2 hour(s)
English
Included
Learn about the arrival of Africans in the city beginning in 1719
Explore how enslaved Africans shaped the early infrastructure of New Orleans
Discover lasting African influences on food, music, religion, and architecture
Hear stories of how Africans gathered to dance, drum, trade, and preserve culture
€ 26.99
This activity is managed by our trusted partner FareHarbor.
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Free cancellation and unlimited rescheduling leads to total flexibility while you plan your travels
Lowest Price Guarantee — no other provider offers this tour for less
During this two-hour walking tour, you will explore the early African presence in New Orleans, beginning with the arrival of people of African ancestry in 1719—just one year after the city’s founding. Forced from the Senegambia region of West Africa, roughly five thousand Africans survived the Middle Passage to French Louisiana during the 1720s, followed by a similar number brought by the Spanish from the Benin and Congo regions in the 1780s. As enslaved laborers, they cleared forests, cultivated crops, and built much of the city’s foundational infrastructure. Your guide will help you understand how their resilience, skills, and cultural traditions played a critical role in shaping early New Orleans.
As the tour continues, you’ll discover how African culture remained deeply rooted in the city, influencing its music, cuisine, religion, and architectural traditions in ways still visible today. You will visit historic Congo Square—now part of Armstrong Park at the edge of the French Quarter in the Faubourg Tremé—where enslaved Africans and free people of color once gathered to dance, drum, trade goods, and maintain their cultural identity. Standing in this powerful place, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural endurance and creativity that helped form the vibrant soul of New Orleans.
Local tour guide
Walking tour in the Louis Armstrong Park and Congo Square
Walking tour in the French Quarter
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transportation
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Comfortable walking shoes
Weather-appropriate clothing
Bottle of water
Public transportation nearby
Keep personal essentials
Have a camera ready to capture every special moment
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Type in your hotel/accommodation to see how far the attraction or departure point is.
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As a first timer to NOLA all the way from Canada, it was a very high priority for me to experience a TRUE, authentic and inspiring tour that was specifically black owned. My friend and I wanted to learn as much as possible about this gem of a city. Mikhala is a guide/SHE-eo who knows her stuff. She values the romanticism of this city while emphasizing the atrocities that the city bears. While teaching the importance of an often dark history, she dissects (in detail) how the darkness evolves and continues to evolve into light. Whether it be through music, song or community! Mikhala is an international recording artist so who better to teach you about the birthplace of jazz? She’s a free thinker, a freedom fighter, a freedom teacher and a lover of life. And she’s there to inspire you to be the same. Doesn’t matter what you pick; you will leave enlightened in every realm possible. Can’t wait to go back. 20 stars ⭐️ if I could!
Mikhala was fabulous as a walking, singing guide, sharing in-depth, honest, alive history that you won’t find on your average tour. Can’t recommend her highly enough. If there was a 6-star option, we would have chosen it! Her commitment to the community was evident in the dignity she shared with everyone we met. So grateful for her book and restaurant recommendations! She has inspired us to keep learning even after the tour ended.
This is my 3rd time doing this tour with Ms. Mikhala… I absolutely love her tour. I learn something new every time, as well as recall a past memory from a previous tour. The history, enthusiasm, excitement, singing, reflections etc… I could never get enough of it. This is a must attend tour every visit to New Orleans for me.
Mikhala is excellent and the tour is a raw reality check of the history of New Orleans. Thanks to her tour, I’ve been reading up on NOLA’s history and learning so much! If there is one tour you do in NOLA, make it this one! Absolutely brilliant and the REAL history of NOLA!
Mikhala has an authenticity and deep knowledge of the cultural history in New Orleans that far exceeds any other tour operator I've come across or witnessed. Rooted in truth instead of white-washed spiels catering to the average, unsuspecting tourist passing through New Orleans, Mikhala is more than gifted at her craft. Adding to the experience was her personal connection within the longstanding black community of New Orleans and her guided walk reaching to Bayou Street which welcomed us tourists in her group with arms wide open. Also listen to her recommendations for food on Bayou St...some of the best Caribbean Jerk I've ever had in my life by far.
Our tour was thorough, intriguing, and illuminating. Highly recommend.
Was canceled the morning off because of rain that started and stopped earlier that morning and did not start back up until 9:30 pm that night. I was offered to reschedule but my husband and I were unable because we left early the next morning. Never was I offered a refund for something that was not my fault nor something I could not still do. So I would like my money back for something I was truly looking forward to but was canceled on me.
