New Orleans Favorites: Beyond the French Quarter Tour

If you’re planning a trip to New Orleans and want to see a side of the city that few visitors get to experience, the New Orleans Favorites: Beyond the French Quarter Tour might just be a great option. It’s a three-hour guided adventure designed to peel back the layers of NOLA’s diverse neighborhoods, providing a more well-rounded picture of what makes this city so special to locals.

What caught our eye about this tour? First, the opportunity to explore neighborhoods outside the usual tourist hotspots—specifically the Garden District and Tremé, the oldest African-American neighborhood in the country. Second, the focus on local culture and history, including visits to landmarks that hold stories of resilience and creativity. But, like anything, it’s not perfect—this tour is priced at $175 per person, which is fair for a private guide, but it’s worth considering whether the highlights match your personal interests. Overall, if you’re into genuine local flavor and a relaxed pace, this tour could be just right, especially if you’re interested in seeing more of what makes NOLA tick beyond Bourbon Street.

Key Points

• Neighborhood Exploration: Focuses on areas outside the French Quarter, like the Garden District and Tremé.
• Cultural Highlights: Includes visits to historical landmarks, museums, and local neighborhoods rich in Black culture.
• Private Tour: Offers personalized attention with a private guide and transportation.
• Balanced Itinerary: Combines scenic parks, historic houses, and vibrant streets for a well-rounded experience.
• Cost & Value: Priced at $175, offering a good value for a three-hour private tour with plenty of local insight.
• Flexibility & Convenience: Includes pickup and drop-off within NOLA, making it easy to fit into your day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Starting Point and Pickup

The tour begins with convenient pickup options within New Orleans city limits, with meeting points at the Spanish Plaza fountain or 2 Canal Street if you’re driving yourself. This flexibility is nice — it saves you the hassle of navigating to a meeting spot and gets you comfortable from the start.

The Garden District & Magazine Street

One of the tour’s biggest draws is the Garden District, a neighborhood lined with antebellum mansions, lush gardens, and tree-lined streets. We loved the way the guide described the architecture and history behind the homes, many of which date back to the 19th century. It’s a photographer’s dream and a stark contrast to the busier French Quarter.

Adjacent to the Garden District is Magazine Street, which offers a lively mix of antique shops, modern design studios, local art galleries, cafes, and bars. This area really captures the eclectic vibe of NOLA — lively, creative, and diverse. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to browse at your leisure, maybe pop into a gallery or grab a coffee at a cozy cafe.

Audubon Park

Next, the tour takes you to Audubon Park, a sprawling 350-acre green space named after the famous naturalist John James Audubon. This part of the tour is perfect for a breather — the park is lush and peaceful, with oak trees draping the landscape. It’s a lovely spot to stretch your legs and enjoy some quiet before heading to the next stops.

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Historic and Cultural Landmarks

The next highlights focus on history and culture. You’ll visit the Anne Rice House, which inspired her famous vampire novels, and learn about the city’s literary connections. You’ll also see local universities like Loyola and Tulane, which give insight into the city’s academic scene.

A visit to Fair Grounds offers a glimpse into New Orleans’ long-standing tradition of horse racing and the city’s jazz heritage. The Fair Grounds has hosted the NOLA Jazz Festival and is a cornerstone of local entertainment.

The Katrina Memorial and Tremé

The Katrina Memorial provides a somber reminder of the storm’s impact, honoring the victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. It’s a powerful moment in the tour, offering perspective on the resilience of the city.

Just a short drive takes you to Tremé, the oldest African-American neighborhood in the US. This area is rich with history and culture, including Congo Square and the Free People of Color Museum. The guide shared stories that highlighted the neighborhood’s significance in Black culture and music — a highlight for many visitors interested in the city’s diverse roots.

Degas House & Frenchmen Art Bazaar

Art lovers will appreciate a visit to Degas House, the former home of the impressionist artist Edgar Degas. It’s a quiet reminder of NOLA’s art scene. Nearby, the Frenchmen Art Bazaar offers a lively open-air market featuring local artists’ work, which is perfect if you’re wanting a memorable souvenir or just to soak up local creativity.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Personalization & Local Insight

Since this is a private group tour, your guide can tailor the experience a bit and focus on the aspects that interest you most. That personal touch makes a difference, especially in a city as layered as New Orleans.

The Balance of History, Culture, and Leisure

The mix of historic architecture, cultural landmarks, parks, and vibrant neighborhoods means you get a well-rounded picture of NOLA. It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about understanding the city’s soul, its stories, and its ongoing vibrancy.

Transportation & Convenience

The inclusion of transportation and pickup/drop-off within the city removes a lot of stress. You won’t have to worry about navigating or parking, which can be tricky in busy NOLA.

Practical Considerations

Price & Value

At $175 per person, this tour offers good value considering it’s private, includes transportation, and features a knowledgeable local guide. For travelers seeking an intimate experience with customized insights, it’s a fair price.

Duration & Pacing

The three-hour duration means you won’t feel rushed, but it’s also not a full-day commitment. It’s ideal for a quick deep dive into neighborhoods that are often overlooked by the average visitor.

What’s Not Included

Food is not part of this tour, so plan to grab a bite before or after. The tour is primarily about sights, stories, and local culture — not a culinary experience.

Accessibility & Family-friendliness

While the tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-friendly, it’s suitable for most travelers who enjoy walking and sightseeing. It’s a good choice for curious adults and older children interested in local history.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Beyond the French Quarter Tour is perfect if you’re looking for a more intimate, culturally rich experience that takes you beyond the typical tourist spots. It’s especially suitable for travelers wanting to understand the city’s diverse neighborhoods, history, and art scene in just a few hours. If you prefer guided, private experiences that offer a flexible pace and personalized insights, this tour ticks those boxes.

It’s a great option for those who want a compact but meaningful look at New Orleans’ neighborhoods and local identities without the rush of larger group tours or lengthy commitments. Just keep in mind that it’s a three-hour tour, so it’s best suited for those with moderate walking ability and an interest in history and culture.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is primarily geared towards adults interested in history, art, and neighborhoods. While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, older children and teenagers with a curiosity for local culture should enjoy it.

What neighborhoods will we visit?
You’ll explore areas beyond the French Quarter, mainly the Garden District, Magazine Street, and Tremé, along with other cultural landmarks.

Does the tour include transportation?
Yes, transportation is included within NOLA, and you’ll be picked up at a convenient location or meet your guide if you’re driving.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 3 hours, which is enough time to cover several neighborhoods and highlights without feeling rushed.

Is there any food included?
No, food is not included, so plan to have your own meals or snacks before or after the tour.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You also have the option to reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility if your plans change.

All in all, if you’re after an authentic, relaxed look at New Orleans’ neighborhoods with a local guide, this tour offers a lot of value. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want to go beyond the usual tourist spots and get a more genuine feel for the city’s diverse neighborhoods and vibrant culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: