The Ice Cream Tour: New Orleans

If you’re looking for a fun, tasty way to explore New Orleans’ famous French Quarter, this Ice Cream Tour might just be the treat you need. While we haven’t taken this exact tour ourselves, it offers a unique blend of local flavors, historic sights, and lively city energy that could appeal to anyone wanting to combine sightseeing with dessert.

What really caught our eye are two things: first, the way this tour weaves together ice cream tasting with cultural sights — offering more than just sweets, but a glimpse into the city’s soul. Second, the chance to try a variety of local and innovative flavors that promise to satisfy both your sweet tooth and your curiosity.

That said, a possible downside is the short duration of about two hours, which means the visits are fairly quick. If you’re after an in-depth culinary experience or a leisurely pace, this might feel a bit rushed. But for those seeking a lighthearted, energetic sightseeing break with lots of flavor, it could be just right.

This experience is well-suited for families, couples, or groups of friends who want a relaxed yet engaging way to explore New Orleans’ cultural highlights while indulging in some delicious ice cream.

Key Points

• A quick, two-hour tour perfect for a fun afternoon or a break between sightseeing plans.
• Focus on local and innovative flavors, offering a sweet taste of New Orleans’ culinary scene.
• Visits historic landmarks and lively streets, blending culture and treats seamlessly.
• Small group size (up to 20 travelers) means more personalized attention.
• Includes admission tickets to several stops, adding value to the experience.
• Free cancellation offers peace of mind, especially with unpredictable weather or plans.

Exploring the Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Starting Point: A French Quarter Stroll Begins

Your journey kicks off at 3:00 pm from 217 Royal St, right in the heart of the French Quarter. From here, it’s all about exploring charming streets, historic architecture, and soaking in the city’s lively vibe. The tour’s compact nature means you’ll be walking at a relaxed pace, suitable for most travelers.

Stop 1: Sweet Saint — A Pandemic-born Favorite

The first stop is Sweet Saint, a locally crafted ice creamery born during the pandemic. Its status as a homegrown favorite gives it an authentic edge, and you’ll get to taste what makes this spot special. The fact that admission is included makes it a hassle-free treat, and 20 minutes is plenty of time to savor your first scoop.

Stop 2: Abbott’s Frozen Custard — A Century of Tradition

Next, the tour hits Abbott’s Frozen Custard, a shop with over 100 years of history. It’s a family-run business dedicated to timeless custard flavors, offering a taste of nostalgia with every scoop. The experience of visiting a place that has been a part of New Orleans’ culinary scene for generations adds depth to the tour. Again, 20 minutes here allows for a relaxed taste and some photos.

Passing by: Famous Landmarks & Upscale Hotels

While walking, you’ll briefly pass notable sights like the luxury four-star hotel and Café du Monde, iconic for their beignets. These landmarks don’t require long stops, but their quick glimpses add context and flavor to your stroll, enriching your understanding of the city’s culinary and architectural heritage.

Stop 3: Popbar — A Scoop-Free Surprise

A lesser-known but intriguing stop, Popbar offers a different kind of dessert—think about innovative, flavor-redefining treats. The emphasis on redefining classic flavors at this location could be a fun surprise, especially for those interested in modern dessert trends.

Stop 4: Legendairy Milkshake Bar — Milkshake Royalty

The Legendairy Milkshake Bar provides the chance to indulge in over-the-top milkshakes—a perfect spot for those who love creative, Instagram-worthy desserts. The fact that new shakes are introduced weekly keeps this stop fresh and exciting, although it’s a rotational stop, so the exact flavors might vary.

Stop 5: Waffle Time — Waffles and Ice Cream

Continuing the sweet theme, Waffle Time brings you a high-quality dessert experience with delicious waffles and ice cream. The warm, inviting atmosphere paired with friendly service makes this a memorable moment of the tour, especially for dessert enthusiasts.

Final Landmark: St. Louis Cathedral

The tour wraps up near Jackson Square, where you’ll get a good view of the St. Louis Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in the U.S. and a defining silhouette of New Orleans. Though you’re not entering it, the sight of this historic building from the outside offers a satisfying sense of place and history.

Practical Details: What to Know Before You Go

Group Size and Duration

With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour promises a fairly intimate group, making it easier to enjoy the experience without feeling lost. The two-hour timeframe means you’ll get a good taste of a handful of spots without it becoming overly rushed.

Price and Value

At $100 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to sample ice cream, but when you factor in the admission to multiple stops and the guided nature of the tour, it feels reasonable for a curated experience. You’re not just buying ice cream—you’re paying for a guided journey through the city’s flavors and sights.

Timing and Weather

Starting at 3:00 pm, the tour is perfect for catching the late afternoon vibe, when the streets are lively but not overly crowded. Keep an eye on the weather, as the experience is outdoors, and poor weather might impact the walk or lead to cancellations (which are free if canceled 24 hours in advance).

Accessibility and Suitability

Most travelers should be able to participate, with service animals allowed. The walking pace and duration make it suitable for most fitness levels, but be prepared for some cobblestones and uneven streets typical of the French Quarter.

Authentic Traveler Insights and Expectations

While no reviews are posted yet, based on the itinerary and structure, you might find that the highlight is the variety of flavors and the scenic stroll. The stops at historic landmarks like Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral add a cultural layer that elevates the experience beyond just eating ice cream.

Some travelers might wish for a slightly longer experience or more interactive stops, but for those craving a short, sweet exploration of New Orleans’ culinary scene paired with iconic sights, this tour hits the mark. The fact that you are only passing by Café du Monde—rather than stopping there—means you’ll get a quick glimpse, but not the full beignet experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those with a sweet tooth who want to sample a variety of local desserts amid the vibrancy of the French Quarter. It’s also great for travelers looking for a fun, light activity that combines culture, scenery, and treats in a manageable timeframe. If you prefer a leisurely, in-depth culinary tour, this might seem too brief, but if you’re after a taste of the city’s flavors with a lively walk, it’s a solid pick.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and kids who love ice cream will likely enjoy the stops. However, keep in mind the walking pace and the short duration.

Are the stops at each location included in the price?
Yes, the tour includes admission tickets to several spots, such as Sweet Saint, Abbott’s Custard, Legendairy Milkshake Bar, and Waffle Time.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking are recommended, and depending on the weather, sunscreen or an umbrella might be useful. Bring your appetite and camera!

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Is this tour available rain or shine?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What makes this tour different from just visiting the spots on my own?
Guided by an experienced host, you’ll get insights into the city’s culture and landmarks while enjoying curated dessert tastings, making it more engaging than just wandering on your own.

All in all, the Ice Cream Tour in New Orleans offers a delightful combination of flavors, culture, and city scenery. It’s particularly appealing if you want a short, enjoyable activity that doesn’t require a lot of planning or commitment. The stops at historic landmarks and beloved local spots make it a well-rounded experience, especially for those eager to taste the city’s sweet side while catching its lively atmosphere.

While it may not be the best choice for someone seeking an in-depth culinary adventure, it delivers exactly what it promises: a fun, flavorful, and scenic walk through one of America’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or small group, this tour is worth considering for a memorable, indulgent afternoon.

Note: Always check current availability and weather conditions when booking, and consider whether this quick tour fits into your broader itinerary. Happy travels, and enjoy the sweet side of New Orleans!