New Orleans Culture Second Line Tour in NOLA
Description
Step into the vibrant soul of New Orleans with the Treme Second Line Experience, an unforgettable journey into the heart of the city’s culture. Unlike traditional tours, this isn’t just a sightseeing event—it’s a celebration of life, music, and community! March alongside a live brass band as they fill the streets with the iconic sounds of New Orleans. Feel the energy of dancers adorned in colorful attire and connect with locals who welcome you like family. Rooted in the rich traditions of African American fraternal societies and neighborhood gatherings from the 19th century, this experience showcases the living history and joy of Second Line parades. Get ready to let the good times roll!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Step into the heart of New Orleans and explore its vibrant culture and rich history with your expert guide, King Hollis Burton. From the legendary stories of the Mardi Gras Indians to the profound legacy of Social Aid & Pleasure Clubs, this tour offers a deep dive into the traditions that define the Crescent City. As you walk the historic streets, hear the rhythms of the city’s unmatched music scene. Whether it’s the lively energy of a Second Line parade or the serene beauty of Congo Square, you’ll leave with a true understanding of New Orleans’ unique heritage. Locations may vary based on the parade route, ensuring you experience the city’s culture at its most vibrant. Don’t just attend a Second Line—learn the history behind it!
"Sunday Funday” with Treme Luxury Experience will likely center around the cultural tradition of second line parades, which are a staple of New Orleans culture, especially in the Treme neighborhood. These parades, originating from jazz funerals, feature brass bands and dancing participants, with vibrant, spontaneous celebrations winding through the streets.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(98)
It's a good time with a lot of locals. But, be mindful of the heat. There's great music and beautiful costumes.
Thank you for your review! We’re so glad you enjoyed spending time with the locals, the incredible music, and the beautiful costumes. As for the heat—well, you visited us in June, and that’s just a true New Orleans summer! ☀️ We always recommend staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, and embracing the experience. We appreciate you visiting and hope to welcome you back again soon!
A must do when you're in New Orleans! Great tour guide, give you that New Orleans experience! Oh yeah, the food vendors amazing during the experience
Eye opening immersive experience with a guide who has a heart for the area and how gentrification post Katrina has negatively impacted the community (witnessed directly during the tour). He was knowledgable and shared black owned businesses with us. We have been to NOLA multiple times with hurricane relief but this was new to us! Thought I knew second line from weddings but it was nothing like that! What a huge party that showed community and community policing at its best! Now the downside: says refunds only if cancelled by the tour guide. The day we were to go it was topping 100 but learned THEY NEVER CANCEL! I see why but as seniors, it was brutal! He said they left at 12 sharp-we finally moved 45 minutes later. The meeting place was not Canal but in the Treme which we learned the night before. You had to specifically request the water that was advertised, and a single bottle was offered, so better to BYO! Recommend bringing a small towel because it gets drippy hot. You can buy it on route but if you know to bring it you save time. No map or sense of how far we were going despite many asking. We left after 6500 steps and he then responded that we were halfway. He did say people shouldn’t go if you couldn’t do it but that was after we Lyfted to the start and no refunds were offered. Still glad and grateful to see and experience all we did. Oh, and stand near Hollis cause he moves and there were 30+ participants in a sea of 1000+. The better to hear as well!
Thank you again for joining us and for sharing your feedback. We’re happy you were able to experience the music, the traditions, and connect with the local community—that’s what our cultural experience is all about. We do want to respectfully point out that this is an authentic New Orleans cultural experience, not a staged attraction. When you choose to immerse yourself in our culture, there are aspects that simply can’t be controlled or customized to everyone’s preferences. The weather, the pace, the crowds, and the traditions are all part of the real experience. We ask all of our guests to come with an open mind and respect for the community, the culture, and the people who make these experiences possible. We appreciate your visit and hope that, if you return, you’ll embrace the experience for what it truly is—an authentic celebration of New Orleans this is what culture is all about it the Big Easy my baby.
I just finished the combo tour which included the Whitney plantation and soul of the city tour. If you want to learn about how New Orleans was built, want to understand the horrors of slavery and the resilience of the enslaved people, and the impact on today’s New Orleans then run to get on this tour. Denis is so knowledgeable and connected. Best tour ever!!!!
It was such a great tour Hollis gave us the history of the Tremè neighborhood as well as Second Lines. Visiting the museum was fascinating and seeing ornate costumes were gorgeous. Finally participating in a second line was the highlight of our trip. I highly recommend this tour it was one of the best things we did on the entire trip!
