• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Welcome to New Orleans! Want to know the best places to eat? Cool events in town? Which places to go to and which to avoid? Or simply get some help to navigate the city? Book this private tour with a local and get the perfect introduction to New Orleans to start your city trip on the right foot.

Destination

New Orleans, United States

Category

City Highlight Tours

Duration

1.5 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

English

Included

• Private Guide
• Local Tips & Tricks
• City Orientation
• All Withlocals Tours are Carbon Neutral

Excluded

• Entrance to attractions

What you can expect

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at Entrance of the Cabildo, 700 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70130 - New Orleans to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. City Highlights

   See Jackson Square, the French Market and more landmarks and must-sees of the city. Your local host will take you to the main spots of the city so you can get the perfect introduction to what makes New Orleans so special

4. Local Hot Spots

   Along the way, your host will point out hangout spots and hidden gems that only the locals know about and will help you get acquainted with the city in the most local way possible

5. Food Recommendations

   Receive tailored recommendations according to your taste and where to go and what to eat while visiting New Orleans. Avoid tourist traps thanks to your local host!

6. City Orientation

   Learn how to navigate the city, and get the answers to your New Orleans questions that will help you in the following days making your time in the city much easier

7. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Joseph🇺🇸 United States

(About local Brett)

15 February 2025

Brett did a great job of covering the foundations of New Orleans. Especially the inhabitants prior to it joining the United States. This was just the type of tour we were looking for.New Orleans has a unique history

Letticia🇺🇸 United States

(About local Brett)

12 November 2024

Brett was a wonderful guide, very knowledgeable about the history of the City and full of fun stories. He was easy to listen to, and open to questions. We thoroughly enjoyed our introduction to the city with him!Dive into history!

Jeff

(About local Brett)

11 November 2024

Best decision of my trip to NOLA 90 minutes of engaging history of the area by a personable professional. Readily adjusts to your interests. No questions left unanswered.Do it!

Chris🇺🇸 United States

(About local Brett)

19 October 2024

Brett was an awesome guide. We learned a lot. Highly recommend a tour with Brett! Great introduction to New Orleans!

Bradley🇺🇸 United States

(About local Brett)

18 October 2024

We love using withlocals, its always great to have a person who grew up in the area showing us around. This was our first time using the app in the USA and not in Europe. Look forward to using with locals again. great way to learn about N.O.

Janine🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Brett)

9 June 2024

Going on a tour with Brett is like meeting up with a friend in their town, we instantly felt at ease and thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Brett knows a lot about his town and his humour really added to the experience. He didn’t make us feel rushed at the end and took his time giving us some awesome restaurant and bar ideas. Fantastic tour

Angie🇺🇸 United States

(About local Brett)

10 May 2024

Brett was a great tour guide! He was fun, kind, full of information, funny, and did a great job giving us the history of the French Quarter.Fun and Informative Tour

Shivani🇸🇬 Singapore

(About local Brett)

9 May 2024

Brett was AMAZING!! The information he shared and also on the insider information that you know that is not easily available. I never expected New Orleans to have that much of history and also after hearing from Brett, I have new appreciation about the quaint lanes and homes. Thank you so much Brett! we truly enjoyed ourselvesThe Inside experience you want

Yorai🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Brett)

30 April 2024

Brett is a larger than life personality ( and voice). He is very knowledgable, interesting and funny! Learned a lot about the history of the city and its architecture. Big voice Brett

Hilary

(About local Brett)

10 March 2024

We really enjoyed our tour with Brett. He was very knowledgeable about the French Quarter but made it fun.Great tour

Leslie🇺🇸 United States

(About local Brett)

23 January 2023

Herman 🇺🇸 United States

(About local Brett)

11 December 2022

Kevin🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Brett)

9 July 2022

Brett was very informative and knowledgeable about the area. Such a lovely personality, right person for our tour. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Brett to anyone thinking of coming to New Orleans and using ‘withlocals’New Orleans Road Trip

Derin🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Brett)

1 June 2022

Corny title I know but true. First time visitors from London and we couldn't have done better with our guide. Brett is awesome. He's very knowledgeable and shared a ton of history. He provided useful recommendations on what to do and where to eat. Very helpful. We're far more educated now. In addition Brett is just a great deal of fun. We laughed our way through the tour and we had the best time. Would highly recommend. Simply the best

Kim🇨🇦 Canada

(About local Brett)

15 May 2022

We visited New Orleans in May 2022. Brett offered great restaurant suggestions even prior to our tour through the with locals app. Brett was very accommodating when we had to reschedule our tour. Brett started our tour with a most needed drink and provided a great history lesson on the city. We walked around the French Quarter and learned about the architecture and history through Brett’s wonderful storytelling. Brett showed us where to go and where to steer clear. I would highly recommend Brett for your New Orleans tour. He will not disappoint! Thanks Brett for a fabulous tour!

