New Orleans: Movie and TV Show Tour

New Orleans has played itself, and plenty of other places, on screen. Within the first fifteen minutes of this French Quarter walk, you may be connecting streets and buildings with NCIS: New Orleans, The Originals, Your Honor, Runaway Jury, The Big Easy, and even The Simpsons. Guide Trevor McQueen adds production stories and local context, so you see more than a series of pretty facades.

I like the small-group format, which lets you name a favorite show and get relevant stops rather than hearing a fixed speech. I also like the mix of film trivia, architecture, ghost stories, and New Orleans history. The main caution is simple: this is a full two-hour walk on old city streets, and some walkways may be uneven or unstable. It may not suit anyone with significant mobility limits.

Key points to know before you book

• The route begins at the Supreme Court Building on Royal Street and loops through Jackson Square and the French Quarter.
• Trevor McQueen leads the tour, tailoring examples to your favorite films and shows, including The Originals and vampire productions.
• The film list reaches across decades, from King Creole and Live and Let Die to Girls Trip, Renfield, Chef, and The Pelican Brief.
• A halfway break includes restroom access, a useful pause during the two-hour walk.
• You pay $30 per person, a fair price if you enjoy screen locations and want local stories along with them.
• Arrive 15 minutes early, since French Quarter traffic can make a short approach take longer than expected.

Why New Orleans works so well on screen

The French Quarter gives filmmakers a ready-made setting. Its courtyards, balconies, narrow streets, old religious buildings, and grand squares can suggest several eras and cities without moving the camera far. This tour uses that compact setting well, linking recognizable productions to the real streets beneath them.

You are not simply checking off movie addresses. The point is learning how a location works on camera, what makes a building useful to a production, and how the city’s actual character shapes the story. The route also gives you a better feel for the French Quarter, even if you are not a serious film fan.

The range of titles is unusually broad. You may hear about television series such as NCIS: New Orleans, The Originals, Your Honor, and The First 48. Film stops and stories include Interview with the Vampire, Chef, Now You See Me, The Princess and the Frog, Live and Let Die, King Creole, Girls Trip, The Pelican Brief, JFK, Haunted Mansion, The Cincinnati Kid, Renfield, and The Big Easy.

That mix matters. A fan of one modern series can still learn about older productions, while a classic-film enthusiast will not be limited to recent television. You also get references to celebrity homes, actor sightings, and filming challenges in the French Quarter.

Starting at 400 Royal Street

Meet on the steps of the Supreme Court Building at 400 Royal Street, across from Brennan’s Restaurant. This is a practical meeting point, but give yourself time to find it and settle in. The advice to arrive 15 minutes early is worth taking seriously because French Quarter traffic can be unpredictable.

The opening minutes set the tone. Trevor commonly asks which films or shows interest you most, then adjusts the route commentary around those choices. If you are devoted to The Originals, he can focus on locations connected with that series. If vampires are not your thing, you can steer the conversation toward crime shows, classic films, comedy, or general New Orleans locations.

That personal approach is one of the tour’s best features. A fixed group lecture can leave you waiting through details you do not care about. Here, your preferences can shape the examples, especially when the group is tiny. Several bookings have been private or limited to just two or four people, though you should not assume every departure will be that small.

Walking Chartres Street from Napoleon House

The walk heads down Chartres Street from the Napoleon House Restaurant. This stretch gives you a useful introduction to the French Quarter’s visual style while the guide begins connecting buildings and corners to productions.

Chartres Street is not just a backdrop. The street helps explain why directors use New Orleans so often. The architecture carries a strong sense of place, yet individual blocks can fit different stories. Trevor’s commentary includes production details and the practical problems crews face when filming in a busy historic district.

That behind-the-scenes angle adds value. You learn to look for architectural clues rather than simply hearing a title and taking a photograph. A doorway, balcony, courtyard, or worn wall can become a marker that helps you recognize a scene later.

