New Orleans, a city celebrated for its distinct culture, storied past, and unmatched cuisine, is a captivating destination throughout the year. However, the fall season offers a particularly enchanting experience for visitors, with pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and a multitude of exciting events.
In This Article
TL;DR
Explore the city’s distinctive architecture, historic cemeteries, and charming neighborhoods through walking tours.
Savor the diverse flavors of Creole and Cajun cuisine, from classic dishes to hidden local gems, with food tours.
Immerse yourself in New Orleans’ jazz heritage and thriving live music scene, with intimate performances and insider knowledge through music tours.
Walking Tours
French Quarter Tours
Step back in time as you wander through the historic heart of New Orleans on a guided French Quarter tour. Knowledgeable local guides will lead you through the narrow, cobblestone streets, pointing out iconic landmarks such as Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the lively Bourbon Street. Along the way, you’ll learn about the city’s French and Spanish colonial past, uncovering the stories that have shaped this fascinating neighborhood for centuries.
One highly recommended tour operator is French Quarter Phantoms, offering a range of walking tours that cater to various interests. Their Ghost & Vampire Tour and Voodoo/French Quarter History Tour are particularly popular, providing a thrilling and informative look at the city’s darker side. Tours depart from 718 N. Rampart Street and typically last around 2 hours. Prices start at $25 per person.
Garden District Tours
For a glimpse into the opulent lives of New Orleans’ wealthy plantation owners and famous residents, embark on a Garden District tour. As you stroll past grand antebellum mansions and lush, manicured gardens, your guide will regale you with tales of the city’s most prominent historical figures. A highlight of the tour is a visit to Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, one of New Orleans’ oldest and most beautiful cemeteries, where you’ll learn about the city’s unique above-ground burial practices.
Two Chicks Walking Tours offers an excellent Garden District Tour that covers the neighborhood’s history, architecture, and celebrity homes. Tours depart from the corner of Prytania Street and Washington Avenue and last approximately 2 hours. Prices start at $25 per person.
Food Tours
Classic New Orleans Cuisine Tours
No visit to New Orleans is complete without indulging in the city’s world-renowned cuisine. A classic New Orleans cuisine tour will introduce you to iconic dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, and po’ boys, while also showcasing the influences of French, African, and Spanish cooking traditions. You’ll visit historic restaurants and hidden local gems, sampling the best of what the city has to offer.
Doctor Gumbo Tours offers a highly-rated New Orleans Food History Tour that takes you through the French Quarter, stopping at several classic eateries along the way. The tour includes generous samples of traditional dishes, as well as insights into the city’s culinary heritage. Tours depart from the Old U.S. Mint at 400 Esplanade Avenue and last around 3 hours. Prices start at $65 per person.
Cocktail and Bar Tours
New Orleans is the birthplace of many iconic cocktails, including the Sazerac and the Hurricane. A cocktail and bar tour will guide you through the city’s best bars and speakeasies, where you’ll sip on classic concoctions and learn about the origins and recipes behind these famous drinks.
Gray Line offers a popular New Orleans Cocktail Walking Tour that visits several historic bars in the French Quarter, including the famous Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone. The tour includes samples of four classic cocktails and entertaining stories about the city’s drinking culture. Tours depart from 400 Toulouse Street and last around 2.5 hours. Prices start at $50 per person.
Music Tours
Jazz History Tours
As the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans boasts a rich musical heritage that continues to thrive today. A jazz history tour will trace the evolution of this beloved genre from its roots in the city’s African American communities to its global influence. You’ll visit landmarks such as Preservation Hall and Louis Armstrong Park, learning about the legendary musicians and innovators who shaped the sound of jazz.
New Orleans Music Tours offers an informative New Orleans Jazz Tour that covers the history of jazz and its key figures, including live musical demonstrations. Tours depart from the New Orleans Jazz Museum at 400 Esplanade Avenue and last around 2 hours. Prices start at $25 per person.
Live Music Crawls
To experience the city’s vibrant live music scene firsthand, join a live music crawl through some of New Orleans’ most iconic venues. You’ll hop between famous spots like Tipitina’s and The Spotted Cat, enjoying intimate performances by local jazz, blues, and zydeco artists.
NOLA Crawl offers a Frenchmen Street Live Music Crawl that takes you to three of the city’s best live music venues, with priority access and reserved seating. The tour includes one drink at each stop and insider knowledge about the local music scene. Tours depart from the corner of Frenchmen Street and Decatur Street and last around 3 hours. Prices start at $69 per person.
Unique Specialty Tours
Voodoo and Cemetery Tours
New Orleans is steeped in the mystical traditions of voodoo, and a voodoo and cemetery tour will introduce you to this fascinating aspect of the city’s culture. You’ll visit the tombs of famous voodoo queens like Marie Laveau and Doctor John, learning about their lives and the rituals they performed. Along the way, you’ll also gain insight into the city’s unique above-ground burial practices and the stories behind its historic cemeteries.
Free Tours by Foot offers a highly-rated New Orleans Voodoo Tour that covers the history and practices of voodoo, as well as visits to several significant sites. Tours depart from the corner of Royal Street and Dumaine Street and last around 2 hours. While the tour is free, guides appreciate tips.
Literary Tours
New Orleans has long been a haven for great American writers, from William Faulkner to Tennessee Williams. A literary tour will take you in the footsteps of these celebrated authors, visiting the homes and hangouts that inspired their famous works. Along the way, you’ll hear excerpts and anecdotes that bring their stories to life, gaining a deeper appreciation for the city’s rich literary heritage.
The New Orleans Literary Tour offers a guided walk through the French Quarter, focusing on the lives and works of authors such as Truman Capote, Eudora Welty, and Sherwood Anderson. Tours depart from the Faulkner House Books at 624 Pirate’s Alley and last around 2 hours. Prices start at $25 per person.
As you plan your fall visit to New Orleans, consider adding one or more of these exceptional tours to your itinerary. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, a music lover, or simply curious about the city’s unique culture, these guided experiences will provide you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of all that New Orleans has to offer. So, grab your walking shoes, bring your appetite, and get ready to uncover the magic of the Crescent City this fall.
Ransom Patterson is a seasoned writer and editor with extensive experience in creating engaging online content since 2015. His fresh perspective enriches Inside NOLA with insightful articles that highlight the unique neighborhoods and cultural experiences of New Orleans. Ransom's passion for music and culinary arts shines through as he shares stories about the city's jazz clubs, live music venues, and iconic dishes. His dedication to exploring new experiences, combined with his meticulous approach to writing, makes him a trusted authority on all things New Orleans. When he's not writing, Ransom enjoys making music, cooking new dishes, and cycling, which fuels his appreciation for the vibrant lifestyle of the Crescent City.