Rachel🇺🇸 United States

(About local Brett)

7 May 2022

Brett was fantastic; everything you’d want in a local tour guide- and more! It was a perfect introduction to the city through architectural history, city history and personal experience.Discover New Orleans with a friend

Herb🇺🇸 United States

(About local Brett)

3 April 2022

Our tour was just plain fun! We learned an absolute ton about New Orleans in a very short time and laughed a lot along the way. Brett obviously has a great depth of knowledge about his subject and presents it in a way that makes you want to hear more. Highly recommend this tour with Brett. NOLA in the Rain

Carla🇺🇸 United States

(About local Brett)

11 February 2022

Brett was a fabulous tour guide of the French Quarter! It was raining and super cold but he still conducted the 1.5 hour tour with grace, humor, and he has a je ne sais quoi ultra cool vibe! Brett dropped tons of knowledge about history, architecture, and local places to get quintessential New Orleans treats. Loved it and cannot wait to return to NOLA with my family. Thank you, Brett! Rain didn’t stop him!

Simon🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Brett)

17 December 2021

We selected this tour with Brett as a great starter to our week in New Orleans. We most definitely weren't disappointed and I would thoroughly recommend this tour under his expert guidance. Brett's knowledge of the architecture and history of the French Quarter is extensive and he skillfully and interestingly imparted his enthusiasm to us both. Thank you, Brett. A Great Start To Our Trip

Andrea🇺🇸 United States

(About local Brett)

7 November 2020

We got a fantastic time with Brett. Super knowledgeable guy, very friendly and professional. He also knows a lot about the architecture of downtown which is fascinating to hear. He took us to great and very interesting places. The tour was worthy every penny and we strongly recommend Brett if you are visiting NOLA. He went above and beyond of our expectations and he even recommended to us great restaurants, bars and places to our taste. Thanks so much Brett you did a wonderful job!!! Awsome tour with Brett, fun and engaging!

Evelyne🇨🇭 Switzerland

(About local Holley)

11 November 2024

Holley is very knowledgeable and friendly. I enjoyed listening to her stories. Joyful rainy Sunday tour

Yorai🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Holley)

28 April 2024

Holly is a great guide, full of knowledge, interesting woman, and knows how to tell those stories. She is very clear, and being a singer herself, has a fantastic voice! We thoroughly enjoyed having this tour with her. The jazz scene

Maria 🇧🇷 Brazil

(About local Holley)

17 April 2024

Holly is an adorable person, she knows the history of music by heart. Extremmilly prepered since she is a misician herself and knows every musician in town. She showed us in detail and I highly recomend her tour. The best tour I´ve had in my life! Holly - a piece of history

Jada🇭🇰 Hong Kong

(About local Holley)

5 August 2023

Holley is a treasure trove full of history facts and stories of new Orleans music and jazz. Starting at Congo Square where it all started, she gave us an in depth cover of the origin of jazz and it’s revolution. We had a fabulous time walking with her. All her tips on music scenes are also amazing. Fun Walk with a Jazz singer + historian

Marci🇺🇸 United States

(About local Holley)

11 May 2023

Holly was delightful! Her musical take on NOLA and charming personality made for a great afternoon.Fun Jazz tour!