The route moves at a reasonable walking pace. It is not designed as a brisk city hike, but you should still expect to be on your feet for two hours. Wear comfortable shoes and light, comfortable clothing. New Orleans weather can change the experience quickly, and the tour operates rain or shine.

Jackson Square and the Old Ursuline Convent

From Chartres Street, the route crosses Jackson Square before reaching the Old Ursuline Convent. This is one of the most atmospheric parts of the walk, and it gives the tour a welcome break from a simple list of screen credits.

Jackson Square is a major French Quarter landmark, but the film connection helps you look at it differently. You are seeing a public space that has served real civic and religious purposes while also functioning as a flexible setting for productions. The guide brings in local stories and architectural observations along the way.

The Old Ursuline Convent adds another layer. It helps place the screen locations within New Orleans itself, rather than treating them as disconnected movie props. The tour’s strongest moments come when film trivia meets the city’s actual culture and buildings.

You should not expect a formal interior visit at every stop. This is a walking tour of filming locations and visible sites, not a museum tour or a studio tour. The value lies in the guide’s explanations, the route, and the chance to compare the real streets with the scenes you remember.

The halfway pause and the return up Royal Street

A halfway break includes restroom access. That may sound minor, but it is a smart feature on a two-hour walking route, especially in warm weather or when you are touring with children.

After the pause, the walk loops back up Royal Street. This section brings more film and television locations, along with stories about celebrities and productions connected with New Orleans. The route also reaches the LaLaurie Mansion, often described as the city’s most haunted house.

The LaLaurie Mansion fits the tour’s blend of screen culture and local legend. You get a recognizable New Orleans location with a darker edge, and ghost stories may enter the conversation. The mood is atmospheric rather than a separate haunted tour, so do not book this expecting a dedicated paranormal investigation.

Royal Street also gives you another chance to study the French Quarter’s buildings and street pattern. Since you are returning along a different portion of the neighborhood, the route does not feel like a straight march between two points. Still, the old surfaces and uneven sections deserve attention. Watch your step, especially in wet conditions.

Finishing beside St. Louis Cathedral

The tour ends at St. Louis Cathedral in the middle of the French Quarter. This is a convenient finish for continuing your day on foot, although no onward transportation or final activity is included.

Ending here works well because the cathedral and Jackson Square help tie together the neighborhood’s architecture, local identity, and screen appeal. You finish with a better sense of how compact the filming area is and how many different stories have used the same few blocks.

If you want photographs that match exact movie frames, bring your phone and be ready to note locations. The guide explains the sites, but the experience does not promise a digital screen comparison at every stop. One fair criticism is that some people may find it hard to match a location to a scene from memory without still images.

What Trevor McQueen adds

Trevor McQueen is repeatedly praised for his preparation, warmth, and ability to answer questions. His work goes beyond naming a film and pointing at a building. He can discuss the year of a production, the location details that identify a scene, and the difficulties crews face while working in the French Quarter.

His local connection matters, too. The tour includes New Orleans history, architecture, culture, ghost stories, and practical recommendations for the rest of your visit. You may leave with ideas for restaurants, sights, or neighborhoods to explore, though the exact recommendations depend on your conversation.

He also pays attention to spoilers. If you are still watching a series, tell him at the beginning. A fan of The Originals specifically appreciated being asked about viewing progress before receiving plot details. That is a small courtesy, but it shows the benefit of a guide who treats the tour as a conversation rather than a script.

The strongest guide experiences happen when you participate. Bring up a favorite title, ask how a scene was filmed, or mention an actor you want to learn about. If you remain quiet, you will still receive information, but the custom element works best when you give Trevor something to follow.

Is $30 a good value?

At $30 per person, this is a sensible buy for anyone who already plans to explore the French Quarter. You are paying for two hours of guiding, screen-location research, local context, and a route that combines popular landmarks with less obvious filming spots.

