Bourbon Street is one of the most famous and energetic streets in the United States, located in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Stretching for thirteen blocks from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue, it’s a place where history, music, and nightlife collide in a whirlwind of color and sound.
Despite what its name might suggest, Bourbon Street wasn’t named after the liquor, but rather after the French ruling family, the House of Bourbon. The street dates back to the early 18th century, shortly after the city’s founding, and has witnessed centuries of change, from colonial rule to the rise of jazz and the evolution of New Orleans into a global cultural capital.
Today, Bourbon Street is synonymous with celebration. It’s lined with neon-lit bars, balconies draped with beads, live music venues, and a constant flow of revelers. During the day, you can admire the ornate ironwork balconies and classic Creole townhouses. By night, the street comes alive with music pouring out of every doorway—blues, jazz, rock, and everything in between. The atmosphere is famously uninhibited, especially during Mardi Gras, when parades, costumes, and impromptu dance parties take over.
While some parts of Bourbon Street cater to a younger, more party-oriented crowd, other sections are quieter and steeped in history, offering a glimpse into the city’s past. Whether you’re there for the music, the cocktails, or just to people-watch, Bourbon Street captures the spirit of New Orleans like no other.
On the tourism posters, New Orleans is described as “24 4/7 Since 1718” and this fantastic introduction to one of the world's most fascinating cities will provide unique insight into the energy kick behind a unique melting pot of cultures.
On your private tour of the Big Easy, you will:
Enjoy a leisurely walk around this beautiful, storied city, seeking out the friendly characters, historic spots and gorgeous architecture that is New Orleans.
Visit the oldest neighbourhood in the city, the beautiful French Quarter to learn about the diverse colonial heritage, and the notable literary and cinematic landmarks, including where greats like William Faulkner and Tennessee Williams wrote some of their famous works among the nation’s most historic buildings.
Your guide will introduce you to Dixie jazz and, of course, the annual Mardi Gras when over a million partygoers descend on New Orleans for the world's best street parade (an event that brings an incredible $ 160 billion into the local economy). Then, immerse yourself in the neighbourhood where one of jazz music's greatest talents grew up.
Today, Armstrong’s birthplace is long gone, though there are plenty of ways New Orleans has sought to commemorate their greatest musical son. The airport, a downtown park, and an annual “Satchmo” summer festival are all named for Louis Armstrong - there are also plenty of sites and sounds that owe much to the city’s most famous musical talent.
At the end of your tour, your guide will recommend more ways to immerse yourself with the real locals of the Big Easy.
Mardi Gras may have its roots in Europe as a pre-Lenten celebration of indulgence, but New Orleans has become the ultimate stage for this dazzling tradition. From Twelfth Night to Ash Wednesday, the city bursts to life with parades, vibrant street parties, and costumed revellers in a whirlwind of colour and sound. For those curious about how Mardi Gras became such an essential part of New Orleans’ identity, and eager to peek behind the curtain to see how the magic is made, this private tour offers a unique chance to experience the spirit of Mardi Gras any time of year.
On this half-day private walking tour, you will:
Immerse yourself in the magic and mystery of Mardi Gras like a local on this privately guided half-day journey through the traditions, artistry, and enduring spirit of New Orleans’ most iconic celebration. Beginning in the heart of Jackson Square, you will get acquainted with your guide, a deeply knowledgeable and passionate ambassador for this endlessly intriguing city. You will make your way through the historic French Quarter, where every wrought-iron balcony and quiet courtyard has a story to tell. As you stroll the atmospheric streets, you’ll uncover how a centuries-old Catholic festival initially celebrated by a handful of French settlers in Louisiana has evolved into a joyful, raucous, and uniquely New Orleanian expression of identity, creativity, and community.
You will step inside a branch of the Louisiana State Museum called The Presbytère, whose Mardi Gras exhibit boasts an extraordinary collection of regal costumes and rare artefacts that illustrate the transformation of the celebration from Old World roots to present-day spectacle. The adventure continues as you hop on board one of New Orleans’ classic trolleys, an emblematic local custom in itself, to head downriver to the warehouse wonderland of Mardi Gras World, the behind-the-scenes home of float-building in the city.
Here, among towering papier-mâché figures and swirling colours, you'll discover the astonishing artistry and year-round effort of the Krewes, the private organisations responsible for crafting Mardi Gras’ unforgettable parades. From design sketches to the spectacular final creations, the scale and imagination on display are truly awe-inspiring. No Mardi Gras exploration would be complete without a taste of the city’s sweetest tradition: King Cake. While at Mardi Gras World, you will have the chance to enjoy a slice of this sugary, cinnamon-spiced treat while your guide explains where it came from and why you may come upon a plastic figurine (often in the form of a baby) between bites.
More than a party, this curated experience peels back the glitter to reveal the layers of history, craftsmanship and local flair that make Mardi Gras in New Orleans unlike anywhere else in the world. Whether you're visiting in the heart of parade season or not, this tour offers a comprehensive and entertaining glimpse into one of America’s most beloved cultural rituals.
Join the fastest growing community of professional tour guides.
Use our easy to integrate toolset to include Tours & Attractions in your customer journey.