Jill🇺🇸 United States

(About local Holley)

9 April 2023

We had a great tour with Holley! She provided so much information about the history of music in New Orleans, along with the history of the city itself. She had lots of fun facts, anecdotes and even some singing. Holley is knowledgeable, engaging and fun. I would highly recommend this tour!Jazzy history

Sarah🇺🇸 United States

(About local Holley)

26 March 2023

Holley met us at Congo Park because we happened to book the tour on the day of an outside music festival. She used the performances and the historic elements of the park (including a tree where offerings in the Voodoo tradition were left) to explain the culture and music of New Orleans. We then walked in the nearby neighborhood, listening to her great stories about jazz history. Our group included one current music producer and one former jazz dj; they both said they learned a lot in the tour. Holley was easy to talk to, full of anecdotes, and just rest to spend time with. Highly recommend! Holley is the Best

Pamela🇺🇸 United States

(About local Holley)

18 October 2022

Holley was absolutely fabulous! She went above and beyond what a traditional guide offers. She a is wealth of knowledge and I highly recommend her.Fabulous

Roxali

(About local Holley)

3 October 2022

We booked this tour with Holley and couldn't have been happier we did. Holley has shown us many places of relevance to the history of New Orleans and its music. The tour was very personal and she gave us all these tips to make our stay in New Orleans even more special. Can highly recommend this tour.Awesome music tour!

Hugh🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Holley)

19 September 2022

What a thoroughly excellent experience my wife and I had yesterday evening. We had messaged Holley before we left UK as regards my wifes late father. He was a blues pianist from New Orleans and we wanted to see if we could get some closer information. Holley not only gave us a fantastic and in depth tour of N.O musical heritage but also information on Jack that we hadn't found ourselves. The experience of a sage blessing in memory of Jack around the tree in Congo Square was truly spiritual and humbling. We would Highly recommend Holley to anyone with or without an interest in music and history. Fantastic experience all round. Thank you Holley.Champion Jack Dupree

Andrea🇮🇹 Italy

(About local Holley)

15 August 2022

The tour with Holley was so interesting and fun! With her incredible passion for music and deep knowledge of history you can’t help falling in love with New Orleans, the people, the houses and of course the music. We come from Italy and we didn’t know anybody here, but Holley perfectly embodied the spirit of “with locals”, being a wonderful host for us and leaving us with the feeling of having a friend in the city :) A true New Orleans and music passionate

Sarah L🇺🇸 United States

(About local Holley)

6 August 2022

Holley was both knowledgeable and lots of fun! My two granddaughters are not too sure if ghosts are real or not after touring the streets of New Orleans!Ghosts of New Orleans

Gail🇺🇸 United States

(About local Holley)

18 July 2022

Holley was not only knowledgeable, she was also very personable! She intertwined history, musical development and cultural impact into lively storytelling throughout our tour. We took part in local and historical traditions during our time with her, and visited some unique and hidden gems in the city. We also appreciated her willingness to recommend locations for dinner and performance venues throughout the city. She made our experience special and we feel like we left New Orleans with a new friend! If you are looking for a learning experience while in the city, we would highly recommend Withlocals and Holley!Personable, knowledgeable and fun!

Steven🇺🇸 United States

(About local Holley)

22 June 2022

Holley covered the key New Orleans influences on the development of jazz. She was a wealth of information and local insights. Very friendly, interesting and informative. Great walk with Holley

Jane🇺🇸 United States

(About local Holley)

4 June 2022

We had a great private ghost tour with Holley. She was fun and knowledgeable and flexible depending on our interests. Great tour with Holley!

Bethany🇺🇸 United States

(About local Holley)

2 June 2022

Our tour with Holley was wonderful. It was a hot and sunny day and we were able to keep in the shade. Her knowledge and own musical talents are impressive yet down to earth. This was our first time visiting New Orleans and I highly recommend this tour with Holley!Jazz History Tour with Holley

Paul🇺🇸 United States

(About local Holley)

21 February 2022

Holley was wonderful. Incredible knowledge of the history of jazz as well as the history of New Orleans. Listening to Holley, times when young Louis Armstrong was sneaking out to Storyville to listen to the music come alive. Thanks to her we've got a lot more understanding of the origins of jazz. She was telling stories about famous musicians while showing us buildings associated with them (every once in a while beautifully belting out some tune). Holley also gave us a lot of great tips on local restaurants, jazz clubs and places to see. It was a real joy spending time with her. I very highly recommend her tour.A wonderful guide, experience not to be missed

Kristine🇺🇸 United States

(About local Holley)

5 January 2022

Thank you WithLocals for having Holly be our tour guide. We three agreed she is by far one of the most outstanding guides. First because it’s a private tour Holly made us feel like we were her personal guests. Her knowledge of the history of jazz as well as the city culture exceeded all expectations. An educator, a talented musician and historian all wrapped up into one person. Besides the tour Holly also let us know some great places to go to listen to true quality New Orleans Jazz. Thank you Holly for a 10 plus plus tour! Visual and historical treat!

