Explore New Orleans' Garden District: Private 2-hour Walking Tour

Travel Curious1403 Washington AveNew Orleans, LA 70130
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Starting at
$288.00
Total Price: $293.76 (USD)
INSTANT CONFIRMATION
NO SERVICE FEES

Overview

Explore New Orleans' Garden District on a private tour filled with historic homes and gardens. See famous landmarks, including the Commander’s Palace and Anne Rice House, while your guide shares the fascinating and complex history of the neighborhood. Your tour ends with a refreshing drink and local tips for dining, shopping, and entertainment.

up to 2 hrs 1 or more people

Good To Know

  • Hear about the history of the New Orleans Garden District and its prominent residents!
  • This entire tour is 2 hours long in duration.
  • Tour is suitable for history buffs of all ages.
  • A refreshing drink (house wine, beer, or coffee) at a local spot is included.
  • This is a private and guided walking tour.
  • Note that Lafayette Cemetery is occasionally closed to the public.

Description

Perfect for an idyllic stroll down tree-lined boulevards, New Orleans' Garden District is filled with the most beautiful and historic homes, most listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and gardens in the city. See some of the best sights and attractions in the Garden District on this private 2-hour tour.

On your private tour, you will:
  • Take a stroll down the city formerly known as Lafayette and learn about the complex history of the 19th-century mansion-filled neighborhoods and the cotton economy;
  • See the Commander's Palace, a beautiful building in a Victorian style which has been a New Orleans institution since 1880;
  • Pass by Walter Robinson's house, which was an important venue for jazz musicians during the early 20th century;
  • See Anne Rice House, the former home of the best-selling author who wrote "Interview with the Vampire";
  • Pass by Louise S. McGehee School, an all-girls school in a stunning Greek Revival style built in 1858;
  • Admire the Women's Opera Guild, designed in Queen Anne-style architecture, now used as a venue for events and weddings;
  • See Colonel's Short Villa, named after Colonel Robert Short, who lived in the house during the Civil War;
  • Discover Briggs-Staub House, built in 1859, became a popular filming location for several movies and TV shows, including "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button";
  • Marvel at Carroll-Crawford House, famous for its stunning wrought-iron fence and intricate millwork;
  • Pass by Bradish Johnson, known for its ornate cast-iron fence and elaborate cornices which has been featured in several movies and TV shows, including "American Horror Story: Coven";
  • See the homes of the stars who have settled in the district, including Sandra Bullock, John Goodman, and Archie Manning.
  • Finish your tour at Lafayette Cemetery with a short guided visit. (Please note it's occasionally closed to the public)

Today’s New Orleans Garden District was once Lafayette, before becoming incorporated into New Orleans.

The area is packed with resplendent 19th-century mansions, built for cotton kings and the fortunes of industries which grew up around cotton. From Greek Revival and Italianate styles to Queen Anne and Second Empire, each mansion captures the grand vision of its original owner. You'll have the opportunity to admire the intricate ironwork, grand columns, and expansive porches of these homes and hear about fascinating families of old and new residents. The Garden District is also known for its celebrity residents, your guide will point out the homes of well-known figures and share anecdotes about their lives in New Orleans.

Though the grandeur of the homes on the street lined with sprawling magnolias and towering oaks feels like a haven, your guide will tell the stories of the slaves who toiled for decades without compensation to build the vast fortunes which enabled areas like the Garden District to exist.

As you wander down St. Charles Avenue, imagine the era when carriages traversed these roads. This avenue was the heart of the wealthy American sector of the city, and it remains a showcase of the affluence of the 19th century. The streetcars themselves, some of the oldest continuously operating in the world, add a nostalgic charm, taking you back to a time when life moved at a slower pace.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Explore New Orleans' Garden District: Private 2-hour Walking Tour

Where is the meeting point for this Travel Curious tour?

You will be meeting your guide for the Private Walking Tour of New Orleans' Garden District utside the main entrance to Commander's Palace - 1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130, or as advised on your e-ticket. Please be at the location 10-15 minutes prior to your tour.

How long is this Travel Curious tour?

The entire New Orleans' Garden District tour is approximately 2 hours long.

What is included in the tour package?

You will be given a local English-speaking guide, and an expertly guided walking tour. This tour is suitable for history buffs of all ages. Their tours are all given in English, but numerous guides may speak other languages. Please contact the number provided on the e-ticket to see if they can accommodate any special requests!

What landmarks will we be on the New Orleans' Garden District tour?

You will be seeing and touring the following areas: (1) Garden District and the beautiful landscapes present (2) Neighborhoods full of 19th-century mansions and beautiful architectural styles from the cotton economy (3) Homes of famous people like Sandra Bullock, John Goodman, and Archie Manning (4) Magazine Street, the place to be for vintage shopping and art galleries.

Is transportation included?

This is a family-friendly, guided walking tour. Transportation is not included in the private walking tour of New Orlean's Garden District.

Is parking provided?

No, but there are multiple parking garages and street parking available near the departure point. One of which is the Commander's Palace Valet which charges according to length of stay, time of the day, and day of the week. You can also contact the phone number on your e-ticket to ask for advice on how to get to the departure point via car or public transport.

Are there any age/physical/health/etc. restrictions for this tour?

This tour is suitable for all ages. All guests must be at moderate physical fitness as the majority of the New Orleans' Garden Private Walking Tour will be spent walking.

What should I bring?

Bring your camera and cash on hand for any other purchases or gratuities(optional)!

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing on this Travel Curious tour. Wearing casual clothing and comfortable shoes is recommended.

How many people are on a tour?

This is a private walking tour and your group! All of their private tours are 100% exclusive, which means that it will just be you, your group and your guide on the tour.

How does Travel Curious ensure the quality of their guides?

All tour guides currently active go through a vetting process in which they carry out interviews, check previous reviews and employers references if applicable. More importantly, they make sure that these guides provide an excellent experience for the guests.