Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous
Did you know the Garden District of New Orleans was created to separate wealthy American Protestants from their Creole and Catholic neighbors?
Home to one of the largest collections of stunning Antebellum homes in the country, the Garden District is the architectural delight of New Orleans. A visual buffet of building styles from all over the globe, including Gothic, Greek Revival, Italianate and more, this uptown neighborhood represents the sumptuous style of wealthy American society before the Civil War ended this historical era. Elaborate family crypts pay homage to the former residents of this illustrious district in opulent, above-ground cemeteries known as "cities of the dead". Experience the grandeur, opulence, and intrigues of elite New Orleans residents in the 1800s, both during and after their lives, on this signature downtown walking tour.
"This tour is completely different from any we have been on before. We learned so much about the city that no one ever hears about!"
What is the Garden District Celebrities and Cemeteries, Mansions and Mysteries Tour About?
The Garden District Celebrities and Cemeteries, Mansion and Mysteries Tour is designed to introduce you to the historic residences and elegant cemeteries that make up New Orleans' iconic Garden District, as well as some of the famous faces who have called this neighborhood home. Backed by meticulous historical research and anecdotal references, this entertaining tour provides unique insight into the stunning architecture and structured class system of days gone by.
What You Will See on This Tour:
Stroll through one of New Orleans' most lavish and exclusive neighborhoods, where you will view:
- The Italianate opulence of Colonel Short's Villa
- The elaborate resting places in Lafayette Cemetery No.1
- The scandalous Morris-Isreal House
- The upscale Creole dining of the Commander's Palace
- And so much more...
Admire the luxury of the past, hear scandalous tales of corruption and crime, and perhaps catch a glimpse of a familiar face as you stroll through the picturesque streets of the iconic Garden District.
Join us in a trip back through time when the New Orleans elite created an exclusive enclave of architectural delights and decadent lifestyles most of us can only dream of- and picture yourself behind the elaborate wrought-iron gates of these elegant mansions.
"The first thing you notice about New Orleans are the burying grounds- the cemeteries- and they're a cold proposition, one of the best things there are here. Going by, you try to be as quiet as possible, better to let them sleep."
Bob Dylan
Includes
-
Tickets
Entry ticket
Additional Info
Meeting point address: 1448 Fourth Street, in front of the historic marker for Colonel Short's Villa
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Parking: We recommend parking near Colonel Short's Villa. To see parking options, click below:
Use parkme.com for more parking locations.
Location:
Reviews (304):
Julia Barbour
Verified Customer
December 1st 2023
"Craig was very knowledgeable and super fun!! Great tour!"
Julia B.
Verified Customer
December 1st 2023
"Such a great tour and Craig was a great guide! So much fun and very knowledgeable!! Highly recommend ... "
Ariel Sommers
Verified Customer
November 26th 2023
"Our tour guide Rose was amazing! Very knowledgeable and engaging. It was the highlight of our trip!"
Important Information
Arrival
Please arrive to the designated meeting location before your tour’s start time, or they may leave without you! Your email confirmation will verify map and meeting location.
Easy E-Check in
No need to print anything out. Just show up, and the tour guide will mark you present! Please save your email confirmation handy on your phone for reference.
Daily Availability
Press “book now” to view current time and date availability.
Private Groups
Looking for a private or large group tour? Contact us for details
Walking Tour
This tour is a walking tour.