Walking tours - French Quarter and Ghost tour

Question

There seem to be a lot of companies offering walking tours and I’d love to know some of your recommendations. We would like to do a walking tour of the French Quarter on Saturday morning and then possibly a ghost tour on Sunday evening.

Also potentially thinking of doing a swam tour on Monday. How long do these tend to take? Is it a half day thing or is it more of a day thing?

Answer

New Orleans is a city full of history and charm, and walking tours are a great way to explore the French Quarter and beyond. There are many companies offering various types of walking tours, each providing its own unique spin on the city's vibrant culture. Below are some recommendations for your Saturday morning French Quarter tour, Sunday evening ghost tour, and Monday swamp tour:

French Quarter Walking Tours:
There are many excellent walking tours of the French Quarter that offer a deeper dive into the history, architecture, and culture of the area. Here are some of the top-rated options:
- Free Tours by Foot – A great option if you're on a budget. They offer a "Pay What You Like" model for their French Quarter tour, where you can give a tip based on your satisfaction. The tours cover history, architecture, and the unique culture of the area.
- Witches, Vampires & Ghosts Tour – If you're also looking for a spooky touch, this tour delves into the darker history of the Quarter with a focus on ghosts, witches, and the supernatural. While it does lean toward the spooky, it also covers some historical tidbits.
- Friends of the Cabildo – This non-profit group offers excellent walking tours led by knowledgeable guides, including a French Quarter tour. They focus on the historical and cultural significance of the area. Their tours are a little more in-depth and academic but very informative.
Ghost Tours (Sunday evening):
New Orleans is known for its haunted history, and ghost tours are a must-do for many visitors. Some of the best ghost tours in the city are:
- Haunted History Tours – One of the most popular ghost tour companies in New Orleans. They offer a variety of ghost tours, including walking tours that explore the spooky side of the French Quarter. Their guides are well-versed in the eerie lore of the city, and their tours are very entertaining.
- Ghosts of New Orleans – Another excellent option, this tour takes you to some of the most haunted locations in the city. The tour guides often share spine-chilling stories of the city's ghostly past, and it’s a fun, informative experience for those interested in the supernatural.
- Marie Laveau's House of Voodoo Tour – If you're also interested in the mystical side of New Orleans, this ghost and voodoo tour explores the life and legend of the famous voodoo queen, Marie Laveau. It's an interesting mix of history and folklore.
Swamp Tour (Monday):
Swamp tours are a fantastic way to experience Louisiana's unique ecosystem. Most swamp tours are about half a day in length (around 3 to 4 hours), though some companies offer extended tours. Here are a few options:
- Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours – They offer both half-day and full-day tours, but their half-day tour is usually about 3 hours. It's a great tour for seeing the wildlife and the unique landscape of the bayous, with the chance to spot alligators, birds, and other swamp creatures.
- Honey Island Swamp Tours – A bit further out from the city, but the Honey Island Swamp is a beautiful area to explore. The tours typically take about 4 hours, and you’ll be guided by local naturalists who know the area well.
- Cajun Encounters – Another great company offering half-day swamp tours. Their tours are highly rated, and they offer transportation from New Orleans to the swamp, making it easy to book the tour as part of your day trip.
Most swamp tours are 3–4 hours long and take you out into the natural wetlands of Louisiana, giving you the chance to see the landscape, spot wildlife (alligators, birds, turtles), and hear about the local ecology. If you book a tour, keep in mind that some companies include transportation to and from the swamp, while others will require you to meet at their tour location.

In summary:

Saturday morning: Try a walking tour with Free Tours by Foot or Friends of the Cabildo for a detailed French Quarter experience.
Sunday evening: Consider a ghost tour with Haunted History Tours or Ghosts of New Orleans for a spooky experience.
Monday: Book a half-day swamp tour with Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours or Cajun Encounters to explore the Louisiana bayous.

All of these options provide a mix of educational, cultural, and fun experiences that will help you make the most of your time in New Orleans! Enjoy your trip!

Walking tours - French Quarter and Ghost tour

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