New Orleans Sightseeing City Tour

If you’re planning a trip to the Big Easy, chances are you’ll want to soak up its vibrant soul, colorful neighborhoods, and storied history. This New Orleans Sightseeing City Tour offers a practical way to do just that, especially for first-time visitors eager to see beyond the French Quarter. Our review covers what you can expect—both the highlights and some considerations—so you can decide if it’s a good fit for your adventure.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are its emphasis on authentic neighborhoods like the Garden District and Treme, and the opportunity to learn from knowledgeable guides who bring the city’s stories to life. On the flip side, some travelers have mentioned that parts of the tour can feel a bit rushed, and that the bus doesn’t accommodate wheelchairs. If you’re looking for an efficient, fun overview of New Orleans that hits many of the city’s most intriguing spots, this tour might be just what you need.

Key Points

• Ideal for first-timers wanting a broad introduction to New Orleans neighborhoods
• Knowledgeable guides and lively commentary add depth to the experience
• Stops include iconic cemeteries, City Park, and the Garden District
• The tour provides a good balance of sightseeing and cultural storytelling
• It’s affordable and offers multiple departure times for flexibility
• Not suitable for those requiring wheelchair accessibility

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This 2.5-hour bus tour is designed to give you a swift yet meaningful glimpse of New Orleans’ diverse neighborhoods and cultural highlights. Starting from the bustling heart of the French Quarter, the tour moves through neighborhoods like the Garden District, the Treme, and even the Ninth Ward—each with its own unique flavor and history.

The tour is operated by New Orleans Ghost Adventures, a company with a strong reputation based on thousands of reviews and a stellar 5-star rating. The price, around $50 per person, seems reasonable for the breadth of sights covered and the inclusion of a professional guide, which truly enhances the experience compared to self-guided options.

How the Tour Comes Together

The itinerary is thoughtfully crafted to balance sightseeing with storytelling. It kicks off at Jackson Square, where your guide will point out the famous St. Louis Cathedral and share a quick history that sets the tone for your trip. Expect engaging commentary on the city’s origins, its jazz roots, and the cultural significance of its cemeteries.

A key stop is St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, where you’ll step into this above-ground burial site, learning about local burial customs and notable resting places. The included 15-minute stop at the cemetery offers a respectful glimpse into New Orleans’ unique approach to memorializing the dead—a feature that many visitors find both fascinating and poignant.

From there, the tour ventures into City Park, a lush green space where you can enjoy some beignets and coffee (if you’ve chosen that option). This break allows for a moment of relaxation and photos before heading into the historic Garden District, where antebellum mansions and tree-lined streets tell stories of the city’s elegant past.

Neighborhoods and Sights Covered

Starting Point: Jackson Square & St. Louis Cathedral

The tour’s opening is a classic New Orleans scene—Jackson Square with street performers, artists, and the iconic cathedral. Your guide will provide a brief history of the cathedral, helping you appreciate its significance beyond just its stunning façade. Several reviews praise the guide’s enthusiasm and deep knowledge, making this segment lively and informative.

Treme and the Ninth Ward

Moving through the Treme neighborhood, the tour highlights the birthplace of jazz, sharing stories of musicians who made it famous. One reviewer noted, “We learned so much about New Orleans on this bus tour. Great overview of the city and its highlights.” The drive through the Ninth Ward also offers a poignant reminder of Hurricane Katrina’s impact, with commentary on the neighborhood’s resilience and recovery.

Cemeteries and City Park

A highlight for many is the visit to St. Louis Cemetery No. 3. With admission included, you can explore the above-ground tombs and learn about local burial customs. Some reviewers mention that while the bus doesn’t visit St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 (where Marie Laveau’s tomb is located), the stop at No. 3 is still meaningful.

At City Park, you’ll have about 15 minutes to enjoy the greenery, snap photos, and sample beignets and coffee—an authentic taste of New Orleans’ culinary charm. It’s a brief but refreshing pause in the tour.

The Garden District & Magazine Street

The Garden District’s architecture is a feast for the eyes, with historic mansions and charming streets. Your guide will offer insights into the area’s history, and you’ll get a quick photo of the iconic Coven house, famous from “American Horror Story.” The tour also passes through Magazine Street, known for its boutique shops and local restaurants—great for anyone wanting to extend their stay and explore further.

