New Orleans Music Walking Tour

Overview

Explore the world’s richest musical city. Starting with Louis Armstrong Park and Congo Square, historic site of African slave gatherings, it is the only place in North America where pure West African religious ritual and musical traditions were performed. Congo Square is the wellspring of all New Orleans music and so many of world-famous songs.

Visit the building which housed Cosimo Matassa’s groundbreaking J&M Studios - the true birthplace of rock’n'roll. See the New Orleans Musicians Tomb. The first burial to take place was for Lloyd Washington of the Ink Spots on October 23, 2004. The Musicians Tomb was restored and is administered by Robert Florence of NOLA Historic Tours.

Learn about the Second Line & stroll down Basin Street to the remains of Storyville, fabled red light district whose parlors presented Buddy Bolden and Jelly Roll Morton.

Then move through the Tango Belt to May Bailey’s and the French Opera House, ending with the legendary Preservation Hall.

City: New Orleans

Fri 20 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $25.00

Make a reservation

Fri 20 Jun

Starting at $25.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Local guide

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

What To Expect

Congo Square

Learn of the West African influence on New Orleans music through the Bamboula.

Louis Armstrong Park

Learn of many New Orleans music styles from opera to the second line to opera!

Basin St. Station

Learn of many New Orleans music elements and the origins of the song "Basin Street Blues".

Storyville District

Learn about and hear recorded music from the early days of Jazz in the red light district Storyville!

May Baily's Place

Enter a replica of a Storyville parlour.

Bourbon Street

Learn of the French Opera and R&B traditions on New Orleans' most famous street!

Preservation Hall

End the tour where the past, present and future of New Orleans music converges - the legendary Preservation Hall!

Show 4 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (14)

Karla_L

Feb 2025

David was great. Energetic, happy, full of love for music. I’d recommend this & especially him to anyone!

Dan B

Dec 2024

Our tour guide David was very knowledgable about the history of New Orleans music and we learned a lot about the origin of jazz and its connection to New Orleans. He was also very engaging with the tour members and humorous as well.

Erissa_M

Oct 2024

David was an amazing tour guide - passionate about sharing the history of New Orleans music, animated and completely engaging! We were lucky enough to be the only ones on the tour that day, so David got to know our musical interests and created a very personalized experience for us. We even ducked into an art gallery where he allowed me to play piano with him. I highly recommend this tour as one of the first things you should do with your NOLA trip. Really lays the foundation for what this city is all about!