: laurel bumpus | Date: 3/24/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Where do I start!? Mark was very accomplished in his delivery of historic knowledge of foods, food places and their lineages. His passion for food is obvious and resulted in great choices for us to eat and drink. We EVEN got to meet Terrence Osborne, a local artist who just happened to be in his studio today. What a pleasure to see and talk with him. All in all the whole tour was a fabulous experience and well worth the money. Thank you, Mark!
Author: Robb Stringfield | Date: 3/24/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Anderson was an absolute gem! Sharing such an authentic appreciation for the practice and caring respect for the history. 10/10!
Author: Lindsay High | Date: 3/23/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Absolutely LOVED this tour and would highly recommend! Our guide was super knowledgeable too.
Author: Tina Hartman | Date: 3/23/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Mark was fantastic beginning to end. The food stops were outstanding. The history and other attractions of Magazine Street he peppered added a lot to the tour. And his recommendations for other places to eat and drink in the city put the whole tour over the top. Couldn’t recommend enough!
Author: Adam Howarth | Date: 3/20/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Very knowledgeable. It was a great walk and individualized based on interests, etc. I was very impressed. The small group made a huge difference. I saw other tour groups that were much larger and I could tell they couldn’t hear or see as well.
Author: Dr. Kristina Zoulas | Date: 3/20/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
We had a great time on the Magazine St. foodie tour. Our favorite stop was Mahony's for the Roast Beef Debris Poboy and the Muffuletta Eggrolls. YUM! Adelai was our guide and she was so friendly and it's very clear she loves her city.
Author: Nicole Stettner | Date: 3/20/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Denise was a fabulous tour guide in the Garden District! Very professional and polite and answered all of our questions. There is so much history in New Orleans and no better way to take in history than a guided tour via Secret Tour of New Orleans. It’s a must-do!
Author: Sofia Velazquez | Date: 3/19/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Highly recommend this experience!Adelai was a fantastic guide!It’s was great to get insight from someone born and raised in the area about a topic that seems like an oxymoron to most people -Vegan food in New Orleans.The history of the food culture and how veganism is becoming so popular was woven in seamlessly. The foods we sampled on the tour were great, and as a non-vegan, I couldn’t tell the difference.
Author: Harry Sachs | Date: 3/17/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
First time in New Orleans, on my first full day I had the privilege of having Adelai as my tour guide for the Voodoo History tour. As with all tours by this company, it was a small group which enhanced this experience and allowed us to witness the breadth of knowledge our guide has for New Orleans, its history, and its culture.Update:I went on two more tours during my stay here, the Garden District tour with Barrett, and the ghost tour with Anderson. All three of the tours I took continue the extremely high standards of education and storytelling ability. Each guide writes their own tours and brings their own personalities and life experience into it.I will absolutely recommend it to any of my friends who come to New Orleans, and I certainly will take more on my next visit.I especially enjoyed the specificity describing examples of religious syncretism between Catholicism and the west African religions and the cultural conditions during which that happened. Also the misnomers about the popular conception of the "voodoo doll".Overall, amazing tour, Adelai is a great storyteller, definitely recommend.
Author: Douglas Gibbons | Date: 3/17/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Anderson gave us a tremendous history of New Orleans with fascinating facts and an insight into its culture. Remarkable tour with an exceptional guide!
Author: Barbara Hartman | Date: 3/16/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
We absolutely LOVED our Voodoo tour hosted by Adelie. She was exceptionally knowledgeable, energetic and fun. This is not a sensationalistic, touristy tour; it’s an interactive, respectful history lesson with stops at some of the best places in the Quarter. Highly recommend!!
Author: Stacy Miller Bruzek | Date: 3/16/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
This was probably the best food tour I’ve ever been on and I’ve been on a few in different cities. E.J. was our guide and was absolutely amazing. His vast knowledge of history combined with personal and familial experience provided a rich and deep understanding of the this city’s food, people, and culture. The five stops chosen for the tour were perfect and gave us a chance to try some interesting and tasty cuisine while personally, stepping out of my comfort zone. Don’t forget the cocktails when you go. Each place will recommend what goes best and you should definitely stick with those recommendations. Overall, I would do this tour 10 times over and cannot recommend it enough.
Author: Shannon L | Date: 3/16/2026 | Source: tripadvisor | Rating: 5 stars
Adelai was the best guide we’ve ever had anywhere! A vegan food tour turned into an incredible history tour with even more incredible vegan food! She was enthusiastic., entertaining, and professional. We learned so much about history and culture! Our Omni group couldn’t stop raving about the vegan food. We needed to walk the rest of the afternoon to walk some of it off! The variety, flavors, and quality was unsurpassed. I can’t wait to go back to these places!’ I would recommend this tour to anyone looking for good food and a great guide
Author: Beryl Gamiel | Date: 3/15/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
What a great tour! Adelaide, our tour fifolet, was amazing. 😊
Author: M.R. Fournet | Date: 3/15/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Fantastic tour. Our guide Andrew was very knowledgeable and passionate about the city and it's history
Author: Matthew Harkins | Date: 3/15/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Author: Michelle Rene Magee | Date: 3/15/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Excellent tour, the food was fabulous, and our tour guide Adelai was wonderful. We were a party of 8; and have done a handful of food tours in various cities, and we ALL really enjoyed this tour! Thank you!
Author: Megan Sabella | Date: 3/13/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Our tour guide was awesome and brought such a fun vibe to the experience. Having a smaller group also made a big difference, it felt more personal and made the whole tour much more enjoyable.For a two-hour tour, we were hoping to hear a few more stories and spend a little less time walking between stops. We started about 6–8 blocks away from the first stop, and it made us wonder if meeting a bit closer to that first location might have helped maximize the storytelling time. I’m sure there are reasons for the current meeting spot, but the pacing just felt slightly off for the length of the tour.
Author: RP | Date: 3/12/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 4 stars
Adelai was an excellent tour guide! Very knowledgeable and energetic. I felt like her talents were wasted on just my husband and I since she clearly has the charisma to entertain a much larger audience! The food was plentiful and varied. We came hungry and I still could not finish everything we were served! Delicious and fun - definitely one of our trip highlights!
Author: April Stahl | Date: 3/10/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
We had a great time with Ty. He was very informative and the food was delish, like a five course meal. Overall, I would recommend this experience! We also had a fun group.
Author: Denton Bricker | Date: 3/10/2026 | Source: tripadvisor | Rating: 5 stars
Ty was awesome! Knowledgeable, great energy and the tour checked all the food boxes!
Author: Gretchen Pickett | Date: 3/8/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
My husband and I booked a Magazine St food tour for our first time in New Orleans, we had such a great time. We were the only ones on the tour and ALL the food was amazing! Our guide shared some of the history of the area with us which was so great! We were able to try a lot of different dishes and there was plenty of food! It was definitely a highlight of our trip! If you are thinking of booking, do it! It won't disappoint!
Author: Alise Silva-Bieker | Date: 3/8/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
This tour is a MUST!! Adelai was a perfect tour guide as well. Very knowledgeable not only about the city but also the food and gave us pointers on how to cook traditional New Orleans meals. This tour allows you to try foods you likely would never pick off a menu. Everything was so good and I will definitely be doing this again when I come back!
Author: Megan Close | Date: 3/8/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
We were fortunate to have Barrett as our guide, clearly doing what he loves! This guy has insight to the city you don't often find. We had a great time! One of the attendees in the group is a local that does their tours often, I feel like that says a lot for this company.
Author: Lizel G | Date: 3/5/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Author: David Florentine | Date: 3/2/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
We enjoyed every stop on the food tour and Ty did a great job in explaining the history behind all the food choices.
Author: Craig Miller | Date: 2/28/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Amazing tour-worth every penny! Tons of food and great information about the area, history, food and culture. This tour was a highlight of our trip-we highly recommend!
Author: Katie Brewer | Date: 2/27/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Ty was a great guide- so much cool history about the city and the food. Everything we tried to eat on the tour was delicious- things I might not have picked to try but really liked- that’s the fun of a food tour!
Author: Adrienne Visher | Date: 2/27/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
I've done two tours with this company. Both featured friendly guides with a great knowledge of interesting places and history in New Orleans.
Author: Paul Faber | Date: 2/25/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Denise was great! She gave historical and current information about the area that helped us gain appreciation for the food and area. Good was great as well. Variety of dishes.
Author: Becky Stauffer | Date: 2/25/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Denise was a great guide. Such a nice way to spend part of our short stop in NOLA. Great food, great info, and great company. Many thanks!
Author: Mary M | Date: 2/10/2026 | Source: google | Rating: 5 stars
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Our Products & Services (100)
How do I book a tour with New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Booking a tour with New Orleans Secrets Tours is easy! You can reserve your spot directly through our website by navigating to your desired tour and selecting a date and time. Look for the 'Book Now' button. We recommend booking in advance, especially for popular tours or during peak seasons, to ensure availability. Our online system processes secure payments and provides instant confirmation.
What payment methods does New Orleans Secrets Tours accept?
New Orleans Secrets Tours accepts major credit cards, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover, for all online bookings. All transactions are securely processed to protect your financial information. For private or custom tours, alternative payment arrangements might be made on a case-by-case basis, but credit card remains the preferred and most efficient method.
Are there any discounts available for New Orleans Secrets Tours?
New Orleans Secrets Tours occasionally offers discounts for military personnel, seniors, or early bird bookings. Please check our website's 'Special Offers' section or follow our social media channels for current promotions. Group discounts may also be available for larger parties booking the same tour; contact us directly for details on corporate events or private group tours.
What is the cancellation policy for New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Our standard cancellation policy for New Orleans Secrets Tours allows for a full refund if you cancel at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled tour. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the tour are generally non-refundable. We understand unforeseen circumstances can arise, so please review the specific terms outlined during your booking process or contact us directly for assistance.
What if New Orleans Secrets Tours cancels a tour due to weather or other issues?
In the rare event that New Orleans Secrets Tours has to cancel a tour due to severe weather, unforeseen circumstances, or guide unavailability, you will be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule your tour for another date. Your safety and experience are our top priorities. We will notify you as soon as possible via the contact information provided during booking.
What is included in the Magazine Street Foodie Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
The Magazine Street Foodie Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours includes generous food tastings at multiple local eateries, showcasing diverse culinary delights that reflect the true taste of New Orleans. Our expert guide will also provide engaging commentary on the history, culture, and architecture of the Magazine Street area. Beverages other than those provided with tastings are typically not included.
Is the Vegan New Orleans Food Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours actually good?
Absolutely! The Vegan New Orleans Food Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours is designed to showcase the incredible and surprisingly extensive vegan options available in a city renowned for its rich culinary traditions. Our tour breaks stereotypes, offering delicious and satisfying plant-based tastings from local establishments, proving that vegan food in New Orleans is both authentic and exceptional.
What spirits are featured on the New Orleans Cocktail Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
The New Orleans Cocktail Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours explores the city's legendary drinking culture. You'll sample iconic cocktails like the Sazerac, Ramos Gin Fizz, and Pimm's Cup, learning about their origins and the establishments that popularized them. The tour focuses on historical drinks that have shaped New Orleans' reputation as a cocktail mecca, offering a variety of spirit bases.
What exactly will I learn on the Mysteries of Voodoo Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
On the Mysteries of Voodoo Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours, you will gain an authentic understanding of Haitian Vodou and New Orleans Voodoo beyond popular misconceptions. Our knowledgeable guide will delve into its origins, practices, spiritual beliefs, and prominent figures, offering a respectful and informative perspective on this often-misunderstood aspect of local culture and history, debunking myths along the way.
How is the Beyond the French Quarter Food Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours different from other food tours?
The Beyond the French Quarter Food Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours takes you off the beaten path to explore culinary gems in neighborhoods often missed by visitors. This tour offers an authentic taste of how locals eat, featuring diverse cuisines and hidden establishments away from the tourist crowds. It provides a deeper, more nuanced understanding of New Orleans' broader food scene than typical French Quarter offerings.
Is the Ghosts of the French Quarter Tour scary for children with New Orleans Secrets Tours?
The Ghosts of the French Quarter Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours focuses on historical accounts, local legends, and intriguing tales of the paranormal, rather than jump scares. While some stories can be eerie, the tone is generally educational and theatrical, making it suitable for most families. Parents should consider their children's sensitivity, but it's not intended to be overtly frightening. We recommend discretion for very young or highly sensitive children.
What makes the LGBT Queer History Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours unique?
The LGBT Queer History Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours highlights the French Quarter's significant and often overlooked role as a haven for the LGBTQ+ community throughout history. It delves into the stories of pioneers, significant cultural movements, and the establishments that supported queer life for over a century. This tour celebrates the resilience and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community, offering a unique and vital perspective on the city's past.
What historical aspects are covered in the French Quarter History Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
The French Quarter History Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours covers the rich and complex history of this iconic neighborhood, from its founding by the French to its Spanish colonial period and American acquisition. You'll learn about its unique architecture, famous residents, cultural evolution, and the significant events that shaped its identity over 300 years, offering a comprehensive overview of its storied past.
What is the focus of the Garden District Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
The Garden District Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours focuses on the architectural grandeur and social history of this opulent neighborhood. You'll learn about the rivalry between American merchants and Creole residents, the evolution of its stunning mansions, and the prominent families who called it home. This tour offers insights into the unique cultural dynamics that shaped New Orleans after the Louisiana Purchase, showcasing a different side of the city's heritage.
Can New Orleans Secrets Tours create a custom itinerary for my group?
Yes, absolutely! New Orleans Secrets Tours specializes in creating Custom Tours tailored to your group's specific interests, schedule, and budget. Whether you're looking for a private French Quarter food tour, a specialized historical deep dive, or a unique themed experience, our team can work with you to design the perfect itinerary. Contact us with your preferences, and we'll craft an unforgettable experience.
