New Orleans Voodoo, Storyville, Treme, Walking Tour

If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans, chances are you’re eager to uncover its iconic neighborhoods, soulful music scenes, and mysterious past. This Voodoo, Storyville, Treme, Walking Tour promises to do just that, offering a blend of history, culture, and stories that go beyond the usual tourist spots. While we haven’t experienced it firsthand, the reviews and itinerary paint a picture of an engaging, informative journey that’s especially suited for those who love authentic local stories and vibrant cityscapes.

What really catches the eye about this tour are the passionate guides, who are highly praised for their knowledge and personal connections to NOLA’s deep-rooted culture. Plus, the mix of historic sites and cultural landmarks gives a well-rounded glimpse into the city’s rich, complex story. A small potential caveat is that the tour focuses mainly on history and culture, not on voodoo practices or spooky tales, which might be a slight disappointment if that’s what you’re after. Overall, it seems perfect for history lovers, music fans, and anyone curious about the stories that shaped New Orleans.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy walking, learning, and engaging with local history firsthand. It’s affordable at $25 per person, making it a great value for a casual yet meaningful experience. If you’re after a guided walk that combines storytelling, cultural insight, and some iconic city sights, this could be a smart choice—especially if you book about two weeks in advance, as it tends to fill up quickly.

Key Points

• Authentic storytelling from passionate guides with personal ties to NOLA’s history.
• Visiting iconic neighborhoods like Storyville and Treme provides cultural context many tours skip.
• The itinerary includes historic landmarks like Congo Square and Louis Armstrong Park, enriching your understanding of local traditions.
• Price point of $25 offers good value for a 2-hour-plus guided walk.
• The tour is suitable for moderate physical activity and accessible via public transportation.
• Small group size (max 20 travelers) ensures a more personal and engaging experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary

Starting Point: Backatown Coffee Parlour

Your journey kicks off at a cozy coffee shop located at 301 Basin St. It’s a friendly, convenient spot where you’ll meet your guide and get familiar with the route. The walk begins with a relaxed vibe, setting the tone for what’s to come.

Stop 1: Storyville District

The tour’s first stop is the remaining buildings of the infamous red-light district, Storyville. Although only three buildings survive today, they are relics of a time when jazz first blossomed in the city. The area’s reputation as a birthplace of jazz makes it a particularly compelling visit. Expect a quick ten-minute stop, so you’ll have just enough time to get a feel for the area’s history without feeling rushed.

One reviewer mentions, “We learned a lot and heard many entertaining stories!” which suggests guides are skilled at weaving history with engaging narratives. Keep in mind, entry is free here, so you get a lot of historical context without extra costs.

Stop 2: Our Lady Of Guadalupe Church

Next, you’ll visit the oldest surviving church in New Orleans, Our Lady Of Guadalupe. Here, your guide will take you through its fascinating story, offering insight into the city’s faith traditions and architecture. This stop typically lasts about 20 minutes, giving you a solid overview of an important spiritual landmark.

Stop 3: Congo Square

A highlight for many visitors, Congo Square is where enslaved Africans historically gathered in New Orleans, laying the foundation for many cultural practices that still thrive today. Expect to spend about 15 minutes here, soaking in the significance of this site. Visitors often comment on how powerful it feels to stand where such deep cultural roots originate.

Stop 4: Louis Armstrong Park

Named after the legendary jazz figure Louis Armstrong, this park offers a peaceful yet culturally rich setting. It’s a great place to reflect on the city’s musical legacy. A 15-minute visit here allows for some photos and a deeper appreciation of NOLA’s musical heritage.

Stop 5: St. Augustine Church

As the oldest predominantly Black Catholic parish in the U.S., St. Augustine Church offers a window into the spiritual life of Black communities in New Orleans. Expect around 20 minutes here, which includes a tour and some historical background. The church’s age and cultural significance make it a profound stop, especially for those interested in religious and social history.

Stop 6: Backstreet Cultural Museum & Tomb of the Unknown Slave

Finally, you’ll visit the Backstreet Cultural Museum across the street from the now-closed museum, where the Tomb of the Unknown Slave stands as a unique memorial. This spine-tingling site is the only one of its kind in America, symbolizing the silent stories of countless enslaved people. The stop lasts about 20 minutes and leaves many visitors with a sense of the enduring resilience of the city’s African-American communities.

What Travelers Say

Reviews highlight the guides’ passion and knowledge, with many describing the tour as both educational and fun. “Our guide Nate had many family and personal experiences that he shared,” one reviewer notes, emphasizing the personal touch that elevates this experience. Others mention the guide’s storytelling ability, making history come alive with humor and respect.

There’s some mention of a guide change, with one reviewer saying, “A substitute for the original guide was made. He talked about music and musicians not voodoo as was described in the write-up,” but overall, the experience still received high praise. It seems the guides’ enthusiasm and storytelling skill are what truly make the tour memorable.

Group Size & Accessibility

With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour feels intimate enough for personal questions and interaction. The meeting point at a public coffee shop is easy to access, and the tour is rated suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, making it accessible for most.

Cost and Value

At $25, this tour offers a generous look at New Orleans’ neighborhoods and stories. Given the depth of content, the personal stories from guides, and the historic sites visited, many reviewers agree it’s a worthwhile investment. The fact that it’s a walking tour means you’ll get to see the city at a comfortable pace, with plenty of opportunities for photos and reflection.

Duration & Schedule

The tour lasts roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes, a perfect window to cover a lot without tiring out. Starting early in the day or in the afternoon can work well, especially since booking about two weeks in advance is recommended due to its popularity.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This walking tour is ideal for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and music lovers wanting an authentic, detailed look into New Orleans. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate storytelling and are interested in the deeper stories behind the city’s most iconic neighborhoods.

Travelers who want a budget-friendly, guided experience without the hassle of navigating on their own will find this tour rewarding. It’s a good choice for those who enjoy walking and want a nuanced, respectful view of NOLA’s complex past, including its African-American history, jazz roots, and local traditions.

However, if your focus is on more spooky or voodoo-specific stories, you might be slightly disappointed, as the tour emphasizes history and culture over these themes. Also, for visitors with limited mobility, the moderate physical activity required might be a consideration.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is designed for most adults and older children comfortable with walking. It focuses on history and culture, which can be engaging for inquisitive kids, but it might not be ideal for very young children who need more entertainment-focused activities.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, covering several sites around New Orleans.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Backatown Coffee Parlour at 301 Basin St and ends at Saint Augustine Catholic Church at 1210 Governor Nicholls St.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers expert licensed guides who are knowledgeable and passionate about NOLA’s history.

Are admission fees included?
All the listed stops have free admission, so there are no extra costs for entry.

How far in advance should I book?
Most people book about 14 days ahead, as the tour tends to fill quickly.

Is the tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, it’s located near public transit, making it easy to reach.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended, as you’ll be outdoors most of the time.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

In the end, this New Orleans Voodoo, Storyville, Treme, Walking Tour offers a well-rounded, heartfelt look into the city’s soul. It’s perfect for those eager to hear stories straight from locals and walk through neighborhoods that shaped the city’s music, culture, and history. While it might not cover every spooky legend or voodoo myth some expect, it compensates with authenticity, depth, and genuine passion—making it a worthwhile addition to any NOLA trip.