Historical Tours

Historical tours are the backbone of New Orleans sightseeing, making up 51% of all tours sold in the city. They range from cemetery walks and architecture strolls to small-group bike rides through storied neighborhoods. Travelers who book these tours are often interested in the city's unique mix of cultures, architecture, and local legends, and want to see more than just Bourbon Street.

Most historical tours here are led by local guides with deep knowledge, and many highlight the city's famous cemeteries, grand mansions, and the origins of jazz. With 354 options and prices starting at $11, there’s a tour for every interest and budget, whether you want a quick introduction or an in-depth exploration.

With 354 historical tours on offer—more than half of all tours in New Orleans—this is by far the most crowded category in the city. The median starting price is $63, but most options actually cost less: 178 tours are under $30, and another 69 fall between $30 and $60. Only 8% of historical tours are rated below 4 stars, so the odds of booking a well-reviewed experience are high.

Compared to other categories, historical tours are priced similarly to walking, cultural, private, and food tours, all of which have a $63 median. Bus tours, by contrast, are much pricier, with a median of $125. The wide price range in historical tours reflects the variety—from quick distillery visits to multi-hour bike rides and private excursions.

The most popular historical tours are walking or biking, often focused on cemeteries, the Garden District, or the city’s multicultural heritage. The best-rated tours tend to be small-group experiences with guides praised for their expertise and storytelling.

If you want the lowest price, distillery tours and short walking tours start at $11–$19 and still earn top marks for guide quality and information. The Seven Three Distilling Tour and Tasting is one of the cheapest, but reviews note that the experience can feel rushed compared to previous years, and some guests found the guide unprepared. For those who want more depth, cemetery and neighborhood walking tours like St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 ($19) or Metairie Cemetery ($26) consistently receive near-perfect ratings, with guides highlighted for their knowledge and engaging delivery. However, one review for the Metairie Cemetery tour noted disappointment when a substitute guide led the group, and that the tour isn't ideal for children due to long periods of standing and listening.

Architecture and Garden District tours ($26–$30) are popular with both locals and visitors, praised for knowledgeable guides and clear communication. Still, a few reviewers found the pace too slow or the content less engaging than expected. If you want to cover more ground, bike tours ($41) offer a broader view of the city, including the French Quarter, Mid-City, and various cemeteries. These tours are well-reviewed for their guides and route variety, but a few guests found some guides too focused on history at the expense of riding, or noted that the starting neighborhood felt rough.

Small-group bike tours are a good fit for active travelers and those wanting to see multiple neighborhoods in a few hours. They include bikes, helmets, and water, but do not cover food or gratuities. Walking tours are better for those who prefer a slower pace and more detailed stories at each stop. For families, consider the tour length and content—some cemetery tours involve long periods of standing and may not engage younger children.

A fair price for a top-rated historical tour in New Orleans is $19–$41 per person. The best-rated tours share knowledgeable, personable guides and a focus on local stories. Disappointments are rare but include rushed or less-informative experiences, substitute guides, or slow pacing. Only 8% of tours in this category fall below 4 stars, so most options are safe bets if you check recent reviews.