New Orleans: French Quarter, Garden District & Cemetery Tour

Summary

French Quarter colors, jazz on Frenchmen Street, and cemetery tales

You’ll ride through New Orleans with a local guide, weaving between the French Quarter’s energy and the Garden District’s calm streets lined with old oaks. Step into St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 for stories you won’t forget, pass by landmarks shaped by resilience, and catch glimpses of live jazz drifting through open windows.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely buckled up in the minibus when our guide, Marcus, started pointing out things I’d never have noticed walking alone. The French Quarter just kind of hits you — it’s loud but not in a bad way. There’s music leaking from open doors and the smell of something frying (I’m guessing beignets or maybe that spicy sausage). Marcus told us about Creole townhouses and how some balconies have been here longer than any of us will ever be. I tried to snap a photo of Jackson Square but got distracted by a street artist painting with his fingers — he winked at me and kept going.

The Garden District felt like another planet compared to Bourbon Street. We rolled down oak-lined streets where the houses look like movie sets (except real people actually live there). Marcus pointed out one mansion and said a famous author used to throw wild parties there — I can’t remember which one, but it made me laugh thinking about writers behaving badly under all that Spanish moss. It was quieter here, just birds and the sound of our tires crunching over old pavement.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 was… different. The air felt cooler inside the gates, and everything echoed a little bit — footsteps, even whispers. Marcus explained why the tombs are above ground (the water table here is no joke), and we paused by an old family vault covered in faded flowers. Someone in our group asked if it was haunted; Marcus just grinned and said “maybe,” which honestly made it feel more possible somehow.

We passed the Caesars Superdome too — I didn’t expect to feel anything driving by a stadium, but Marcus talked about Hurricane Katrina and how this place became a shelter for thousands. You could tell it meant something to him; he went quiet for a second before switching back to stories about jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street (which looked wild even at noon). By the end I felt like I’d seen pieces of New Orleans that don’t show up on postcards — or at least not the ones I’d seen before.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore New Orleans iconic neighborhoods

• Visit French Quarter landmarks
• Pass by French Market stalls
• Drive through City Park scenery
• Pass by Caesars Superdome
• Pass by Frenchmen Street jazz scene
• Admire Garden District mansions
• Tour St. Louis Cemetery No. 3

Top questions

How long is the New Orleans city tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What neighborhoods does this New Orleans tour visit?

The tour covers the French Quarter, Garden District, City Park area, Frenchmen Street, and more.

Is St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 included in this city tour?

Yes, you’ll visit St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 during the tour.

Is transportation air-conditioned?

Yes, you’ll travel in an air-conditioned mini-bus.

Are infants or small children allowed?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Can wheelchairs be accommodated on this tour?

Folding wheelchairs are allowed; guests must board independently or with help from companions.

Will we see live music on Frenchmen Street?

You’ll pass through Frenchmen Street; live music can often be heard from outside even during daytime hours.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed local guide leading you through neighborhoods like the French Quarter and Garden District; entry to St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 is included before returning comfortably at your journey’s end.