Movie and TV Show Tour of New Orleans

Exploring New Orleans through its cinematic lens offers a fresh way to experience this lively city. For just $30 per person, this 2-hour tour takes you behind the scenes of over a dozen films and TV shows, walking you through historic streets, haunted mansions, and iconic landmarks. Led by guides who are praised for their wealth of knowledge and engaging storytelling, this experience is perfect for film buffs and curious travelers alike.

What we particularly love are two features: the variety of filming locations, from haunted houses to historic sites, and the personalized approach guides take, often customizing the tour based on your favorite shows. The small group size (a maximum of 16 travelers) keeps things intimate and allows for plenty of interaction.

One consideration is that this tour involves some walking and standing—while it’s not a strenuous hike, travelers who can’t handle long stretches on foot may want to plan accordingly.

This tour suits anyone who appreciates movies, TV shows, or local history and enjoys seeing the city from a unique, pop-culture perspective. Whether you’re a dedicated fan of The Originals or just love discovering film locations, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.

Key Points

• Expert Guides: Highly knowledgeable, engaging, and able to personalize the tour.
• Iconic Locations: From Jackson Square to haunted mansions and vampire hotspots.
• Affordable Value: At $30, the tour offers a rich mix of film history and local sights.
• Variety of Films & Shows: Over a dozen productions featured, including supernatural series and crime dramas.
• History & Pop Culture: Combines film locations with insights into New Orleans’ historic architecture and civil rights landmarks.
• Not a Walking Tour: The experience is mostly on a comfortable vehicle, making it accessible for most.

An In-Depth Look at the Movie and TV Show Tour of New Orleans

The Experience at a Glance

This tour is a well-balanced mix of film history and local sightseeing. It begins at 400 Royal Street, a prime location in the French Quarter, and is designed for those who want a short, immersive peek into the city’s role as a Hollywood backdrop. For $30, you get approximately two hours of storytelling, photo stops, and fascinating tidbits about how New Orleans has been transformed into a film star.

The small group size (up to 16 people) keeps the experience intimate, allowing guides like Trevor, who receives glowing reviews, to tailor their commentary to your interests. The tour runs smoothly, with no walking required, making it accessible even for travelers with limited mobility.

Why We Like This Tour

We love the way this tour combines film locations with the city’s historic charm. Guides use visual aids—photos and videos—to bring scenes to life, which makes the experience more engaging. Several reviews highlight guides’ know-how, with one mentioning Trevor as being “very informative,” “funny,” and “great at answering questions.”

Another aspect that stands out is accessibility: since the tour doesn’t involve walking long distances, it’s suitable for most travelers, including those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Plus, the price point makes it a fantastic value—especially given the depth of behind-the-scenes stories and local context.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

We start close to the LA Supreme Court building and walk to the Napoleon House before arriving at the Pharmacy Museum, the first licensed pharmacy in the United States. This stop sets the tone—combining true crime, history, and a dash of supernatural lore, as the city’s historic buildings often feature in spooky stories.

While admission is not included, it’s worth noting that this site is a hub for several themes—crime, circus acts, vampires—which recur throughout the tour.

Stop 2: Jackson Square

This iconic square is the heart of the French Quarter and has appeared in more than a dozen film projects. As a lively hub of artists and street performers, Jackson Square provides a picturesque backdrop in many movies and shows, making it easy to recognize on screen.

Reviewers point out that the photography opportunities here are plentiful, and guides often share little-known facts about the square’s history and its role in filming.

Stop 3: Voodoo Authentica and the Surrounding Area

Beyond the shop itself, this area is steeped in Voodoo lore but also serves as a filming hotspot. The guide dispels myths, explaining the truth about Voodoo in New Orleans and its portrayal in media, which adds depth for those interested in the city’s supernatural side.

Stop 4: Old Ursuline Convent Museum

This pre-fire building offers a glimpse into the architectural resilience of the city. It’s also the starting point of the “horror” loop—think witches and vampires—making it a favorite for fans of supernatural tales and spooky stories.

