New Orleans is a city that practically oozes stories. Its streets are lined with centuries-old buildings, jazz clubs, and cemeteries that tell tales of pirates, pirates, and pioneering spirits. What makes it special isn’t just the architecture or the music but the layers of history that are still very much alive. We love how some tours combine food and drink with storytelling, like the New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour, which offers a tasty trip through the city’s culinary past. Others, like the French Quarter Voodoo Tour, explore its mystical side. Whether it’s walking, biking, or cruising, New Orleans offers a variety of ways to unlock its secrets.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of historical experiences: from walking tours that reveal the French Quarter’s architecture and voodoo history, to cemetery visits, music heritage walks, and boat cruises along the Mississippi. For food lovers, there’s the Food and Cocktail Combo Tour, which combines delicious samples with stories behind classic drinks. For music fans, the Jazz and Blues Tours showcase the city’s musical roots. Each tour has its own charm, so read on to find the one that suits your interests best.
1. New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour
At number 1 on our list, the New Orleans Cocktail and Food History Tour is a perfect choice for travelers who want to combine delicious food with fascinating stories of the city’s past. For about $160, you’ll enjoy a 4-hour walking tour that takes you to six different spots, sampling up to eight dishes and sipping four full-sized drinks. Your local guide shares insider tips on the origins of Creole and Cajun cuisine alongside tales of historic cocktails like the Sazerac or Pralines. Guests praise the tour for its friendly guides and ample tastings, with reviews highlighting the enjoyable mix of history and flavors. This tour is ideal if you want a comprehensive, engaging experience that’s perfect for first-time visitors, foodies, and those pressed for time. Bottom line: it offers great value for an in-depth culinary history experience.
2. New Orleans Cocktail History Walking Tour in the French Quarter
Second on our list is the French Quarter Cocktail Tour, which costs $95 for a 3-hour journey. It shines by focusing on the city’s legendary bar culture with visits to four historic venues. You’ll taste a Sazerac at Peychaud’s Bar, learn about absinthe and other old spirits, and explore the elegant Bourbon Orleans Hotel bar that was once a convent. What makes this tour special is its focus on the liquid history of New Orleans, with guides sharing stories behind each cocktail. Guests rave about guides like Beth and Gary, who make the experience both fun and educational. It’s perfect for those interested in spirits, history, and local lore. Bottom line: a spirited, flavorful walk through NOLA’s cocktail heritage.
3. New Orleans: French Quarter Food History Walking Tour
For around $85, the French Quarter Food Tour offers a tasty 3-hour walk through the original neighborhood’s eateries. You’ll sample 9 different foods, from gumbo and Po-boy sandwiches to Pralines and Boudin sausages.** This tour highlights the diversity of Louisiana cuisine and the deep roots of Creole and Cajun traditions. Visitors often enjoy discovering little-known eateries and learning about the history of local dishes. Whether you’re a foodie or just curious about how New Orleans became a culinary hotspot, this experience delivers a satisfying taste of the city’s eclectic food scene. Bottom line: a delicious way to explore the city’s gastronomic history.
4. New Orleans Music Heritage Tour
Next, the Music Heritage Tour provides a 2-hour walk through 300 years of musical history in the city for just $30. Led by a local record producer, Keith guides you past legendary sites like Preservation Jazz Hall, recording studios, and historic venues. Expect to hear clips of jazz, blues, and gospel, along with stories about icons like Louis Armstrong and Allen Toussaint. Guests love how the tour combines music, history, and storytelling, making it perfect for music lovers or anyone wanting a deeper understanding of New Orleans’ iconic sound. During the walk, you’ll visit neighborhoods like the Marigny and Treme. Bottom line: a compact, insightful tour for jazz and blues fans.
5. New Orleans: Creole Queen History Cruise with Optional Lunch
For a relaxing change of pace, the Creole Queen River Cruise offers a 2.5-hour cruise down the Mississippi River at $47 per ticket. The narrated tour covers the Battle of New Orleans, local landmarks, and river lore, with the option to enjoy cocktails on board. It’s best suited for travelers looking for an easy, scenic experience that combines history and scenery. The cruise’s highlight is the battlefield visit where the famous 1815 fight took place. Guests appreciate the relaxed pace and storytelling. It’s ideal for families, seniors, or those wanting a laid-back introduction to river history. Bottom line: a scenic, informative cruise with optional dining.
6. New Orleans History and Sightseeing Small-Group Bike Tour
Number 6 is the Bike Tour, which covers key neighborhoods and landmarks in about 3 hours for $55 a person. It’s a fast-paced way to see Jackson Square, St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, and Louis Armstrong Park. Led by guides like Jeffrey and Betsy, this tour offers little-known facts about the city’s Neighborhoods, history, and music. The small group size ensures a personalized experience, and the bike ride is suitable for those comfortable with cycling. Reviewers mention how it’s a great way to cover more ground than walking, with some appreciating the local insights. It’s well-suited for active travelers eager to combine sightseeing with a bit of exercise. Bottom line: an efficient, engaging way to explore New Orleans on two wheels.
