The Soul and Sound of New Orleans: Culture and Music Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Experience the heartbeat of New Orleans with 2nd Line Tours’ ultimate cultural journey, combining the Soul of New Orleans and The Sound of New Orleans: Music & Legends Tour into one unforgettable experience.
Go beyond the typical sightseeing tour and discover the neighborhoods, stories, and rhythms that shaped one of the world’s most influential cities. Travel through historic areas like Tremé, Central City, the Garden District, Back O’ Town, and the Lower Ninth Ward while exploring African, Creole, and Indigenous influences, civil rights history, Hurricane Katrina, and traditions that keep New Orleans culture alive.
Discover how the city’s history created its legendary sound — from Congo Square to jazz, rhythm & blues, rock ’n’ roll influences, brass bands, bounce, and hip-hop. Visit landmarks like the historic Dew Drop Inn and hear stories of musicians, entertainers, and cultural figures who carried New Orleans’ influence worldwide.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Studio Be
Studio Be is a cultural destination in New Orleans. A product of alchemy, a space for artists and the things they create. A space for the local community and the culture that comes from it , and a welcomed space for visitors across the globe - a place all those voices go to sharpen their critical voice and imagine a future that benefits us all.
Hollygrove
Explore the neighborhood connected to New Orleans’ modern music legacy and artists who carried the city’s sound onto a global stage.
Options
The Soul and Sound of New Orleans: Culture and Music Tour
What‘s Included
Local bar stop experience (drinks available for purchase)
Learn the roots of Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, Bounce, and Hip-Hop
Professional New Orleans storyteller/guide
Price covers the entire tour
Celebrity landmarks, music video locations, and local stories
Visit the historic Dew Drop Inn — legendary music landmark
Explore neighborhoods that shaped New Orleans music culture
Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase during bar stop) ✕ Food and drinks
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
10 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Absolutely phenomenal! Best history tour I have ever been on!
Jennifer B,Jun 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I am so happy that I had incredible opportunity to take this tour! The tour guide focused on the authentic and often untold stories of African American history and culture. I was truly impressed by the guide’s honesty and depth of knowledge. His candidness in sharing the real history—beyond the typical tourist narrative—was refreshing, eye-opening, and deeply appreciated. He didn't shy away from the hard truths, and his passion for honoring the legacy of African Americans in New Orleans was evident throughout the tour. I left with a greater understanding and respect for the resilience, creativity, and impact of the Black community in shaping this city. The first half of the tour showed up around the city and provided a real history on how the city was built and clarified the white-washed information that is usually provided to the public. Our guide then delivered a powerful and emotional account of how Hurricane Katrina devastated the people of New Orleans, sharing personal stories that brought the tragedy to life. Their heartfelt storytelling created a deep sense of empathy and connection, reminding us of the resilience and strength of the community. We were all left in silence after this part of the presentation. The second half of the tour was a bit more "lit". He shared took us to places were many New Orleans native artists grew up and were they filmed their videos. He also played a lot of music to remind us of who he was talking about. (The music and videos were a bit much for me as a "lame old lady"....but I completely understood the necessity. As a former history teacher who believes in teaching the truth in history, I was in awe of the facts provided throughout the tour. And I am hard to impress! I highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to learn the truth and walk away changed.
Top flight tour and staff!
John R,Apr 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Just had the Urban culture and celebrity tour. Our guide, Dennis was terrific, informative, knowledgeable and a blast to be around. Although we felt we knew a bit of New Orleans, we learned so much and came away with a deeper understanding of New Orleans. Highly recommend!
Book the tour
Katterina F,Sep 1, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing review. Jay was very knowledgeable and kept us engaged and laughing the entire tour. I would highly recommend to anyone visiting!!
NOLA Baby
tehiraw,May 10, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jay was our tour guide and he had so much information to share. He pointed out some unique places and shared the history behind it. Worth taking during your visit.
Must do tour!
lacefrontbebe,Aug 26, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour with so much so much information about New Orleans. If you want to see New Orleans beyond the French Quarter this tour is a must. I arrived yesterday and this was the first tour of my trip, which is good as you find out so many gems about New Orleans. Such as the reasons for the mausoleum style burials, funerals being a celebration of life and areas rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina. Plus if you are a Cash Money/New Orleans hip hop fan this tour is definitely for you as you stop at the areas Birdman, Lil Wayne and Juvenile grew up in. Jay is an amazing tour guide and is very knowledgeable about New Orleans history, culture, food and music. Plus Jay will also give you recommendations about the best food spots, bars and shopping for souvenirs. I will definitely take a visit to Miss Lorettas beignets shop!
The Urban Tour was on...
Dwight F,Aug 14, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00The Urban Tour was on point. Dennis the tour guide was very knowledgeable of New Orleans past and present. We learned about the slave trade and saw the historic buildings the trades happened at. We saw Hurricane Katrina and the levee that broke. Also rode by a few famous rappers/entertainers homes they grew up in Dope tour 💪🏾
Best Culture Tour
Shelese P,Jun 19, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00After visiting Nola a few times, I decided to try something new to commemorate Juneteenth. This tour was very enlightening and filled with culture. Dennis the tour guide did an awesome job of providing insight and knowledge on the history of Nola from past to present day. His commentary and experience as a local really brought the tour to life! Highly recommend 2nd line tours!!
Excellent Tour
Ebony D,Apr 17, 2023
- Review from Viator
5.00This trip was very informative and fun, fun one of the best tours we took while in NOLA! We had a celebrity encounter on the tour which made us extra extra NICE!
MUST DO TOUR
Neema N,Feb 1, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00if you want a REAL tour of NOLA... then you MUST book this tour. our driver and tour guide was very down to earth, answered all questions, had great insight into local spots, and gave great suggestions for exploring on our own in the other parts of town. Even when there was a slight possibility that we may not have been able to take out tour he communicated well and kept us informed up to the very last minute. He even came to pick us up at our breakfast spot downtown. a REAL tour of NOLA
Most Fun Tour Yet!!
hopedream78,Jan 22, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I took my children on this tour while on our family holiday. It was so much FUN! We had several opportunites to take photos, and we our tour guide was excellent at is always the case with 2nd Line Tours. We told our tour guide that we were hungry, and he made a pit stop so we could get something to eat. And don't even get me started on the food! I've been on multiple tours with this company, as I visit NOLA often, and they have proven to be one of the absolute best in the city!!! Guaranteed to have a blast on this tour!!
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