City Sightseeing New Orleans HOHO Bus Tour & Bookable Extras

Imagine gliding through New Orleans on a bright double-decker bus, with panoramic views from the open-top deck, and a lively guide sharing stories about the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and cultural quirks. For $51 per person, you can hop on and off this flexible tour that offers 1, 2, or 3-day options, making it easy to tailor your experience. With live commentary in English, stops near major sights like Jackson Square, the French Market, the Garden District, and the Superdome, this tour promises a comprehensive and convenient way to get to know the Crescent City.

What we love most about this service is the informative guides—many reviews praise the guides’ depth of knowledge and engaging storytelling. We also appreciate the ability to customize your day by hopping off at places that catch your interest, then hopping back on to continue exploring. The route covers a wide range of attractions, from historic streets and museums to lively neighborhoods, giving you a well-rounded first impression.

A potential consideration is the timing—buses run every 30 minutes and the last departure is around 4 pm. If you’re a night owl or want to experience late-night vibes, you’ll need to plan accordingly. Also, since the tour does not include attraction tickets or food, you’ll want to budget extra for those experiences.

This tour suits first-time visitors eager to get acquainted with the city’s layout and highlights, as well as seasoned travelers wanting a quick overview to refine their plans. If you prefer to explore at your own pace, this hop-on hop-off approach offers the perfect blend of guided insight and flexibility.

Key Points

Flexible Duration: Options for 1, 2, or 3 days, allowing you to customize your experience.
Live Guide: Highly praised for engaging, knowledgeable guides who offer rich insights.
Major Attractions Covered: Stops at Jackson Square, the French Market, Garden District, Superdome, and more.
Hop-On, Hop-Off Convenience: Visit attractions at your own pace, then reboard easily.
Additional Guided Tours: Garden District and French Quarter walking tours included with longer tickets.
No Included Attraction Fees: You’ll need to buy tickets separately for specific sites or meals.

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A Detailed Review of the New Orleans HOHO Bus Tour

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An Introduction to the Route and Highlights

Setting out on the City Sightseeing New Orleans bus, you’ll find yourself on a route that’s designed to hit all the major neighborhoods and landmarks that make this city so fascinating. The stops near Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral are perfect for snapping photos of some of the most iconic sights. The French Market, just a short walk away, offers local produce, souvenirs, and a taste of authentic Louisiana flair.

From there, the route moves through the historic French Quarter, with stops on Royal Street, renowned for antique shops, art galleries, and lively street performers. As you cruise down Bourbon Street, you’ll get a sense of the nightlife that makes NOLA famous. For a quieter, more elegant vibe, the Garden District is a must-see, with its beautiful antebellum mansions and moss-draped oaks. The Garden District guided walking tour, included with 2- and 3-day tickets, lets you explore this neighborhood on foot, revealing secrets about its architecture and notable residents.

The Superdome and Sports Culture

A highlight for sports fans is the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, home of the Saints. The tour stops here so you can get a sense of the city’s passion for football. The original name, Louisiana Superdome, and its claim as the largest fixed dome structure in the world, make it a unique feature of New Orleans’ skyline.

Cultural and Historical Stops

The route also includes stops at the Treme neighborhood, famous for its jazz heritage, and Cemetery 1 on St. Charles Avenue, where you can see historic tombs and learn about local funeral traditions. The National WWII Museum, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and the Contemporary Arts Center are nearby, perfect for those interested in the city’s artistic offerings.

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Guides and Commentary

Most reviews highlight the quality of the guides, describing them as both entertaining and well-informed. One reviewer mentions that “the information given on the tour was informative but fun at the same time,” while another appreciates the “live, personable guides” over pre-recorded audio. Having a guide who can adapt and answer questions makes a difference, especially for travelers eager to learn local stories and secrets.

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The Value of Hop-On, Hop-Off Flexibility

The main advantage of this tour is its flexibility. You can hop off at any stop to explore a neighborhood, visit a museum, or grab a bite, then reboard at your convenience. This is particularly useful in a city like New Orleans, where wandering through different districts can be a highlight. Several reviews note that this approach “saved us a lot of money on Uber” and allowed them to see more in a shorter time.