Wow, thank you so much for this amazing feedback! It truly means a lot. I’m glad you were able to experience the rich history of Tremé, the beauty of the culture, and feel that second line energy firsthand—that’s what it’s all about! It was a pleasure hosting you, and I’m grateful you chose to spend that time with us. Y’all are family now, so whenever you’re back in New Orleans, you already know—you got a home with Treme Luxury Experience. Much love and safe travels!
Hollis is a great host who does everything possible to ensure his guests have an incredible and memorable experience. As a past King of Treme and current Culture Ambassador, he is extremely serious about passing on the history and culture of a long ignored part of NOLA. If you have the time and don't mind the walk, take this tour! There is nothing else like it in New Orleans, and that is truly saying something! You cannot help but have a good time!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this thoughtful review. It truly means a lot to hear that you had such an incredible and memorable experience on the tour. Hollis takes great pride in not just hosting, but in making sure every guest feels the heartbeat of the culture, history, and stories that make this city so special. Being recognized for that passion—especially as a former King of Treme and Culture Ambassador—really speaks to the mission behind everything he does. We’re grateful you walked with us, learned with us, and most importantly enjoyed yourself. New Orleans has a story in every corner, and it’s always an honor to share it with guests who are open to experiencing it the right way. Hope to see you again soon for another unforgettable ride through the culture.
This tour was hands down the highlight of our New Orleans trip. From the moment we started, the energy was magnetic—the kind that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. We met the kindest people, both in our group and along the way, and the joy was truly contagious. By the end, our faces literally hurt from smiling so much. What made this experience so special was how immersive and meaningful it felt. Learning the real history of second lines and New Orleans culture while actually living it in the streets was something you just can’t replicate on your own. It didn’t feel like a tour; it felt like being welcomed into something deeply rooted, vibrant, and alive. Hollis is amazing. Very charming, well loved and respected. This was personal and cultural storytelling at its best.
We truly appreciate you for trusting us with your New Orleans experience. It’s always our goal to make every tour feel less like a service and more like family—and reading this lets us know we’re doing just that. The energy, the people, the culture—that’s the real New Orleans, and we’re honored we got to share that with you in such a meaningful way. Second lines aren’t just something you see… they’re something you feel, and we’re glad you were able to live that moment with us. Thank you for your kind words about Hollis as well—it’s all love, and it comes straight from the heart of the culture. Y’all are family now, so anytime you’re back in the city, you already know who to call. 💛
It was a great experience. Please have good walking shoes. We had small kids, and they thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this thoughtful review. It truly means a lot to hear that you had such an incredible and memorable experience on the tour. Hollis takes great pride in not just hosting, but in making sure every guest feels the heartbeat of the culture, history, and stories that make this city so special. Being recognized for that passion—especially as a former King of Treme and Culture Ambassador—really speaks to the mission behind everything he does. We’re grateful you walked with us, learned with us, and most importantly enjoyed yourself. New Orleans has a story in every corner, and it’s always an honor to share it with guests who are open to experiencing it the right way. Hope to see you again soon for another unforgettable ride through the culture.
Don’t miss out. It was more than I expected. I would do it over and over again. The host shared important facts about New Orleans history
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this thoughtful review. It truly means a lot to hear that you had such an incredible and memorable experience on the tour. Hollis takes great pride in not just hosting, but in making sure every guest feels the heartbeat of the culture, history, and stories that make this city so special. Being recognized for that passion—especially as a former King of Treme and Culture Ambassador—really speaks to the mission behind everything he does. We’re grateful you walked with us, learned with us, and most importantly enjoyed yourself. New Orleans has a story in every corner, and it’s always an honor to share it with guests who are open to experiencing it the right way. Hope to see you again soon for another unforgettable ride through the culture.
Amazing experience, very informative. Highly recommended!!! Loved our tour guide
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this thoughtful review. It truly means a lot to hear that you had such an incredible and memorable experience on the tour. Hollis takes great pride in not just hosting, but in making sure every guest feels the heartbeat of the culture, history, and stories that make this city so special. Being recognized for that passion—especially as a former King of Treme and Culture Ambassador—really speaks to the mission behind everything he does. We’re grateful you walked with us, learned with us, and most importantly enjoyed yourself. New Orleans has a story in every corner, and it’s always an honor to share it with guests who are open to experiencing it the right way. Hope to see you again soon for another unforgettable ride through the culture.
