New Orleans: City Van Tour with French Quarter & Garden District

Summary

French Quarter jazz, Garden District mansions, and stories that linger

You’ll ride through New Orleans with a local guide who shares personal stories while you explore the French Quarter’s lively streets, stroll beneath Garden District oaks, visit historic cemeteries with above-ground tombs, and catch glimpses of local life along Magazine Street—all with hotel pickup included. Expect moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered why people stay in New Orleans, even when half the city’s below sea level? I did too. So I hopped into this small-group city van tour—just six of us plus our guide, Marcus, who greeted us like we were old friends. The van smelled faintly of coffee and rain (it had just stopped drizzling), and as we rolled through the French Quarter, Marcus pointed out a faded Creole cottage where he said his aunt used to dance on Mardi Gras mornings. I tried to imagine her there, beads clinking. He laughed at my attempt to pronounce “Faubourg Marigny”—I definitely didn’t nail it.

We drifted past Magazine Street—boutiques flashing by in a blur of color—and then the Garden District, where the air felt heavier under those huge oaks. The houses looked like they belonged in old movies; one had a porch swing creaking just slightly in the breeze. At Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery, Marcus explained the above-ground tombs (it’s about the water table, but also tradition), and for a second everything went quiet except for a distant streetcar bell. That silence kind of stuck with me.

I didn’t expect to be so drawn in by the Warehouse District—old brick warehouses turned into art galleries and restaurants. There was this smell of baking bread somewhere as we passed by. We glimpsed City Park’s sculptures through foggy windows and zipped past the WWII Museum (I made a mental note to come back). It was all packed into about three hours, but somehow it didn’t feel rushed—maybe because Marcus kept tossing in stories about his family or local legends. By the end, I felt like I’d seen more sides of New Orleans than I could’ve found on my own. Still think about that porch swing sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore New Orleans history and neighborhoods

• Learn French Quarter history
• Pass by WWII Museum
• Pass by New Orleans Warehouse District
• Pass by Magazine Street
• Pass by Faubourg Marigny
• Pass by Frenchmen Street
• Pass by university with oak-lined streets
• Learn about above ground burial process
• View antebellum homes in Garden District
• See City Park and Besthoff Sculpture Garden
• Pass by oak-shaded boulevard to City Park
• Pass by peaceful waterway with scenic views
• Pass by historic neighborhood with mansions and streetcar rides

Top questions

How long is the New Orleans small-group city tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What neighborhoods does the tour cover?

The tour covers the French Quarter, Garden District, Faubourg Marigny, Magazine Street, Warehouse District, and more.

Is lunch included on this New Orleans city van tour?

No, lunch is not included.

Are entrance fees required for any attractions?

No entrance fees are mentioned; most stops are drive-bys or short visits.

Will we visit any cemeteries during the tour?

Yes, you'll learn about above-ground burial at Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery.

Is this small-group city tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, it operates in all weather conditions; dress appropriately.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off plus a local guide who shares personal insights as you travel by van through neighborhoods like the French Quarter and Garden District—with time to see historic cemeteries—before returning comfortably to your hotel.