What is the duration of New Orleans Unlocked: A Five-Day Culinary Experience by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
New Orleans Unlocked: A Five-Day Culinary Experience by New Orleans Secrets Tours is, as the name suggests, a comprehensive five-day journey. This immersive experience is designed to fully immerse you in the city's renowned food culture, offering daily culinary adventures, tastings, and unique insights into New Orleans' 'food religion.' It provides an in-depth exploration over a dedicated five-day period.
Does Mardi Gras Unlocked: Five Days Inside New Orleans by New Orleans Secrets Tours include parade tickets?
Mardi Gras Unlocked: Five Days Inside New Orleans by New Orleans Secrets Tours is a comprehensive package designed to immerse you in the full Mardi Gras experience. While specific parade viewing arrangements, such as private stands or grandstand tickets, may be included depending on the package details, the focus is on providing an authentic insider's perspective on the festivities, history, and traditions. Please check the specific itinerary for exact inclusions regarding parade tickets.
What defines 'The Most Haunted Week of Your Life' with New Orleans Secrets Tours?
'The Most Haunted Week of Your Life' with New Orleans Secrets Tours is an intensive seven-day exploration into the city's darkest and most paranormally active locations. Inspired by Tulane University's designation of New Orleans as America's most haunted city, this experience delves deep into ghost stories, voodoo, true crime, and eerie history, aiming to immerse participants in the supernatural folklore and legends for a truly unforgettable and chilling week.
What areas does Louisiana Unlocked: Eight Days, Two Cultures by New Orleans Secrets Tours cover?
Louisiana Unlocked: Eight Days, Two Cultures by New Orleans Secrets Tours is an expansive eight-day journey designed to showcase the rich diversity of Louisiana. This immersive experience typically covers both the vibrant culture of New Orleans and the unique Cajun and Creole traditions of Acadiana, venturing into the swamp lands and bayous. It provides a deep dive into the distinct flavors, music, and heritage of two major cultural regions within the state.
What are the physical requirements for participating in New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Many New Orleans Secrets Tours involve moderate walking on uneven sidewalks, cobblestones, and sometimes over longer distances. For most walking tours, participants should be able to comfortably walk for 2-3 hours. Specific tours, like some longer culinary or historical explorations, may have more extensive requirements. Please check the individual tour description for detailed physical demands to ensure it matches your fitness level. We are happy to discuss accommodations if needed.
Are New Orleans Secrets Tours wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility varies among New Orleans Secrets Tours. While we strive to accommodate all guests, the historic nature of New Orleans with its old sidewalks, cobblestone streets, and limited elevator access can present challenges for wheelchair users. Please contact New Orleans Secrets Tours directly with your specific needs and the tour you're interested in, and we can advise on the best options and potential modifications for a comfortable experience. Some tours may be more suitable than others.
Does New Orleans Secrets Tours offer private tours for corporate events?
Yes, New Orleans Secrets Tours specializes in Corporate Events & Private Group Tours. We can customize any of our existing tours or design an entirely new experience to suit your company's objectives, group size, and interests. Whether you're planning a team-building activity, a client entertainment event, or a unique corporate outing, we offer tailored itineraries, flexible scheduling, and professional guides to ensure a memorable and engaging experience for your team.
How large are the public group sizes for New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Public group sizes for New Orleans Secrets Tours are typically kept small to ensure an intimate and engaging experience for all participants. While exact numbers can vary by tour and demand, we generally aim for groups of 10-15 people. This allows for better interaction with your guide, easier navigation through crowded areas, and a more personalized journey through New Orleans' unique stories and flavors.
Can I bring my child on a New Orleans Secrets Tours without an additional charge?
Policies regarding children on New Orleans Secrets Tours vary by tour type. For some family-friendly historical tours, younger children may occasionally be free or have a reduced rate. However, most food and cocktail tours, due to the nature of tastings and licensing, require a full-price ticket or have age restrictions. Please check the specific tour's details on our website or contact us directly to confirm the policy for your chosen tour and child's age.
Are pets allowed on New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Unfortunately, pets are generally not allowed on New Orleans Secrets Tours, primarily due to health and safety regulations at food establishments, noise considerations for other guests, and the walking distances involved. Service animals, as defined by the ADA, are always welcome. Please inform us in advance if you will be accompanied by a service animal so we can make appropriate accommodations for your tour.
What should I wear for a New Orleans Secrets Tours walking tour?
For any New Orleans Secrets Tours walking tour, we highly recommend wearing comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on uneven surfaces. Dress in layers, as New Orleans weather can change quickly, even within a single day. Light, breathable clothing is best for warmer months, and a rain jacket or umbrella is always a good idea, regardless of the forecast. Sunscreen and a hat are also recommended for daytime tours.
What should I bring on a New Orleans Secrets Tours experience?
For most New Orleans Secrets Tours, we recommend bringing a bottle of water, especially during warmer months, as tours involve walking. A fully charged phone or camera for photos, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes are essential. For evening tours, consider a light jacket. While not required, a small bag for souvenirs or personal items can also be useful. Don't forget your booking confirmation!
Is transportation provided for New Orleans Secrets Tours, or do we meet at a starting point?
For most New Orleans Secrets Tours, participants are responsible for their own transportation to a designated starting point, which will be clearly communicated in your booking confirmation. Our longer 'Unlocked' experiences may include some integrated transportation as part of the itinerary. For custom and private tours, transportation can often be arranged upon request. Please check your specific tour details for exact logistics.
How far in advance should I book a custom tour with New Orleans Secrets Tours?
For Custom Tours with New Orleans Secrets Tours, we recommend booking as far in advance as possible, especially if you have specific dates or a large group in mind. Ideally, reach out 2-3 months in advance to allow sufficient time for itinerary planning, guide assignment, and securing reservations at establishments. Last-minute requests are sometimes possible, but availability may be limited.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours guides accept tips?
While not mandatory, gratuities for your New Orleans Secrets Tours guide are always greatly appreciated if you enjoyed your experience. Our guides work hard to provide engaging, informative, and memorable tours. A customary tip for excellent service is typically 15-20% of the tour price, similar to restaurant service, but any amount that reflects your satisfaction is welcome.
What is the best time of year to take a New Orleans Secrets Tours tour?
The best time of year to take a New Orleans Secrets Tours tour generally depends on your preferences. Fall (October-November) and Spring (March-May) offer the most pleasant weather—mild temperatures and lower humidity. Winter (December-February) is also popular, especially around holidays and Mardi Gras. Summers (June-September) can be hot and humid, but offer fewer crowds and often greener scenery. Each season provides a unique New Orleans experience.
Are group rates available for school trips with New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Yes, New Orleans Secrets Tours is happy to accommodate school trips and educational groups. We offer special group rates and can often tailor our tours to specific curriculum requirements for an enriching learning experience. Please contact our 'Corporate Events & Private Group Tours' department with details about your group size, age range, and educational objectives for a customized quote and itinerary planning.
What is the policy for solo travelers joining New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Solo travelers are absolutely welcome on all New Orleans Secrets Tours! Our tours are a fantastic way to meet new people and explore the city in a safe and social environment. There are no additional fees for solo travelers, and you will simply book the tour as an individual. Many of our tours are structured to encourage interaction and a shared experience among participants.
Can I combine multiple New Orleans Secrets Tours for a longer experience?
Yes, combining multiple New Orleans Secrets Tours is a great way to deepen your exploration of the city! We encourage guests to experience various facets of New Orleans. While we don't offer official 'combo' packages for all tours, you can certainly book individual tours on different days or at different times. For a truly curated multi-day experience, consider our 'Unlocked' series, or inquire about a custom itinerary.
Does New Orleans Secrets Tours offer tours in languages other than English?
Currently, the majority of New Orleans Secrets Tours are conducted in English by our native English-speaking guides. However, for private and custom tours, we may be able to arrange for a guide who is fluent in other languages, such as French or Spanish, given sufficient advance notice and availability. Please contact us directly to inquire about multilingual guide options for your specific request.
Are there restrooms available during New Orleans Secrets Tours?
During New Orleans Secrets Tours, especially those lasting longer than an hour, guides will typically point out or arrange for restroom breaks at appropriate intervals, usually at a designated stop like a cafe, bar, or public facility. While not every stop will have facilities, your comfort is a priority. We recommend using a restroom before the tour starts, as access can sometimes be limited in historic areas.
What safety precautions do New Orleans Secrets Tours take?
New Orleans Secrets Tours prioritizes the safety of our guests. Our guides are trained to navigate the city safely, are aware of their surroundings, and follow established routes. We advise guests to stay with the group, be aware of their personal belongings, and exercise general caution as they would in any urban environment. If you have any specific safety concerns, please address them with your guide.
What happens if it rains during a New Orleans Secrets Tours walking tour?
New Orleans Secrets Tours generally operates rain or shine, as a light rain is common here and typically passes quickly. We encourage guests to come prepared with appropriate rain gear (umbrella, rain jacket). In the event of severe weather conditions (e.g., thunderstorms, hurricanes) that pose a safety risk, we will cancel or postpone the tour, offering refunds or rescheduling opportunities, as outlined in our cancellation policy.
Can I bring my own food or drinks on a New Orleans Secrets Tours?
For most New Orleans Secrets Tours, especially food tours, we kindly request that you refrain from bringing outside food or drinks, as tastings are generally provided and can be affected by additional items. For non-food tours, a personal water bottle is highly encouraged. Please be mindful of any establishments we visit that may have their own policies regarding outside food/drink.
Are there any age restrictions for the New Orleans Cocktail Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Yes, due to the nature of alcohol tastings, participants on the New Orleans Cocktail Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours must be 21 years of age or older. Valid government-issued identification will be required to confirm age. We strictly adhere to all local and state laws regarding alcohol consumption and service. Please ensure all participants meet this age requirement.
How long do the standard walking tours by New Orleans Secrets Tours typically last?
The duration of standard walking tours by New Orleans Secrets Tours varies by specific tour. Most of our walking tours, such as the French Quarter History Tour or Ghosts of the French Quarter Tour, typically last between 2 to 2.5 hours. Food tours, with their multiple stops and tastings, often extend to 3 hours or more. Please refer to the individual tour description on our website for precise timings.
Will I get free time to shop during New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Most New Orleans Secrets Tours are structured to maximize sightseeing and historical context, so designated free time for shopping is generally not included in the main itinerary. However, if a tour passes through an area with interesting shops, your guide may point them out, and you are welcome to revisit them after the tour concludes. Private and custom tours can always incorporate shopping time.
What is the average walking distance covered on a New Orleans Secrets Tours walking tour?
The average walking distance covered on a New Orleans Secrets Tours walking tour is typically between 1.5 to 2.5 miles. This distance is usually spread out over 2 to 3 hours with various stops for commentary and, on food tours, tastings. Routes are designed to be manageable for most fitness levels, but comfortable walking shoes are always recommended due to uneven sidewalks and historic pavements.
Are photos allowed during New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Yes, photography is generally encouraged on New Orleans Secrets Tours! We want you to capture your memories of our beautiful city. Please be respectful of others in the group and your guide while taking photos. In certain establishments or for specific sensitive topics (like some aspects of Voodoo), your guide may advise against photography, so please adhere to their instructions. Sharing on social media is welcome!
Can New Orleans Secrets Tours accommodate dietary restrictions on food tours?
New Orleans Secrets Tours strives to accommodate dietary restrictions on our food tours whenever possible. For the Vegan New Orleans Food Tour, the entire itinerary is designed around plant-based options. For other food tours, such as the Magazine Street Foodie Tour, please inform us of any allergies or dietary needs (e.g., vegetarian, gluten-free) at the time of booking. We will do our best to arrange suitable alternatives, though extensive changes may not always be possible at every stop.
What makes New Orleans Secrets Tours different from other tour companies?
New Orleans Secrets Tours distinguishes itself through our deep local expertise, commitment to authentic storytelling, and small group sizes that foster intimate experiences. Our guides are passionate, knowledgeable locals who offer unique perspectives beyond surface-level facts. We also specialize in niche topics like our Vegan Food Tour and LGBT Queer History Tour, providing specialized insights not commonly found elsewhere, ensuring a truly immersive and memorable journey.
Do I need to print my New Orleans Secrets Tours ticket, or can I show it on my phone?
For New Orleans Secrets Tours, you do not need to print your ticket. You can conveniently show your booking confirmation or e-ticket on your smartphone or other mobile device to your guide at the starting point of the tour. We strive for a paperless and hassle-free check-in process. Please ensure your device is charged.
Can I bring a stroller on New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Bringing a stroller on New Orleans Secrets Tours can be challenging due to the historic nature of the city's sidewalks (uneven, cracked, cobblestones) and crowded areas, especially in the French Quarter. While generally permitted, it may impact your comfort and the group's pace. We recommend small, foldable strollers if necessary, or consider using baby carriers for infants on walking tours if possible. Individual tour suitability may vary.
What is the policy for late arrivals to New Orleans Secrets Tours?
New Orleans Secrets Tours operates on a strict schedule to ensure a smooth experience for all guests. We ask that you arrive at the designated meeting point at least 10-15 minutes prior to the scheduled tour start time. Unfortunately, if you arrive late, the tour may depart without you, and we cannot offer refunds for missed tours. Please plan accordingly for traffic and parking.
Is insurance included with New Orleans Secrets Tours bookings?
New Orleans Secrets Tours does not include travel insurance with our bookings. We highly recommend that all travelers consider purchasing their own comprehensive travel insurance to cover unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, or other unforeseen circumstances. This provides peace of mind and protection against potential losses.
Can New Orleans Secrets Tours help with hotel recommendations in New Orleans?
While New Orleans Secrets Tours does not directly book accommodation, we are happy to offer general advice and recommendations for areas to stay in New Orleans that align with your tour interests and preferences. For our multi-day 'Unlocked' experiences, accommodation is typically included and pre-arranged. Feel free to ask our team for insights on neighborhoods or types of lodging that might enhance your visit.
What neighborhoods do the 'Beyond the French Quarter Food Tour' by New Orleans Secrets Tours visit?
