
Garden District: Mansions, Money & Mayhem Walking Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 39 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Garden District: Mansions, Money & Mayhem Walking Tour worth booking?
Garden District: Mansions, Money & Mayhem Walking Tour is a 2-hour experience in New Orleans, United States, from $38 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 39 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (39)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $38 per person
Step beyond the iron gates and grand façades of one of New Orleans' most famous neighborhoods. Garden District: Mansions, Money & Mayhem reveals the remarkable stories behind the beauty, from the plantation land and fortunes that shaped the neighborhood to the people who have continued reinventing it for nearly two centuries. Walk beneath ancient live oaks while discovering spectacular architecture, hidden histories, family dramas, scandals, literary connections, Hollywood locations and surprising secrets behind some of the district's most recognizable homes. Along the way, explore how money was made, how fortunes were lost, how architecture reflected status, and how historic mansions became connected to writers, athletes, actors, musicians and modern New Orleans personalities. This isn't simply a walk past beautiful houses. It's a journey behind the façades to discover the money, ambition, secrets and mayhem that made the Garden District legendary.
What you get
About this experience
Step beyond the iron gates and grand façades of one of New Orleans' most famous neighborhoods. Garden District: Mansions, Money & Mayhem reveals the remarkable stories behind the beauty, from the plantation land and fortunes that shaped the neighborhood to the people who have continued reinventing it for nearly two centuries. Walk beneath ancient live oaks while discovering spectacular architecture, hidden histories, family dramas, scandals, literary connections, Hollywood locations and surprising secrets behind some of the district's most recognizable homes. Along the way, explore how money was made, how fortunes were lost, how architecture reflected status, and how historic mansions became connected to writers, athletes, actors, musicians and modern New Orleans personalities. This isn't simply a walk past beautiful houses. It's a journey behind the façades to discover the money, ambition, secrets and mayhem that made the Garden District legendary.
What's included
Included
- Professional Licensed Guide
- Insight you cannot get elsewhere
- A Locals Perspective
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food and Beverage
What you'll see and do
Buckner Mansion
The Buckner mansion is over 18,000 square feet and was built for Cotton king, Henry Buckner. It's notorious for being the home used in American Horror Story, Coven.
10 minutes here
Lafayette Cemetery No.1
We will explain our unique burial procedures and tell you about the history of the cemetery and the families there. This cemetery is currently closed to the public so we view it through the iron gates.
15 minutes here
Garden District
Home to the wealthy and our major Mardi Gras Parades, this is where opulence and history meet in New Orleans. You will see the famous home of Anne Rice, where the Mayfair Witches resided in novels. You will see where Mark Twain attended parties and where films and tv shows you love were filmed. You will pass by and learn about the celebrity owned homes as well. Sandra Bullock, Nic Cage, John Goodman, Trent Reznor and NBA star Zion Williamson just to name a few.
85 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
New Orleans
We meet in front of The Rink Shopping Center. The Rink has a coffee shop and restrooms. The guide will meet you outside the front entrance.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We meet in front of The Rink Shopping Center. The Rink has a coffee shop and restrooms. The guide will meet you outside the front entrance.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- DuPont and Company
Know before you go
- 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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Due to uneven terrain this tour is not recommended for those with mobility challenges
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 39 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
39 verified traveler reviews for Garden District: Mansions, Money & Mayhem Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Walter was a great guide....
Walter was a great guide. We learned so much about the area because he lives in the area and he provided excellent information.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for joining us on our Garden District Walking Tour! Walter’s personal connection to the neighborhood adds something truly special to the experience, and we are so glad you enjoyed his knowledge and insight. There is nothing quite like exploring the Garden District with someone who knows its history, architecture, stories, and streets so well. Thank you for walking with us, and we hope to see you again on another tour!
via Viator
It was great.
