The Soul of New Orleans: Jazz History Private Tour in New Orleans
New Orleans, United States

The Soul of New Orleans: Jazz History Private Tour

Outty Ranking 53 5.0 · 4 traveler reviews2.5 hoursFrom $115

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September 2026

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Outty Ranking

53/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is The Soul of New Orleans: Jazz History Private Tour worth booking?

The Soul of New Orleans: Jazz History Private Tour is a 2.5-hour experience in New Orleans, United States, from $115 per person. It scores 53 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
53 / 100
Rating
5/5 (4)
Duration
2.5 hours
From
$115 per person

Music, music, music… the beat goes on everywhere in New Orleans, from the buskers on the street corners to the statues in the park to the top-notch bands in the city’s best bars. The city’s known as the Birthplace of Jaz

What you get

    About this experience

    Music, music, music… the beat goes on everywhere in New Orleans, from the buskers on the street corners to the statues in the park to the top-notch bands in the city’s best bars. The city’s known as the Birthplace of Jazz, and the musical scene is very much alive and well in New Orleans! Join your favorite local for this New Orleans jazz tour to hear all about the past and present of this iconic musical city, from the park known as the Ground Zero of Jazz through to the contemporary clubs. In a city packed with places to listen to music, what could be better than having a local host by your side to help you steer clear of the tourist traps and seek out the authentic, hidden gems? See where it all began – at the Congo Square area of what’s now Louis Armstrong Park, where musical styles mingled as slaves, and free people of color gathered on their days off. Seek out further influences as you learn about Creole culture at the Home of the Voodoo Queen.

    What's included

    Included

    • Private Tour
    • Local Guide

    Not included

    • Hotel pick-up and drop off

    What you'll see and do

    1. Congo Square

      Stand in the place where the real roots of jazz lie as you visit Louis Armstrong Park near the famous Congo Square

      15 minutes here

    2. Here in the streets the common theme is Voodoo! Find out more about Creole culture at the Home of the Voodoo Queen

      15 minutes here

    3. Louis Armstrong Park

      Near our starting location, The Louis Armstrong Park, you can find the iconic Rampart Street. There are several hidden gems on this road and one of them is a regular-looking laundromat that was once a recording studio for household-name stars

      15 minutes here

    4. See the former home of Tennessee Williams, the legendary playwright and devoted music fan

      15 minutes here

    5. A few blocks away from this spectacular church is the St Pierre Hotel. Take a look inside the St Pierre Hotel to see the musical heritage in what was the world’s first jazz museum.

      15 minutes here

    6. In the near area of Place de Henriette Delille we will visit the Preservation Hall. Situated in the heart of the French Quarter on St. Peter Street, the Preservation Hall venue presents intimate, acoustic New Orleans Jazz concerts over 350 nights a year featuring ensembles from a current collective of 50+ local master practitioners.

      15 minutes here

    7. Jackson Square

      Jackson Square is a historic park in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960, for its central role in the city's history.

      15 minutes here

    8. Close by this historical and well-known house in New Orleans is Palm Court Jazz Cafe the place to be. Stop by at the Palm Court Jazz Café, one of the city’s finest music venues

      15 minutes here

    9. Frenchmen Street

      Just before we enter Frenchmen Street there is one stop we must make. Find out where to find the fascinating collections inside the Louisiana Jazz Museum

      15 minutes here

    10. Frenchmen Street

      As our final stop we are visiting Frenchmen Street. Stroll down the iconic Frenchman Street, taking tips on the best music venues and how to make the most of them. Browse the shelves of the Louisiana Music Factory, packed with albums from across the ages

      15 minutes here

    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 8 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Withlocals

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Photos

    Trace the jazz roots at Louis Armstrong ParkMusic, music, music… the beat goes on everywhere in New OrleansVisit a vinyl store and jazz museumVisit a vinyl store and jazz museumFind the top venues for traditional jazzLearn about the influence of Creole culture

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    2 mentions

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

    Food and drink

    1 mention

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    4 verified traveler reviews for The Soul of New Orleans: Jazz History Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    4
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
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    Sort
    JoandBill_L · April 2024

    Learn about the birthplace of jazz!!

    Holley has amazing knowledge of the city, which she enthusiastically shares. Her love of music truly comes thru. Not only was the tour fabulous, we got many great tips of where to go for the best music and the best food. We highly recommend this tour for anyone wanting to learn more about jazz and the city.

    via Viator

    MikeP0372 · August 2023

    Entertaining and informative tour by a resident Musician

    Incredible. Holley, our guide was entertaining and knowledgeable. I’ve been to NOLA before but learned so much about the history of Jazz and the city in general on this tour. (And if you’re really fortunate perhaps Holley will sing you a couple of her own tunes. She’s extremely talented) It’s an easy 2 to 2.5hr walk. We tour the sites close to Armstrong Park. I am happy to recommend this tour if you are interested in the history of Jazz Music

    via Tripadvisor

    samflick · February 2022

    Love a Tour by a Teacher

    Hollie was so knowledgeable about the history of the city's music. Anyone can swing by the Jazz Museum for the basics, but she took us into hidden gems (hotels, laundromats, etc.) that all had key pieces of jazz history (we got to touch an actual Louis Armstrong horn!). It was a fabulous and informative tour.

    via Tripadvisor

    Benny_15_Epp · July 2021

    An essential

    The tour was fantastic. An absolute essential if you come to New Orleans to learn about its rich music history. The tour guide we had (Hollie) was very experienced both in knowledge of the history but also was skilled in her art of singing. This tour was fantastic and would recommend.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    2.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $115 to $193
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    1
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 53

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)82
    Review evidence (18% weight)19
    Booking momentum (14% weight)9
    Value for money (12% weight)24
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)56
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    The Soul of New Orleans: Jazz History Private Tour: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does The Soul of New Orleans: Jazz History Private Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $115 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 of New Orleans: Jazz History Private Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 2.5 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 of New Orleans: Jazz History Private Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 53 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 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 The Soul of New Orleans: Jazz History Private 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 The Soul of New Orleans: Jazz History Private Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book The Soul of New Orleans: Jazz History Private Tour?

    +

    Around 1 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 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does The Soul of New Orleans: Jazz History Private Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    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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