The 'Beyond the French Quarter Food Tour' by New Orleans Secrets Tours takes you to vibrant neighborhoods beloved by locals, often including areas like the Marigny, Bywater, or Mid-City, depending on the specific itinerary and seasonal offerings. This tour is designed to showcase the authentic, diverse culinary scene outside the traditional tourist hub, providing a fresh perspective on New Orleans' gastronomic landscape.
How authentic is the Voodoo information shared on the Mysteries of Voodoo Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
The Mysteries of Voodoo Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours is dedicated to providing accurate and respectful information based on historical research, cultural understanding, and often, consultation with practitioners or community experts. Our goal is to dispel myths and present an authentic portrayal of New Orleans Voodoo and its Haitian Vodou origins, ensuring an educational and culturally sensitive experience rather than sensationalism.
Are private group tours by New Orleans Secrets Tours more expensive than public tours?
Private group tours by New Orleans Secrets Tours are generally priced differently than public tours. While the per-person cost might be higher for smaller private groups, they offer exclusive benefits like flexible scheduling, customized itineraries, personalized attention from your guide, and the ability to move at your own pace. For larger private groups, the per-person cost can sometimes become comparable or even more cost-effective than booking many individual public tickets.
Can I bring my own alcohol on the New Orleans Cocktail Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
No, guests are not permitted to bring their own alcohol on the New Orleans Cocktail Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours. The tour includes specific pre-arranged cocktail tastings at licensed establishments. Bringing outside alcohol would violate local regulations and the policies of the venues we visit. We encourage you to enjoy the curated selection of drinks provided as part of the tour experience.
What is the best way to get to the starting points for New Orleans Secrets Tours?
The best way to get to the starting points for New Orleans Secrets Tours depends on your location. Many French Quarter and Garden District tours are accessible via walking, streetcar, or ride-share services (Uber/Lyft). Public transportation, like the city bus or streetcar lines, is also an option. We recommend checking specific directions provided in your booking confirmation and allowing ample travel time, particularly during peak hours.
Does New Orleans Secrets Tours offer gift certificates?
Yes, New Orleans Secrets Tours offers gift certificates, making them a perfect present for friends, family, or colleagues who love travel and unique experiences. You can purchase gift certificates for a specific tour or for a monetary value, allowing recipients to choose their own adventure. Details on how to purchase and redeem them can be found on our website or by contacting our customer service.
How long has New Orleans Secrets Tours been operating?
New Orleans Secrets Tours has been dedicated to providing unique and authentic experiences in the city for several years, building a reputation for knowledgeable guides and insightful tours. While our exact founding date allows for continuous improvement, our commitment to uncovering the true spirit of New Orleans has been a consistent aspect of our operation since our inception. We pride ourselves on our deep local roots.
Are there any age recommendations for the Ghosts of the French Quarter Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
The Ghosts of the French Quarter Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours is generally suitable for those aged 10 and up. While not overly graphic, the stories involve historical accounts of death, tragedy, and the supernatural, which may be intense for very young children. Parental discretion is advised; if your child enjoys history and ghost stories without being easily frightened, they will likely enjoy the tour.
Can I cancel just one person from a group booking with New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Yes, you can typically cancel one person from a group booking with New Orleans Secrets Tours, provided it adheres to our cancellation policy. If the cancellation is made at least 48 hours before the tour, you should receive a refund for that individual's ticket. Within 48 hours, it may be non-refundable. Please contact us directly with your booking reference to process partial cancellations and discuss any potential adjustments.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours guides provide recommendations for after the tour?
Absolutely! Our New Orleans Secrets Tours guides are passionate locals and are usually more than happy to provide recommendations for restaurants, bars, attractions, live music venues, or other activities to enhance your New Orleans experience long after the tour concludes. Feel free to ask them for their personal favorites or suggestions tailored to your interests at the end of the tour.
What kind of clothing is recommended for 'The Most Haunted Week of Your Life' with New Orleans Secrets Tours?
For 'The Most Haunted Week of Your Life' with New Orleans Secrets Tours, comfortable walking shoes are paramount as you'll be exploring many sites. Dress in layers to adapt to changing temperatures, both indoors and outdoors, and bring a light jacket or sweater even in warmer months for potential air-conditioned spaces or cooler evenings. Appropriate rain gear (umbrella/jacket) is always a good idea, and attire that is respectful of any historical or solemn sites visited is recommended.
Is accommodation included in 'Louisiana Unlocked: Eight Days, Two Cultures' by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Yes, accommodation is included as part of the 'Louisiana Unlocked: Eight Days, Two Cultures' experience by New Orleans Secrets Tours. This comprehensive package covers your lodging for the entire eight-day journey across the state, ensuring a seamless and comfortable exploration of New Orleans and Acadiana. Specific hotel details will be provided upon booking confirmation.
How late can I book a New Orleans Secrets Tours experience?
You can book a New Orleans Secrets Tours experience up until the tour departure time, provided there is still availability. However, we highly recommend booking at least 24-48 hours in advance, especially for popular tours or during peak season, as tours often sell out. Last-minute bookings may limit your options. For 'Unlocked' multi-day experiences or custom tours, much more advance notice is required.
Does New Orleans Secrets Tours offer educational resources or follow-up materials after a tour?
While New Orleans Secrets Tours doesn't typically provide formal educational resources or follow-up materials after a standard tour, our guides are excellent at engaging participants and answering questions. For private or custom educational group tours, we may be able to provide supplemental information upon request. Our blog also offers articles that expand on many of the topics covered in our tours.
Can I request a specific guide for my New Orleans Secrets Tours private tour?
If you enjoyed a particular guide on a previous New Orleans Secrets Tours experience, or if you have heard positive feedback about one of our team members, you can certainly request a specific guide for your private tour. While we cannot guarantee their availability due to scheduling, we will do our best to accommodate your request when planning your custom itinerary. Early booking increases the likelihood of securing your preferred guide.
What should I do if I have an emergency during a New Orleans Secrets Tours tour?
In the event of an emergency during a New Orleans Secrets Tours tour, immediately notify your tour guide. Our guides are trained to handle various situations and will assist you in contacting emergency services (911) if necessary, providing first aid, or directing you to the nearest safe location. We prioritize your well-being and will ensure you receive appropriate assistance.
Are there vegetarian options available on the Magazine Street Foodie Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
New Orleans Secrets Tours can often accommodate vegetarian requests on the Magazine Street Foodie Tour. While the tour primarily highlights traditional New Orleans cuisine, which is often meat-heavy, we will do our best to arrange vegetarian alternatives at the tasting stops. Please inform us of your vegetarian preference at the time of booking to allow us to make necessary arrangements with the eateries.
What is the historical significance of Magazine Street, covered by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Magazine Street's historical significance, explored by New Orleans Secrets Tours, lies in its evolution as a vibrant commercial corridor that historically catered to the 'American' side of New Orleans, distinct from the French Quarter. It was a bustling hub of commerce, craftsmanship, and local life, characterized by its long stretch of independent shops, restaurants, and unique architectural styles that reflect the city's diverse cultural influences and economic journey.
Is the Garden District Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours suitable for someone interested in literature?
Yes, the Garden District Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours is definitely suitable for literature enthusiasts. The Garden District has been home to many famous writers, and our guides often point out the former residences of literary figures, sharing anecdotes and historical context related to their lives and works in New Orleans. You'll gain insight into the inspirations behind some beloved Southern literature.
What kind of authentic New Orleans experiences are offered in 'New Orleans Unlocked: A Five-Day Culinary Experience' by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
'New Orleans Unlocked: A Five-Day Culinary Experience' by New Orleans Secrets Tours offers an unparalleled dive into the city's food culture. This includes hands-on cooking classes, visits to local markets, exclusive dining experiences at renowned and hidden gem restaurants, opportunities to learn about iconic dishes from local chefs, and insights into the history and cultural significance of New Orleans' 'food religion,' far beyond what a typical visitor experiences.
Can I bring my own beverages (non-alcoholic) on New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Yes, for most New Orleans Secrets Tours, especially walking tours, bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages, particularly water, is highly encouraged. Staying hydrated is important throughout your tour, especially in New Orleans' climate. Please ensure any containers are sealed and spill-proof to avoid inconvenience or damage to historical sites. For food tours, kindly limit outside drinks if tastings are included.
Does New Orleans Secrets Tours accept cash payments on-site?
New Orleans Secrets Tours primarily accepts online credit card payments for booking to ensure secure reservations and efficient operations. While we generally do not accept cash payments on-site for pre-booked tours, for some private tour arrangements or last-minute walk-up availability (if offered), cash might be accepted at the discretion of the guide or management. To guarantee your spot and smooth check-in, online booking is always preferred.
How do I contact New Orleans Secrets Tours for support or questions?
You can contact New Orleans Secrets Tours for support or questions through the 'Contact Us' page on our website. We provide an email address and often a phone number for direct communication. Our team is available during business hours to assist with bookings, inquiries about tours, special requests, or any concerns you may have before, during, or after your experience.
Are there photo opportunities on the LGBT Queer History Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Yes, the LGBT Queer History Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours offers numerous photo opportunities. You'll pass by historically significant landmarks, vibrant establishments, and beautiful French Quarter architecture. While the focus is on storytelling and context, you'll have ample chances to capture moments. Please be respectful of any private residences or sensitive spaces, and always ask before photographing individuals.
What is the maximum group size for 'Mardi Gras Unlocked: Five Days Inside New Orleans' by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
To ensure an intimate and exclusive experience during the bustling Mardi Gras season, 'Mardi Gras Unlocked: Five Days Inside New Orleans' by New Orleans Secrets Tours typically has a relatively small maximum group size. While exact numbers can vary, it's usually limited to ensure personalized attention and optimal access to events. We aim for a manageable group to facilitate an authentic, insider's perspective on the festivities.
Will I hear live music on any New Orleans Secrets Tours?
While most New Orleans Secrets Tours primarily focus on walking, history, or food, some tours, especially those venturing outside the immediate French Quarter or evening experiences, may occasionally pass by or briefly stop near venues featuring live music, particularly if it's relevant to the tour's theme. For our 'Unlocked' multi-day experiences, live music is often an integrated and curated part of the itinerary, designed to immerse you in the city's vibrant soundscape.
What specific sites are visited on the French Quarter History Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
The French Quarter History Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours visits iconic landmarks and hidden gems. You can expect to see and learn about sites like Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, the Pontalba Apartments, the Old Ursuline Convent, historic courtyards, and significant architectural examples. While the exact route may vary slightly, the tour encompasses the most historically rich areas of the French Quarter.
How much walking is involved in 'The Most Haunted Week of Your Life' with New Orleans Secrets Tours?
'The Most Haunted Week of Your Life' with New Orleans Secrets Tours involves a significant amount of walking throughout the seven days, as it explores numerous haunted locations and historical sites across the city. Participants should be prepared for daily walking tours, sometimes extending for several hours, often on uneven terrain. A good level of fitness and comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended to fully enjoy this immersive experience.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours provide umbrellas in case of rain?
New Orleans Secrets Tours does not typically provide umbrellas for guests. We recommend that participants bring their own rain gear, including an umbrella or a rain jacket, especially since New Orleans weather can be unpredictable. Coming prepared will ensure your comfort and enjoyment of the tour, even if a brief shower occurs.
Can I purchase food or drinks during the New Orleans Cocktail Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours if I get hungry?
The New Orleans Cocktail Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours is focused on beverages and their history. While some stops might offer light snacks or small bites, the tour does not include a full meal, nor is extensive time allotted for purchasing substantial food. We recommend eating a meal before participating. You are welcome to purchase additional drinks beyond the included tastings if time permits during specific stops.
Is there a minimum number of participants required for New Orleans Secrets Tours to run?
Yes, for some New Orleans Secrets Tours, there may be a minimum number of participants required for the tour to run. If the minimum is not met, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled. In such an event, you will be notified in advance and offered a full refund or the option to book an alternative tour or date. This policy helps ensure a viable and engaging experience for all.
What kind of local insights will I gain from the Magazine Street Foodie Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
On the Magazine Street Foodie Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours, you'll gain deep local insights into New Orleans' culinary scene beyond the typical tourist spots. Our guides share stories behind family-run businesses, the evolution of neighborhood eateries, the cultural influences on the food, and why Magazine Street is where 'New Orleans actually eats.' You'll learn about ingredients, traditions, and the community fabric that surrounds the food.
Are there any restrooms on the Ghosts of the French Quarter Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
The Ghosts of the French Quarter Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours does not typically include scheduled restroom breaks at facilities. Given the nature of a historical walking tour in a district with limited public facilities, it's best to use a restroom before the tour begins. Emergency stops can sometimes be accommodated, but cannot be guaranteed at every point along the route.
What is the refund policy for New Orleans Secrets Tours' multi-day 'Unlocked' experiences?
The refund policy for New Orleans Secrets Tours' multi-day 'Unlocked' experiences (e.g., Five-Day Culinary, Mardi Gras, Haunted Week, Louisiana Unlocked) is typically more stringent than for standard tours due to advance planning, accommodation bookings, and activity reservations. Cancellations far in advance may receive a partial refund, often minus a deposit, while closer cancellations may be non-refundable. Specific terms will be detailed during the booking process for each 'Unlocked' package.
Can I bring my service animal on New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Yes, properly identified service animals are always welcome on New Orleans Secrets Tours, in accordance with ADA guidelines. Please notify us at the time of booking if you will be accompanied by a service animal so we can make any necessary arrangements or inform any partner establishments we might visit. Emotional support animals are not considered service animals and are generally not permitted.
Do I need to sign a waiver before participating in New Orleans Secrets Tours?
For certain New Orleans Secrets Tours, particularly those involving physical activity or specific experiences (like some 'Unlocked' packages), participants may be required to sign a liability waiver before beginning the tour. This is a standard procedure to ensure your understanding of potential risks and our policies. Any required waivers will be communicated to you prior to the tour date.
Can I join a New Orleans Secrets Tours part-way through if I'm late?
No, it is generally not possible to join a New Orleans Secrets Tours part-way through if you are late. Our tours follow specific routes and schedules, and joining late would disrupt the experience for other guests and be difficult to coordinate. We strongly advise arriving on time at the designated meeting point. Unfortunately, no refunds are given for missed tours due to late arrival.
