Garden District Secrets and Scandals Tour in New Orleans
New Orleans, United States

Garden District Secrets and Scandals Tour

Outty Ranking 73 4.9 · 62 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $35

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September 2026

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Outty Ranking

73/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 62 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Garden District Secrets and Scandals Tour worth booking?

Garden District Secrets and Scandals Tour is a 2-hour experience in New Orleans, United States, from $35 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 62 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
73 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (62)
Duration
2 hours
From
$35 per person

Small Groups ✦ History ✦ Architecture ✦ Scandal See the gorgeous architecture and lush gardens of the Garden District, as we peer behind the curtain at the secrets and scandals that make it legendary. We bring a privat

What you get

    About this experience

    Small Groups ✦ History ✦ Architecture ✦ Scandal See the gorgeous architecture and lush gardens of the Garden District, as we peer behind the curtain at the secrets and scandals that make it legendary. We bring a private tour experience to every tour, by limiting it to small groups, and personalizing the tour for you. Hear stories of gamblers, corrupt politicians, con artists, and a rock star who caused a scene. See filming locations, & celebrity homes, on the way. Although the cemetery has been closed indefinitely to all tours by the city, we'll see tombs from the gate and discuss the place's history and burial methods. We'll discuss architecture styles popular in the neighborhood's growth, and some unusual homes as well! We'll end at the largest home in the neighborhood -- also a main location from American Horror Story, Coven season. Our focus is that you get more than a great two-hour experience, but connection points to our city, and its stories, that you'll never forget.

    What's included

    Included

    • English guide

    What you'll see and do

    1. Lafayette Cemetery No.1

      Cemetery is presently closed by the city, so we'll talk about its history and see the tombs from the gate. First, take a walk through New Orleans' historic Lafayette Cemetery and learn about the founding of our city, our unique burial practices, famous locals interred here, and our strong French and Catholic influence. You'll even discover the film locations of Hollywood blockbusters such as Interview with the Vampire and Double Jeopardy, both of which had iconic scenes filmed here!

      25 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. Garden District

      After your refreshing break our group will venture out into the gorgeous Garden District where you might even catch a glimpse of a celebrity! The beautiful antebellum homes will take your breath away, and the stories that accompany them are always entertaining and sometimes even shocking. This tour is a wonderful change of pace from the French Quarter crowds, and will give you a fun and interactive historical experience you will never forget​.

      60 minutes here

    3. Women's Guild of the New Orleans Opera

      We will see the Women's Guild of the New Orleans Opera, used as a production office for Jaime Foxx movie Django Unchained, directed by Quinten Tarantino.

      5 minutes here

    4. Magazine Street

      End near Magazine Street, New Orleans' best uptown street for shopping, food, art galleries, and more!

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    New Orleans

    Wait at the corner of Washington Ave and Coliseum St. -- by the cemetery wall. Please arrive 10 minutes before start, and stand in that location, so the guide knows you are there for the tour. Do not approach other tours in progress. Do NOT rely putting the approximate street address into Google!

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Buckner Mansion on Jackson Ave.

    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
    Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Spectral City Tours

    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
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Braddish Johnson's lavish second home was home to a Rex king, and is now the McGehee School.Hear the stories of the fun and scandalous people behind the gorgeous facades.Garden District Secrets and Scandals Tour in New Orleans, photo 4Garden District Secrets and Scandals Tour in New Orleans, photo 5Mansions like Archibald Montgomery's are some of the finest in the city.This historic "cornstalk fence" mansion was headquarters for the Union General Benjamin Butler's occupation during the Civil War.

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 62 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Traveler reviews

    62 verified traveler reviews for Garden District Secrets and Scandals Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    57
    4 star
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    3 star
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    994rebeccaz · May 2026

    Fascinatingly Scandalous

    Tracy was AMAZING! So fun, knowledgeable, witty and engaging. Two hours felt like 30 mins. The Garden district tour is a must for either the seasoned New Orleaneans or the out of towner tourist. I found the graveyard information fascinating, the old homes intruging and the history was scandalous!

    via Tripadvisor

    Laura_G · May 2026

    Best Tour in the Garden District

    This is a fabulous tour, and Tracy is so knowledgeable and so funny. Even when we went off on little bunny trails in our conversation of the history of the Garden District, she pulled us back into reality. There is so much to know, and she knew it all! Five stars, hands down.

    via Viator

    M7796DYalexe · April 2026

    Book with Tracy!

    Walked with Tracy on a Monday night, ended up being a private tour. Had a wonderful time, she knows her stuff and is quick witted about it! Both a good history tour as well as haunts! Would do it again with my sister who is obsessed with ghost stories

    via Tripadvisor

    Debbie_C · March 2026

    I enjoyed this tour very...

    I enjoyed this tour very much! Guide Tracy presented tons of historical information on the beautiful homes and famous and infamous occupants in a funny and interesting way. She really knows her stuff. Also learned a lot about the cemetery and history of New Orleans. (Tours inside the cemetery are no longer allowed due to stupid people who apparently disrespected or vandalized it), but we were right outside and able to see some of it. Took a short break at a cute coffee shop owned by Commander’s Palace which was convenient for a bathroom break or to purchase a refreshment or other items. Wear good walking shoes and watch your step on the sidewalks. Altogether an enjoyable tour with a great guide. Thanks Tracy!

    via Viator

    Patrice_S · March 2026

    Tracy was knowledgeable...

    Tracy was knowledgeable and entertaining. Giving the tour a 3 only because the walking was difficult due to the sidewalk being broken and tree roots needed to be avoided. Two members of our group had to leave early due to this, one guest fell and skinned her arm.

    Response from the operator: Very sorry to hear about your friend. But the condition of the footpaths is really outside our control, as a tour business. All we can do is caution folks about the footpaths. We are not responsible for maintaining them. I believe your is about your experience of the neighborhood, and not the job we did, vis a vis other tour companies.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    22
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 73

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)89
    Review evidence (18% weight)48
    Booking momentum (14% weight)42
    Value for money (12% weight)79
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)70
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Garden District Secrets and Scandals Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New Orleans.

    How much does Garden District Secrets and Scandals Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $35 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 Secrets and Scandals Tour take?

    +

    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 Secrets and Scandals Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 62 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 Secrets and Scandals Tour?

    +

    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 Secrets and Scandals Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    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 Secrets and Scandals Tour?

    +

    Around 22 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?

    +

    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 Secrets and Scandals 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?

    +

    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 Swamp Tour Boat Adventure, New Orleans Self-Transport Swamp and Bayou Boat 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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.

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