We Rank New Orleans’s 15 Top Historical Tours

Few cities in the United States evoke the same mix of quirky charm, deep-rooted culture, and lively history as New Orleans. Its streets tell stories of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences, making it a perfect place to explore on foot, bike, boat, or even in a small group.

Whether you’re a foodie eager to taste Creole and Cajun specialties, a jazz lover wanting to hear legends from Louis Armstrong to modern performers, or interested in the mysterious lore of voodoo and haunted cemeteries, New Orleans offers a tour tailored for you. One thing is certain: each experience brings a fresh angle on this city’s unique character.

For an immersive taste of the local culinary and cocktail heritage, we particularly enjoy the New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour, which combines tasting with storytelling in a lively walk through the French Quarter.

Quick Overview

Our list of the 15 Best Historical Tours in New Orleans covers a wide range of interests. Food and drink tours like the Combo Cocktail and Food History Tour appeal to those who want to sample local flavors along with fascinating stories.

For lovers of music, the Music Heritage Tour and the Jazz Tour: History and Live Jazz reveal the city’s musical roots. Curious about cemeteries? The Historic Cemetery Tour shows you the city’s unique burial traditions.

And if you’re after a ghostly or voodoo twist, the Voodoo History Walking Tour or the Haunted Drunken History Tour combine fun storytelling with adult beverages. There’s truly something for every history lover in the Big Easy.

1. New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour

At number 1 on our list, the New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour is a food lover’s dream, blending six different locations, up to eight dishes, and four full-sized drinks into a 4-hour walk.

Led by a local guide, you’ll dive into the city’s culinary evolution while sampling iconic dishes like gumbo, muffulettas, and pralines. Plus, you’ll enjoy cocktails like the Sazerac and the Hurricane, learning about their roots as you go.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of tasting and storytelling—perfect for first-timers or those pressed for time. Reviewers love the knowledgeable guide, Ben, and the chance to try places they wouldn’t find on their own. The tour is quite filling and offers excellent value for its $160 price.

This experience is best suited for foodies and first-time visitors eager to understand New Orleans’ culinary history without spending days exploring.

Bottom line: If you want a comprehensive, flavorful intro to New Orleans’ cuisine and cocktails, this tour provides a memorable four hours packed with history and delicious bites.

2. New Orleans Cocktail History Walking Tour in the French Quarter

Next up, the New Orleans Cocktail History Walking Tour offers a 3-hour journey into the city’s legendary drink scene for just $95. It’s ideal for those who want insider access to four historic bars, each serving a cocktail that’s tied to NOLA’s past.

You’ll visit spots like Patrick’s Bar Vin, SoBou, and Peychaud’s Bar, where your guide will explain the origins of spirits like absinthe and the stories behind the Sazerac.

This tour is very popular thanks to expert guides who bring the liquid culture of New Orleans alive through stories and tastings. Reviews highlight the engaging guides, especially Beth and Gary, and the opportunity to try historic libations like the Brandy Crusta.

At just $95, it offers excellent value for a focused, high-quality experience—perfect for cocktail aficionados or anyone curious about how New Orleans became one of America’s most celebrated drinking cities.

Bottom line: With four authentic cocktails and fascinating tales, this tour is a lively way to experience the city’s spirit—and its stories.

3. New Orleans: French Quarter Food History Walking Tour

For those craving a taste of multiple Louisiana staples, the French Quarter Food History Tour delivers. Over three hours, you’ll visit five eateries, sampling nine different foods like Boudin, Po-boys, and Gumbo. The tour includes visits to Creole restaurants, candy shops, and hole-in-the-wall joints, offering a broad view of the city’s culinary diversity.

This guided walk is ideal for foodies wanting a diverse tasting experience intertwined with local history. Reviewers love the chance to try both the Muffuletta and Po-Boy sandwiches while learning about their origins. At $85, this tour offers a good balance of price and value for lovers of authentic Louisiana flavors. It’s perfect if you want to see the city’s culinary layers firsthand.

Bottom line: This tour combines food, culture, and history in a delightful walk that leaves you full and informed.

4. New Orleans Music Heritage Tour

Number four, the Music Heritage Tour, is a must for jazz and blues fans. Led by Keith, a local record man with 20 years’ experience, this two-hour guided walk takes you through 300 years of musical history. You’ll visit legendary venues like Preservation Jazz Hall and explore neighborhoods such as Treme and Frenchmen Street, soaking in stories of icons like Louis Armstrong and James Booker.

