When you think of New Orleans, your mind might jump straight to music, food, and Mardi Gras—but for student travelers, this city offers something even more powerful: a chance to learn, reflect, perform, and grow.
With a rich tapestry of cultures and a legacy deeply rooted in both the arts and the fight for justice, New Orleans is a destination where every street corner tells a story. Whether you’re leading a band, choir, history class, or TRiO group, this iconic Southern city has everything to make your next tour unforgettable.
New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz—and that influence still flows through the streets today. Students can experience live music in Jackson Square, explore the origins of jazz at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, or even take part in a performance or workshop led by local musicians.
Music groups can perform in powerful venues like the French Market, St. Louis Cathedral, or in community outreach concerts that bring your ensemble into direct connection with the city’s residents and culture.
Cultural experiences to include:
Take a guided walking tour of the Treme neighborhood, one of the oldest Black neighborhoods in America.
Explore Congo Square, where enslaved Africans once gathered to share music and preserve their traditions—laying the foundation for American music today.
Visit the Backstreet Cultural Museum, showcasing the traditions of Mardi Gras Indians and second-line parades.
New Orleans offers a powerful blend of historical and cultural education—especially when it comes to the stories of resilience, resistance, and transformation that have shaped the city and the nation.
Educational and impactful experiences include:
The Whitney Plantation – A rare site that centers the voices and experiences of enslaved people. This immersive tour is one of the most meaningful and sobering parts of any educational trip to the South.
The National WWII Museum – More than just a military history museum, this world-class institution brings to life the global and domestic impact of World War II, including the roles of African American soldiers and the seeds of the Civil Rights Movement.
French Quarter and Jackson Square – A walking tour here goes beyond postcard views. Explore how centuries of colonialism, migration, and music created one of the most culturally rich areas in the U.S.
Haunted History or Swamp Boat Tours – These interactive experiences aren’t just entertaining—they’re opportunities to dive into the region’s folklore, environmental history, and cultural narratives that make New Orleans one of a kind.
Together, these stops allow students to engage with justice, identity, and heritage in meaningful ways—while also encouraging reflection and thoughtful conversation long after the tour ends.
The food in New Orleans is more than delicious—it’s storytelling on a plate. Introduce your group to Creole and Cajun cuisine, born from a mix of African, French, Spanish, and Caribbean influences.
Consider organizing a cooking class, a group dinner in the French Quarter, or a food tour that ties in history and heritage (while satisfying hungry teens).
Bonus tip: There are plenty of student-friendly restaurants and outdoor dining options, especially in the Warehouse District and along Magazine Street.
New Orleans is compact, walkable, and group-friendly. Most major cultural sites are within close range, and there are plenty of accommodations, performance spaces, and educational attractions tailored for student groups.
Whether you’re planning a performance tour, a history-focused trip, or a hybrid of the two, the city offers a flexible and affordable destination that packs in more meaning per mile than most.
From the echoes of jazz to the enduring impact of justice, New Orleans gives student travelers a chance to engage with America’s soul—through sound, story, and shared experience.
This isn’t just another trip. It’s a city that changes you.
Ready to bring your students to the Crescent City?
Gerber Tours makes it easy with customized itineraries, educational tie-ins, and meaningful performance opportunities. Let us help you plan a New Orleans tour that resonates long after the trip ends.
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