Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Participants will delve into the neighborhood's unique story, learning about the wealthy Americans who developed the area, the stunning Greek Revival and Italianate architecture, and the cultural forces that shaped this iconic part of the city.
This tour provides much more than a scenic stroll past grand mansions; it offers a deeper understanding of New Orleans's complex past. Led by knowledgeable, city-licensed volunteer guides, the tour illuminates the influence of key historical figures, political events, and local geography on the district’s development. It's an essential activity for history enthusiasts and anyone looking to move beyond the French Quarter to appreciate the enduring statements of mid-nineteenth-century American life in the Crescent City.
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Garden District
This tour provides much more than a scenic stroll past grand mansions; it offers a deeper understanding of New Orleans's complex past. Led by knowledgeable, city-licensed volunteer guides, the tour illuminates the influence of key historical figures, political events, and local geography on the district’s development. It's an essential activity for history enthusiasts and anyone looking to move beyond the French Quarter to appreciate the enduring statements of mid-nineteenth-century American life in the Crescent City.
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12 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
beckyaW6267CK,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We did a walking tour of the Garden District with Louis and it was outstanding! As an architect and long-time resident of New Orleans, his knowledge of interesting architectural details and local history was exceptional and on top of that his delivery was funny and charming. Highly recommend booking with Friends of Cabildo and Louis in particular!
217ralphb,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was an excellent tour. Our guide, Louis, made me feel like he was showing us around his own neighborhood, proudly (and very creatively) telling us about the architecture and his civically important current and bygone neighbors. I highly recommend Louis’s tour, whether you’re a local or visiting from out-of-town.
sheric868,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The Garden District tour is so enjoyable and educational,,! Louis Kong was a great guide. He showed the history of the houses at the time, he kept it light hearted and fun. A terrific experience for locals and tourists!
sirbaird,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The tour of the Garden District with Louis Kong of Friends of the Cabildo was an unforgettably fun experience! We learned a lot about the history and architecture of the Garden District which gave us a greater appreciation for the neighborhood. I highly recommend bringing your friends to go on this tour and hear all about it, it was very worthwhile and an enjoyable time.
651maryannb,,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a wonderful experience touring with Louis Kong of Friends of the Cabildo! His tour flowed so well and all of his prior research and preparation makes for a most insightful tour! His knowledge and love for history and architecture and New Orleans shows in his enthusiastic and entertaining approach! We learned so much about the Garden District and its past and current owners! We went with a group of friends and everyone had a wonderful time! Thank you Louis Kong!


210qt,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Excellent tour—both fun and full of knowledge and history. I’ve lived in New Orleans for a while and was always told to visit St. Charles Avenue for the mansions, but honestly, I was never that impressed beyond the oak trees along the street. This tour changed that. It taught me how to tell the different architectural styles, the history of the owners and the city, the anecdotes behind the homes, and even showed pictures of how decorations and tastes evolved over time. It truly made me appreciate New Orleans more, and more connected. Louis as an architect/tour guide, is also a great storyteller! Love it every minute. Highly recommended!
qingliw2021,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Great experiences! All of us in the tour had fun and learned. Mr. Louis is very knowledgeable and has a sense of humor. Recommend for everyone!
Larryyay,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
My wife and I had an opportunity to join in on a garden district walking tour, guided by Mr. Louis Kong on November 16, 2025. Preparation for, and studies of the lineage of ownership as well as designers of record should not be taken lightly. Yes, Mr. Kong presented each, and every home on the tour with impeccable detail as well as praise to current owners for their preservation efforts, of which is a challenge.( preservation that is) Mr. Kong presented in great detail who, when, where and why these structures are still in existence as well as all of whom who maintained them thru the years. Preparation of this detail, had to have been exhausting but extremely interesting, it was for us. To give a five-star rating to Mr. Kong is inadequate as the preparation for a tour of this nature can take months. I would state without a doubt, this tour, as given is in all probability is one of the most comprehensive tours I have ever been witnessed to. As we have traveled the world and have been in some high-profile tours (top of cologne most recent). I am of the opinion this garden district walking tour stands up to all others, in presentation, preparation of fact sheets, as well as passion. It was extremely obvious to us Mr. Kong provided all of us in this tour an insight we may never have been afforded. For that I can only thank Mr. Kong, for sharing the results of his studies as well as Architectural expertise's.
Operated by Friends of the Cabildo