Movie and TV Show Tour of New Orleans

Traveling to New Orleans and looking for a way to connect with its cinematic stories? This Movie and TV Show Tour promises to take you behind the scenes of the city’s countless film and television shoots. We’ve checked out the reviews, itinerary, and details to give you a clear picture of what to expect—so you can decide if it fits your interests and travel style.

One thing we love about this tour is the expert guidance. The guide’s wealth of knowledge about the city’s movies, TV shows, and local landmarks makes each stop engaging. Plus, the well-curated stops at iconic locations—from haunted mansions to historic squares—really bring Hollywood’s footprint in NOLA to life.

On the flip side, keep in mind that this is a walking tour with some distances covered, so if mobility is an issue, it’s worth considering.

This tour is ideal for film buffs, TV series fans, or anyone curious about how New Orleans’s scenery becomes a filming backdrop. If you enjoy learning the stories behind your favorite shows or movies, or just want a fun way to explore the city’s famed landmarks, this experience should be right up your alley.

Key Points

• Expert local guides with extensive knowledge about movies, TV shows, and New Orleans history.
• Various filming locations in the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and beyond, with stories about their on-screen use.
• Accessible for most travelers, as the tour isn’t walking-only, but be prepared for some walking and standing.
• Affordable price point at $30 per person, offering a lot of value for film fans and history enthusiasts.
• Rich content, including behind-the-scenes insights, fun facts, and visual aids like photos and videos.
• Great reviews, with a high 5-star overall rating based on 116 reviews and a 99% recommendation rate.

An Honest Look at the Itinerary

Let’s walk through what you’ll see and experience on this two-hour adventure. Each stop is carefully picked to highlight the city’s connection to film and TV, with some stops being famous haunted spots or historic landmarks. Expect a mixture of sightseeing, storytelling, and photo opportunities.

Starting Point: New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

The tour kicks off at the historic LA Supreme Court building, then moves to Napoleon House. The Pharmacy Museum, the first licensed pharmacy in the U.S., is a special stop, especially for fans of true crime, circus acts, or vampires, as the tour creatively references. While admission isn’t included, the exterior alone offers a glimpse into the city’s layered past.

Jackson Square

This is undoubtedly the highlight for many. Jackson Square is one of the most iconic spots in the French Quarter, and it’s been used in over a dozen movies and TV projects. Here, you’ll get a sense of the area’s vibrant history and see where many scenes were shot. The guide’s storytelling makes this square come alive, and with about 30 minutes here, you can soak in the sights and capture some photos.

Voodoo Authentica and Surroundings

Next, the tour moves into the area around Voodoo Authentica—another hot spot for filming, plus a chance to hear the truth about Voodoo practices. It’s a good opportunity to learn about the cultural significance of voodoo in New Orleans, as the tour subtly begins to focus on the supernatural themes that run through many productions.

Old Ursuline Convent Museum

As the only pre-fire building remaining in the city, this site adds a historic layer. It’s also connected to the “horror loop,” referencing witches and vampires, which attract fans of supernatural stories and haunted tales. The stop is brief, but packed with atmosphere and stories.

LaLaurie Mansion

No haunted tour would be complete without mentioning the LaLaurie Mansion, often called New Orleans’ most haunted house. The fact that Nicholas Cage once owned it adds to its allure. The guide shares spooky stories and historical tidbits that make this stop a must for ghost enthusiasts.

Starling Magickal Occult Shop & Madame John’s Legacy

The tour continues with stops at a shop known for occult and supernatural items, and then at Madame John’s Legacy—an old French Quarter building used in films, rebuilt after the Great Fire. These stops deepen the supernatural and cinematic vibe, giving fans of vampires and witches plenty to enjoy.

Vampires and Filming Locations Galore

Other highlights include the Boutique du Vampyre, a vampire-themed shop with captivating histories, and Pirate’s Alley Cafe, where many film projects have been shot. These spots are small but packed with stories, making each one memorable.

What the Tour Feels Like

The experience is primarily a bus or vehicle tour with stops, not a long walk through the city. This makes it suitable for a wider range of travelers, but be prepared for some standing and brief walking. Over 116 reviewers praise the comfortable pace and the knowledge and humor of the guide—Trevor McQueen gets frequent shout-outs for making the experience both fun and informative.

You’ll be shown plenty of photos and videos, which help visualize how these locations appeared on screen. Several reviews mention how the guide’s stories made the sites more meaningful, especially for fans of shows like The Originals, American Horror Stories, Your Honor, and Vampire Diaries. If you’re a fan of these series, you’ll appreciate the extra details and behind-the-scenes stories.

The Guide and Customer Experience

Reviewers consistently mention Trevor’s friendly personality, deep knowledge, and willingness to tailor the experience to their interests. One reviewer shared how Trevor even helped a stranger during the tour, illustrating the attentive, caring attitude of the team.

Value for Money

At $30 per person, the tour is considered a great deal—especially given how many iconic spots you’ll see and learn about. The reviews suggest that the quality of storytelling and the breadth of locations make it worth every penny.

Practical Details You Should Know

• Duration: Around 2 hours, a manageable chunk of time to fit into a busy day of sightseeing.
• Location: Starts at 400 Royal St and ends at Pirates Alley, both central spots in the French Quarter.
• Group Size: Limited to 16 travelers, keeping things intimate and manageable.
• Accessibility: Not a walking-only tour, but some walking is involved; not recommended if you cannot walk long distances comfortably.
• Booking: Book at least two weeks in advance, as most travelers do (around 14 days ahead).
• Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours before the tour, which is pretty flexible if your plans change.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you love movies, TV shows, or supernatural stories, this tour offers a fun and visually engaging way to explore the French Quarter. The guide and well-chosen locations mean you’ll walk away with more than just a list of sights—you’ll get stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and a deeper appreciation for how Hollywood has used New Orleans’s stunning scenery.

However, if you’re not particularly interested in film or TV, or if you prefer more extensive walking or outdoor exploration, this might not be your perfect fit. It’s a relaxed, story-driven experience that works best for those who want a mix of sightseeing and pop culture.

Overall, with its high ratings and rave reviews, this tour offers excellent value for film fans and those curious about the city’s cinematic side. Expect a lively, engaging, and memorably fun hour or two that highlights the magic of New Orleans on screen.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly designed as a family tour, the content and pace are generally accessible to most travelers. However, some stops involve brief standing or walking, so consider your children’s mobility and interest in movies and TV.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, including multiple stops around the French Quarter.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Is transportation included?
The tour itself is not a walking-only experience; transportation is provided, and it includes several stops at key filming locations.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 16, ensuring a friendly, personal experience.

Do I need to prepare or bring anything?
Just bring your curiosity and a camera for photos. The guide provides plenty of visuals and stories to enhance the experience.

Are the filming locations accessible?
Most are accessible from the vehicle or at short stops. Some locations, like historic buildings, may have limited access inside.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviewers consistently praise Trevor’s expertise, personality, and ability to make the tour engaging.

What kind of stories will I hear?
Expect tales about the movies and TV shows filmed here, supernatural legends, and some local history woven into the film-related narratives.

If you’re ready to see the Big Easy through Hollywood’s eyes, this tour offers a mix of fun, facts, and film magic that’s hard to beat.