New Orleans: City & Cemetery Bus Tour with Pickup

Summary

Ride through oak-lined streets, jazz roots, and above-ground tombs

You’ll ride through New Orleans neighborhoods with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story — from jazz-filled Treme to mansion-lined Garden District streets. Walk among above-ground tombs at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, snack on hot beignets in City Park, and catch glimpses of everyday life along the way. This isn’t just sightseeing; it’s feeling what makes this city tick.

What’s the experience like?

"Did you know our cemeteries are above ground?" That’s what our guide, Maurice, asked as we stepped off the bus at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3. I’d barely finished my beignet from City Park (powdered sugar everywhere — seriously, don’t wear black) when he started telling us about why the dead here rest in tombs that look like little houses. The air felt thick, kind of sweet with magnolia and something older I couldn’t name. Some folks in our group wandered off to trace names on faded marble; I just stood there for a second listening to the quiet, except for a streetcar rumbling somewhere far off.

The whole New Orleans city & cemetery tour started earlier that morning with Maurice picking us up right outside our hotel — which was lucky because it was already sticky-hot by 9am. We rolled through Treme first, where he pointed out murals and told stories about jazz musicians who used to play on those corners. At one stop he waved at a woman selling pralines from her porch; she yelled back something in that sing-songy accent and everyone laughed (I tried to repeat it later and failed miserably). The Garden District was next, all green shade and ironwork porches — honestly I kept craning my neck trying to spot Sandra Bullock or John Goodman walking their dogs but no luck.

Somewhere between the Superdome (which apparently sits on an old cemetery — wild) and Lake Pontchartrain’s windy causeway, I realized how much this city wears its history right on its sleeve. We passed by the French Market where you could smell coffee roasting even from the bus, then zipped down Decatur Street past balconies dripping with ferns. Lunch break was at Café DuMonde in City Park — café au lait and beignets again because why not? Even the ducks looked lazy in that heat.

I didn’t expect to feel much during a two-hour city tour but seeing Musician’s Village rebuilt after Katrina hit me harder than I thought. Maurice talked about neighbors helping neighbors, pointing out houses painted every color you can imagine. It’s not just sightseeing here — it’s people’s lives stitched together after storms. By the end I felt like I’d seen more than just landmarks; it was like being let in on some inside joke or family story you’re not supposed to forget. Still thinking about those old oaks swaying over the streetcar lines.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — New Orleans city and cemetery tour

• Ride air-conditioned bus through neighborhoods
• Pass through Treme, birthplace of Jazz
• Drive down Decatur Street in French Quarter
• Pass by French Market and Esplanade Avenue
• View Caesars Superdome from outside
• See Musician's Village and 9th Ward
• Pass by Lake Pontchartrain and New Canal Lighthouse
• Tour oak-lined streets of Garden District
• Walk through St. Louis Cemetery No. 3
• Ride through City Park and see wildlife
• Break at Cafe DuMonde for beignets and coffee

Top questions

How long is the New Orleans city & cemetery bus tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for selected hotels; check if yours is eligible when booking.

Is there a walking portion during the tour?

Yes, there is a short walking tour at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3.

Are food or drinks included in the tour price?

No meals are included but there is a stop at Café DuMonde in City Park where you can buy snacks like beignets and coffee.

Is this New Orleans bus tour suitable for children?

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

Is the vehicle air-conditioned?

Yes, transportation is provided in an air-conditioned bus.

Can wheelchairs be accommodated on this tour?

Collapsible wheelchairs can be accommodated if someone assists with boarding and disembarking.

What neighborhoods does this day trip cover?

The route includes Treme, Garden District, French Quarter area, Mid City/City Park, 9th Ward, and Lake Pontchartrain area.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from select locations around New Orleans (just double-check your hotel when booking), live commentary throughout from a licensed local guide who actually grew up here, comfortable rides in an air-conditioned vehicle between stops like the Garden District and French Market, plus time to walk around St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 before heading back downtown — all wrapped up before lunch if you want extra time exploring afterward.