TOURS G IN K L A W T BES
OF
New Orleans BY MEGAN HILL
New Orleans is rich with the fascinating history of the many cultures that have collided here over the centuries. Tours are a common way to experience the various aspects of the city with the help of an expert—and there are plenty of them out there. Whether you’re excited to try various local dishes or explore the bar scene, learn some local history, or even dabble in the occult, there’s a tour for just about every interest. But not all tours are created equal. The best combine expert local knowledge with fascinating storytelling—and occur on foot. By walking with your tour guide, you’ll gain a more intimate perspective of the city than if you were stuffed into a tour bus, limited to looking out of a window. Here are a few of the best out there. FREE TOURS BY FOOT These pay-what-you-can tours cover a range of topics and parts of town, from the leafy Garden District neighborhood to the French Quarter to Bayou St. John. The company also offers a voodoo tour and a ghost tour, with outings lasting 1.5 to 2 hours each. The company’s philosophy is that every traveler should be able to afford a tour, so visitors can set their own prices based on what fits their budget. And they acknowledge that sometimes, that means a tour is free! TOURS BY STEVEN These small group tours explore various areas of the city on foot—and there is even a French Quarter jogging option for those who choose to go at a slightly faster pace! Other tours explore the Gar-
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Food & Travel
Spring 2022
den District and Lafayette Cemetery, St. Louis Cemetery, and the French Quarter. There’s an option focusing on the women of New Orleans, and the company allows visitors to customize private tours if they’re looking for something outside of these offerings.
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