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Garden District Tour: Explore Historic New Orleans
4.9
379 Ratings
New Orleans
Embark on a captivating two-hour Garden District tour in historic New Orleans. Discover architectural gems, delve into Louisiana history, and explore pop culture references. No access to Lafayette cemetery due to renovations.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Magazine Street - The adventure starts on famous Magazine Street, known for its amazing shopping and dining options. Your friendly and knowledgeable guide will start the tour outside of a great place for a pre-tour snack (at own expense). Learn about the history of the Louisiana Purchase and how it affected the area.
- Garden District - The first stop of the day will be on First Street, to the address where Jefferson Davis died. Civil War history is delivered through the lens of the Garden District. Then, continue on to the Brevard-Rice Mansion, the former home of well-known author Anne Rice. Next up is the picturesque Buckner mansion and the former home of Peyton and Eli Manning. Continue wandering to the Opera Guild House, Colonel Short’s Villa, the fictional Benjamin Button’s house and the home of actress Sandra Bullock.
- The Rink Shopping Center - Upon arriving at The Rink, take a break and relax with a frozen lemonade or iced coffee (at own expense). Restrooms are available here, and there is also a popular bookstore and gift shop that’s great for browsing.
What's Included
- Guidance from a professional guide
- Possible limitation on Lafayette cemetery access (Feb 23 - Mar 3) due to carnival celebrations
What's Not Included
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information
Your journey commences at PJs coffeehouse, an esteemed local establishment boasting beignets.
The expedition’s main focus is the historic Garden District, spanning two hours and a distance of around 1.5 miles.
An experienced guide will give you a brief summary of Louisiana’s past before shedding light on the architectural masterpieces within the district. Discussions will include historical contexts such as the indigenous peoples, the slave-driven economy, the mansion owners and the architects. Reflections on local burial traditions will occur OUTSIDE the boundaries of the historic Lafayette cemetery. Lastly, the tour includes several cultural references and addresses associated with celebrities, including a special stop at the Buckner Mansion, recognised by American Horror Story (AHS) enthusiasts as the Miss Robichaux’s Academy for Exceptional Young Ladies.
**Due to the ongoing renovation of the Lafayette cemetery by the City of New Orleans, access within the cemetery is not possible and an outline will be given from OUTSIDE the gates.
- Dress code is smart-casual
Location
2140 Magazine St
Magazine Street
In front of PJ's Coffee shop
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.9
(379 Ratings)
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Patrickcb2781up
Jun 13, 2024
History Lover's Delight - I love history and this was the perfect tour for me. Christine has a wonderful bubbly personality and vast knowledge about the history and architecture of the city.
I went on the Garden District first and another time strolled through the French Quarter - both were excellent!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
164sydneyt
Jun 2, 2024
Best tour around - Bonnie was our tour guide, she was a complete joy. She was conscious of speaking to the group, adapting the pace to the group, being mindful of breaks. She was prepared for all weather conditions. We learned about hot gossip, architecture, and history. She followed up with book recommendations and all the questions we had. Could not recommend more highly. And we needed at an Irish pub! 10/10 stars!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I247romicheles
Jun 1, 2024
Excellent tour! - I’m so happy I booked with this tour company. I love that they keep the group smaller than the other companies. My guide Christine was excellent! She was engaging, and I learned so much at the same time. This is a must-do on your list.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Priyangir
May 28, 2024
Loved the Garden District Tour! - Found this tour company on a whim and fully enjoyed their Garden District tour. I almost went with a different company and happened to choose this one because they had an option at half past the hour, and so glad I went with them. I was worried 2 hours would be too long (I had a long day of jazz fest following the tour) but could have easily done another 2 hours! The Garden District Tour was my favorite of the 3 different walkiing tours I've done in NOLA. Our tour guide was friendly and kind, was a local (so had a lot of historical and current intel), and provided a rich and honest history of garden district. I will definitely be recommending this tour, and Two Chicks Walking Tours to anyone I know visiting New Orleans.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Amysc4971zg
May 24, 2024
Great tour! - We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Christine. She kept it interesting with lots of interesting details and fun facts. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Judithb375
May 20, 2024
Much to see & learn especially from Christine - Our tour guide, Christine, was exceptional. Anchoring us in time & place with a map of the greater area and history of the houses & architecture. Educating us on where the money came from to build & maintain the lifestyle was imparted to us throughout the tour
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Paul_37093
May 15, 2024
great history trip through the New Orleans Garden District - At the recommendation of my brother and sister-in-law, we booked our walking tour with Two Chicks Walking Tour. Christine was a great guide. She had a great pace, answered all of our questions, and gave us great history about the Garden District. She always tries to stop and talk in the shade so that you stay cooler. She builds a break into the tour at The Chicory House where there are bathrooms, and you can get a drink. There is also a well know bookstore in this building too. Overall, a great experience. I highly recommend booking with Two Chicks Walking Tours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pacer21
May 15, 2024
delightful - Christine was everthing a tour guide should be and the garden district mansions,beautiful trees, and history was an afternoon well spent.
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56debbyc
May 14, 2024
I recommend the Garden District tour. - Spending a few hours learning about the history of some of the homes was worth it.
Christine was a great guide. Friendly, fun, interesting, and informative. Easy walking.
Would highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Uncledon9906
May 21, 2024
Educational and informative - Tour leader Bonnie was great. Worked very hard to get to know and try to remember each name of our group. Passionate about NO, surrounding areas, the culture, workings of government. I think the tour leaders need a microphone or similar device. Reason is the sidewalks are narrow and the group has to line up single file on the sidewalks to allow pedestrians to pass. The single file line requires the group to spread out. With traffic passing by at times it was hard to hear everything Bonnie was saying.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
