Experience the best of New Orleans with Withlocals
Witness all the incredible things to do in New Orleans! From the entertaining French Quarter to the lavish Audubon Park, and the majestic Lake Pontchartrain. See the best sites in the city with the friendly local host of your choice.
Witness all the incredible things to do in New Orleans! From the entertaining French Quarter to the lavish Audubon Park, and the majestic Lake Pontchartrain. See the best sites in the city with the friendly local host of your choice.
Make your stay in New Orleans complete with these things to do
1
With Holley
The History of New Orleans: Jazz Origins Private Tour
44 reviews
3 hours | City highlight tours | New Orleans
Curious to know more about New Orleans’s history? Join a local history expert on an insightful tour that will show you a side of the city that can’t be found in any book. This experience will open your eyes to the past and origins of New Orleans from a local perspective as you learn about Jazz Origins.
You’ve probably heard that New Orleans is well-known for ghost and voodoo stories, but do you know the stories and origin behind it? Or how much influence it has on the locals daily life? On this private city tour, you are in for a cultural treat!
Welcome to New Orleans! Want to know the best places to eat? Cool events in town? Which places to go to and which to avoid? Or simply get some help to navigate the city? Book this private tour with a local and get the perfect introduction to New Orleans to start your city trip on the right foot.
"If you love music...if you love history...if you love artful storytelling...Holley is the tour guide for you. A fountain of information wrapped up in heart and passion for the subjects of her beloved New Orleans and the music and legends that are born of it. I had a wonderful time and learned so much from Holley. She is a true gem of the city. "
HollyAbout local HolleyNew Orleans, August 24, 2025
5.0
An insight into the soul of NOLA.
"It was great to meet Holley & learn so much about the city she loves. The tour was a perfect blend of history lesson, social & political commentary & music. We learned so much! Holley also gave us some brilliant tips on the lical area. Thank you Holley!"
"Every tour we’ve booked through With Locals has been great! Neil was no exception. He has extensive knowledge of local history and culture, plus tells some fun ghost tales. Neil was also able to give us recommendations to local eateries and entertainment. We had a great time and highly recommend booking your tour with him! "
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
More you, less checklist
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Travel that feels good
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
5.0
Holly - a piece of history
"Holly is an adorable person, she knows the history of music by heart. Extremmilly prepered since she is a misician herself and knows every musician in town. She showed us in detail and I highly recomend her tour. The best tour I´ve had in my life! "
Maria About local HolleyNew Orleans, April 17, 2024
5.0
Jazzy history
"We had a great tour with Holley! She provided so much information about the history of music in New Orleans, along with the history of the city itself. She had lots of fun facts, anecdotes and even some singing. Holley is knowledgeable, engaging and fun. I would highly recommend this tour!"
"Holley met us at Congo Park because we happened to book the tour on the day of an outside music festival. She used the performances and the historic elements of the park (including a tree where offerings in the Voodoo tradition were left) to explain the culture and music of New Orleans. We then walked in the nearby neighborhood, listening to her great stories about jazz history. Our group included one current music producer and one former jazz dj; they both said they learned a lot in the tour.
Holley was easy to talk to, full of anecdotes, and just rest to spend time with. Highly recommend!
"
SarahAbout local HolleyNew Orleans, March 26, 2023
5.0
Ghost & voodoo tour
"Neil was an excellent guide. He was very knowledgeable and a great story teller. It was an easy going, and entertaining slow stroll through the streets of the French Quarter. Even stopped by the oldest bar in New Orleans (maybe the U.S) for a quick beer. Overall a great tour with a great guide. We highly recommend. Thanks again Neil"
RalphAbout local NeilNew Orleans, September 27, 2022
5.0
Champion Jack Dupree
"What a thoroughly excellent experience my wife and I had yesterday evening.
We had messaged Holley before we left UK as regards my wifes late father. He was a blues pianist from New Orleans and we wanted to see if we could get some closer information.
Holley not only gave us a fantastic and in depth tour of N.O musical heritage but also information on Jack that we hadn't found ourselves.
The experience of a sage blessing in memory of Jack around the tree in Congo Square was truly spiritual and humbling.
We would Highly recommend Holley to anyone with or without an interest in music and history.
Fantastic experience all round.
Thank you Holley."
HughAbout local HolleyNew Orleans, September 19, 2022
5.0
A true New Orleans and music passionate
"The tour with Holley was so interesting and fun! With her incredible passion for music and deep knowledge of history you can’t help falling in love with New Orleans, the people, the houses and of course the music. We come from Italy and we didn’t know anybody here, but Holley perfectly embodied the spirit of “with locals”, being a wonderful host for us and leaving us with the feeling of having a friend in the city :) "
AndreaAbout local HolleyNew Orleans, August 15, 2022
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
Tailored to your wishes
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Chat before you book
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Travel that supports locals
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
Feel good about where your money goes
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Trusted by millions
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Secure & flexible booking
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Private & Personal
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
See the Incredible Things to Do in New Orleans
Witness the best things to do in New Orleans! From smooth jazz to quirky museums, you’ll have an unforgettable adventure in this remarkable city. Local Activities When trying to find what to do in New Orleans today, ask your host for all the favourite local activities. Local artists gather at the historic Jackson Square and the beautiful space is used for numerous celebrations year-round. Wandering City Park is one of the things locals do in New Orleans for a peaceful escape within the city. Cultural Attractions New Orleans has a distinct culture all its own and there are tons of places that teach you about its extraordinary history. The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum gives you a stunning view into the bizarre world of this spiritual practice. Head over to the New Orleans Jazz Museum to celebrate the history of this lively genre and watch entertaining performances. Visit the Backstreet Cultural Museum to browse through a unique collection of mementos from traditions only celebrated in New Orleans. Festivals Galore New Orleans is a city that loves to celebrate and you’ll be sure to find a raging party if visiting during the first few months of the year. For the best things to do in New Orleans in January, February and March, look no further than the Mardi Gras festivities. Carnival Season gets underway with Twelfth Night in January and parades continue well into February and March to make this a fun time to visit. See More with a Local Your private local guide will show you all the incredible things to do in New Orleans! From the city’s most iconic squares to fabulous shopping and delectable food tours, your local host will expand your knowledge of this amazing destination.
Tailored to your wishes
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Chat before you book
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Travel that supports locals
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
Feel good about where your money goes
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Trusted by millions
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Secure & flexible booking
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Best Things to do in New Orleans in 2025 - Withlocals
16 reviewsEnglish
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