The value is strongest if you like several types of screen material. A fan of The Originals, NCIS: New Orleans, or Interview with the Vampire will likely have plenty to follow. But the list also covers older films, courtroom dramas, comedies, action titles, animated references, and crime television, so the tour is not limited to one fandom.

The price is less compelling if you want a lavish production with clips, photos, headphones, or transport between distant locations. This is a walking conversation. You see the places in person, but the main material comes from Trevor’s explanations and your own recognition of the streets.

A current rating of 4.7 from 103 bookings supports the idea that the format works well for many people. More important than the number is the pattern behind it: the guide’s flexibility, film knowledge, friendly manner, and willingness to continue with very small groups are central to the experience.

Who should take this tour?

I would recommend it to:

• Fans of The Originals, NCIS: New Orleans, Interview with the Vampire, or other productions filmed in the city.
• Movie lovers who enjoy learning why a location was chosen, not just taking a photograph outside it.
• First-time New Orleans visitors who want a guided introduction to the French Quarter.
• Couples, families, and small groups who prefer a conversational walk.
• People who like mixing pop culture with architecture, local stories, and ghost lore.

I would think twice if you dislike walking, struggle on uneven pavement, or want a tour focused only on major landmarks. The activity is described as wheelchair accessible, but the same information warns that some walkways are old or unstable and says it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If that affects you, contact the operator before booking and ask about the exact route and conditions.

This is also not the best choice for someone who needs every film location to be shown with a matching photograph or video clip. You may need to use your memory, take notes, or look up a scene later.

Practical advice for a better walk

Arrive early at the courthouse steps. Do not rely on a quick taxi or rideshare drop-off in the French Quarter, since traffic can slow you down.

Wear shoes with good support. The route covers Chartres Street, Jackson Square, the Old Ursuline Convent, Royal Street, the LaLaurie Mansion, and St. Louis Cathedral. That is manageable for most walkers, but it is still two hours on city pavement.

Dress for the weather and bring what you normally need for a rain-or-shine outing. The route includes outdoor walking, and old surfaces can become more awkward in poor weather.

Before the guide begins, name your favorite productions and say which shows you have finished. That gives Trevor a chance to tailor the route and avoid spoilers. If you are not interested in vampire stories, say so early and ask for more material on films, crime shows, classic productions, or New Orleans culture.

Should you book the New Orleans Movie and TV Tour?

Book it if you want a relaxed French Quarter walk with a strong film focus and a guide who can adapt the conversation to your interests. At $30, it offers good value for two hours, especially when the group is small and you receive local recommendations along with screen trivia.

Skip it if you want a bus tour, a studio-style presentation, or a route designed for limited mobility. For everyone else, this is a smart way to connect familiar movies and shows with the real streets of New Orleans, while still learning about the city beyond the camera.

FAQ

Where does the movie and TV tour begin?

It begins at 400 Royal Street, on the steps of the Supreme Court Building across from Brennan’s Restaurant.

Where does the tour finish?

The walk ends at St. Louis Cathedral in the middle of the French Quarter.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts two hours and includes a halfway break.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $30 per person.

Which movies and shows are included?

The route can include NCIS: New Orleans, The Originals, Your Honor, Runaway Jury, The Big Easy, The Simpsons, Interview with the Vampire, Chef, Now You See Me, The Princess and the Frog, Live and Let Die, King Creole, Girls Trip, The Pelican Brief, JFK, Haunted Mansion, The Cincinnati Kid, Renfield, and The First 48, along with other productions and celebrity homes.

Who leads the tour?

The tour is led by Trevor McQueen, an English-speaking local guide with film, television, New Orleans history, architecture, and production knowledge.

Can the tour be customized?

Yes. The guide asks about your favorite films and shows and can tailor the commentary to your interests. You can also mention whether you have finished a series so spoilers can be avoided.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes and comfortable clothes. Arriving 15 minutes early is also advised because French Quarter traffic can be unpredictable.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but it also warns that some walkways may be old or unstable and says it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Contact the operator before booking if you have mobility concerns.