Stop 5: LaLaurie Mansion

Famous as the most haunted house in New Orleans, the LaLaurie Mansion features in several ghost stories and urban legends. One enthusiastic review mentions that Nicholas Cage once owned it, adding to its star power. The guide shares chilling stories, but also contextualizes the mansion’s history within the city’s darker past.

Stop 6-8: Vampire and Occult Spots

Locations like the Starling Magickal Occult Shop and Boutique du Vampyre are highlights for vampire fans, with histories that make them more than just film locations—they’re parts of NOLA’s supernatural culture. These stops are perfect for fans of Vampire Diaries and American Horror Story, which frequently shoot in the city.

Final Stops: Pirate’s Alley and Beyond

The tour wraps up at Pirate’s Alley Cafe, a place bustling with film projects and stories of pirates and ghosts. Travelers have remarked on how this final stop encapsulates the mystique and film cachet of the French Quarter.

The Experience Beyond Sightseeing

What makes this tour special, beyond just ticking off locations, is the personal stories and behind-the-scenes tidbits. Guides like Trevor share funny anecdotes, film trivia, and local history, often tailoring their commentary based on what the group is interested in.

Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides for their enthusiasm and ability to connect with travelers. One reviewer mentioned that Trevor “answered all our questions and customized the tour to our interests,” which underscores the personal touch that elevates this experience.

Practical Considerations and Value

The ticket price of $30 is a real bargain considering the depth of information and the exclusive access to popular film locations. Since the tour is mostly on a comfortable vehicle rather than strenuous walking, it caters well to a broad audience.

Be aware that the tour operates rain or shine, so check the weather if you’re sensitive to outdoor weather conditions. The cancellation policy is flexible, with full refunds available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

This experience is perfect for film and TV fans who want to see New Orleans from a pop-culture perspective, and for those interested in supernatural stories and historic architecture. It’s ideal if you’re seeking a fun, informative, and easily accessible way to explore the French Quarter without much walking.

Travelers who appreciate personalized guides and enjoy behind-the-scenes insights will find this tour particularly rewarding. If you’re a superfan of shows like Vampire Diaries or American Horror Story, this tour will feel like a personal journey into your favorite scenes.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a quick but immersive activity perfect for fitting into a busy sightseeing schedule.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
Yes, since it’s not a walking tour, most travelers who can’t walk long distances will find it accessible. Just note that the tour involves some standing at stops, but it’s mostly comfortable.

What is the group size?
The tour limits to a maximum of 16 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience and plenty of chances to ask questions.

Do I need to purchase additional tickets?
Most stops are free to visit, but some sites like the Pharmacy Museum do charge admission, which is not included in the tour price.

What kinds of locations will I see?
Expect to see historic landmarks, haunted mansions, vampire shops, and filming sites from popular shows like Your Honor, Chef, The Originals, and Vampire Diaries.

Is the tour conducted on foot or vehicle?
This is primarily a vehicle-based tour with some short walks at specific stops, making it comfortable and accessible.

Can I customize the tour based on my favorite shows?
Guides are known to tailor their commentary, especially when they know what shows or movies you’re interested in.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, comfortable clothes, and perhaps an umbrella if rain is forecast. The tour is mostly outdoor, so dress appropriately.

Is there a restroom stop?
While not explicitly mentioned, stops in the French Quarter typically have nearby facilities, but it’s best to plan ahead.

This Movie and TV Show Tour of New Orleans offers an engaging, well-organized way to see the city’s famous film spots without extensive walking. Its affordable price and small-group setting make it a great value for fans eager to learn stories behind the scenes. The enthusiastic guides and array of locations—ranging from haunted houses to vampire shops—ensure that both history buffs and pop-culture fans leave with plenty of new insights.

Whether you’re in town for a quick visit or want a relaxed tour connecting you with Hollywood’s treatment of the Big Easy, this experience hits the sweet spot. It’s a fun, informative, and memorable addition to any New Orleans itinerary, especially if you love movies and TV shows that have helped shape the city’s cinematic reputation.

In short, if you enjoy stories, history, and iconic locations, don’t miss this tour. It’s a smart way to see the French Quarter from a film lover’s perspective and discover parts of New Orleans many travelers overlook.