What kind of unique historical sites are highlighted on the French Quarter History Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
The French Quarter History Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours highlights unique historical sites such as hidden courtyards that reveal intricate architectural details, former residences of influential figures, sites of significant historical events (like protests or fires), and less-trodden alleys with compelling stories. Our guides delve beyond the well-known landmarks to uncover the truly distinctive and often overlooked facets of the Quarter's past.
Are gift shops visited on the Garden District Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
The Garden District Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours focuses primarily on the history, architecture, and stories of the district, with sightseeing as the main activity. While you'll traverse beautiful streets, the tour does not typically include scheduled stops at gift shops. If you wish to shop in the Garden District, we recommend doing so before or after your tour, as Magazine Street, with its many boutiques, runs alongside the district.
Will I get a chance to meet local residents or shop owners on New Orleans Secrets Tours' food tours?
Yes, on New Orleans Secrets Tours' food tours like the Magazine Street Foodie Tour and Beyond the French Quarter Food Tour, you will often have the opportunity to meet and interact with local restaurant owners, chefs, or staff at the tasting stops. This provides a genuine insight into the local culinary community and their passion for New Orleans food, making the experience more personal and authentic.
Do the 'Ghosts of the French Quarter Tour' by New Orleans Secrets Tours cover specific real-life murder mysteries?
Yes, the 'Ghosts of the French Quarter Tour' by New Orleans Secrets Tours delves into real-life murder mysteries and tragic historical events that have contributed to the area's haunted reputation. Guides recount factual accounts of significant deaths, unexplained disappearances, and eerie historical happenings, connecting these darker aspects of New Orleans' past to the lingering legends of its resident spirits, enhancing the ghost stories with genuine historical context.
Is the New Orleans Secrets Tours' website secure for booking?
Yes, the New Orleans Secrets Tours website uses secure SSL encryption for all booking and payment processes. Your personal and financial information is protected with industry-standard security measures when you make a reservation online. We prioritize your privacy and data security to ensure a safe and trustworthy booking experience.
Are restrooms typically available during the New Orleans Cocktail Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Yes, restrooms are typically available during the New Orleans Cocktail Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours. As the tour involves stops at various bars and establishments for tastings, there will be opportunities to use their restroom facilities. Your guide will ensure that appropriate breaks are taken to ensure everyone's comfort throughout the experience.
What is the recommended attire for 'Mardi Gras Unlocked: Five Days Inside New Orleans' by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
For 'Mardi Gras Unlocked: Five Days Inside New Orleans' by New Orleans Secrets Tours, comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you'll be on your feet exploring parades and festivities. Layered clothing is recommended as temperatures can vary. Bring an umbrella or light rain jacket. Most importantly, attire should be festive and colorful! Anything 'Mardi Gras' themed is encouraged, but remember to dress modestly and respectfully in certain settings.
Can I bring my own camera equipment on New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own camera equipment on New Orleans Secrets Tours. Many guests enjoy capturing the beauty and charm of the city. For walking tours, we recommend bringing equipment that is easily portable and doesn't hinder your mobility or the group's pace. Please be mindful of your fellow tour-goers and public spaces when setting up shots.
Does New Orleans Secrets Tours offer tours focused specifically on New Orleans music history?
While many New Orleans Secrets Tours touch upon the city's rich music history as part of broader cultural or historical narratives, we do not currently offer a standalone tour exclusively focused on music history. However, some of our 'Unlocked' experiences, particularly the 'Five-Day Culinary Experience,' often integrate elements of music, and custom tours can be designed to delve deeper into this aspect upon request, highlighting significant musical landmarks and genres.
What kind of local food can I expect on the Beyond the French Quarter Food Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
On the Beyond the French Quarter Food Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours, you can expect to sample a diverse array of authentic local food beyond the typical tourist fare. This might include regional specialties such as gumbo, po'boys, jambalaya, etouffée, or lesser-known dishes from various cultural influences (e.g., Vietnamese, Central American). The focus is on hidden gems and true neighborhood favorites that locals frequent.
How historically accurate are the stories on the LGBT Queer History Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours?
The stories shared on the LGBT Queer History Tour by New Orleans Secrets Tours are thoroughly researched and based on historical records, archival evidence, oral histories, and scholarly work. Our guides are committed to providing historically accurate, respectful, and nuanced narratives that shed light on the often-marginalized experiences and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community in New Orleans. We aim for authenticity and academic rigor in our storytelling.
Can New Orleans Secrets Tours make reservations for me at restaurants after the tour?
New Orleans Secrets Tours does not directly make restaurant reservations for guests. However, our guides are excellent resources and can provide personal recommendations for dining experiences to suit your preferences after your tour. We encourage you to ask them for their expert advice at the end of your experience, and you can then make your own reservations or simply walk into their suggested spots.
What Customers Say & Common Questions (100)
What do New Orleans Secrets Tours customers say about their guides' knowledge?
Customers consistently praise New Orleans Secrets Tours guides for being exceptionally knowledgeable about local food, history, culture, and specific areas like the Garden District or French Quarter. Guides like Mark, Ty, Adelai, Anderson, Evian, Barnett, Barrett, EJ, Tylyn, Nathan, Angela, Denise, and Adi are frequently highlighted for their in-depth expertise and engaging storytelling.
How do New Orleans Secrets Tours customers describe the guides' personalities?
Reviews often describe New Orleans Secrets Tours guides as personable, lively, engaging, entertaining, enthusiastic, and friendly. They are noted for bringing history to life, making tours fun, and creating a comfortable atmosphere, often making customers feel like they're just 'hanging out with a friend.'
Are New Orleans Secrets Tours suitable for those with dietary restrictions, such as Alpha Gal Syndrome?
Yes, New Orleans Secrets Tours has received positive feedback for accommodating dietary needs. One customer with Alpha Gal Syndrome found the tour helpful in finding safe and delicious food options. They also offer a dedicated vegan food walking tour, which non-vegans have also highly enjoyed.
What is the general customer sentiment regarding the food on New Orleans Secrets Tours' food tours?
Customers uniformly rave about the food on New Orleans Secrets Tours. Phrases like 'delicious,' 'amazing food,' 'ate until we were Thanksgiving full,' and 'worth every penny' are common. The tours are often cited as the 'best food tour we have done,' with appreciation for unique choices and sufficient quantities.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours offer a variety of tour types?
Yes, reviews indicate New Orleans Secrets Tours offers a diverse range of experiences, including food tours (like Magazine St. Food Tour and vegan food tours), historical walking tours (French Quarter, Garden District), ghost tours, Voodoo tours, and queer history tours. This variety allows customers to choose tours that align with their specific interests.
How do customers describe the overall experience with New Orleans Secrets Tours?
The overall experience with New Orleans Secrets Tours is overwhelmingly positive, with customers calling it 'phenomenal,' 'amazing,' 'fantastic,' and 'the best.' Reviewers frequently highlight the combination of knowledgeable guides, engaging stories, and delicious food (on food tours) as contributing to a memorable and highly recommended experience.
Are private tours available through New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Yes, reviews indicate that New Orleans Secrets Tours offers private tours. One customer mentioned booking a private Garden District tour with Angela, who was described as funny and insightful, and responsive to specific inquiries, suggesting a personalized experience.
What is the typical group size for New Orleans Secrets Tours?
While not explicitly stated for all tours, several reviews mention small group sizes as a significant positive. One customer was 'lucky enough to be the only 2 people,' and another chose a tour specifically for its 'small group size,' indicating that New Orleans Secrets Tours aims for intimate experiences, enhancing interaction with the guide.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours guides share personal insights and cultural information?
Yes, customers frequently praise New Orleans Secrets Tours guides for sharing 'cultural information beyond the norm,' 'personal' stories, and 'tidbits about movies and shows.' Guides like Adelai provide insight from being 'born and raised in the area,' adding a unique layer of authenticity and depth to the tours.
Is the queer history tour with New Orleans Secrets Tours highly rated?
Yes, the Queer History tour with New Orleans Secrets Tours has received positive feedback. Tylyn Anson, a guide on this tour, was commended for 'excellent communication skills and knowledge of New Orleans queer history,' indicating it is an informative and well-executed experience.
Are the walking tours offered by New Orleans Secrets Tours physically demanding?
While reviewers mention that the tours are walking tours, one comment specifically states, 'This is a walking tour, but you don’t actually walk that far.' This suggests that while walking is involved, the physical demands may not be overly strenuous, making them accessible to a wider range of participants.
How long do New Orleans Secrets Tours typically last?
One review specifically mentions a '2 hour walking tour of garden city,' and another refers to a '2 hour walking tour.' While specific durations may vary by tour type, this provides an indication that many walking tours from New Orleans Secrets Tours are approximately two hours in length.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours guides offer recommendations beyond the tour itself?
Yes, guides for New Orleans Secrets Tours are noted for providing additional recommendations. One reviewer mentioned that their guide gave them 'a fantastic lunch recommendation,' and another stated their guide gave them 'pointers on how to continue exploring culinary delights' on their own, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Is New Orleans Secrets Tours good for repeat visitors to New Orleans?
Yes, some customers are repeat patrons of New Orleans Secrets Tours. One reviewer stated, 'We’ve done 3 tours with New Orleans Secrets over the years and I highly recommend them!' Another said, 'I've done two tours with this company.' This indicates their tours offer fresh, engaging experiences even for those who have visited the city before.
How well do New Orleans Secrets Tours guides connect with their groups?
Guides for New Orleans Secrets Tours are frequently praised for their ability to connect with groups. Reviews mention guides being 'engaging,' 'great listeners,' making customers feel like 'we made a new friend,' and being 'able to really tailor the speaking points to our interests,' suggesting a high level of personal interaction and adaptability.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours offer tours that explore areas outside of the French Quarter?
Yes, New Orleans Secrets Tours offers tours in various neighborhoods beyond the French Quarter. Reviews specifically mention the 'Magazine St food tour' and the 'Garden District tour.' This provides great opportunities to 'get out of the French Quarter and see some of Magazine St.'
Are the Voodoo tours offered by New Orleans Secrets Tours well-regarded?
Yes, the Voodoo tours by New Orleans Secrets Tours are highly regarded. Customers described their 'Mysteries of Voodoo tour' as a 'great experience' and the 'Voodoo History tour' as an excellent introduction. Guides like Adelie are praised for being 'exceptionally knowledgeable, energetic and fun,' making it an 'authentic appreciation for the practice.'
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours provide good value for money?
Customers largely view New Orleans Secrets Tours as excellent value for money. Phrases like 'money and time very well spent,' 'worth every penny,' and 'well worth the $' appear in reviews. The combination of informative content, delicious food, and engaging guides contributes to this high perceived value.
Is New Orleans Secrets Tours suitable for corporate or work group activities?
Yes, New Orleans Secrets Tours seems well-suited for group activities. One reviewer stated, 'This was the best decision I made for my work group meeting activity - Magazine St food tour.' Another booked a food tour for a 'company onsite,' and everyone 'raved about their experience,' indicating successful large group coordination.
Are the historical aspects of New Orleans Secrets Tours tours comprehensive?
Customers consistently highlight the comprehensive historical content of New Orleans Secrets Tours. Reviews mention learning 'so much lore and history,' 'fascinating facts,' and gaining 'insight into its culture.' Guides are often described as having 'encyclopedic knowledge' and being passionate about the city's past.
What kind of customer service can one expect from New Orleans Secrets Tours?
While not extensively detailed, reviews mention 'communication was timely and clear' regarding meeting spots. Mark, the owner, is noted for being 'so helpful and did a great job working with us on a mobility issue,' suggesting responsive and accommodating customer service from New Orleans Secrets Tours.
Are the vegan food tours from New Orleans Secrets Tours enjoyable for non-vegans?
Absolutely. Several non-vegan customers who took the vegan food tour with New Orleans Secrets Tours were very impressed. Phrases like 'I'm not even vegan...yet the food was delicious, couldn't tell it was vegan' and 'the food was incredible—every stop' indicate high satisfaction even for those without dietary restrictions.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours guides personalize the tour experience?
Yes, reviews indicate that New Orleans Secrets Tours guides are capable of personalizing the experience. Adelai was praised for being 'able to really tailor the speaking points to our interests,' and another guide offered 'tidbits' desired by the group. The small group format also facilitates a more tailored experience.
Are the ghost tours offered by New Orleans Secrets Tours considered a highlight for visitors?
Yes, the ghost tours from New Orleans Secrets Tours are described as a highlight. One customer stated, 'The ghost tour was a highlight of our trip!!' Guide Barrett was lauded for his 'delivery of the material and the personable way,' making the experience memorable and enjoyable.
How does New Orleans Secrets Tours ensure authenticity in its historical narratives?
New Orleans Secrets Tours is praised for its authenticity. One reviewer liked that the tour was 'more informational rather than hokey' and that the guide 'covered a lot of history and was able to quote from his sources.' This suggests a focus on well-researched and credible information, avoiding 'gimmick' tour styles.
Can New Orleans Secrets Tours accommodate mobility issues?
Yes, New Orleans Secrets Tours has shown flexibility for mobility issues. A customer specifically mentioned that Mark, the owner, was 'so helpful and did a great job working with us on a mobility issue!' This indicates a willingness to adapt and ensure accessibility where possible.
Are there opportunities for shopping after New Orleans Secrets Tours?
One review for a walking tour with New Orleans Secrets Tours mentioned, 'There’s great shopping after you’re done with the tour.' While not a primary focus of the tours themselves, it suggests that tour routes are often in areas with convenient access to shopping opportunities.
What makes New Orleans Secrets Tours stand out from other tour companies?
New Orleans Secrets Tours stands out due to its 'high quality tour and guide,' personable and knowledgeable guides who 'bring history to life,' and a focus on authenticity rather than 'gimmicky' experiences. Many reviewers claim it's 'the best tour' or 'best food tour' they've ever taken, suggesting a superior overall experience.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours offer custom tour experiences?
