Garden District Tour

Description

Just a short streetcar ride from the Creole French Quarter, leave the city hustle and bustle behind and enter another world, surrounded by the graceful sway of sprawling oak trees, breathtaking mansions, and lavish landscapes.

During this Garden District walking tour, you’ll gain historical insight on the wealthy Yankees who first settled this area in the 1830s and 1840s as well as interesting architecture notes and see homes of several celebrities. Other sites include:

Commander’s Palace Restaurant – where chefs Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse cooked their way to fame
John Goodman House (formerly Trent Reznor’s home)
Sandra Bullock House – a life size Dollhouse and Swiss-style chalet
Anne Rice House “Rosegate” – where her Mayfair Witches lived
Romeo Spikes – an early form of property protection
Archie Manning House – where Peyton Manning and Eli Manning grew up!
Opera Guild House (and film site of Django Unchained)
Benjamin Button House
…and more!

Tour info

Duration

2 hours

Group Size

Up to 9

Price starts at

$39~~$49~~

Languages

English

Why take this tour?

Step into the "City of the Dead" as part of our captivating Garden District tour, which includes a visit to the historic Lafayette Cemetery #1. This iconic burial ground, known for its haunting beauty and rich history, offers a fascinating glimpse into the customs, science, and culture of New Orleans' past residents. Discover the truth behind above-ground tombs (hint: it’s not because of the high water table!), learn about jazz funerals, and uncover the tragic impact of yellow fever. Though the cemetery gates are currently closed for maintenance, its wide, accessible view still provides excellent opportunities for storytelling and stunning photos.

Movie buffs will love recognizing scenes from famous productions like The Originals, Vampire Diaries, American Horror Story, and Interview with a Vampire. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire are recommended for this walking tour through one of New Orleans' most historic and cinematic locations. Bring your curiosity and prepare to uncover the stories that make this cemetery a world-renowned cultural treasure!

Included

Guided Walking Tour
Licensed Local Guide

Excluded

Guide Gratuity
Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions

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 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.

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.

How many people will there be?

This tour is limited to 9 people. We pride ourselves on small group sizes so you’ll never be a part of one of those massive tour groups!

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.

How long is the tour?

This tour is approximately two hours long.

Can I bring my child in a stroller?

Sure, but please keep in mind that some of the sidewalks can be quite bumpy/uneven, so please be prepared for that.

Can I walk to the starting location to/from the French Quarter?

If a two-mile (approx. 45 min) walk is no big deal for you, then sure! Most of our guests take a taxicab or Uber to the tour to ensure that they are there on time. (Please note: the streetcar is NOT recommended as it can often run late! Instead, most guests enjoy a pleasant streetcar ride back to the French Quarter AFTER the tour.)

Things to know

Tour Duration

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Accessibility

Wheelchair-friendly with advance notice!

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 72 hours before the tour for a full refund or purchase TripSafe Protection at checkout for maximum flexibility.

Weather Considerations

Tours run rain or shine, so please dress accordingly.

Public Tour Size

Limited to just 9 people for an intimate and personalized experience.

Private Tour Pricing

Enjoy an exclusive and personalized experience with a private tour, starting at just $299.

11 Reviews Verified

Thomas M

2nd January 2025

My husband and I joined the 2-hour walking tour at Garden District. Our guide is Angela. She is fantastic! She is super knowledgeable and a talented storyteller. She told us about life of the prior ow...

My husband and I joined the 2-hour walking tour at Garden District. Our guide is Angela. She is fantastic! She is super knowledgeable and a talented storyteller. She told us about life of the prior owners of those mansions. She also showed us pictures of the interior designs of some famous houses. The weather was sunny and warm. We had a wonderful time with Angela!

Sandy C

17th November 2024

Our group of 4 had a wonderful time on this tour. Ty was extremely knowledgeable and presented all the information in a fun and concise way. We learned so much about the Garden District and would recommend this tour and Ty in a heartbeat.

Katie Bell

8th May 2024

Two excellent tours with Tye (Historic Garden District) and BJ (Magazine Food Tour) filled with relevant and interesting information delivered in a manner that appeals to all ages. Family loved both a...

Two excellent tours with Tye (Historic Garden District) and BJ (Magazine Food Tour) filled with relevant and interesting information delivered in a manner that appeals to all ages. Family loved both and a highlight of our visit to NOLA during Jazz Fest 2024! Thank you NOLA Secret Tours and highly recommend!

rachel sheffet

8th March 2024

Great tour of the garden district with Ty; they were very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the area and had great historical knowledge which they eagerly shared. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and...

Great tour of the garden district with Ty; they were very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the area and had great historical knowledge which they eagerly shared. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour and got some great recommendations for places to eat as well. Thank you Ty! Highly recommend this tour.

Mary Graham-Zak

8th December 2023

What a wonderful experience. Our tour guide, Angela was so knowledgeable about the Garden District, the homes, the architecture, the gardens and most importantly, the residents who live there. I learn...

What a wonderful experience. Our tour guide, Angela was so knowledgeable about the Garden District, the homes, the architecture, the gardens and most importantly, the residents who live there. I learned so much about the history of burials in New Orleans too! I will definitely be scheduling more tours through New Orleans Secret Tours the next time I’m in town!!

Tour info

Why take this tour?

Included

Guided Walking Tour

Licensed Local Guide

Excluded

Guide Gratuity

Transportation

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Do We Meet?

How much walking will there be?

What if it rains?

How many people will there be?

Will we see gardens?

Will we go into a house?

How long is the tour?

Can I bring my child in a stroller?

Can I walk to the starting location to/from the French Quarter?