7. New Orleans: Combo Cocktail and Food History Tour
At number 7, the Combo Food and Cocktail Tour is a 4-hour walking journey for about $160, offering six food samples and four cocktails across different venues. It’s a perfect fit if you want a full sensory experience with diverse regional cuisines—from seafood grills to family-owned candy stores. Guides explain the origins of iconic drinks like the Hurricane and French 75 while sharing stories about local traditions and culinary evolution. Reviewers love the variety and the knowledgeable guides who keep the tour lively. It’s best suited for food and drink enthusiasts looking for a comprehensive taste of New Orleans. Bottom line: an excellent culinary adventure blending history, flavors, and fun.
8. New Orleans Historic Cemetery Tour: Explore Our Cemeteries
For $29.99, the Cemetery Tour takes you through three historic cemeteries, including St. Patrick Cemetery No. 2 and the Katrina Memorial. The tour highlights unique burial customs like above-ground tombs and the stories behind legends like Marie Laveau. Guests rave about the deep dive into local death customs and the well-informed guides. The tour lasts about 2 hours, making it a concise yet meaningful way to explore the city’s mortuary traditions. It’s perfect for history buffs and those interested in the city’s darker stories. Bottom line: a hauntingly educational journey into New Orleans’ burial practices.
9. New Orleans French Quarter and Voodoo History Walking Tour
Number 9 is the Voodoo and French Quarter Tour at just $21, and it lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes. It blends cultural storytelling with visits to Bourbon Street, Congo Square, and the home of Marie Laveau. The guide recounts tales of voodoo rituals and the mystique surrounding Marie Laveau, adding a layer of intrigue. Reviewers mention how the guide’s storytelling and the easy pace make it accessible for all ages. This tour is ideal if you want a short but lively overview of voodoo, architecture, and local legends. Bottom line: a quick yet intriguing glimpse into New Orleans’ mystical side.
10. Haunted Drunken History Tour from New Orleans
For those who like their history served with a shot of fun, the Haunted Drunken History Tour is a adults-only experience at $30. It lasts 2 hours and visits historic bars, such as Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, one of the oldest surviving structures. Guides weave stories of pirates, murders, and legends as you enjoy a free drink to kick things off. Guests mention Raffle as an entertaining guide who makes history lively and humorous. This tour suits those seeking a lively, adult-oriented evening with a mix of spirits and stories. Bottom line: a fun, raucous way to learn about New Orleans’ darker tales.
11. New Orleans: Treme African American & Creole History Tour
Number 11, the Treme Neighborhood Tour, offers 105 minutes of deep cultural insights into African American and Creole roots at $22. It covers the birthplace of jazz, places from the HBO series “Treme,” and stories of musicians like Louis Armstrong. Guides highlight the social and musical contributions of the neighborhood. It’s a shorter tour, ideal for those interested in the cultural fabric of New Orleans but with limited time. Reviewers appreciate the engaging storytelling and focused insights. Bottom line: a concise, enriching look at Treme’s cultural significance.
12. New Orleans Jazz Tour: History and Live Jazz
Number 12, the Jazz and Live Music Tour, combines a walking tour with live jazz performances. Priced at $60.56, it lasts about 2.5 hours. The tour begins at Louis Armstrong Park and takes you through Frenchmen Street to hear local jazz spots. Your guide discusses jazz origins, legends, and the culture behind the music while you enjoy live performances and a drink. Reviewers commend the personalized route and educational content. It’s perfect for music lovers who want to experience authentic jazz alongside historical context. Bottom line: an immersive musical journey with lively live performances.
13. Adults Only Voodoo History Guided Walking Tour in New Orleans
Finally, the Adults-Only Voodoo Tour is a 1.5-hour walk at $37. It explores the mystique of voodoo with stops at Congo Square, Marie Laveau’s home site, and Dauphine Street. Guides share ritual stories, beliefs, and the misconceptions surrounding voodoo. Guests appreciate the entertaining storytelling and insights into the spiritual practices. Ideal for adults interested in the supernatural and cultural stories. Bottom line: a focused, engaging look at voodoo’s role in New Orleans.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a historic tour in New Orleans, think about your interests and energy level. For foodies and drink enthusiasts, the Food and Cocktail Tours or the Combo Food and Cocktail Tour offer delicious tastings with storytelling. If music is more your style, the Music Heritage or Jazz Tour are fantastic choices. For those interested in cemeteries and ghosts, the Cemetery Tour or Haunted Tour will satisfy your curiosity. Budget, time, and mobility also matter — biking and boat tours provide different paces and scenery, so choose what fits your style.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons or festivals. Combining a walking tour with extra visits or specialized themes can also maximize your experience.
Final Thoughts
From culinary stories to musical legends and mysterious cemeteries, New Orleans offers a wide range of history-rich tours. Whether you prefer savoring authentic Creole cuisine on a food and drink tour, exploring neighborhoods on a bike tour, or listening to live jazz while strolling through Louis Armstrong Park, each experience provides a unique window into the city’s soul. For history lovers, the Eras of New Orleans and French Quarter Voodoo stand out as must-dos.
Whatever your interests, booking one or two of these tours will deepen your appreciation for this city’s complex stories. Early reservations are wise to secure spots in popular tours, especially during Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest. Enjoy exploring New Orleans’ past, and let the stories of its streets captivate you long after you leave.