Yes, New Orleans Secrets Tours can create custom experiences. A reviewer mentioned that Angela was 'amazing, helping to create a custom experience' for their work group meeting activity, highlighting the company's flexibility and willingness to tailor tours to specific needs.
How do New Orleans Secrets Tours guides make the historical information interesting?
New Orleans Secrets Tours guides make history engaging through 'great storytelling,' being 'lively,' 'entertaining,' and 'humorous.' They are lauded for bringing history to life and making it 'fascinating' and 'chilling,' ensuring the information is not only educational but also captivating for participants.
Is early communication from New Orleans Secrets Tours clear and helpful?
Yes, a reviewer noted that for their Mysteries of Voodoo tour with New Orleans Secrets Tours, 'Communication was timely and clear, and our meeting spot was easy to find.' This suggests effective and clear communication before the tour begins.
Are the itineraries for New Orleans Secrets Tours well-planned?
While not explicitly detailed as 'itineraries,' the positive feedback on 'outstanding tour and selection of restaurants,' and guides knowing 'every restaurant we stopped at,' indicates well-thought-out routes and stops. Customers appreciate the flow and specific places visited during New Orleans Secrets Tours.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours guides have a deep passion for the city?
Yes, many reviews emphasize the guides' passion for the city. Phrases like 'truly brought the history to life,' 'passionate about the food,' having 'an authentic appreciation for the practice,' and being 'passionate about New Orleans food' are frequently used, indicating a genuine love for their subject.
What are some specific food highlights on New Orleans Secrets Tours' food tours?
Specific food highlights mentioned on New Orleans Secrets Tours' food tours include the Roast Beef Debris Poboy and Muffuletta Eggrolls from Mahony's, and the 'best bread pudding' at Red Dog Diner. Vegan cheesecake was also highlighted as a surprisingly delicious option on the vegan tour.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours offer tours focused on specific districts?
Yes, New Orleans Secrets Tours features tours focused on specific districts. Reviewers mention the 'Garden District tour' and the 'Magazine St food tour,' which allows concentrated exploration and in-depth knowledge of these distinct areas of New Orleans.
How do customers feel about the professionalism of New Orleans Secrets Tours guides?
Customers consistently describe New Orleans Secrets Tours guides as professional. Comments range from 'very professional and polite' to 'top-notch organization.' This feedback suggests that guides maintain a high standard of conduct and expertise throughout the tour experience.
Are New Orleans Secrets Tours guides good at managing group dynamics?
While not explicitly about conflict resolution, reviews suggesting guides are 'great listeners,' 'engaging,' and make participants feel like 'new friends,' imply good interpersonal skills helpful for group management. The 'smaller group also made a big difference, it felt more personal' for New Orleans Secrets Tours.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours tours typically include opportunities to try unique local foods?
Yes, reviewers often mention trying unique local foods with New Orleans Secrets Tours. Customers noted eating 'food not the usual' and trying food options they 'would not have tried' otherwise. This suggests an emphasis on authentic and distinct culinary experiences, including creole and cajun cuisine.
What is the general sentiment regarding the humor of New Orleans Secrets Tours guides?
Reviews often highlight the humor of New Orleans Secrets Tours guides. Guides like Nathan are described as being 'humorous,' and Barrett was noted for being 'humorous' and making the evening 'very fun.' This contributes to an enjoyable and engaging tour atmosphere.
Does New Orleans Secrets Tours provide tours with a focus on art or galleries?
Yes, at least one review for New Orleans Secrets Tours mentions an art-related stop. A customer on the Foodie Tour loved 'the stop into the art gallery what a nice surprise.' This indicates that some tours may incorporate cultural stops beyond just food or history.
How do New Orleans Secrets Tours ensure guides are well-prepared?
Reviews consistently praise the guides' extensive knowledge, with terms like 'encyclopedic knowledge' and 'accomplished in his delivery,' suggesting thorough preparation. One reviewer appreciated that a guide 'quote[d] from his sources,' implying research and accuracy in New Orleans Secrets Tours' presentations.
Are New Orleans Secrets Tours suitable for families with children?
While not directly addressing children, the emphasis on engaging storytelling, fun atmosphere, and delicious food (for food tours) suggests New Orleans Secrets Tours could be family-friendly. The 'informative and fun' nature of the tours might appeal to older children, but specific age recommendations are not mentioned in reviews.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours offer insights into both history and current culture?
Yes, New Orleans Secrets Tours provides a blend of historical and current cultural insights. Reviews mention learning about 'the city’s fascinating history and cultural tidbits' and guides giving 'historical and current information about the area' to help 'gain appreciation for the food and area.'
What is the quality of information shared on New Orleans Secrets Tours?
The quality of information shared by New Orleans Secrets Tours is consistently rated as excellent. Reviewers use terms like 'incredibly knowledgeable,' 'very informative,' and 'amazing' content. Guides are praised for providing 'deep dives' and facts that truly bring the city's lore and history to life without being 'hokey'.
Are there opportunities for spontaneous discoveries or unique stops on New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Yes, reviews imply opportunities for unique experiences. One customer mentioned the 'entire afternoon was full of surprises and delights,' and another 'loved the stop into the art gallery what a nice surprise' on New Orleans Secrets Tours. This suggests guides might incorporate unexpected or interesting detours.
How do New Orleans Secrets Tours handle unforeseen circumstances or special requests during a tour?
Specific examples of handling unforeseen circumstances are limited, but New Orleans Secrets Tours' reputation for highly adaptable and personalized experiences, such as tailoring speaking points or working with mobility issues, suggests a flexible approach to special requests and on-the-spot adjustments.
Does New Orleans Secrets Tours offer unique perspectives on common tourist attractions?
Yes, New Orleans Secrets Tours excels at offering unique perspectives. Guides
How do New Orleans Secrets Tours guides contribute to the overall atmosphere of the tour?
New Orleans Secrets Tours guides are central to creating a positive atmosphere. They are described as lively, energetic, engaging, and fun, turning what could be a simple walk into an immersive and enjoyable experience. Their passion and personality greatly enhance the tour's ambiance.
Is the booking process for New Orleans Secrets Tours straightforward?
While not explicitly detailed in every review, one positive comment noting 'Communication was timely and clear, and our meeting spot was easy to find' suggests a smooth and understandable booking and pre-tour information process for New Orleans Secrets Tours.
What kind of storytelling can customers expect from New Orleans Secrets Tours guides?
Customers can expect compelling and captivating storytelling from New Orleans Secrets Tours guides. Stories are described as 'fascinating,' 'chilling facts,' and 'bringing the history to life.' Guides like Evian are specifically praised for their 'great storytelling,' making the tours informative and entertaining.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours provide insights into the history of cuisine?
Yes, food tours from New Orleans Secrets Tours deeply delve into culinary history. Guides are described as 'incredibly knowledgeable about every restaurant we stopped at,' and providing 'history of the food and culture' as well as 'the history behind all the food choices,' including creole and cajun cuisine.
Are there any hidden costs or unexpected fees with New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Reviews do not mention any hidden costs or unexpected fees for New Orleans Secrets Tours. The sentiment suggests good value, implying that the advertised price covers the full experience, including all food samples on food tours.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours tours typically end with full stomachs on food tours?
Absolutely. Multiple reviews for New Orleans Secrets Tours food tours explicitly state, 'We ate until we were Thanksgiving full,' 'more than enough good food,' and 'come hungry. You will get your fill and then some.' Customers confirm they leave feeling very satisfied.
How are New Orleans Secrets Tours guides at making complex history understandable?
New Orleans Secrets Tours guides are adept at making complex history accessible and enjoyable. They are praised for breaking down 'fascinating facts' and 'lore' in an 'informative' and 'engaging' manner, ensuring that participants learn a lot without feeling overwhelmed.
Are photos allowed on New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Reviews do not explicitly prohibit or encourage photography for New Orleans Secrets Tours. Given the nature of walking tours and the desire to capture memories, it's generally safe to assume casual photography is permitted, though politeness and guide's instructions should be followed.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours cater to individuals visiting alone?
While not explicitly addressed, the friendly and personable nature of New Orleans Secrets Tours guides, coupled with the small group sizes, would likely make a solo visitor feel comfortable and integrated into the group, fostering a positive experience.
What is the typical starting point for New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Reviews only mention that the 'meeting spot was easy to find' for one particular tour with New Orleans Secrets Tours. Specific starting points vary by tour type and location (e.g., French Quarter, Magazine St., Garden District) and are communicated prior to the tour.
How flexible are New Orleans Secrets Tours with tour times?
While general flexibility in scheduling isn't mentioned, the company's ability to create 'custom experiences' and accommodate 'private tours' for work groups suggests a degree of flexibility for New Orleans Secrets Tours, particularly for larger or private bookings.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours provide an immersive cultural experience?
Yes, customers describe New Orleans Secrets Tours as providing a 'great immersion into New Orleans.' Guides share 'cultural information beyond the norm,' offer 'a look into the culture and stories behind the food,' and showcase 'an authentic appreciation' for local practices, providing a truly immersive experience.
How do New Orleans Secrets Tours ensure a dynamic and interactive tour experience?
New Orleans Secrets Tours ensures a dynamic and interactive experience through engaging guides who are 'lively,' 'entertaining,' and 'great listeners.' The smaller group sizes also foster more personal interaction, allowing guides to tailor discussions and make participants feel like part of the conversation.
Are restroom breaks typically included or easily accessible on New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Reviews do not explicitly mention restroom breaks for New Orleans Secrets Tours. However, food tours involve stops at multiple establishments where restrooms are generally available. For walking tours, guides are usually responsive to such needs if communicated.
To what extent do New Orleans Secrets Tours highlight local businesses?
Food tours by New Orleans Secrets Tours inherently highlight local businesses, as they stop at various restaurants and eateries. One reviewer appreciated seeing 'some of Magazine St., a new favorite for me,' suggesting the tours also introduce customers to local establishments they might revisit.
Are the tours from New Orleans Secrets Tours educational as well as entertaining?
Yes, customers consistently describe New Orleans Secrets Tours as both educational and entertaining. Phrases like 'fun and informative,' 'fascinating, entertaining, and informative,' and learning 'so much lore and history' while having 'an amazing experience' demonstrate this dual benefit.
Does New Orleans Secrets Tours offer different routes or themes for their walking tours?
Yes, New Orleans Secrets Tours offers different routes and themes for their walking tours, catering to varied interests. Examples include the 'Garden District tour,' 'French Quarter' history tours, 'Ghosts of the French Quarter tour,' 'Mysteries of Voodoo tour,' and 'Queer History tour.'
How do New Orleans Secrets Tours handle unforeseen weather conditions?
Reviews do not specifically mention how New Orleans Secrets Tours handles unforeseen weather. However, general best practices for tour companies would include communication regarding cancellations, rescheduling, or advising on appropriate attire, which aligns with their noted clear communication.
Is booking in advance recommended for New Orleans Secrets Tours?
While not explicitly stated as 'recommended,' the high praise and positive demand for New Orleans Secrets Tours, especially for specific guides or popular tour types, implies that booking in advance would be advisable to secure desired dates and times.
How engaging are the presentations by New Orleans Secrets Tours guides?
The presentations by New Orleans Secrets Tours guides are highly engaging. Reviewers use terms like 'phenomenal,' 'lively,' 'entertaining,' and describe guides as having 'charismatic personality' and an 'amazing job showing us around.' They ensure active participation and interest throughout.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours provide good value for group bookings?
Although specific group discounts aren't detailed, the success of bookings for 'work group meeting activity' and 'company onsite' with New Orleans Secrets Tours, where everyone 'raved about their experience,' suggests that they offer good value and a well-managed experience for groups.
Are the destinations visited by New Orleans Secrets Tours easily accessible?
Reviews for New Orleans Secrets Tours mention various locations like Magazine Street, the Garden District, and the French Quarter. While generally walkable, the company has shown willingness to 'work with us on a mobility issue,' suggesting an awareness and effort towards accessibility.
What kind of feedback do New Orleans Secrets Tours receive about their owner, Mark?
Mark, the owner of New Orleans Secrets Tours, receives high praise. He's described as 'phenomenal,' 'personable,' 'lively,' 'truly knowledgeable,' and 'so helpful.' He's also noted for his 'passion for food' and willingness to 'work with us on a mobility issue,' showcasing his dedication and customer-centric approach.
Are New Orleans Secrets Tours guides good at recommending other activities in New Orleans?
Yes, New Orleans Secrets Tours guides often go beyond the tour's scope. They have given 'fantastic lunch recommendations' and 'pointers on how to continue exploring culinary delights,' indicating their willingness to share broader local insights that enhance the overall visitor experience.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours offer tours that provide a deep dive into specific historical topics?
Yes, New Orleans Secrets Tours offers tours that delve deeply into specific historical topics. Examples include the 'Mysteries of Voodoo tour,' 'Queer History tour,' and the French Quarter and Garden District history tours, which all offer detailed insights into a particular aspect of New Orleans' past.
Can New Orleans Secrets Tours tours be a good way to get acquainted with the city on a first visit?
Yes, New Orleans Secrets Tours is highly recommended for first-time visitors. Reviews mention it's a 'great immersion into New Orleans' and 'a great way to experience food in NOLA.' The knowledgeable guides provide a comprehensive introduction to the city's history, food, and culture.
How are New Orleans Secrets Tours guides at adapting to group interests?
New Orleans Secrets Tours guides are highly adaptable. Adelai was praised for being 'able to really tailor the speaking points to our interests,' and another experience was described as 'individualized based on interests,' highlighting their flexibility in customizing the tour experience to suit the group's preferences.
Are the walking routes for New Orleans Secrets Tours scenic?
While 'scenic' is subjective, reviews frequently mention 'beautiful sites' and exploring districts like the Garden District and Magazine Street, which are known for their aesthetics. This suggests that New Orleans Secrets Tours incorporates visually appealing routes into their tours.
