Self Guided Walking Tour of New Orleans' Historic Garden District

4.7
(25 reviews)
New Orleans, USA

1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

Vampires (Anne Rice Novels), witches and Hollywood stars all call the Garden District home. Walk its oak-shaded streets with David Hedges, a licensed New Orleans guide since 2011, and discover the stories behind the city’s grandest mansions, from Civil War fortunes to the slavery that built them.

-See the house owned by Anne Rice and later Nicolas Cage, and Sandra Bullock’s Swiss chalet
-Stand before Buckner Mansion, the witches’ academy in American Horror Story: Coven
-Find the famous cast-iron Cornstalk Fence and the “Seven Sisters” houses
-Spot the Django Unchained house and a mansion said to be among the city’s first with indoor plumbing
-End outside Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 by Commander’s Palace
-30 stops, 1.3 miles, about an hour at your own pace

Starts opposite The Rink on Prytania St, a block from the St. Charles streetcar. Redeem your code in the VoiceMap app before you arrive. GPS-triggered audio, offline maps and unlimited use. Bring water in summer!

What's Included

Lifetime access to this tour in English
VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
Smartphone and headphones
Transportation
Food and drink

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
The Rink Shopping Center

The tour starts on the corner of Washington Ave and Prytania Street. Get there using St Charles Streetcar Route 12. Get off at Washington Street and walk one block to your left to Prytania Street. If you are driving, you should be able to find street parking unless it's Mardi Gras.

End point
1427 Washington Ave

The tour ends outside Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.

Itinerary

Duration: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes (approximately)
  • (Pass by)

    Start your Garden District journey outside the Rink Shopping Center, passing by the Garden District sign. Though not a stop, it marks the beginning of your exploration into this delightful neighbourhood.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Take in one of the Garden District’s most photographed homes, an 1859 Italianate villa wrapped in a cast-iron fence of corn stalks and morning glories. Hear the legend behind the fence and why David always lingers here to take the whole house in.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    See the Italianate mansion that was once owned by novelist Anne Rice and later by actor Nicolas Cage. Hear how a 19th-century family home went on to have a second life, and why the Garden District has long drawn writers, artists and celebrities.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Admire an 1850 Greek Revival home with a classic double gallery, now owned by the Women’s Guild of the New Orleans Opera. Movie fans may recognise it from Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained.

    Admission ticket free
  • Bradish Johnson House (Pass by)

    As you walk down the picturesque streets, catch a glimpse of the Briggs-Staub House. While not a designated stop, its historical significance contributes to the architectural narrative of the Garden District.

    Admission ticket free
  • Louise S. McGehee School (Pass by)

    Pass by the Louise S McGehee School, a historic institution in the Garden District. While not a stop, its presence adds a layer of cultural and educational history to your stroll.

    Admission ticket free
  • Buckner Mansion (Pass by)

    Pause at Buckner Mansion, the largest house built before the Civil War. Famous for its appearance in American Horror Story, it provides a captivating insight into the neighborhood's architectural grandeur.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Pause at the Pritchard-Pigot House, which might resemble a frat house. This stop offers historical context and architectural appreciation, showcasing the district's diverse residential styles.

    Admission ticket free
  • Carroll-Crawford House (Pass by)

    Pass by the Carroll-Crawford House, blending seamlessly into the Garden District's elegant streets. While not a designated stop, its architectural significance contributes to the overall charm.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Walk by the Seven Sisters houses, dispelling the myth of a father building them for his seven daughters to live side-by-side. Though not a designated stop, their presence adds an intriguing element to the Garden District's lore.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Pause at the Montgomery-Hero House, constructed for the president of the Crescent City Railroad, Archibald Montgomery. This stop provides insights into the historical figures who shaped the district.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Visit the Walter Grinnan Robinson House, the first home to feature indoor plumbing. Delve into its historical significance and technological advancements, offering a glimpse into daily life.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Pass by Warwick Manor, a distinctive residence in the Garden District. While not a designated stop, its presence adds to the visual tapestry of this historic neighborhood.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    As you continue your walk, pass by the corner of Camp and Third Street in New Orleans. While not a designated stop, this intersection plays a part in the neighborhood's layout and character.

    Admission ticket free
  • Commander's Palace (Pass by)

    Pass by Commander's Palace, a renowned restaurant in the Garden District. While not a designated stop, its presence adds a touch of culinary fame to the neighborhood's allure.

    Admission ticket free
  • Lafayette Cemetery No.1 (Pass by)

    End your Garden District tour outside Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. This final stop offers a moment to reflect on the district's history, architecture, and the significant personalities who once called it home.

    Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by VoiceMap Audio Tours

Tags

Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Audio Guides
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Excellent Quality
Carnival
Best Conversion
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.7 Based on 25 25 reviews
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