Tours/New Orleans/New Orleans Garden District Architecture Tour
Viator · group up to 14 pax

New Orleans Garden District Architecture Tour

5.0(409)New Orleans1 hour
VIATOR4.9(95)TRIPADVISOR5.0(314)

Description

Discover the history of New Orleans through its architecture! On this 2-hour Garden District tour, you'll learn about 19th century New Orleans while admiring the exquisite mansions. Enjoy a leisurely stroll with a passionate, professional guide to explore the many building styles prevalent in this neighborhood, ranging from Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian. Hear the stories of the 19th century architects and families who made their mark on this historic area, and see the homes of former and current celebrities. Also included in this tour is a short stop into Lafayette Cemetery where visitors learn about the fascinating local above-ground burial customs. Starting with a brief introduction to the history of New Orleans Cemeteries, visitors will be treated to a discussion of the various styles and types of tombs seen in this cemetery. Your group will be no more than 14 people allowing for a more intimate, personal experience.

Tour Options

The Garden District Tour

Itinerary

5 min

A small segment of the tour focuses on the unique burial customs in New Orleans. (Please note that entrance to the cemetery is permitted by the City of New Orleans, and it may be closed when services are being performed.)

Admission not included3 min

A discussion about Commander's Palace includes the architecture of the building, the history of the owners, and highlights of the culinary experience awaiting guests.

5 min

This house was designed by Samuel Jameson in 1869 and it is an excellent example of New Orleans' iconic Italianate architecture. Learn about this incredible architecture style and how it relates to other styles in the neighborhood.

3 min

This house was built in two different eras and in two different styles! Learn how to tell the difference between these styles at the Women's Opera Guild House!

10 min

Learn the history of this late 19th century building from its start as a single family residence to its transformation to the library of the McGehee School!

5 min

Another incredible house designed by Irish born Samuel Jameson, this is an excellent example of Italianate style in the Garden District.

7 min

Learn about residents' favorite recreational activities at the turn of the century. This simple building housed the largest skating rink in the country at the time it was built - 1884.

120 min

Spend two hours admiring the beautiful antebellum mansions and learn the history of the area at the time that the homes were being built. Hear the stories of the people who designed the houses, and the people who lived in them.

Highlights

Licensed, Insured, Local Guide - with extensive knowledge of the area.

What's included

Included
Licensed, Insured, Local Guide - with extensive knowledge of the area.
Not included
Transportation to/from attractions

Traveller Ratings

5.0
409 reviews
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401
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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
  • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
  • Comfortable walking shoes are recommended

Reviews(409)

J
JenPittsScheiderman
August 19, 2026
The best Garden District tour!

Eva took us on an amazing tour through the Garden District. Considering it was blazing hot, Eva kept us enthralled the entire time. She was considerate to find shade for us whenever she could. Her knowledge and storytelling skills were so thorough but she took the time to answer all our questions. I would take another tour with Eva as I know I would learn more and more each time.

V
Victoria_C
August 15, 2026
Great Tour of Garden District

Great tour of the Garden District. Eva gave us a great mix of history, architecture and pop culture on the tour. We all had a great time and learned so much.

E
Excursion582223
August 13, 2026
Informative and beautiful

Loved this tour. If you appreciate the styles of New Orleans homes this tour is for you. Phant (Caroline) was incredibly informative , personable and very funny. Walking around historic Garden District was beautiful and I learned so much while getting to appreciate all the details of the mansions. Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a simple vacation activity.

T
tesslag2024
August 10, 2026
10/10 would reccomend to a friend

had an amazing time on this tour! our guide was super knowledgeable and made it so fun to learn about all the interesting architectural styles of the garden district. would recommend to anyone who loves history and pretty houses!

J
Jeff_C
July 20, 2026
A lot of fun

Guide was knowledgeable and tour was very interesting Good selection of homes better than just walking around in garden district

L
Lisa_K
June 16, 2026
Highly recommended your

Eva was our tour guide and she was fantastic! She has an expertise in the architecture of the homes & encourages questions. We learned so much from her & highly recommend this tour!

C
Clark_K
June 1, 2026
It was great! She was...

It was great! She was very funny and full of information on whatever topic we brought up. Really enjoyed the experience. She was also very accommodating to my pregnant wife. Keeping her in the shade and mapping out a path that worked.

N
Nancy_C
May 31, 2026
Fantastic tour. Eva was a...

Fantastic tour. Eva was a delight. Very knowledgeable . Terrific pace. My husband and I were fortunate that we were the only guests on the tour. Highly recommend.

Operator response

Thank you for the wonderful review! We're delighted you and your husband enjoyed your time with Eva. Having a private tour is always a special treat, and we're so glad her knowledge, pacing, and enthusiasm helped make the experience memorable. We appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you back to New Orleans again soon!

A
Anna_H
May 31, 2026
Great, informative tour...

Great, informative tour in a beautiful part of the city! We learned so much and enjoyed seeing all the gorgeous historic buildings.

Operator response

Thank you for joining us! We're so glad you enjoyed exploring this beautiful neighborhood and learning about its rich history and architecture. We appreciate your kind words and hope you'll join us again on a future visit to New Orleans.

A
Annette_G
May 25, 2026
Great!

Great walking tour. Tour guide was very knowledgeable! Bring water as there is a lot of walking, but it was a great way to see a different side of New Orleans.

Operator response

Thank you for the great review! We're thrilled you enjoyed the tour and found it informative. The Garden District is best experienced on foot, and we're glad you enjoyed seeing a different side of New Orleans. Thanks for the helpful tip about bringing water, especially during our warmer months!

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