The Included Walking Tours

The Garden District guided walking tour, available with 2- and 3-day tickets, departs multiple times a day from Stop 12, providing a deeper look into the neighborhood’s architecture and history. The French Quarter tour (only with the 3-day ticket) offers a storytelling experience about the oldest part of the city, which is packed with stories and lore. Reviewers love these added extras, calling them “well worth it” and “the highlight of their trip.”

Timing, Pricing, and Practicalities

Buses depart starting around 9:30 am and run every 30 minutes, with the last bus leaving at 4 pm. This schedule suits daytime sightseeing but might leave late risers or night-owl explorers needing a different plan. The 1.5-hour loop is concise enough to give a good overview without feeling rushed, but you’ll need to prioritize stops if time is tight.

At $51 for a single day, the value depends on how much you plan to explore. Many reviewers feel that the guided commentary, combined with the ability to hop on and off at prime spots, makes it a cost-effective way to see a lot of the city without the stress of navigation or waiting for taxis.

Comfort and Accessibility

The buses are wheelchair accessible, which is an essential consideration for travelers with mobility issues. Seats are generally comfortable, and the ride is smooth, although some reviews mention the bus being on the older side. Still, the overall experience is generally positive, with plenty of seating and convenient stops.

Potential Drawbacks

While most reviews are glowing, a few mention difficulty hearing the guide at times, especially during busy stops or noisy areas. So, bringing a small personal device or earbud might help if you’re a detail-oriented traveler. Also, since the tour doesn’t include entrance fees, you’ll need extra cash or tickets for museums and attractions.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This hop-on hop-off tour suits first-time visitors who want a broad overview of New Orleans without the hassle of figuring out public transportation or driving. It’s also ideal for those interested in a flexible schedule, as you can spend more time at neighborhoods or attractions that catch your eye. History buffs and architecture lovers will appreciate the guided commentary and the included walking tours.

If you’re someone who values local insights, scenic routes, and the ability to tailor your day, this experience is well worth considering. However, if you prefer a more in-depth, ticketed museum visit or a more night-focused experience, you’ll need to plan additional activities.

The City Sightseeing New Orleans HOHO Bus Tour offers a practical, engaging way to get a first taste of the city’s diverse neighborhoods and landmarks. The live guides add authenticity and personality, making each ride more than just transportation. The hop-on hop-off model allows you to explore at your own pace, whether it’s snapping photos at Jackson Square or strolling through the Garden District.

While the schedule and lack of included attraction tickets mean you’ll need to plan your day accordingly, the overall value for the price point makes this tour a favorite among travelers. It’s especially suited for first-timers, families, or anyone wanting a laid-back, comprehensive introduction to New Orleans.

If you want a blend of guided insight and freedom to explore, this tour can be your best friend in the Crescent City. Just remember to bring your ID, some cash, and a sense of adventure—and you’re all set for a memorable day.

FAQ

How many days can I use the hop-on hop-off bus ticket?
You can choose from 1, 2, or 3 days, depending on your schedule and how much of the city you want to see at your leisure.

Are mobile and paper vouchers accepted?
Yes, both are accepted. You can redeem your voucher at any stop along the route on the day of your tour.

What time does the tour start and end?
Departures begin around 9:30 am from some stops, with the last departure at 4 pm. The entire loop takes about 1.5 hours.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible, making it a good option for travelers with mobility needs.

Are the guides live, and what language is spoken?
Guides are live and conduct the tour in English. Many reviews mention how personable and knowledgeable they are.

Can I join the included walking tours on any day?
Yes, the Garden District tour (for 2- and 3-day tickets) and the French Quarter tour (with the 3-day ticket) depart multiple times daily, and you can join on any valid day.

Do I need to buy additional tickets for attractions?
Yes, attraction tickets are not included. You’ll need to buy those separately if you want to visit specific sites.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, some cash for tips or extras, and consider sunglasses or a hat for sunny days.

What is the overall value of this tour?
Given the guide quality, route coverage, and flexibility, many travelers consider it a good value—especially for first-timers wanting a broad overview without feeling rushed.

Whether you’re in New Orleans for a day or three, this hop-on hop-off bus tour can serve as the backbone of your city exploration. It combines the charm of live guides with the freedom to customize your experience, making it a smart choice for those eager to see the highlights and discover hidden gems along the way.