New Orleans, Louisiana, is one of America’s most unique and exciting cities. During your visit, you can immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere fueled by music, art, and gastronomy. The Big Easy, as New Orleans is sometimes called, was founded in 1718 by French colonialists, but before that, it was a thriving center of trade for Indigenous people.
Located along the Mississippi River, Louisiana has been an essential port for hundreds of years. Due to its unique position along the river, it became a melting pot for different cultures, each contributing to the distinct New Orleans vibe that has made it a beloved tourist destination today. The city is renowned for great live music, nightlife, festivals, and Creole-style architecture and cuisine.
The Crescent City is an ideal vacation destination for anyone who loves history, live music, and partying until the early morning hours. It’s one of the most fun cities in all of America (at least according to Rick Steves). Foodies, especially, will fall in love with the city’s exciting gastronomy, which includes Creole and Cajun cuisine. With well over 1,000 restaurants to choose from during a trip to New Orleans, you may have a challenging time trying to decide where to eat.
Instead of spending endless hours glued to your phone searching for “the best food in New Orleans,” sign up for the New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter and let knowledgeable guides lead you on a gastronomic journey that ignites all of your senses. Don’t take our word for it: the tour was ranked as one of the top 20 experiences in the United States in the 2023 Viator Experience Awards.
Take a food walking tour in the French Quarter
Sampling some of New Orleans’ world-famous cuisine is a must for first-time visitors, and the New Orleans Food Walking Tour is the perfect way to see the city and get your bearings when you first arrive. You’ll meet up with a group of other travelers and a knowledgeable local guide in the heart of the iconic French Quarter, a well-loved historic neighborhood with phenomenal architecture.
Follow your guide through the cobblestone streets as you learn interesting facts about the history of New Orleans before popping into some of the best restaurants where you’ll get to indulge in food tastings of classic dishes. You’ll get to visit some of the best places for beignets, sample gumbos, and peek inside kitchens along the way.
During the tour, you’ll also be able to explore the French Market, which dates back to 1791 when it was used as an Indigenous trading post. Located along the Mississippi River, the cultural hotspot is full of unique shops, food stands, artisan crafts, and restaurants. The entire tour lasts about three hours and costs around $75 per person. Food tastings are included, and tasty New Orleans-style cocktails can be purchased along the way at an additional cost.
Immerse yourself in the flavors of New Orleans
Traditional New Orleans food includes the mouthwatering flavors of Creole and Cajun cuisine. Creole food originated in New Orleans. It is a blend of culinary styles from different cultures, including flavors from French, Spanish, Indigenous, African, Caribbean, and Italian cooking. Like the city, Creole food blends different cultures into a new and delicious experience.
Cajun is a term used to describe an ethnic group of people of Acadian descent. The French who migrated to Canada and then back down to Louisiana in the 1700s are referred to as Cajuns. The difference between Creole and Cajun food is that Creole food is considered a little more sophisticated, while Cajun food is a bit more hearty and rustic. Cajun is usually more spicy and uses more smoked meat and pork, and Creole food includes more ingredients like tomatoes, shrimp, and other seafood. Both cuisines are incredibly flavorful and rely on what the locals call the Holy Trinity — onions, peppers, and celery (not to mention the local herbs and global spices).
If you want to sample all of the mouthwatering flavors, you can’t go wrong with a food tour — they are easily one of the best things to do when visiting New Orleans.
