New Orleans: City Bus Tour, Garden District & Private Cemetery

Summary

Ride through New Orleans stories jazz roots garden homes and secret cemeteries

You’ll ride an air-conditioned bus through New Orleans’ most storied neighborhoods with a local guide sharing tales behind every landmark—from jazz at Congo Square to Garden District mansions and above-ground cemeteries (including exclusive private access on some tours). Taste beignets at City Park and feel the city’s rhythm in every stop.

What’s the experience like?

We hopped onto the bus right by Jackson Square, where street musicians were already warming up. Our guide—Tamika—waved us in with this big grin and immediately started sharing bits about the St. Louis Cathedral as we rolled past. I could still smell coffee from the corner café, mixing with that humid Louisiana air. The city feels alive even before noon, you know? Tamika pointed out little details I’d never have noticed on my own, like the ironwork balconies along Royal Street or how people greet each other here with a nod that’s almost a dance.

I didn’t expect to get so caught up in the stories around Congo Square—she explained how jazz grew up right there, and I swear you can almost hear it if you listen close enough. We drifted through Marigny and Treme, windows down for a bit because someone spotted a second line parade spilling into the street. The music just pours out of nowhere sometimes. When we reached the 9th Ward, Tamika got quiet for a moment talking about Katrina’s impact. It’s one thing to read about it but seeing those neighborhoods from the bus hits differently.

The highlight for me was wandering through Lafayette Cemetery No. 1—those above-ground tombs are something else. The stones felt cool under my hand (probably not supposed to touch them but I did anyway). On the later tour, we got access to this private cemetery; it was hushed except for birds and our shoes crunching gravel. There’s something oddly peaceful about it. And then came beignets at City Park—powdered sugar everywhere, even on my shirt (Tamika laughed and said it’s basically a rite of passage).

After weaving through Magazine Street’s shops and catching glimpses of old mansions in the Garden District, I realized how much New Orleans is layered—music over memory over food over loss over joy. You don’t really get that unless someone local shows you around. I still think about those painted porches and all those names Tamika rattled off so easily… makes me want to come back already.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — New Orleans sightseeing and history tour

• Start tour at Jackson Square
• View exterior of St. Louis Cathedral
• Hear brief history of The Presbytère
• Learn about birthplace of jazz at Congo Square
• See revitalized Marigny Neighborhood
• Explore Treme neighborhood history
• Drive through upper 9th Ward
• Stop at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3
• Stop for beignets and coffee at City Park
• Explore Garden District architecture
• View Lafayette Cemetery No. 1
• See Magazine Street shopping and restaurants
• Photo stop at Coven house from American Horror Story

Top questions

How long is the New Orleans sightseeing city tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

Does the tour include entrance to any cemeteries?

Yes, entrance to a cemetery is included; on the 4PM tour you get exclusive access to a private cemetery.

Is hotel pickup included in this New Orleans city bus tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you meet at a central location near Jackson Square.

Are food or drinks provided during the tour?

No meals are included but there is a stop for beignets and coffee at City Park (at your own expense).

What neighborhoods does this New Orleans bus tour visit?

The tour covers French Quarter, Garden District, Treme, Marigny, Upper 9th Ward, among others.

Is this sightseeing tour suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Are there any physical requirements for joining?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Will we see sites related to Hurricane Katrina?

Yes, you’ll drive through the Upper 9th Ward to see areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

What’s included

Your day includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional local guide narrating throughout; entry fees to cemeteries are covered (with special private access on select departures), plus time for beignets at City Park before returning downtown.