Private French Quarter & Garden District Tour: Walk and Drive Combo

Cassandra took us into all the areas of the city, mostly driving (our choice) but we did our share of walking in the French Quarter and at the Cemetery. Cassandra had so much knowledge, provided visuals to help us understand the history, answered all our questions, provided suggestions for restaurants and other sites near our hotel, and all in all made our first trip to New Orleans perfect.

My wife and I went on a “Highlights of New Orleans” tour with Cassandra from ‘Soul of NOLA’ on April 8 2026. While this tour is more expensive than others, it is completely worth the price. We met Cassandra on the courthouse steps in the French District and after introducing herself she immediately asked us what our plans were for our vacation and what we were most interested in seeing. She then adapted her standard tour to best fit our needs as opposed to following a set itinerary. Cassandra was extremely knowledgeable about the history of New Orleans and its people and we learned a lot. Throughout the tour, Cassandra made numerous recommendations for restaurants and musical acts and venues that matched our specific interests and tastes. We were able to catch two performances that she suggested and we enjoyed both of them immensely. We highly recommend Soul of NOLA and this tour for anyone who wants an overview of NOLA and a guide who will provide you with tailor made suggestions.

Had a great "Highlights of New Orleans" tour with Cassandra. As the tour name suggests, we visited all the 'highlights' of the city, and Cassandra was an excellent and informative guide! I highly recommend!

If you’ve ever wandered through the colorful streets of New Orleans, you know there’s something magnetic about this city. The energy, the food, the history—it’s like stepping into a living, breathing postcard. I had the chance to experience two of the most iconic areas with a private walking / driving tour with Soul of Nola and our amazing tour guide Cassandra. The French Quarter and the Garden District, each with its own charm, these neighborhoods offer a deep dive into the soul of the city, blending old-world charm with modern-day flair. Cassandra offered insights into each area, The French Quarter, or Vieux Carré, is the heart and soul of New Orleans. From the moment you step onto Bourbon Street, you’re met with the sounds of jazz music filling the air, the smells of delicious food wafting through the streets, and a flood of colorful buildings with iron balconies that look like they’re straight out of a dream. You can’t miss the famous Jackson Square, where street artists and performers bring the area to life. We didn’t just stick to the main attractions; we explored the side streets like Royal Street for hidden galleries and antique shops. Cassandra made sure we saw them all. If the French Quarter is all about energy, the Garden District is all about elegance. We choose to do this portion of the tour in Cassandras beautiful and roomie car. Imagine tree-lined streets, grand antebellum mansions, and vibrant gardens that seem to burst with color. This neighborhood feels like stepping into the past, with homes that look like they belong in a Southern novel. The neighborhood is peaceful and picturesque, offering a nice contrast to the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter.” Cassandra also shared the locations of some of the homes of famous people that live or have lived there, nice addition. Cassandra is a wealth of information and a delight to talk to; she gave us suggestions for great restaurants that were all amazing. I highly recommend Cassandra and Soul of Nola.

We recently took a 3-hour tour with Cassandra from Soul of NOLA, and it was the highlight of our visit to New Orleans! From start to finish, Cassandra was incredibly personable and informative. She shared fascinating insights about the city's history, music, and culture that made the experience unforgettable for everyone in our group. What really stood out was how accommodating she was to those in our party who had difficulty walking long distances. She made sure everyone felt comfortable and included, which we greatly appreciated. Additionally, Cassandra gave us fantastic recommendations for activities and food in the city—her local knowledge was spot on. If you're looking for an engaging and well-rounded tour experience, I highly recommend Soul of NOLA, and especially Cassandra, who made our time in the city so memorable!

Cassandra gave my wife and I a really excellent private tour! We HIGHLY recommend booking with her and doing so your first or second day in town. You will learn so much about the history of this great city as well as learn how to navigate the French Quarter. The Garden District was so pretty- perfect for a casual walk while learning about the people that make this city so wonderfully unique. Cassandra went at the pace we wanted to go at and couldn't be more patient and friendly. Quit reading, go book it.

My mother and father in law had an amazing experience with the tour guide. She was very knowledgeable and very well spoken. I would definitely recommend her to everyone. She took her time in talking about the history of New Orleans.

My wife and I were taking our 13 year old grandson to NOLA - his and my wife's first time there. We wanted him to learn about the area, but also have fun. We spent 6 hours together, got a great overview of the history, people, Katrina. and stopped for a terrific lunch. We have no problem recommending Cassandra as your guide!

We had a wonderful day with Cassandra touring the French Quarter by foot and in the car for most of the tour of the Garden District. We learned about the history of the area, the architecture, the music scene and other interesting facts that kept the parents and 2 twenty year old daughters entertained. Cassandra is passionate about her hometown and her because of her interesting background, she has a lot of fascinating information about NOLA. I highly recommend taking her tour!

Cassandra was a terrific tour guide. She took us on a 3 hour private walking tour, starting in the French Quarter and then by van to the Garden District. She was informative and helpful throughout. She suggested things for us to see and do after our tour. We only had 3 days in NO. We took up several of her suggestions and were not disappointed. I would thoroughly recommend Cassandra as a guide.