NOLA Tours creates intimate walking adventures led by historians, architects, and devoted New Orleanians who live and breathe the city’s stories. Founded in 2014 by Katrina Horning, the company blends graduate-level expertise with...
If you're looking to really understand New Orleans beyond the surface level, these architecture walking tours come highly recommended by visitors who sound genuinely impressed with what they learned. The guides get mentioned by name repeatedly, which tells you something about the personal touch here. Caroline (who goes by "Phant"), Allison, Janet, Angela, Sandy, and Sean all receive glowing praise for being knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about the city's architectural history. People consistently mention walking away with a deeper understanding of the French Quarter, Garden District, and Marigny neighborhoods, with one honeymooning couple calling it the best tour of their weeklong visit. The two-hour format seems to hit the sweet spot, giving enough time to cover ground without wearing people out. What stands out is how thoughtful the guides are about the details. Multiple reviewers mention that their guides made sure to keep the group in shade during hot weather, used helpful visual aids, and even followed up with restaurant recommendations after the tour. The walks cover both well-known and hidden spots, touching on history, culture, and architectural styles across different time periods. There's also a Jewish history tour option that received enthusiastic feedback. The terrain is described as flat and easy to navigate, making it accessible for most visitors. Several people say the experience enriched subsequent exploring on their own, which might be the best endorsement of all.
The French Quarter Architecture Walking Tour w/ Janet was incredible and wonderful. Her love for the area clearly came through as we walked around - especially to some unknown areas such as the Old Ursuline Convent and the "hidden" garage. Thank you for recommending the Louis Armstrong Park! It was so great spending time w/ someone who felt like a friend after 2+ hours!
Andrew Barone
March 13, 2025
The French Quarter Architecture Walking Tour w/ Janet was incredible and wonderful. Her love for the area clearly came through as we walked around - especially to some unknown areas such as the Old Ursuline Convent and the "hidden" garage. Thank you for recommending the Louis Armstrong Park! It was so great spending time w/ someone who felt like a friend after 2+ hours!
Andrew Barone
March 13, 2025