Best Open Tours in New Orleans: Planning Your Visit
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By: Inside NOLA
New Orleans, the storied city on the Mississippi River, draws millions of visitors yearly with its rich cultural blend, delectable cuisine, and infectious music scene. Embarking on an open tour is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the city’s captivating past and present. With a variety of options, planning your open tour experience in New Orleans can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Let’s explore the various types of open tours the city offers and provide essential tips for making the most of your visit.
In This Article
TL;DR
New Orleans offers a diverse range of open tours catering to various interests, from history and architecture to food and music.
Advance planning, including booking ahead, checking tour schedules, and preparing for the weather, is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable tour experience.
Engaging with your guide and fellow tour participants, capturing memories, and purchasing souvenirs can enhance your open tour experience in New Orleans.
Types of Open Tours in New Orleans
Historical and Architectural Tours
For history enthusiasts and architecture admirers, New Orleans is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. The French Quarter, the city’s oldest neighborhood, is a must-visit on any historical or architectural tour. These walking tours showcase the city’s colonial past and iconic buildings, such as the St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, and the Presbytère.
The Garden District, known for its antebellum mansions and lush gardens, offers another fascinating glimpse into the city’s history. Tours of this picturesque neighborhood highlight the grand estates built by wealthy merchants and plantation owners in the mid-19th century.
No historical tour of New Orleans would be complete without a visit to one of the city’s unique above-ground cemeteries. Cemetery tours, such as those offered at St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 or Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, provide insights into the city’s burial practices and showcase the final resting places of notable figures like voodoo queen Marie Laveau and chess prodigy Paul Morphy.
Food and Beverage Tours
New Orleans is a food lover’s paradise, and culinary tours are an excellent way to sample the city’s iconic dishes and learn about its rich gastronomic heritage. These tours typically include stops at local restaurants, markets, and food shops, where you can taste classics like gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys, and beignets.
For those interested in the city’s cocktail culture, there are tours that focus on New Orleans’ signature drinks and the bars that serve them. Visit famous watering holes like the Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt Hotel, where the Sazerac cocktail was invented, or Pat O’Brien’s, home of the Hurricane. Some tours even include stops at local breweries and distilleries, offering tastings and insights into the growing craft beer and spirits scene in New Orleans.
Music and Cultural Tours
No visit to New Orleans would be complete without experiencing its vibrant music and cultural scene. Jazz tours are a popular choice, tracing the genre’s roots and visiting legendary clubs and performance venues like Preservation Hall and Snug Harbor. These tours often feature live performances and discussions with local musicians, providing a deeper understanding of the city’s musical heritage.
For those fascinated by the city’s mysterious and supernatural side, Voodoo & Ghost Tours are a must. These tours explore the history and practices of voodoo in New Orleans, visiting sites associated with famous practitioners like Marie Laveau. Ghost tours, on the other hand, investigate the city’s haunted locations and share spine-chilling tales of paranormal activity.
Mardi Gras, the annual celebration that has become synonymous with New Orleans, is another popular theme for cultural tours. These tours explain the history and traditions behind the famous festival, including the colorful parades, elaborate costumes, and lively music. Some tours even include visits to Mardi Gras World, where you can see artists creating floats and costumes for upcoming parades.
Planning Your Open Tour
Choosing the Right Tour
With so many open tour options available in New Orleans, it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your interests, physical fitness level, and available time. Consider factors like the tour’s duration, walking distance, and any age or mobility restrictions.
Reading reviews from previous tour participants can provide valuable insights into the quality and content of the tour, helping you make an informed decision. Comparing prices and inclusions across different tour operators can also ensure you get the best value for your money.
Booking and Scheduling
To avoid disappointment, especially during peak tourist seasons like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, it’s crucial to book your open tour in advance. Many popular tours fill up quickly, so making a reservation as early as possible is recommended.
When booking, verify the tour schedule and meeting point to ensure you arrive on time. Allow extra time for travel and parking, particularly in busy areas like the French Quarter, where traffic and parking can be challenging.
What to Bring and Wear
Most open tours in New Orleans involve a fair amount of walking outdoors, so wearing comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing is essential. Opt for breathable, lightweight fabrics during the hot and humid summer months, and bring a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings.
Sun protection is also crucial, especially during midday tours. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the intense Louisiana sun. Don’t forget to bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the tour.
Given New Orleans’ unpredictable weather, it’s always a good idea to carry a light rain jacket or umbrella. Sudden downpours are common, and being prepared can save you from getting drenched during your tour.
Maximizing Your Open Tour Experience
Engaging with Your Guide and Group
One of the best ways to enhance your open tour experience is by actively engaging with your guide and fellow tour participants. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or share your own knowledge and observations; this fosters a more interactive and informative tour atmosphere.
Remember to be respectful of your guide and the other members of your group. Follow any rules or guidelines provided, such as staying with the group, not touching artifacts, or maintaining a reasonable noise level.
If you enjoyed the tour and found your guide to be knowledgeable and engaging, consider leaving a tip. Gratuities often make up a significant portion of a tour guide’s income, and your appreciation can go a long way in supporting their livelihood.
Capturing Memories and Souvenirs
Open tours in New Orleans offer countless opportunities to capture unforgettable memories. Take photos and videos throughout the tour to document your experience, but be mindful of any restrictions or requests from your guide. Some locations, like cemeteries or private properties, may have specific rules regarding photography.
Many tours also provide opportunities to purchase souvenirs or gifts related to the tour theme. For example, you might find art prints, musical albums, or culinary products that serve as tangible reminders of your New Orleans adventure.
After the tour, consider writing a review or sharing your experience on social media. Your feedback can help others planning their own New Orleans open tour and provide valuable insights for future visitors.
Conclusion
New Orleans’ open tours offer a fascinating and immersive way to explore the city’s rich history, culture, and traditions. By carefully planning your tour, choosing the right theme, and engaging with your guide and fellow participants, you can ensure a memorable and enlightening experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a music lover, New Orleans has an open tour that will captivate your senses and leave you with a deeper appreciation for this one-of-a-kind city.