What makes this tour special is the music clips at various stops and the firsthand knowledge of Keith, whose background enriches the experience. Reviewers say Keith is “fantastic,” and the tour is perfect for music enthusiasts wanting more than just a history lesson. The $30 price is a steal considering the depth of insights and the chance to explore musical landmarks.

Bottom line: For a focused, music-filled tour that connects you to New Orleans’ soul, this walk offers a musical journey you won’t forget.

5. New Orleans: Creole Queen History Cruise with Optional Lunch

The Creole Queen cruise offers a relaxing 2.5-hour boat ride down the Mississippi River, with narration about the Battle of New Orleans and local landmarks. For just $47, you can sit back, enjoy a drink from the onboard cash bar, and listen to stories that bring the river’s past to life.

This tour appeals to those who prefer a scenic, low-effort experience that highlights river lore and historic sites from a different perspective. It’s a good value for the price and suits travelers interested in historic battles and Mississippi culture. The optional lunch adds a nice touch if you want a meal with your history.

Bottom line: This cruise combines leisurely sightseeing with educational commentary, ideal for a relaxing afternoon on the water.

6. New Orleans History and Sightseeing Small-Group Bike Tour

Number six, the Bike Tour offers an active way to explore the city’s neighborhoods and landmarks in about three hours. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll visit Jackson Square, the French Market, City Park, and the historic cemeteries, all while cycling through the neighborhoods of Treme, the Irish Channel, and more.

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers who want to cover more ground than walking allows. Reviewers highlight the small group size and the insider stories about local culture, architecture, and music. The $55 price includes bike rental and a route designed for comfortable riding.

Bottom line: For those who love to pedal and learn at the same time, this tour offers a lively, energetic way to see the city’s key sites.

7. New Orleans: Combo Cocktail and Food History Tour

At number seven, the Combo Tour combines food samples from six venues with four cocktails over four hours. Starting with seafood in the French Quarter and ending with classic drinks like the French 75, it dives into local cuisine and cocktail history.

Ideal for travelers wanting a full sensory experience, this tour allows you to explore diverse eateries and bars while learning about the origins of iconic drinks. Reviewers mention the variety of foods and the knowledgeable guides. For $160, it offers a comprehensive and satisfying experience, especially for those keen on understanding how New Orleans’ drinks and food evolved.

Bottom line: If you prefer a deep dive into both food and cocktails with plenty of tastings, this tour hits the mark.

8. New Orleans Historic Cemetery Tour: Explore Our Cemeteries

Number eight on the list is the Cemetery Tour, a two-hour exploration of three historic sites. Visitors visit St. Patrick Cemetery #2, Masonic Cemetery, and the Katrina Memorial at Charity Hospital Cemetery, learning about burial traditions, yellow fever, and Hurricane Katrina.

This tour appeals to those interested in local customs and the stories behind the tombs, especially since it’s more off-the-beaten-path. Reviewers appreciate the deep cultural insights and the well-informed guides. The $29.99 price makes it accessible for anyone wanting a meaningful, educational cemetery visit.

Bottom line: For a concise, in-depth cemetery experience, this tour combines history and culture with powerful stories of resilience.

9. New Orleans French Quarter and Voodoo History Walking Tour

Number nine, the Voodoo and French Quarter Tour, offers a 1 hour 45-minute walk through the heart of the city’s mystical side. You’ll see Congo Square, Bourbon Street, and the home of Marie Laveau, learning about Voodoo traditions, architecture, and local legends.

It’s perfect for those wanting an intimate, storytelling-driven experience. Reviewers appreciate the engaging guides and the chance to see key landmarks while absorbing the spiritual history of New Orleans. The tour’s low price of $21 makes it a great introduction for curious travelers.

Bottom line: For an engaging, culturally rich walk that explores Voodoo’s influence in NOLA, this tour offers a balanced mix of myth and history.

10. Haunted Drunken History Tour from New Orleans

Number ten, the Haunted Drunken History Tour, is an adults-only experience that combines booze and stories. Over 2 hours, you’ll visit historic bars like Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop and Pirate’s Alley Cafe, hearing tales of pirates, murders, and ghosts.

This tour is ideal for night owls who want an entertaining, lively exploration of the city’s more mischievous side. Reviewers mention Raffle’s funny and insightful stories, making it a perfect choice for nightlife lovers. Priced at just $30, it’s a fun value for a noisy, spirited evening.