Practical Details and Value

This tour’s price point of $50 makes it a compelling choice, especially given the stops and the inclusion of cemetery admission. It’s a group experience with a maximum of 24 travelers, fostering interaction and personalized attention from the guide. The use of an air-conditioned bus ensures comfort, especially during the warm months.

Multiple departure times are available, giving flexibility for your schedule, whether you want an early morning overview or an afternoon adventure. The tour is most suited for those who prefer a guided experience over wandering on your own, and for travelers keen on getting a broad sense of the city’s neighborhoods without spending a full day on multiple separate tours.

What to Keep in Mind

While the tour covers many highlights, some critics mention that parts feel rushed, especially with limited time at stops like the cemetery and City Park. If you’re looking for a leisurely, in-depth exploration or have mobility challenges, this might not be the perfect fit. The bus isn’t wheelchair accessible, and some reviews note that hearing the guide can be challenging if you’re seated far from the microphone.

The tour doesn’t include meals or extensive walking, so it’s suitable for most ages and fitness levels, but a certain level of comfort with bus travel and minimal walking is recommended.

Authentic Traveler Insights

Many reviewers rave about the guides, calling them “full of great information” and “very funny,” which makes the experience enjoyable and memorable. One traveler summarized, “Cynthia was a wealth of information and our driver, Aran, was great,” highlighting the importance of engaging guides.

Others appreciated the mix of sights and stories: “Great opportunity to see the city beyond the French Quarter,” and “Learned so much about New Orleans on this bus tour,” reflect how this experience provides a balanced overview of the city’s culture, history, and architecture. Some minor criticisms mention that the tour can be somewhat commercial or that audio clarity isn’t perfect, but overall, the consensus is highly positive.

The Sum Up: Who Will Benefit Most?

This sightseeing tour is a solid choice for first-time visitors who want a quick yet comprehensive introduction to New Orleans. It’s perfect for those who enjoy guided storytelling, want to see beyond the well-trodden French Quarter, and appreciate learning about local culture, jazz history, and historic neighborhoods. The inclusion of cemetery visits and the chance to sample local treats like beignets add a taste of authentic New Orleans flavor.

It offers excellent value for the money, especially considering the guided commentary and the variety of neighborhoods covered. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, detailed exploration of certain sites, or have specific mobility needs, you might want to consider other options or supplement this tour with additional visits.

In sum, this tour is an engaging, practical way to get a taste of New Orleans’ soul, making it a worthwhile addition to any first visit. It balances entertainment and education, making sure you leave with a richer understanding of what makes this city so special—and with plenty of stories to tell back home.

FAQ

Is parking available near the meeting point?
There is limited parking at the departure location, with parking rates applying. Because it’s in the heart of the French Quarter, walking or using public transportation is often more convenient. Ride-share services like Uber or Lyft are good options.

Can I use public transportation to get there?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transit stops, making it easy to reach without a car.

How early should I arrive?
It’s best to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled departure to ensure you’re ready for the start.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Absolutely. The content is appropriate for all ages, making it suitable for families with children.

How strenuous is the tour?
The tour involves minimal walking, mostly on flat surfaces, and is not physically demanding.

Is the bus wheelchair accessible?
No, the bus isn’t wheelchair accessible, and some walking to and from the bus may be required.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and layered clothing are recommended depending on the weather.

Does it include food or drinks?
Beignets and coffee are included if you select that option. Otherwise, you can buy them at City Park during the stop.

Does the tour visit a cemetery?
Yes, the stop at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 is included, offering insight into local burial customs.

Is Marie Laveau’s tomb included?
Marie Laveau’s tomb is in St. Louis Cemetery 1, which isn’t part of this tour. You’ll visit No. 3 instead, where several notable figures are buried.

This guided bus tour offers a practical, lively introduction to New Orleans, especially suited for those eager to grasp the city’s highlights without spending too much time or money. With friendly guides, engaging stories, and trusted stops, it’s a solid way to start your New Orleans adventure.