Private French Quarter & Garden District Tour: Walk and Drive Combo

If you’ve ever wandered through the colorful streets of New Orleans, you know there’s something magnetic about this city. The energy, the food, the history—it’s like stepping into a living, breathing postcard. I had the chance to experience two of the most iconic areas with a private walking / driving tour with Soul of Nola and our amazing tour guide Cassandra. The French Quarter and the Garden District, each with its own charm, these neighborhoods offer a deep dive into the soul of the city, blending old-world charm with modern-day flair. Cassandra offered insights into each area, The French Quarter, or Vieux Carré, is the heart and soul of New Orleans. From the moment you step onto Bourbon Street, you’re met with the sounds of jazz music filling the air, the smells of delicious food wafting through the streets, and a flood of colorful buildings with iron balconies that look like they’re straight out of a dream. You can’t miss the famous Jackson Square, where street artists and performers bring the area to life. We didn’t just stick to the main attractions; we explored the side streets like Royal Street for hidden galleries and antique shops. Cassandra made sure we saw them all. If the French Quarter is all about energy, the Garden District is all about elegance. We choose to do this portion of the tour in Cassandras beautiful and roomie car. Imagine tree-lined streets, grand antebellum mansions, and vibrant gardens that seem to burst with color. This neighborhood feels like stepping into the past, with homes that look like they belong in a Southern novel. The neighborhood is peaceful and picturesque, offering a nice contrast to the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter.” Cassandra also shared the locations of some of the homes of famous people that live or have lived there, nice addition. Cassandra is a wealth of information and a delight to talk to; she gave us suggestions for great restaurants that were all amazing. I highly recommend Cassandra and Soul of Nola.

We recently took a 3-hour tour with Cassandra from Soul of NOLA, and it was the highlight of our visit to New Orleans! From start to finish, Cassandra was incredibly personable and informative. She shared fascinating insights about the city's history, music, and culture that made the experience unforgettable for everyone in our group. What really stood out was how accommodating she was to those in our party who had difficulty walking long distances. She made sure everyone felt comfortable and included, which we greatly appreciated. Additionally, Cassandra gave us fantastic recommendations for activities and food in the city—her local knowledge was spot on. If you're looking for an engaging and well-rounded tour experience, I highly recommend Soul of NOLA, and especially Cassandra, who made our time in the city so memorable!

Cassandra gave my wife and I a really excellent private tour! We HIGHLY recommend booking with her and doing so your first or second day in town. You will learn so much about the history of this great city as well as learn how to navigate the French Quarter. The Garden District was so pretty- perfect for a casual walk while learning about the people that make this city so wonderfully unique. Cassandra went at the pace we wanted to go at and couldn't be more patient and friendly. Quit reading, go book it.