Bottom line: For those who want to mix history with drinks and a lively atmosphere, this adults-only tour delivers a memorable night out.

11. Treme African American & Creole History Tour

The Treme Neighborhood Tour offers a 105-minute exploration into African-American and Creole roots. You’ll visit important sites like the birthplace of jazz and learn about cultural contributions from the neighborhood that shaped modern New Orleans.

This tour is perfect for travelers interested in racial history, music, and local culture. Reviewers praise the guide’s insights into Treme’s significance and the stories about local legends. It costs only $22, making it an affordable way to deepen your understanding of the social fabric of NOLA.

Bottom line: It’s a focused, impactful way to learn about Treme’s pivotal role in New Orleans’ identity.

12. New Orleans Jazz Tour: History and Live Jazz

Number twelve, the Jazz Tour, combines historical storytelling with live music for a 2.5-hour evening experience. Your guide takes you through Louis Armstrong Park, Frenchmen Street, and other hotspots, ending with a live jazz performance and a drink.

This experience is best for music fans who want a fun, interactive night. Reviewers note the well-curated route and the great local jazz venues, making it an authentic dive into NOLA’s jazz scene. Priced at $60.56, it offers a great combination of history and entertainment.

Bottom line: If you love jazz and lively nights, this tour provides a perfect mix of storytelling, music, and local atmosphere.

13. Adults Only Voodoo History Guided Walking Tour

Our next pick, the Voodoo Tour for Adults is an engaging 1.5-hour walk focusing on Voodoo’s history and rituals. You’ll see landmarks like Basin St. Station, Congo Square, and sites related to Marie Laveau.

Ideal for mature audiences curious about spiritual practices, this tour emphasizes cultural understanding rather than sensationalism. Reviewers praise the entertaining guide and the respectful approach. It’s priced at $37, offering a concise but informative experience.

Bottom line: This tour provides a respectful, detailed look at Voodoo’s place in New Orleans.

14. New Orleans: Garden District Food, Drinks & History Tour

Number fourteen, the Garden District Tour, is a 3-hour walk through a neighborhood famous for mansion-lined streets and history. It includes three food stops with Cajun and Creole cuisine, as well as a stroll along Magazine Street to browse small shops and local art.

This experience suits travelers who want to combine culinary delights with architecture and local stories. Reviewers enjoy the balanced mix of food and sights and the friendly guides. At $95, it offers a solid value for those wanting a comprehensive neighborhood tour.

Bottom line: Perfect for food and architecture fans eager to see a historic, upscale part of town.

15. Historic Garden District Walking Tour

Our final choice, the Garden District Walking Tour, is a 2-hour journey through one of New Orleans’ most picturesque neighborhoods. You’ll see celebrity mansions, Lafayette Cemetery, and learn about Irish immigrants’ contributions. The tour emphasizes architecture, history, and local legends.

Ideal for those who enjoy strolling heritage neighborhoods with a small group, reviewers mention the knowledgeable guide Robin and the fascinating stories. The $35 price makes it accessible for most travelers seeking a relaxed, scenic walk.

Bottom line: Great for architecture lovers or anyone wanting a leisurely, informative experience of one of NOLA’s most famous districts.

How to Choose Your Best NOLA Historical Tour

When selecting among these tours, consider your interests, budget, and physical activity level. Food and cocktail lovers might prioritize the Food & Drink Tours, while music enthusiasts will enjoy the Music Heritage or Jazz adventures.

For those intrigued by cemeteries and spiritual traditions, the Cemetery and Voodoo tours are ideal. Budget-conscious travelers can opt for shorter, more focused walks like the Voodoo tour or the Treme Neighborhood.

Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons in spring and fall. Consider combining walking, biking, and boat tours to diversify your experience. Finally, think about your fitness level—many tours involve some walking or cycling, so choose accordingly.

Final Thoughts

No matter your interests, New Orleans offers a wealth of historical tours that reveal its layered stories—whether through sipping cocktails, listening to jazz, or wandering among haunted cemeteries. For a taste of local flavor, the Food and Cocktail Tours are perfect for newcomers. For music lovers, the Heritage and Jazz tours bring the city’s soul to life.

If your schedule is tight, specialized tours like the Voodoo and Cemetery walks give a deep dive into the city’s mysterious side. Whatever your passion, booking a tour early will ensure you experience the best of New Orleans’ history and culture.