Our guide Walter Thomas was wonderful. He was very knowledgeable of the area and it's history. He was very pleasant and was easy to interact with. If the opportunity arose I would highly recommend him as a guide.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for joining us on our Garden District Walking Tour! We are delighted to hear how much you enjoyed your time with Walter Thomas. His knowledge of the neighborhood and its history, combined with his warm and easygoing personality, makes exploring the Garden District such a wonderful experience. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope you will join us for another tour the next time you are in New Orleans!
via Tripadvisor
Go see the Garden District
Walter gave us a great tour of the garden district. His tour was full of history and facts, but never dull! This area is so beautiful and it was a delightful experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for joining us on our Garden District Walking Tour! I am so glad you enjoyed exploring this beautiful neighborhood with Walter. He has a wonderful way of packing the Garden District Walking Tour with history, architecture, and fascinating details while keeping it engaging and fun. The Garden District certainly gives us a gorgeous backdrop, but a great storyteller makes those beautiful homes and the people behind them come alive. Thank you for spending part of your time in New Orleans with us, and we hope to see you again!
via Tripadvisor
Garden District Walking tour with Walter.
Walter was an amazing guide. He is very knowledgeable about different architecture styles, he threw in some excellent celebrity gossip and made our day super special seeing we are on our honeymoon. He recommended lots of true New Orlean experiences, restaurants and offered to be our contact for the duration of our stay.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for spending part of your honeymoon with us on our **Garden District Walking Tour**! I am thrilled that Walter made the day extra special. His knowledge of the architecture is incredible, and of course, a little celebrity gossip makes those beautiful mansions even more fun. I also love that he shared his favorite New Orleans experiences and offered to be a resource throughout your stay. Congratulations on your marriage, and thank you for letting us be a small part of such a special trip!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Garden District tour with Walter
Our Garden District tour with Walter Thomas was fantastic! We started indoors with a history lesson about Louisiana and New Orleans which set a great tone. Then we headed outdoors to see the grand old mansions and beautiful homes. Walter's knowledge of the history of the homes and their architecture was great. The homes are the star, but the time and effort that Walter put in to make our tour great is what brought them to life!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this beautiful review of our Garden District Walking Tour. I love how you described the experience from start to finish, especially that indoor introduction. It really does set the tone and gives context to everything you see once you step out among those incredible homes. You said something that means a lot to us, that the homes may be the stars, but it was Walter who brought them to life. That is exactly what a great guide does. He takes something already stunning and layers it with meaning, history, and personality until it becomes unforgettable. We are so grateful you joined us and took the time to share this. We would love to welcome you back for another walk through New Orleans whenever you return.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 14
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by DuPont and Company, who run 9 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.1.
See everything DuPont and Company runsWhy this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Garden District: Mansions, Money & Mayhem Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New Orleans.
How much does Garden District: Mansions, Money & Mayhem Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $38 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in New Orleans usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Garden District: Mansions, Money & Mayhem Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in New Orleans is not rushed.
Is Garden District: Mansions, Money & Mayhem Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 39 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in New Orleans, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Garden District: Mansions, Money & Mayhem Walking Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Garden District: Mansions, Money & Mayhem Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Garden District: Mansions, Money & Mayhem Walking Tour?
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Around 14 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in New Orleans can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in New Orleans and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Garden District: Mansions, Money & Mayhem Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central New Orleans within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in New Orleans?
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New Orleans runs on licensed guides, and it shows: the city requires certification for tour guides, so the floor is higher here than most US cities. Ghost and cemetery walks, French Quarter food crawls, plantation history day trips and swamp boat runs make up the bulk. We rank on whether the operator handles cemetery access properly, since St. Louis No. 1 needs an authorised guide. On Outty we rank every New Orleans experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include New Orleans Swamp and Bayou Boat Tour with Transportation, New Orleans Adults-Only True Crime and Ghost Walking Tour, New Orleans Garden District History Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit New Orleans?
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February to May and October to November. August is heat and storm season. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in New Orleans?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Garden District: Mansions, Money & Mayhem Walking Tour?
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Included: Professional Licensed Guide; Insight you cannot get elsewhere; and A Locals Perspective. Not included: Gratuities; and Food and Beverage. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Garden District: Mansions, Money & Mayhem Walking Tour?
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We meet in front of The Rink Shopping Center. The Rink has a coffee shop and restrooms. The guide will meet you outside the front entrance. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Garden District: Mansions, Money & Mayhem Walking Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Garden District: Mansions, Money & Mayhem Walking Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Garden District: Mansions, Money & Mayhem Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and Due to uneven terrain this tour is not recommended for those with mobility challenges. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Garden District: Mansions, Money & Mayhem Walking Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Garden District: Mansions, Money & Mayhem Walking Tour?
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Across 39 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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