Bus Tour With Hotel Pickup

New Orleans City and Cemetery Bus Tour runs through New Orleans Native Tours. Rated 4.5 across 463 reviews. Runs 2 hours 15 minutes. From $55.

Overview

A bus pulls up at your hotel, and the next 2 hours 15 minutes are spent covering New Orleans in one sweep. The route runs through the French Quarter and the Garden District, continues into other neighborhoods, and stops for a walk inside a historic cemetery where the guide explains the tombs and the burial practices behind them. Admission to the cemetery is free, as is entry to the sculpture garden at City Park.

Most of the tour happens from the bus seat, with commentary on the city's history, architecture and culture as the scenery rolls past. One reviewer described it as mostly driving around with a couple of stops, and the cemetery walk is the main chance to stretch your legs. Another mentioned taking a guide's suggestion for a frozen coffee and a beignet during a stop.

The group is capped at 12 travellers, and the operator describes it as a small-group introduction to the city. One reviewer recommended taking it at the beginning of a trip, since it gives a broad overview and helps decide which neighborhoods deserve more time later. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and one reviewer noted it is possible to be dropped somewhere other than the pickup point, such as the French Market.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupThe guide collects travellers at their hotels for the start of the tour.
2. Drive through the cityThe bus passes through the French Quarter, the Garden District, Uptown and other areas while the guide gives commentary on history, architecture and culture.
3. St. Louis Cemetery No. 3The group gets out for a walk through the cemetery. Admission is free and the guide shares details about the occupants and the burial practices.
4. Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMAA stop at the sculpture garden in City Park. Admission is free.
5. Hotel drop-offThe tour ends with drop-off at the hotel. One reviewer reported being dropped at the French Market instead, at their own choice.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what matters in practice before booking, drawn from the listing and from what multiple travellers reported after taking this exact tour.

• Mostly seated. Expect to spend most of the tour riding rather than walking. One reviewer described it as mostly driving around with a couple of stops, so it suits travellers who want coverage of the city without a lot of time on foot.
• Walking at stops. The cemetery is the main stop where the group walks around. Wear shoes that can handle a stroll, and note that the tour is not wheelchair accessible, though pushchairs are allowed.
• Small group. The tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travellers, and the operator describes it as a small-group introduction. Reviewers often mention a personable, conversational feel with the guide.
• Food and drink. Alcoholic drinks are not included but can be purchased. One reviewer followed a guide's suggestion for a frozen coffee and a beignet during a stop, so having some cash or a card handy for a snack can be useful.
• Weather dependent. The experience requires good weather, and if it is cancelled for poor conditions a different date or a full refund is offered. Most travellers can participate, and infants must sit on laps.
• Good first day. One reviewer recommended taking the tour at the beginning of a trip, because it gives a broad overview that helps travellers decide where to spend more time afterwards.

Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by an adult. It can be cancelled if the minimum number of travellers is not met, or for poor weather, though in both cases a different date, a different experience or a full refund is offered. One reviewer found a guide who spoke very fast at times and was hard to understand, and another reported a dispute over a late reschedule after a cancelled flight, so the 24-hour cancellation cut-off is worth taking seriously. Gratuities are not included.

Before You Book Anything