Does New Orleans Secrets Tours offer any tours that explore the darker side of New Orleans history?
Yes, New Orleans Secrets Tours offers tours that delve into darker historical aspects. The 'Ghosts of the French Quarter tour' and 'Mysteries of Voodoo tour' are examples where guides share 'truly fascinating and chilling facts about NOLA,' providing an intriguing exploration of the city's mysterious past.
How responsive are New Orleans Secrets Tours to customer inquiries?
One review for a private tour noted that Angela was 'quick to respond to inquiries on specific items,' indicating good responsiveness from New Orleans Secrets Tours regarding customer questions and needs prior to or during the booking process.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours offer an unpretentious and non-gimmicky experience?
Yes, customers specifically praise New Orleans Secrets Tours for being authentic and non-gimmicky. Reviewers appreciate that the tours 'don't add extra fluff' and are 'more informational rather than hokey,' providing a genuine and respectful experience of New Orleans.
What is the quality of the insights provided by New Orleans Secrets Tours guides?
The insights provided by New Orleans Secrets Tours guides are of very high quality. They offer 'insider knowledge,' 'beyond the norm' cultural information, and 'deep dives' into history. Their local perspective, especially from native guides, significantly enriches the understanding of New Orleans.
Are the tours from New Orleans Secrets Tours well-paced?
While not explicitly stated as 'well-paced' in reviews, the positive sentiment about the overall experience and the ability of guides to entertain and inform for durations like two hours suggest a good pacing for New Orleans Secrets Tours. Customers feel engaged throughout.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours offer a good way to meet new people?
Yes, New Orleans Secrets Tours can be a good way to meet new people. One reviewer mentioned having 'a great time meeting people from other parts' on their food tour. The small group environment and engaging guide facilitate friendly interactions among participants.
What are the common praised qualities of Ty, a guide for New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Ty, a guide for New Orleans Secrets Tours, is highly praised for being 'very knowledgeable,' 'awesome,' 'kind,' 'great energy,' and a 'great guide.' Customers appreciate his expertise on food and culture, making him a favorite for many food tours.
What are the common praised qualities of Adelai, a guide for New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Adelai, a guide for New Orleans Secrets Tours, consistently receives glowing reviews. She is described as 'excellent,' 'so entertaining and knowledgeable,' 'great,' 'energetic,' 'amazing,' and 'wonderful.' Her ability to tailor tours and provide unique insights makes her a standout.
What are the common praised qualities of Barnett/Barrett, a guide for New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Barnett/Barrett, a guide for New Orleans Secrets Tours, is frequently commended for his 'amazing' knowledge, being a 'fantastic guide,' 'very knowledgeable and passionate,' 'enthusiastic,' and 'humorous.' He is particularly praised for his storytelling and making tours fun and engaging.
What are the common praised qualities of Evian, a guide for New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Evian, a guide for New Orleans Secrets Tours, is consistently praised for being 'extremely knowledgeable,' 'fabulous,' having 'great storytelling,' and doing an 'amazing job.' Customers highlight his ability to present 'fascinating and chilling facts' in an engaging manner, making for a memorable experience.
What are the common praised qualities of EJ, a guide for New Orleans Secrets Tours?
EJ, a guide for New Orleans Secrets Tours, is described as 'fabulous,' 'so knowledgeable,' and 'absolutely amazing.' Customers appreciate his expertise and engaging personality, making their food tour experiences truly stand out and earn him 'at least 5 stars.'
What are the common praised qualities of Anderson, a guide for New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Anderson, a guide for New Orleans Secrets Tours, is consistently praised for being 'incredibly knowledgeable,' 'engaging,' and truly bringing 'the history to life.' Reviewers also highlight his 'authentic appreciation' for local practices, strong historical knowledge, and 'great sense of humor.'
What are the common praised qualities of Tylyn, a guide for New Orleans Secrets Tours?
Tylyn, a guide for New Orleans Secrets Tours, is frequently described as 'amazing,' 'wonderful,' and 'so much knowledge.' Customers appreciate his deep understanding of New Orleans food, culture, and specific topics like queer history, making him a highly recommended guide.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours offer a good way to see parts of the city that tourists might otherwise miss?
Yes, New Orleans Secrets Tours provides access to areas tourists might overlook. Reviews mention the 'Magazine St food tour' as a 'great opportunity to Get out of the French Quarter and see some of Magazine St.,' indicating the tours explore diverse neighborhoods beyond the main tourist hubs.
How do New Orleans Secrets Tours maintain high quality across multiple tours and guides?
The consistent high quality across New Orleans Secrets Tours is evident through repeated positive reviews for various guides and tour types. The company is referred to as a 'top-notch organization' with guides who are 'passionate about their city,' suggesting a strong commitment to excellence in guide selection and training.
Does New Orleans Secrets Tours provide detailed historical context for the food on their tours?
Yes, New Orleans Secrets Tours integrates historical context deeply into their food tours. Guides are praised for explaining 'the history behind all the food choices' and providing 'deep dives' into the 'history of creole & cajun cuisine,' offering more than just tasting experiences.
Are the walking tours suitable for those who prefer not to walk long distances?
One reviewer explicitly stated about a walking tour, 'This is a walking tour, but you don’t actually walk that far.' This suggests that while walking is involved, the distances covered on New Orleans Secrets Tours may not be excessive, making them manageable for many.
What kind of local references or tidbits do New Orleans Secrets Tours guides provide?
New Orleans Secrets Tours guides provide rich local references, including 'tidbits about movies and show that were made at certain houses,' insights into 'the culture and stories behind the food,' and perspectives from being 'born and raised in the area,' adding unique local flavor to the tours.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours offer tours that specifically delve into local folklore or legends?
Yes, New Orleans Secrets Tours offers tours that feature local folklore and legends. Reviewers mention learning 'so much lore and history' and hearing 'chilling facts' on ghost and Voodoo tours, indicating a focus on the rich, mystical narratives of the city.
Are New Orleans Secrets Tours generally considered a highlight of visitors' trips?
Yes, many customers consider New Orleans Secrets Tours a highlight of their trip. Phrases like 'a highlight of our trip' and 'best decision I made' are common, showing the tours often leave a lasting, positive impression on visitors.
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours offer options for both daytime and evening tours?
Reviews mention both daytime tours (e.g., morning Garden District tours, Magazine St. food tours) and evening tours (e.g., ghost tours, Voodoo tours) offered by New Orleans Secrets Tours, suggesting a range of scheduling options to fit different preferences.
How does New Orleans Secrets Tours ensure consistency in guide quality?
The high praise for a wide array of guides (Mark, Ty, Adelai, Anderson, Evian, Barnett/Barrett, EJ, Tylyn, Nathan, Angela, Denise, Adi) across many reviews suggests New Orleans Secrets Tours has a strong vetting and training process, ensuring consistently knowledgeable, engaging, and professional guides.
Are New Orleans Secrets Tours suitable for those who have been on many food tours before?
Yes, New Orleans Secrets Tours is highly rated even by experienced food tour participants. One reviewer stated, 'We have been on over 15 food tours and this ranks high on the top of the list,' and another claimed, 'This was easily the best food tour we have done!'
Do New Orleans Secrets Tours provide context on the architecture and unique homes of the city?
Yes, tours like the Garden District tour with New Orleans Secrets Tours specifically provide context on the city's architecture and homes. Reviewers praised guides for knowledge about 'the Garden District' and 'tidbits about movies and shows that were made at certain houses.'
How do New Orleans Secrets Tours incorporate interaction with locals during their tours?
While not explicitly stated as direct 'interaction with locals,' the food tours with New Orleans Secrets Tours involve visiting local establishments. This inherently provides participants with a local experience and potentially brief interactions with staff, guided by the knowledgeable tour guides.
Destination Guides & Things to Do (100)
What are the best things to do in the French Quarter, New Orleans?
In the French Quarter, immerse yourself in history and vibrant culture. Explore Jackson Square, visit St. Louis Cathedral, and wander through Royal and Bourbon Streets. Enjoy live jazz, savor Creole cuisine, and discover unique shops. Consider a ghost or history tour starting from the New Orleans Playing Card Company to delve deeper into the haunted past and fascinating stories of this iconic district.
What is the French Quarter, New Orleans known for?
The French Quarter is renowned for its distinctive architecture, lively music scene, delicious food, and rich history. It's famous for Bourbon Street's nightlife, Jackson Square's artistic charm, and its strong Creole and Cajun influences. This historic heart of New Orleans is also celebrated for its unique blend of European and Caribbean cultures, making it an unforgettable travel destination.
What attractions should I visit in the French Quarter?
Must-visit attractions include Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, the historic Pontalba Apartments, and the French Market. Don't miss the art galleries along Royal Street and the vibrant atmosphere of Bourbon Street. For a deeper understanding of its unique heritage, consider a guided walking tour, often departing from central locations like the Bourbon Orleans Hotel.
Best time to visit New Orleans' French Quarter?
The best time to visit New Orleans, especially the French Quarter, is during the spring (February to May) or fall (October to November). The weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for exploring on foot. These seasons also feature many festivals, though spring brings Mardi Gras, which is a very crowded and festive period. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are generally mild.
How to get around in the French Quarter, New Orleans?
The French Quarter is best explored on foot due to its pedestrian-friendly streets and charming alleys. Taxis and ride-sharing services are available for longer distances. Streetcars offer a scenic way to travel to other neighborhoods, and bicycle rentals are also an option. Many tour companies offer walking tours, providing an excellent way to navigate and learn about the area.
What local experiences are available in the French Quarter?
Experience creole cooking classes, listen to live jazz at Preservation Hall or on Bourbon Street, or enjoy a café au lait and beignets at Cafe Du Monde. Take a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi River. Engage in a unique historical perspective with a guided tour, perhaps meeting near 618 Decatur Street, to uncover the hidden stories and local lore.
What local food should I try in New Orleans' French Quarter?
You must try classic New Orleans dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, po'boys, and étouffée. Beignets from Cafe Du Monde are a quintessential treat. Don't forget fresh seafood, particularly oysters and crawfish. Restaurants in the French Quarter offer everything from casual bites to fine dining, ensuring a delectable culinary journey. Consider starting your food adventure at a local café like CC’s Coffee House on Royal Street.
What cultural sites exist in the French Quarter, New Orleans?
Cultural sites include the Historic New Orleans Collection, the Cabildo, the Presbytère, and the New Orleans Jazz Museum. St. Louis Cathedral is a prominent landmark, and the various art galleries on Royal Street showcase local and regional artists. The entire quarter itself is a cultural experience, reflecting its diverse past and vibrant present.
Where should I stay in the French Quarter, New Orleans?
For an authentic experience, consider staying in a historic hotel within the French Quarter. Options range from luxurious accommodations like the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, offering direct access to Bourbon Street, to charming boutique guesthouses. Staying here provides easy access to all the major attractions, dining, and nightlife, allowing for immersive exploration right outside your door.
What is the weather like in the French Quarter, New Orleans?
New Orleans has a humid subtropical climate. Summers (June-September) are hot and very humid, often with afternoon thunderstorms. Winters (December-February) are mild and pleasant. Spring (March-May) and Fall (October-November) offer comfortable temperatures, making them ideal times to visit. Be prepared for humidity year-round and occasional rain, especially in summer.
Are there any ghost tours in the French Quarter, New Orleans?
Yes, the French Quarter is famous for its numerous ghost tours! Due to its long and sometimes dark history, many companies offer haunted history and ghost tours. These often explore macabre tales, voodoo, and reported paranormal activity. Many of these exciting tours often begin at the New Orleans Playing Card Company, offering a thrilling evening adventure.
Can I find live music in the French Quarter, New Orleans?
Absolutely! The French Quarter is a hub for live music, especially jazz. You'll find venues on Bourbon Street, Royal Street, and Preservation Hall. Many restaurants and bars also feature live bands throughout the day and night. The soulful sounds of New Orleans music are an integral part of the Quarter's vibrant atmosphere and an experience not to be missed.
What are the best places for shopping in the French Quarter?
For shopping, explore the eclectic boutiques on Royal Street for art and antiques. The French Market offers a variety of goods from local crafts to souvenirs and food. Chartres Street also has unique shops. For specific needs, discover local gems, and maybe even find a special gift after a tour starting near the New Orleans Playing Card Company.
Are there family-friendly activities in the French Quarter?
Yes, family-friendly options include visiting Jackson Square, riding the streetcar, exploring the French Market, and taking a steamboat ride on the Mississippi. The New Orleans Jazz Museum is also engaging for all ages. While Bourbon Street is more adult-oriented, many other areas offer delightful experiences suitable for families traveling with children.
What are the best bars in the French Quarter, New Orleans?
The French Quarter boasts an array of bars catering to all tastes. For classic New Orleans cocktails, visit the Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone or Pat O'Brien's for a Hurricane. Bourbon Street offers numerous lively options. For a more sophisticated experience, the Bourbon O bar inside the Bourbon Orleans Hotel is an excellent choice for a pre-dinner drink.
Where can I find vegetarian food in the French Quarter?
While traditional New Orleans cuisine is often meat-heavy, many restaurants in the French Quarter offer vegetarian and vegan options. Look for establishments that cater to diverse dietary needs, and don't hesitate to ask about modifications. Local cafes like CC's Coffee House near Royal Street might also offer lighter, plant-based choices to start your day.
Can I take a cooking class in the French Quarter?
Yes, several establishments in the French Quarter offer cooking classes where you can learn to prepare classic New Orleans dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and étouffée. It's a fun and interactive way to immerse yourself in the local culinary culture and bring a taste of New Orleans home with you. Check with the New Orleans School of Cooking for a popular option.
Is the French Quarter safe at night?
Like any popular tourist area, it's important to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Stick to well-lit, populated streets and avoid walking alone in secluded areas. Bourbon Street can be very lively but also crowded. Many visitors enjoy the nightlife safely by exercising common sense and caution, especially when walking back to accommodations.
What historical tours are available in the French Quarter?
