New Orleans Bourbon Street History Walking Tour

Led by local historian, learn about the rich & diverse history of the world's most famous or "infamous" street. Explore Bourbon street during off peak hours to avoid crowds and distractions.You’ll start at the top near Canal St and end at America’s oldest bar, that has been serving drinks since 1732. Halfway through we’ll stop for Louisiana’s official state doughnut and Big Easy style coffee with chicory, a local favorite.
Listen to stories & tales about the city's most recognized cocktails and which libation was even a favorite of founding father, Benjamin Franklin. You'll learn about the origins of Bourbon St starting in the 18th century with the royal family of France. As you make your way down the street you’ll hear how the street modernized during WWII and the population change with the influx of servicemen and how The Big Easy was once home to the most popular burlesque acts in the US as well as one of the hot spots for the mafia in the 1950s and political corruption.

Meeting Point

622 Canal St

622 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

In front of Cafe Beignet

What to expect:

Duration: between 1 hour, 30 minutes and 2 hours

Bourbon Street

, , New Orleans, 70130, Louisiana

Enjoy a fully guided tour walking down the country's most famous or infamous street. Hear stories of the street's origin from the 18th century, mobsters, burlesque dancers, Mardi Gras, and corruption.

1 hour, 30 minutes

Felix's Restaurant & Oyster Bar

739 Iberville St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

Visit the 2 most famous oyster restaurants in the city that are right across from one another! Learn how to shuck an oyster the proper "NOLA" way.

Pass by without stopping

Galatoire's

209 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

Learn about one of the oldest and most famous establishments NOLA has to offer and hear stories from the "line sitters" that are paid to sit and hold people's spots for a Galatoire's lunch!

Pass by without stopping

Big Easy Daiquiris

216 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

Learn the origins of Hemmingway's favorite Cuban cocktail and how it ties into New Orleans history and the invention of the "to go" cup in the 60s. And get a daiquiri if you fancy!

4 minutes

Old Absinthe House

240 Bourbon St, Between Iberville and Bienville, New Orleans, 70130-2205, Louisiana

One of the city's oldest and most infamous bars serving the "original green fairy!" Hear tales of visitors from Andrew Jackson and Teddy Roosevelt!

4 minutes

The Royal Sonesta New Orleans

300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

Our guide will tell you the history of this hotel and the only underwater garage in the city

Pass by without stopping

Preservation Hall

726 St. Peter Street, , New Orleans, 70116-3182, Louisiana

Enjoy a photo stop at the world's most famous jazz hall and see where some of the world's greatests have played.

Pass by without stopping

Tropical Isle

721 Bourbon St, , New Orleans, 70116-3145, Louisiana

Hear the story of now the most famous drink and drink container in the country and how it ties into the world fair of 1984

Pass by without stopping

Marie Laveau House of Voodoo

628 Bourbon St, , New Orleans, 70130, Louisiana

Hear stories about the world's most famous voodoo queen and the history of New Orleans and voodoo.

Pass by without stopping

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar

941 Bourbon Street, , New Orleans, 70116-3120, Louisiana

End the tour at the oldest bar in American and hear stories of New Orleans' very own pirate Jean Lafitte! And grab a hurricane or voodoo daiquiri if you wish!

5 minutes

Pat O'Brien's

718 Saint Peter St, New Orleans, 70116-3183, Louisiana

See the famous dueling piano bar and courtyard and the history and stories of Pat O's

5 minutes

Cafe Lafitte in Exile

901 Bourbon St, , New Orleans, 70116-3120, Louisiana

Thought to be one of the country's oldest gay bars with a rich history since WWII

Pass by without stopping

Jackson Square

701 Decatur St, , New Orleans, 70116, Louisiana

Photo op and quick storytime to learn about the city's foundations.

10 minutes

What's included:

• Local Expert Guide