D
The Real Story of Jazz(mine)
Katherine was FANTASTIC!!! She was personable, informative and engaging. I wish my History teachers had been more like her.
New Orleans Jazz History and Live Music Walking Tour
+5 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 2h 30min
- Price from
- $55 / person
- Rating
- 4.8 / 5 · 624 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 12
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation
- Meeting point
- Louis Armstrong Park (Entrance to the park, under archway), 701 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116
- Confirmation
- Instant
Prices checked on Sep 11, 2026Things to do in New Orleans
Description
Discover where jazz was born, explore the neighborhoods that shaped it, and experience New Orleans' best live music with a local expert.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Step into the birthplace of jazz at Louis Armstrong Park, where the story of New Orleans music begins. Explore the historic Tremé neighborhood and discover how the rhythms, traditions, and cultures that came together here helped shape one of the world's most influential art forms
Stand in legendary Congo Square, where enslaved people and free people of color gathered to share music, dance, and traditions. Hear how these powerful cultural exchanges helped lay the foundations for jazz and shaped the sound of New Orleans.
Explore the historic French Quarter with a local music expert and uncover the people, places, and stories behind New Orleans' musical legacy. Along the way, discover hidden corners and local insights that bring the city's jazz heritage to life.
Go beyond the party scene to discover the musicians, venues, and musical collaborations that helped shape New Orleans' sound. Keep an eye out for spontaneous street performances that make every night in the city unique.
Your evening may lead to Frenchmen Street, New Orleans' legendary live music district. Rather than following a fixed route, your guide chooses the night's music stop based on where the most exciting performances are happening, making every tour a little different.
Settle in with a complimentary drink and experience live music selected by your guide for the night's standout performance. Whether it's a beloved local institution or an unexpected hidden gem, this is your chance to experience New Orleans' living music culture like a local.
Highlights
Discover local favorites beyond the typical tourist trail
Get insider recommendations to continue your night like a local
Enjoy a complimentary drink at an authentic local music venue
Learn how jazz was born in historic Congo Square and Tremé
Support local musicians and venues with every booking
Experience live music chosen for the night's standout performances
Follow a passionate local expert through New Orleans' music history
What's included
Included
Discover local favorites beyond the typical tourist trail
Get insider recommendations to continue your night like a local
Enjoy a complimentary drink at an authentic local music venue
Learn how jazz was born in historic Congo Square and Tremé
Support local musicians and venues with every booking
Experience live music chosen for the night's standout performances
Follow a passionate local expert through New Orleans' music history
Not included
Additional drinks, food
Tips/gratuities for your guide and the musicians
Traveller Ratings
4.8
624 reviews
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Is this tour eco-friendly? This tour is carbon neutral and operated by a B Corp-certified company committed to using travel as a force for good.
- How much walking is involved? This walking tour covers approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) through Tremé, Congo Square, and the French Quarter. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- Is this tour suitable for children? Participants must be 21 years or older due to venue requirements and the inclusion of an alcoholic beverage. Valid photo ID may be required.
- Will we hear live jazz music? Yes. The tour includes visits to authentic local music venues where you can enjoy live performances by talented New Orleans musicians. Venues and performers may vary.
- Do I need to know jazz to enjoy this tour? Not at all. Whether you're a jazz enthusiast or simply curious about New Orleans culture, your guide will bring the city's music, history, and neighborhoods to life in an engaging and accessible way.
- By joining this tour, you will be helping to contribute to the livelihoods of local musicians in the jazz clubs we visit, allowing them to earn a decent wage and continue doing what they love to do.
Frequently asked questions
How long does New Orleans Jazz History and Live Music Walking Tour take?
New Orleans Jazz History and Live Music Walking Tour lasts about 2h 30min. The itinerary has 6 stops.
How much does New Orleans Jazz History and Live Music Walking Tour cost?
Prices start at $55 per person for this New Orleans experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 3 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel New Orleans Jazz History and Live Music Walking Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Louis Armstrong Park (Entrance to the park, under archway), 701 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is New Orleans Jazz History and Live Music Walking Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Is this tour suitable for children? Participants must be 21 years or older due to venue requirements and the inclusion of an alcoholic beverage. Valid photo ID may be required.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible Do I need to know jazz to enjoy this tour? Not at all. Whether you're a jazz enthusiast or simply curious about New Orleans culture, your guide will bring the city's music, history, and neighborhoods to life in an engaging and accessible way.
Reviews(624)
G
Jazz
My experience was great, and I thoroughly enjoyed the historical background of all the influential Black American jazz artists that pioneered jazz to be what it is today. The length of our tour was as expected. The admission fee was also reasonable including a drink of our choice at one of the jazz clubs. In between 2 of them, Catherine walked us through the French Quarter and gave recommendations on jazz clubs in NOLA. I also enjoyed the historical context of certain landmarks and statues of jazz pioneers in Louis Armstrong Park, I highly recommend participating on this tour on Sundays with Catherine, because of the special sight you’ll get to experience!
C
Adam was a knowledgeable...
Adam was a knowledgeable and passionate guide. Starting in the park, we were able to hear some historic recordings and track the history of the jazz sound around prolific musicians. I would recommend this tour to lovers of music and history.
C
Great tour!
Very good tour - Adam did a great job. Really enjoyed learning the history and all the spots he took us
Y
Nicely organised
Great time nicely well organised with two live
3
Excellent guide, Adam!
Excellent guide! Gave me a private tour!
G
Very knowledgeable guide!
Great experience! Our guide was very knowledgeable about a wide variety of New Orleans history and culture!
7
Jazz history tour- adam
Adam was fantastic! Very informative and excellent recommendations
S
great Jazz tour
Adam was very knowledgeable and friendly!
P
Very good
The guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. 100% recommend if in New Orleans
Compare similar tours in New Orleans
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Jazz History and Live Music Walking Tour | 2h 30min | 4.8 (624) | $55 | |
 Airboat Swamp Tour | 1h 30min | 4.9 (350) | $67 | View |
 New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure | 1h 40min | 4.9 (2,266) | $35 | View |
 New Orleans Swamp Tour Boat Adventure with Transportation | 4 hours | 4.8 (1,293) | $60 | View |
 Adults-Only New Orleans Ghost, Crime, Voodoo, and Vampire Tour | 1h 45min | 4.8 (7,085) | $37 | View |
 New Orleans Airboat Ride | 2–4 hours | 4.7 (5,205) | $50 | View |
 St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Official Walking Tour | 55 min | 4.6 (4,634) | $25 | View |