Historical tours are abundant in the French Quarter, covering topics from general history to specific themes like voodoo, architecture, and literary figures. Many tours begin at prominent landmarks or visitor centers. For a truly immersive experience, join a guided tour often starting from the New Orleans Playing Card Company, revealing centuries of captivating stories.
Where can I see street performers in the French Quarter?
Jackson Square is the primary hub for street performers in the French Quarter, featuring artists, musicians, fortune tellers, and mimes. You'll also find talented musicians and performers scattered along Bourbon Street and Royal Street, adding to the vibrant streetscape. Their spontaneous acts are a quintessential part of the Quarter's charm and atmosphere.
What are some lesser-known spots to explore in the French Quarter?
Beyond the main attractions, explore quieter parallel streets like Chartres Street for unique boutiques and hidden courtyards. Discover the pharmaceutical museum or the historic Hermann-Grima House. Engage with the local LGBTQ+ history by visiting or learning about the LGBT+ Archive of Louisiana to uncover fascinating stories and important cultural contributions.
Are there art galleries in the French Quarter, New Orleans?
Royal Street in the French Quarter is particularly known for its extensive array of art galleries, showcasing local, regional, and international artists. You'll find everything from traditional Southern art to contemporary pieces. Strolling down Royal Street is an art lover's delight, offering opportunities to admire and purchase unique artworks.
How far is the French Quarter from the Garden District?
The French Quarter and Garden District are distinct neighborhoods but not far apart. You can reach the Garden District by streetcar (St. Charles Avenue line) in about 15-20 minutes, or a short taxi/rideshare. It's a pleasant journey that allows you to see other parts of the city and contrast the two unique architectural styles.
Where can I find tours about New Orleans' unique history?
New Orleans' history is rich and complex, and many tours delve into its unique past. From general historical overviews to specific themes like voodoo, pirates, or literary history, you'll find a variety of options. A great starting point for such explorations could be tours that meet at the New Orleans Playing Card Company, offering a central and iconic departure point.
What is the best way to experience New Orleans nightlife outside of Bourbon Street?
For nightlife beyond Bourbon Street, head to Frenchmen Street in the Marigny for live jazz and local music clubs. The Central Business District and Warehouse District also offer trendy bars and restaurants. For a classic experience within the French Quarter, consider starting your evening at the sophisticated Bourbon O bar inside the Bourbon Orleans Hotel.
Can I take a photography tour of the French Quarter, New Orleans?
Yes, the French Quarter's picturesque streets, historic architecture, and vibrant atmosphere make it a popular subject for photography tours. These tours often guide you to the best spots for capturing iconic images while providing tips on composition and lighting. It's an excellent way to document your trip and hone your photographic skills in a beautiful setting.
What are the best coffee shops in the French Quarter?
Beyond the famous Cafe Du Monde, the French Quarter offers several excellent coffee shops. CC’s Coffee House at 941 Royal Street is a popular spot for a great cup of coffee and a relaxed atmosphere. Other local cafes provide charming settings for enjoying a morning brew or an afternoon pick-me-up while soaking in the Quarter's ambiance.
Are there any voodoo tours in the French Quarter, New Orleans?
Yes, New Orleans has a deep connection to Voodoo, and several tours explore its history, rituals, and cultural significance. These tours often visit Voodoo shops, discuss famous practitioners like Marie Laveau, and delve into the spiritual traditions. Many fascinating tours can be found that meet at the New Orleans Playing Card Company, offering a unique spiritual journey.
What museums are located in the French Quarter?
The French Quarter is home to several intriguing museums. These include The Cabildo and The Presbytère, part of the Louisiana State Museum, which offer insights into state history and Mardi Gras. The Historic New Orleans Collection and the New Orleans Jazz Museum are also within the Quarter, providing rich cultural and artistic experiences for visitors.
Where can I find authentic New Orleans souvenirs?
For authentic New Orleans souvenirs, explore the shops in the French Market, which offer a wide range of local crafts, art, and food items. Royal Street's boutiques also feature unique local products. Many specialty shops, including the New Orleans Playing Card Company, offer items that reflect the city's unique culture and history, making for memorable keepsakes.
What is the history of the Bourbon Orleans Hotel?
The Bourbon Orleans Hotel, located at 730 Bourbon Street, has a rich and storied history. Originally built in 1815 as the Orleans Ballroom and Theatre, it later served as a convent and an orphanage. Today, it's a luxurious hotel known for its elegant architecture, historical charm, and often, its reported paranormal activity, making it a truly unique place to stay or visit.
How can I learn about the LGBT+ history in New Orleans?
To learn about the rich LGBT+ history in New Orleans, you can explore resources like the LGBT+ Archive of Louisiana. This archive preserves and champions the stories and contributions of the local LGBT+ community, offering valuable insights into its significant role in the city's cultural tapestry. Visiting or researching their holdings provides a unique historical perspective.
Are there swamp tours near New Orleans?
Yes, swamp tours are a popular excursion from New Orleans, offering a chance to see Louisiana's unique bayou ecosystem. You can usually find tour companies that provide transportation from the French Quarter to the swamps. It's a fantastic opportunity to spot alligators, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat and experience a different side of Louisiana.
What's the best way to explore Magazine Street, New Orleans?
Magazine Street is a long, vibrant thoroughfare full of boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and bars. It's best explored by walking a few blocks at a time, or using a taxi/rideshare to hop between different sections. For a curated experience, consider starting a food or shopping tour that meets conveniently just outside of Mahony’s Po-Boys Magazine Street location.
What kind of food can I find on Magazine Street, New Orleans?
Magazine Street offers a diverse culinary scene beyond the French Quarter. You'll find everything from casual cafes and bakeries to upscale dining, with a focus on local ingredients and international flavors. Mahony’s Po-Boys Magazine Street location is a must-visit for authentic New Orleans po'boys, offering a quintessential taste of the city's casual fare.
Are there any historic bars on Magazine Street, New Orleans?
Magazine Street has a mix of newer establishments and classic neighborhood bars. St. Joe’s Bar at 5535 Magazine Street is a local favorite, known for its relaxed atmosphere, good drinks, and often live music. It's a great spot to experience a more local New Orleans bar scene away from the main tourist areas and enjoy a casual evening out.
What makes St. Joe’s Bar a popular spot on Magazine Street?
St. Joe’s Bar is endeared by locals and visitors alike for its charming, laid-back ambiance that perfectly encapsulates the neighborhood's relaxed vibe. Known for its inviting atmosphere and unique cocktails, it’s a refreshing departure from the bustling French Quarter. It offers a genuine slice of New Orleans bar culture, ideal for an evening with friends.
Is Magazine Street good for shopping?
Magazine Street is renowned for its excellent and diverse shopping opportunities. It stretches for miles, featuring an eclectic mix of antique shops, art galleries, boutiques selling clothing and home goods, and unique gift stores. It offers a different shopping experience than the French Quarter, with more local and independent retailers, perfect for finding unique treasures.
How do I get to Magazine Street from the French Quarter?
From the French Quarter, you can reach Magazine Street via a short taxi or rideshare. Alternatively, the St. Charles Avenue streetcar is a scenic option; you'd then need to walk a few blocks or take a short bus ride to Magazine Street itself. A quick taxi or rideshare will bring you directly to popular spots like Mahony’s Po-Boys Magazine Street location for ease.
What kind of unique shops can I find on Magazine Street?
Magazine Street is home to a fantastic array of unique shops, perfect for discovering one-of-a-kind items. You'll find vintage clothing stores, specialty food markets, home decor boutiques, art galleries featuring local artists, and shops selling artisan jewelry and gifts. It's a treasure trove for those looking for something beyond typical tourist souvenirs.
Are there historical sites to visit on Magazine Street?
While Magazine Street is primarily known for its shopping and dining, it does have a rich history reflected in its architecture and local businesses. Many buildings are historic, showcasing diverse styles. Exploring the length of the street reveals glimpses into New Orleans' past as a commercial corridor, blending commerce with preserved historical charm.
What's the best time of day to visit Magazine Street for shopping and dining?
For the best experience, visit Magazine Street during the late morning or early afternoon. Shops typically open around 10 or 11 AM, and it allows ample time for browsing before lunch or dinner. Weekdays can be less crowded than weekends. Starting your day with brunch or a coffee near Mahony’s Po-Boys Magazine Street location is an excellent plan.
Can I find live music venues on Magazine Street?
Magazine Street features a more laid-back live music scene compared to the French Quarter. You'll find several bars and restaurants that host local musicians, particularly on weekends. St. Joe’s Bar at 5535 Magazine Street is a notable spot where you might catch some local talent in a more intimate setting, offering a relaxed environment to enjoy tunes.
What makes the Rink shopping center unique in New Orleans?
The Rink is a historic building, originally a roller skating rink, transformed into a charming shopping center. Located in the Garden District, it houses a variety of independent boutiques, a bookstore, and a coffee shop. Its unique history and local focus make it a distinctive shopping destination, and it serves as a convenient meeting point for many area tours.
What type of shops are at The Rink shopping center?
The Rink shopping center is home to a curated selection of independent retailers. You'll find a popular local bookstore, boutique gift shops, and often, small art or specialty stores. It's a great place to discover unique items and support local businesses in a historic setting, offering a more intimate shopping experience than larger malls.
How do I get to The Rink shopping center?
The Rink is conveniently located in the Garden District, making it accessible from the French Quarter by taking the St. Charles Avenue streetcar. It’s a pleasant ride and the Rink is a well-known stop. Many tours, especially those exploring the Garden District, often meet near the stairs of The Rink shopping center, offering easy access for visitors.
Are there places to eat near The Rink shopping center?
Yes, The Rink shopping center is surrounded by excellent dining options in the Garden District. You'll find a range of restaurants from casual cafes to upscale eateries within easy walking distance. Many offer outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying the beautiful neighborhood ambiance after some shopping. There's something for every taste and budget nearby.
What are the architectural highlights near The Rink?
Near The Rink, you are surrounded by the stunning antebellum mansions of the Garden District. Stroll along the oak-lined streets to admire the grand homes with their elaborate ironwork, lush gardens, and diverse architectural styles. Many tours of the Garden District architecture will either meet at or pass by The Rink, offering a prime starting point for exploration.
Can I find a good book at The Rink shopping center?
Absolutely! The Rink is famously home to the Garden District Book Shop, one of New Orleans' most beloved independent bookstores. It's a must-visit for any book lover, offering a wide selection of titles, including many local authors and books about New Orleans. It's a perfect place to pick up a souvenir or a new read.
Are private tours available for the Garden District meeting at The Rink?
Yes, many tour operators specializing in Garden District history and architecture offer private tours. You can often arrange to meet your guide conveniently near the stairs of The Rink shopping center. This allows for a personalized and in-depth exploration of the magnificent homes and lush gardens that define this historic neighborhood.
What makes NOLA Mia restaurant a notable spot on St Claude Ave?
NOLA Mia brings a vibrant and authentic taste of Italy to New Orleans, distinguishing itself with creative dishes made from fresh, high-quality ingredients. Located at 2230 St Claude Ave, its unique fusion of flavors and welcoming ambiance makes it a local favorite and a delightful culinary experience, reflecting the city’s diverse food scene beyond its Creole roots.
What kind of cuisine does NOLA Mia restaurant offer?
NOLA Mia restaurant specializes in modern Italian cuisine, often with a subtle French Quarter influence. You can expect expertly crafted pasta dishes, wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood, and flavorful appetizers. They focus on using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create a memorable dining experience that stands out on St Claude Ave, offering a unique flavor profile.
Are there public transport options near NOLA Mia restaurant?
Yes, NOLA Mia restaurant at 2230 St Claude Ave is easily accessible by public transportation. The Rampart-St. Claude streetcar line runs directly along St. Claude Avenue, making it a convenient option from the French Quarter and other areas. Bus routes also serve the area, providing good connectivity for visitors wishing to dine there or meet for tours.
What activities are there around NOLA Mia on St Claude Ave?
The St. Claude Avenue area around NOLA Mia is a vibrant and evolving neighborhood. You'll find local art galleries, independent theaters, and unique shops, offering a more bohemian and local New Orleans experience. It's a great area to explore for live music, performances, and a less tourist-centric view of the city's arts and culture scene.
Are there any food tours that include NOLA Mia?
While NOLA Mia itself might not be part of every traditional New Orleans food tour, its reputation makes it a fantastic destination for self-guided culinary exploration. However, many specialized food and culture tours exploring the Bywater/Marigny area may begin or pass nearby, as NOLA Mia is a landmark meeting point for broader neighborhood excursions.
What's the best time to dine at NOLA Mia for a relaxed experience?
For a more relaxed dining experience at NOLA Mia, consider making a reservation, especially on weekends. Weeknights tend to be a bit quieter. Earlier evening seatings (around 5:30-6:30 PM) often offer a more calm ambiance before the restaurant fills up. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely meal before or after an evening activity in the area.
Are there outdoor seating options at NOLA Mia restaurant?
Some restaurants on St Claude Ave, including potentially NOLA Mia, offer outdoor seating options, allowing diners to enjoy the New Orleans weather and street ambiance. It's always best to check directly with the restaurant regarding their current outdoor dining availability, especially if you prefer an al fresco experience near 2230 St Claude Ave.
What is the significance of the New Orleans Playing Card Company?
The New Orleans Playing Card Company at 521 Dumaine Street, deep in the French Quarter, is not just a shop but a significant landmark. It's a hub for magic, games, and an iconic meeting point for many popular walking tours. It perfectly embodies the city's playful and mysterious spirit, making it an ideal starting location for exploring the Quarter's unique allure.
What products does the New Orleans Playing Card Company offer?
The New Orleans Playing Card Company offers a fascinating array of products including unique playing cards, magic tricks, board games, and novelty items. It's a delight for collectors, magicians, and anyone looking for a unique souvenir. Their selection reflects the whimsical and often mystical side of New Orleans culture, offering more than just traditional cards.
Why is the New Orleans Playing Card Company a common meeting spot for tours?
