New Orleans French Quarter Audio Tour: Iconic Sites & Hidden Gems

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. Bourbon Street

   The Quarter’s most famous street is alive with neon lights, music pours from every doorway, and there’s a constant sense of celebration. It’s the best place to experience the energy of New Orleans’ nightlife up close.

   5 minutes here

2. This legendary café has been serving beignets and café au lait since 1862. A stop here is a true New Orleans tradition.

   Pass by without stopping

3. America’s oldest public market is a lively mix of food stalls, local crafts, and history. It’s where New Orleans’ trading spirit still thrives today.

   5 minutes here

4. Jackson Square

   Once the heart of colonial New Orleans, the historic Jackson Square is now lined with artists, street performers, and iconic landmarks. It’s the perfect spot to feel the pulse of the city.

   5 minutes here

5. Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar

   Set in an 18th-century Creole cottage, this candlelit bar claims ties to the pirate Jean Lafitte. The Blacksmith Shop Bar is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the Quarter.

   Pass by without stopping

6. New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum

   This small but fascinating museum offers a direct look into voodoo’s history and influence in New Orleans. Artifacts and altars connect folklore with living tradition.

   Pass by without stopping

7. New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

   Housed in a former 19th-century apothecary, the Pharmacy Museum reveals the city’s medical past. Strange remedies and old tools make it one of the Quarter’s quirkiest stops.

   Pass by without stopping

8. Old Ursuline Convent Museum

   Built in 1752, this is the oldest surviving building in the Mississippi Valley. Its simple elegance reflects the deep Catholic roots of the city.

   Pass by without stopping

9. Pirate's Alley is a narrow passage lined with stories of duels, outlaws, and writers. It’s a hidden corner that feels straight out of another time.

   5 minutes here

10. Pontalba Buildings

    These matching red-brick townhouses flank Jackson Square with elegant iron balconies. They’re the oldest apartment buildings still in use in the U.S.

    Pass by without stopping

11. Royal Street

    Known for its art galleries, antiques, and street music, Royal Street is the Quarter at its most refined. It’s perfect for a quieter stroll away from Bourbon’s chaos.

    5 minutes here

12. St. Louis Cathedral

    The towering white spires of St. Louis Cathedral dominate Jackson Square. As the oldest continuously active Catholic cathedral in the U.S., it’s a New Orleans icon.

    5 minutes here

13. Once the seat of Spanish colonial government, this landmark now tells Louisiana’s history. It’s where the Louisiana Purchase transfer was signed in 1803.

    Pass by without stopping

14. The Presbytere

    Built to mirror the Cabildo, the Presbytère now houses exhibits on Mardi Gras and Hurricane Katrina. It’s history and resilience under one roof.

    Pass by without stopping

15. The Historic New Orleans Collection

    This museum and archive preserve the stories, art, and culture of the city. It’s a must for anyone wanting to dive deeper into New Orleans’ past.

    Pass by without stopping

16. New Orleans Jazz Museum

    Located in the Old U.S. Mint, this museum celebrates the city’s greatest export: jazz. Instruments, recordings, and exhibits trace their roots and legends.

    Pass by without stopping

17. M.S. Rau

    This Royal Street gallery is filled with rare art, antiques, and jewelry. Even if you’re not shopping, browsing here feels like exploring a private museum.

    5 minutes here

18. Faulkner House Books

    William Faulkner once lived and wrote here—today it’s a cozy bookstore tucked into Pirate’s Alley. It’s a literary gem in the heart of the Quarter.

    5 minutes here

19. The famed playwright lived and wrote here during his years in New Orleans. It’s a quiet reminder of the Quarter’s artistic legacy.

    Pass by without stopping

20. Known as the Haunted House of the French Quarter, the Gardette-LePretre Mansion is wrapped in legend and mystery. Its Greek Revival design adds to its imposing presence.

    Pass by without stopping

21. Miltenberger Houses

    These elegant 19th-century homes reflect the wealth and style of Creole New Orleans. They’re architectural treasures hidden in plain sight.

    Pass by without stopping

22. Joan of Arc Statue

    This gleaming golden statue honors France’s beloved heroine and New Orleans’ namesake— Joan of Arc. It’s a striking landmark just steps from the French Market.

    5 minutes here

23. Preservation Hall

    The Preservation Hall is an unassuming building that has kept traditional New Orleans jazz alive since 1961. Nightly shows here are a raw, unforgettable experience.

    Pass by without stopping

24. Pavilion Of The Two Sisters

    This historic restaurant is famous for its jazz brunch in a lush courtyard. Dining in the Court of Two Sisters is as much about atmosphere as it is about food.

    Pass by without stopping

Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

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

Languages

en, es

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 10 travelers per booking

Operated by

Drives & Detours

Know before you go

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
• GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
• Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
• Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time

Photos