Simon🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Holley)

16 December 2021

What a great tour. Holley's jazz history insights are so worth getting this tour for. Then you also get some insight into Holley's own jazz heritage, she may even include a few bars while in Armstrong Park. And if that wasn't enough reason to do this tour then there is Holley's wonderful bubbly personality. Oh and her tips on where to go for some good jazz were very well received. Thank you Holley, you are a star!Good Golly, Miss Holley!

Jeanne🇺🇸 United States

(About local Holley)

8 December 2021

We met Holley after a couple days in New Orleans and a week long cruise on the Mississippi. Her tour for us about Jazz History was a terrific capstone for our vacation. Holley knows so much about jazz and New Orleans, was very entertaining, and had a well planned presentation. Her background as a teacher and as a jazz singer seemed to make her skills perfect for guiding this tour. The weather was grand so we walked in Louis Armstrong Park and in the French Quarter to see relevant sites. She was very considerate of our energy level, finding places to sit as we went. We ended the tour with some time listening to live jazz - mid-day on Sunday. Our small group included jazz aficionados as well as some rather more ignorant and her tour satisfied everyone. We highly recommend her!Great jazz tour with Holley.

Andrea🇺🇸 United States

(About local Holley)

5 July 2021

We very much enjoyed our ghost tour with Holley. She was lovely to spend time with and was a font of knowledge. We wanted to go at a slower pace than most folks, so it was greatly appreciated that she ran our tour accordingly. We plan to do her jazz tour the next time we're in town.Fabulous tour with Holley.

Adam🇺🇸 United States

(About local Holley)

12 May 2021

Holley is a great guide. She has a lot to share about Jazz and NOLA that you wouldn't get on a standard tourist trap tour (where the guides don't know anything about NOLA/Jazz/History beyond their script). We finished at Cafe Beignet and the band playing there recognized Holley joined the band and sung "The Basin Street Blues". It was a very magical moment for all of us on the tour and something we will never forget! Finally, we had about 5 different constraints/changes to our tour (location, timing, walking abilities, etc) and Holley made it work. Not your run of the mill tour experience.

Nancy🇺🇸 United States

(About local Holley)

1 May 2021

We had a great trip to Destrehan Plantation with Holley. She was prompt in picking us up at our hotel and we shared great conversation on our way to and from the plantation. She has a long history of being in New Orleans and knowledgeable on a number of subjects. The plantation tour was very good and with an excellent onsite guide to share the plantation's history. Holley also chose a great small local spot for us to have seafood lunch before returning to our hotel. We would definitely contact With Locals and use Holley's services again. We could not have asked for a more compatible and sweet New Orleanian to share out time with.Destrehan Plantation and Great Local Lunch

Marina🇺🇸 United States

(About local Brett)

2 April 2021

Had a great time rambling about the French Quarter with Brett, a very fun and educated companion! Lovely experience!!!!! Great start to a NOLA trip

Yvonne M.🇺🇸 United States

(About local Brett)

22 October 2020

Having Brett share his depth of NOLA history & architectural development truly gave me a deeper appreciation of this amazing city. Navigating a lovely Autumn Wednesday ‘slightly Post-Covid’ offered some surprises & some disappointments, but overall, we made the best of it!Discovering New Orleans Past & Present

Jennifer

(About local Brett)

6 March 2020

Great tour! Very informative. Thanks Brett!

Robert

(About local Brett)

6 March 2020

I enjoyed Brett's tour immensely, I am also a local and I learned things I had not yet heard of. Good tour, Great tour

O' Hara

(About local Brett)

1 March 2020

Brett's knowledge of the unique architectural styles of the Quarter and his knowledge of the history of the early city was very informative and interesting. He is a real local! A true local!

Jack

(About local Shane)

21 February 2020

Shane's Jazz tour was a lot of fun. We went to a really cool neighborhood pub before hanging out on Jazz Street. I am a jazz drummer myself, and with his guidance I managed to get on stage and play a song with the band. Highly recommended! Highly recommended!

Keilah

(About local Shane)

18 February 2020

Shane gave us a very fun, informative tour. We learned how to navigate the city, and shaped the rest of our vacation around his recommendations. We had the best time! Very fun tour!!