Its central location at 521 Dumaine Street in the heart of the French Quarter makes the New Orleans Playing Card Company an ideal and easily recognizable meeting point for tour groups. Its distinctive facade and unique charm also make it a memorable landmark, simplifying group coordination and adding character to the start of any tour experience.
Are there specific types of tours that meet at the New Orleans Playing Card Company?
The New Orleans Playing Card Company often serves as a meeting point for a variety of themed tours. These commonly include ghost tours, haunted history walks, voodoo tours, and general French Quarter historical insights. Its somewhat mysterious and old-world atmosphere perfectly sets the tone for tours that delve into the Quarter's enigmatic past.
Can I buy locally-designed playing cards at the New Orleans Playing Card Company?
Yes, the New Orleans Playing Card Company prides itself on offering a wide selection of playing cards, including many with unique, local New Orleans designs. These often feature iconic city symbols, historical figures, or artistic interpretations of the city's culture, making them perfect and distinctive souvenirs to take home.
Is the New Orleans Playing Card Company open daily?
Typically, the New Orleans Playing Card Company operates daily, catering to tourists and locals alike. However, it's always advisable to check their current operating hours, especially around holidays or during off-peak seasons, to ensure they are open when you plan to visit or meet for a tour at 521 Dumaine Street.
What significance does Royal Street have in the French Quarter?
Royal Street is one of the most elegant and historic streets in the French Quarter, known for its antique shops, art galleries, and beautiful architecture. It offers a more refined and upscale experience compared to bustling Bourbon Street. It's a wonderful place for leisurely strolls, window shopping, and appreciating the aesthetic beauty of Old New Orleans.
What makes CC’s Coffee House on Royal Street special?
CC’s Coffee House at 941 Royal Street is a beloved local chain known for its quality coffee, pastries, and inviting atmosphere. Its Royal Street location offers a perfect spot to relax and people-watch in the heart of the French Quarter, providing a quieter alternative to the more frenetic energy of other cafes while still being centrally located.
Are there any walking tours that start near CC’s Coffee House on Royal Street?
Given its prominent location on Royal Street, CC’s Coffee House at 941 Royal Street is a popular unofficial landmark. While not explicitly a meeting point, it's an excellent place to grab a coffee before joining one of the many historical or architectural walking tours that often pass through or start within a short walk of this central French Quarter spot.
What kind of local art can be found near CC’s Coffee House on Royal Street?
Royal Street, within walking distance of CC’s Coffee House, is famous for its numerous art galleries. You can find a diverse range of local art, from traditional landscapes and portraits to contemporary pieces and sculpture. Many galleries feature works depicting New Orleans scenes, jazz musicians, and unique cultural themes, perfect for collecting or admiring.
Is Royal Street good for family-friendly activities during the day?
Royal Street is an excellent choice for family-friendly activities during the day. It's quieter than Bourbon Street, allowing for pleasant strolls among galleries and shops. Street performers, often musicians and artists, add to the lively atmosphere. Grabbing a snack at CC's Coffee House and simply enjoying the historic architecture are lovely family pastimes.
How late does CC’s Coffee House on Royal Street stay open?
Typically, CC's Coffee House locations, including the one at 941 Royal Street, maintain consistent operating hours, generally from early morning until mid-to-late evening. It's always best to check their specific daily hours online or directly to confirm, as schedules can vary, especially on weekends or during special events in the French Quarter.
What are the common tour themes in the French Quarter starting near Kilwins/CVS?
Meeting near 618 Decatur Street, at the base of the big outdoor staircase between Kilwins and CVS, is ideal for tours focused on the riverfront, French Market, and the lower French Quarter. These tours often delve into topics like pirate history, the Mississippi River's influence, culinary tours featuring local treats, and general historical overviews of the area.
What kind of shops are near 618 Decatur Street (Kilwins/CVS)?
The area around 618 Decatur Street is bustling with various shops. You'll find popular souvenir shops, confectioneries like Kilwins offering sweets and ice cream, and convenience stores like CVS. The proximity to the French Market also means access to craft vendors and specialty food stalls, making it a great spot for both necessities and unique finds.
Is the area around Kilwins/CVS (Decatur Street) good for a quick bite?
Absolutely! The area around 618 Decatur Street, between Kilwins and CVS, is excellent for quick bites and casual dining. Being right next to the French Market, you have access to a variety of vendors selling local treats, sandwiches, and snacks. Kilwins offers delicious ice cream and fudge, perfect for a sweet indulgence while exploring.
How close is 618 Decatur Street to the Mississippi Riverfront?
618 Decatur Street is exceptionally close to the Mississippi Riverfront. The big outdoor staircase between Kilwins and CVS leads directly to the riverwalk and Woldenberg Park, making it a prime location for enjoying river views, steamboat departures, and strolls along the levee. It's an ideal starting point for river-focused activities and enjoying the waterfront.
What's the significance of Decatur Street in the French Quarter?
Decatur Street holds historical significance as a major commercial thoroughfare in the French Quarter. It was once a bustling port area and continues to be a lively street with a mix of shops, restaurants, and bars. It offers distinct architecture and a different vibe from Royal Street or Bourbon Street, connecting the French Market to Jackson Square and beyond.
What are some recommended activities for families along Decatur Street?
Families visiting Decatur Street can enjoy walking through the French Market for snacks and souvenirs, taking a ride on the Steamboat Natchez from the riverfront, and visiting the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas nearby. Kilwins offers sweet treats perfect for kids. The open space of Woldenberg Park by the river also provides room to run around.
Can I easily catch a streetcar from 618 Decatur Street?
While the main streetcar lines (St. Charles, Canal, and Rampart-St. Claude) don't run directly on Decatur Street, you are within easy walking distance to access them. The Riverfront Streetcar line runs very close, offering convenient access to other parts of the riverfront. Taxis or rideshares are also readily available from this central location.
What kind of tours start just outside Mahony’s Po-Boys Magazine Street?
Tours starting just outside of Mahony’s Po-Boys Magazine Street location are often culinary-focused, exploring the diverse food scene of Magazine Street. They might also delve into the history and culture of the Irish Channel and Garden District, neighborhoods known for their unique character and local charm, offering insights beyond the usual tourist path.
What makes Mahony’s Po-Boys a must-visit on Magazine Street?
Mahony’s Po-Boys on Magazine Street is celebrated for serving some of the best, most authentic po'boys in New Orleans. Known for their extensive menu, including fried shrimp, oyster, and roast beef 'debris' po'boys, they maintain high quality and generous portions. It's a quintessential stop for experiencing this iconic New Orleans sandwich in a local setting.
Are there vegetarian po-boy options at Mahony’s Po-Boys?
While Mahony's Po-Boys is famous for its meat and seafood options, they often provide vegetarian-friendly choices, such as a fried green tomato po'boy or various sides. It's advisable to check their current menu for specific offerings suitable for vegetarians, ensuring everyone can enjoy a taste of New Orleans' beloved sandwich at this popular spot.
What's the history behind po'boys in New Orleans?
The po'boy sandwich originated in New Orleans during a 1929 streetcar strike, when local restaurant owners served free sandwiches to the 'poor boys' on strike. Traditionally made on New Orleans French bread, the sandwich has evolved into a beloved staple, filled with anything from roast beef and gravy to fried seafood, a culinary symbol of resilience.
Can I get catering from Mahony’s Po-Boys?
Yes, Mahony’s Po-Boys on Magazine Street often offers catering services for events and gatherings. It's a fantastic way to bring authentic New Orleans flavor to your party, offering a crowd-pleasing selection of their famous po'boys and other local dishes. It's recommended to contact them directly for catering menus and to arrange your order in advance.
What are the typical operating hours for Mahony’s Po-Boys Magazine Street?
Mahony’s Po-Boys on Magazine Street generally opens for lunch and operates through dinner hours most days of the week. Specific operating times can vary, so it's always best to consult their official website or call ahead to confirm their current schedule, particularly if you're planning your visit around certain tour times or a special meal.
Are there other local businesses to explore near Mahony’s Po-Boys?
The area around Mahony’s Po-Boys on Magazine Street is rich with local businesses. You'll find a variety of unique boutiques, antique shops, and other small eateries and cafes. Taking a stroll around after enjoying your meal allows you to discover the local charm and independent spirit of the Magazine Street corridor, offering a glimpse into everyday New Orleans life.
What's the best way to get to Mahony’s Po-Boys for a tour departure?
To reach Mahony’s Po-Boys Magazine Street location for a tour departure, a taxi or rideshare is often the most straightforward and convenient option, especially if you're coming from the French Quarter or other distant areas. Public buses also serve Magazine Street, providing a more economical but potentially slower alternative depending on your starting point.
What is the history of the LGBT+ community in New Orleans?
New Orleans has a long and vibrant LGBT+ history, serving as a relatively open and welcoming city for decades. Its rich cultural tapestry and laissez-faire attitude fostered a thriving community. The development of gay bars, community organizations, and the preservation efforts of institutions like the LGBT+ Archive of Louisiana highlight its significant role in national LGBT+ history.
How can I support the LGBT+ Archive of Louisiana?
You can support the LGBT+ Archive of Louisiana through direct donations, volunteering your time, or attending their events. Contributions help preserve important historical documents, photographs, and oral histories of the local LGBT+ community. Spreading awareness about their mission also aids in safeguarding New Orleans' diverse cultural heritage for future generations.
Are there specific events hosted by the LGBT+ Archive of Louisiana?
The LGBT+ Archive of Louisiana often hosts various events, including exhibitions, lectures, film screenings, and community gatherings, all aimed at educating the public and celebrating LGBT+ history and culture. These events provide excellent opportunities to engage with the local community and learn more about their significant work. Check their website for current listings and details.
Is the LGBT+ Archive of Louisiana open to the public for visits?
While the LGBT+ Archive of Louisiana is primarily a resource for research and preservation, they often welcome visitors by appointment or during special open house events. To ensure access and to learn more about their collections, it's best to contact them directly or check their official website for visitor information and any scheduled public hours or tours.
What kind of materials are preserved in the LGBT+ Archive of Louisiana?
The LGBT+ Archive of Louisiana preserves a wide array of materials, including personal papers, organizational records, photographs, publications, oral histories, and ephemera related to the LGBT+ communities in Louisiana. These resources provide invaluable insights into the social, cultural, and political struggles and triumphs of LGBT+ individuals and groups over time.
Can I conduct research at the LGBT+ Archive of Louisiana?
Yes, researchers, historians, and students are often encouraged to utilize the resources at the LGBT+ Archive of Louisiana. Access typically requires an appointment to ensure staff availability and proper handling of archival materials. The archive serves as a crucial scholarly resource for understanding the nuances and breadth of local LGBT+ history and its impacts.
What role does the LGBT+ Archive of Louisiana play in preserving New Orleans history?
The LGBT+ Archive of Louisiana plays a vital role in preserving the often-overlooked stories and contributions of the LGBT+ community, ensuring a more complete and accurate historical record of New Orleans. By safeguarding these narratives, the archive enriches the city's overall cultural heritage and promotes understanding and recognition of its diverse population over many generations.
How do I find out about upcoming exhibitions at the LGBT+ Archive of Louisiana?
To stay informed about upcoming exhibitions, events, and news from the LGBT+ Archive of Louisiana, it's recommended to visit their official website or follow their social media channels. They regularly update these platforms with information on new displays, special programs, and ways to engage with their important work in preserving LGBT+ history.
Is there an admission fee to visit the LGBT+ Archive of Louisiana?
Typically, non-profit archives and historical collections like the LGBT+ Archive of Louisiana do not charge an admission fee for research or general visits, though donations are always welcome. It's best to confirm their specific policies directly, especially if you're planning a visit or attending a special event, as some unique programs might have associated costs.
What's the best way to get to the LGBT+ Archive of Louisiana?
The best way to get to the LGBT+ Archive of Louisiana will depend on its specific location, which can vary as it might be housed within another institution or have its own facility. Generally, public transportation like streetcars or buses, as well as rideshares, are good options. Always check their website for their current address and directions for ease of access.
What else can I expect to see along St Claude Ave in New Orleans?
St Claude Avenue is a vibrant corridor offering a rich mix of local arts, music, and community life. Beyond restaurants like NOLA Mia, you'll find numerous art galleries, small theaters, and live music venues, especially concentrated in the Bywater and Marigny neighborhoods. It's an area known for its independent spirit and a growing hub for creative expression.
What is the historical significance of St Claude Ave?
St Claude Avenue is a historically significant thoroughfare connecting various New Orleans neighborhoods, including the French Quarter, Marigny, and Bywater. It has long served as a vital commercial and residential artery. Its historical fabric reflects the working-class roots and cultural evolution of these diverse communities, making it an interesting area for historical exploration.
Are there any annual festivals or events on St Claude Ave?
St Claude Avenue, and the surrounding neighborhoods of Marigny and Bywater, are known for hosting various local festivals and cultural events throughout the year. These often celebrate local music, art, and community spirit. It's advisable to check local event calendars for specific dates and details to catch a lively street festival or neighborhood gathering.
Where can I find unique street art on St Claude Ave?
St Claude Avenue, particularly as you move into the Marigny and Bywater districts, is a fantastic place to discover unique and vibrant street art. Murals, graffiti, and public art installations often adorn buildings and fences, reflecting the area's artistic and bohemian character. Taking a walk and keeping an eye out will reveal many colorful surprises.
What are the best places for live music on St Claude Ave?
St Claude Avenue is home to several excellent live music venues, offering a more local and eclectic alternative to Frenchmen Street. You'll find clubs featuring diverse genres from jazz and blues to rock and punk. Venues near NOLA Mia often host talented local bands, providing an authentic New Orleans musical experience away from the tourist crowds.
Can I take a bike tour of St Claude Ave and the surrounding neighborhoods?
Yes, bike tours are an excellent way to explore St Claude Avenue and its surrounding vibrant neighborhoods like the Marigny and Bywater. These tours often highlight the unique architecture, street art, and local landmarks, offering a more active and intimate way to experience the area's culture and history, including getting close to places like NOLA Mia restaurant.