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New Orleans · Louisiana · United States
Explore New Orleans' Garden District: Private 2-hour Walking Tour
Starting From
From $342.00 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
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. 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 that 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. 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 that enabled areas like the Garden District to exist. Your tour ends with a refreshing drink (house wine, beer, or coffee) at a local spot where your guide will point you in the right direction for the best dining, shopping, and entertainment in the district, giving you the local knowledge you need to enjoy the rest of your time in the area. Attractions along this route: Lafayette Cemetery: Taking its name from its original name before it became incorporated by New Orleans, Lafayette Cemetery in the Garden District is still in use today. Briggs-Staub House: Built by a Londoner in 1849, it's the only Gothic Revival style home in the Garden District. Musson Bell House: Musson, a French Creole, was a cotton merchant, and the uncle of impressionist painter Degas. He lived in the home until 1869. Archie Manning House: NFL superstars, Peyton and Eli Manning, both grew up in the family home in the Garden District. Bradish Johnson House: A plantation and sugar refinery owner, Johnson's industrial wealth enabled him to live a life of luxury in the Garden District and in Madison Square, New York City. Joseph Merrick Jones House: Named for its resident throughout the first half of the 20th century, it has been owned by Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails and is said to be owned by John Goodman now.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Take a stroll down the city formerly known as Lafayette and
- Learn about the complex history of the 19thcentury mansionfilled neighborhoods
- Admire the historical homes and buildings of the fascinating elite society members of old
- See the homes of modern stars who have settled in the district like Sandra Bullock and John Goodman
- Discover at Lafayette Cemetery with a short guided visit.
Detailed Itinerary
The journey, in full
- Take a stroll down the city formerly known as Lafayette and learn about the complex history of the 19th-century mansion-filled neighbourhoods 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)
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
New Orleans
City/Town Tour at Garden District, New Orleans.
Continued
New Orleans
Sightseeing at Lafayette Cemetery.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
- A friendly, professional English-speaking tour guide for your own private group - Plenty of time to take photos of your favourite places
Not Included
Gratuities. Food and additional drink. Entrance fees. Cost of transportation between sites, and hotel pickup/drop-off, is not included.
What to Bring
- Please note, this is a walking tour. It is advised to bring comfortable walking shoes, and any medication you may require during the tour. - Please ensure you arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes prior to the tour start time. - In the event of sunny weather, it is advised to bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water. In winter, it is advised to dress in warm clothing.
Meeting & Pickup
Your guide will meet you outside the main entrance to Commander's Palace - 1403 Washington Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130.
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Automatic
Traveler Impressions
What travelers are saying
2021-10-25
1.00 / 5
The tour guide was not good. Annoying style, and she did not pick up on any clues. Had to drag her out of a cemetery…she was so excited to keep sharing minute details that we were not interested in learning. We stopped after an hour and a half. ------------------- 10/29/2021: Response from the Tour Operator: Hi Joe, We appreciate your feedback, as we take it into serious consideration to continue improving our tours. We regret knowing that you would have preferred to modify the itinerary, but please note that the Lafayette Cemetery is listed on the tour's description and path as one of the main attractions, due to its historical importance. Lesley is one of our most praised guides in the City of New Orleans, and we're sorry that your time with her was not the experience you anticipated. We would love to resolve this with you, so please feel free to reach out directly to our team if there's anything at all we can do for you. Wishing you a wonderful day, Travel Curious Team
2021-10-20
5.00 / 5
Client was very happy and had a great time!
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