The Soul and Sound of New Orleans: Culture and Music Tour
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 10 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is The Soul and Sound of New Orleans: Culture and Music Tour worth booking?
The Soul and Sound of New Orleans: Culture and Music Tour is a 3.5-hour experience in New Orleans, United States, from $79 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 10 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (10)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $79 per person
Experience the heartbeat of New Orleans with 2nd Line Tours’ ultimate cultural journey, combining the Soul of New Orleans and The Sound of New Orleans: Music & Legends Tour into one unforgettable experience. Go beyond
What you get
About this experience
Experience the heartbeat of New Orleans with 2nd Line Tours’ ultimate cultural journey, combining the Soul of New Orleans and The Sound of New Orleans: Music & Legends Tour into one unforgettable experience. Go beyond the typical sightseeing tour and discover the neighborhoods, stories, and rhythms that shaped one of the world’s most influential cities. Travel through historic areas like Tremé, Central City, the Garden District, Back O’ Town, and the Lower Ninth Ward while exploring African, Creole, and Indigenous influences, civil rights history, Hurricane Katrina, and traditions that keep New Orleans culture alive. Discover how the city’s history created its legendary sound — from Congo Square to jazz, rhythm & blues, rock ’n’ roll influences, brass bands, bounce, and hip-hop. Visit landmarks like the historic Dew Drop Inn and hear stories of musicians, entertainers, and cultural figures who carried New Orleans’ influence worldwide.
What's included
Included
- Local bar stop experience (drinks available for purchase)
- Learn the roots of Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, Bounce, and Hip-Hop
- Professional New Orleans storyteller/guide
- Price covers the entire tour
- Celebrity landmarks, music video locations, and local stories
- Visit the historic Dew Drop Inn — legendary music landmark
- Explore neighborhoods that shaped New Orleans music culture
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase during bar stop) ✕ Food and drinks
What you'll see and do
Studio Be
Studio Be is a cultural destination in New Orleans. A product of alchemy, a space for artists and the things they create. A space for the local community and the culture that comes from it , and a welcomed space for visitors across the globe - a place all those voices go to sharpen their critical voice and imagine a future that benefits us all.
Pass by without stopping
Hollygrove
Explore the neighborhood connected to New Orleans’ modern music legacy and artists who carried the city’s sound onto a global stage.
Pass by without stopping
Congo Square
The Birth place of Jazz
Pass by without stopping
Treme
Experience America’s oldest Black neighborhood and explore its powerful influence on jazz, brass bands, second line traditions, and New Orleans culture. Oldest African American neighborhood
Pass by without stopping
Garden District
Neighborhoods of famous celebrities
Pass by without stopping
Uptown
Legendary Gladys Bar, the birthplace of Cash money Records and the iconic Dew drop inn a place that played a significant role in a rock ‘n’ roll genre during segregation.
15 minutes here
New Orleans
See neighborhoods, landmarks, and locations connected to New Orleans icons across jazz, bounce, hip-hop, gospel, R&B, and entertainment while hearing the stories behind their rise.
Pass by without stopping
Lower 9th Ward
See the aftermath of neighborhood was devastated during hurricane Katrina.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
New Orleans
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- 2nd Line Tours/Experience
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 10 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
10 verified traveler reviews for The Soul and Sound of New Orleans: Culture and Music Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Absolutely phenomenal! Best history tour I have ever been on!
I am so happy that I had incredible opportunity to take this tour! The tour guide focused on the authentic and often untold stories of African American history and culture. I was truly impressed by the guide’s honesty and depth of knowledge. His candidness in sharing the real history—beyond the typical tourist narrative—was refreshing, eye-opening, and deeply appreciated. He didn't shy away from the hard truths, and his passion for honoring the legacy of African Americans in New Orleans was evident throughout the tour. I left with a greater understanding and respect for the resilience, creativity, and impact of the Black community in shaping this city. The first half of the tour showed up around the city and provided a real history on how the city was built and clarified the white-washed information that is usually provided to the public. Our guide then delivered a powerful and emotional account of how Hurricane Katrina devastated the people of New Orleans, sharing personal stories that brought the tragedy to life. Their heartfelt storytelling created a deep sense of empathy and connection, reminding us of the resilience and strength of the community. We were all left in silence after this part of the presentation. The second half of the tour was a bit more "lit". He shared took us to places were many New Orleans native artists grew up and were they filmed their videos. He also played a lot of music to remind us of who he was talking about. (The music and videos were a bit much for me as a "lame old lady"....but I completely understood the necessity. As a former history teacher who believes in teaching the truth in history, I was in awe of the facts provided throughout the tour. And I am hard to impress! I highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to learn the truth and walk away changed.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your powerful words and heartfelt review. It means everything to us that the tour resonated with you on such a deep level. We’re honored to have had you with us!
via Viator
Top flight tour and staff!
Just had the Urban culture and celebrity tour. Our guide, Dennis was terrific, informative, knowledgeable and a blast to be around. Although we felt we knew a bit of New Orleans, we learned so much and came away with a deeper understanding of New Orleans. Highly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Book the tour
We had an amazing review. Jay was very knowledgeable and kept us engaged and laughing the entire tour. I would highly recommend to anyone visiting!!
via Viator
NOLA Baby
Jay was our tour guide and he had so much information to share. He pointed out some unique places and shared the history behind it. Worth taking during your visit.
via Tripadvisor
Must do tour!
Great tour with so much so much information about New Orleans. If you want to see New Orleans beyond the French Quarter this tour is a must. I arrived yesterday and this was the first tour of my trip, which is good as you find out so many gems about New Orleans. Such as the reasons for the mausoleum style burials, funerals being a celebration of life and areas rebuilt after Hurricane Katrina. Plus if you are a Cash Money/New Orleans hip hop fan this tour is definitely for you as you stop at the areas Birdman, Lil Wayne and Juvenile grew up in. Jay is an amazing tour guide and is very knowledgeable about New Orleans history, culture, food and music. Plus Jay will also give you recommendations about the best food spots, bars and shopping for souvenirs. I will definitely take a visit to Miss Lorettas beignets shop!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 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
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
The Soul and Sound of New Orleans: Culture and Music Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New Orleans.
How much does The Soul and Sound of New Orleans: Culture and Music Tour cost?
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Prices start at $79 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 The Soul and Sound of New Orleans: Culture and Music Tour take?
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Plan for about 3.5 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 The Soul and Sound of New Orleans: Culture and Music Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 10 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in New Orleans, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule The Soul and Sound of New Orleans: Culture and Music 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 The Soul and Sound of New Orleans: Culture and Music Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book The Soul and Sound of New Orleans: Culture and Music Tour?
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Around 4 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 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does The Soul and Sound of New Orleans: Culture and Music 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 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?
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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.
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