New Orleans City and Cemetery Sightseeing Tour

Discover the Heart of New Orleans: City and Cemetery Tour

A 3-hour sightseeing experience that takes you through the French Quarter, the Garden District, and the haunting St. Louis Cemetery No. 3—this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of New Orleans’ vibrant culture, distinctive architecture, and spectral legends. Priced at around $62.57 per person, it’s an accessible way to see some of the city’s most iconic sights with knowledgeable guides and comfortable transport.

What we love most about this tour is how it balances educational storytelling with authentic sights. First, the drive through the French Quarter showcases Creole townhouses and shotgun homes, giving you a real feel for the city’s Southern charm. Second, the walk through the cemetery, especially visiting Marie Laveau’s tomb, offers a glimpse into the mystical side of New Orleans—something that leaves a lasting impression.

A potential consideration is that the tour’s highlight—the cemetery walk—might feel a bit brief. If you’re particularly interested in exploring cemeteries or deep history, you may want to plan additional time. However, for most travelers, this tour strikes a solid balance, especially suited for those wanting a rundown of the city’s culture, architecture, and ghostly lore.

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors, history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone curious about New Orleans’ unique blend of **spirituality and history. If you enjoy guided walks that are both informative and scenic, you’ll find this tour well worth your time.

Key Points

• Balanced Itinerary: Combines city sightseeing with a walk through a historic cemetery.
• Insightful Guides: Knowledgeable guides provide engaging stories and context.
• Comfortable Transport: Air-conditioned mini-coach makes for a relaxed journey.
• Authentic Sights: Explore Creole homes, mansions, and the famous Lake Pontchartrain Causeway.
• Haunting Highlights: Visit Marie Laveau’s tomb and walk among above-ground tombs at St. Louis Cemetery No. 3.
• Time-Efficient: 3 hours includes both driving and walking, with well-timed stops.

Exploring the Details of the Tour

This tour offers a comprehensive snapshot of New Orleans’ most fascinating spots, with a good mix of visual splendor, history, and local lore. Starting outside your hotel, the tour kicks off with a drive through the French Quarter, a neighborhood celebrated for its vibrant architecture, colorful courtyards, and historic significance. Expect to see Creole townhouses and shotgun homes, which are iconic symbols of Southern architecture from the 1860s. These styles aren’t just pretty facades—they reflect the city’s multicultural roots and resilience.

The guide, often noted for being friendly and knowledgeable, will point out interesting details like herb shops and voodoo supply stores, hinting at New Orleans’ mystical traditions. We loved the way guides share stories about local figures and historic neighborhoods—these narratives bring the city’s personality alive. One reviewer praised a guide named Steve, calling him “an amazing tour guide,” which speaks to the quality of storytelling you can expect.

Jackson Square, a National Historic Landmark, is a highlight en route. We highly recommend pausing here to soak in the vibrant atmosphere—artists, musicians, and street performers give it a lively energy. Passing through Tremé, one of America’s oldest African-American neighborhoods, adds a layer of cultural depth, leading into the Garden District.

The Garden District is home to some of the best-preserved Southern mansions in the U.S., making it a feast for lovers of architecture and history. Here, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway—the world’s longest bridge—offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding wetlands. The guide will likely share stories about the area’s development and its significance as a transportation hub.

The journey then turns toward the notorious St. Louis Cemetery No. 3. This is where the above-ground tombs create a maze-like atmosphere, a feature born out of the city’s high water table. Walking among mausoleums dating to the 18th and 19th centuries, you’ll learn about the burial customs that distinguish New Orleans from most American cemeteries.

The cemetery is best known for Marie Laveau’s grave, the legendary Voodoo Queen. As one reviewer noted, visiting her tomb is “a fascinating experience,” and many find the spiritual aura here quite compelling. The cemetery walk is carefully timed—about 2.5 hours—so you’ll have ample opportunity to browse, listen to stories, and take photos.

The tour concludes with a return to your hotel, making it an easy option for those who prefer to keep sightseeing straightforward and stress-free.

The Transport and Group Experience

Transportation is provided via an air-conditioned mini-coach, which ensures a comfortable ride through the sometimes warm and humid New Orleans weather. Pickup and drop-off are available only outside the Homewood Suites on Rampart Street, which is a convenient central location. The group size is capped at 35 travelers, fostering a friendly, intimate atmosphere where questions and interaction are encouraged.

Reviews frequently highlight the quality of the guides like Derek and Butch, who deliver entertaining, detailed stories. Travelers appreciate the personalized attention, especially when guides explain the local customs and urban legends that add depth to the sightseeing.

The tour is priced at just over $62 per person, which we find to be fair value for a 3-hour experience that combines transport, guided commentary, and entry to the cemetery. Some reviews mention the short cemetery stop—about 2.5 hours in total—but most agree that the well-paced stops and engaging storytelling make up for it.

However, one review noted disappointment about a brief stop at a distillery, which seemed more like an infomercial than a sightseeing highlight. If you’re not interested in that aspect, it’s worth knowing it’s optional or could be skipped to maximize time at the cemetery.

Who Will Benefit Most from This Tour?

This tour suits travelers who value a balanced mix of sightseeing, history, and local color. If you’re interested in architecture, the French Quarter and Garden District provide stunning visuals and stories. History buffs will appreciate the details about burial customs and historic landmarks. Those curious about the mystical traditions of New Orleans will find the cemetery walk especially compelling.

It’s particularly good for visitors who prefer a guided experience that minimizes planning—most stops are pre-arranged, and transport is included. The tour’s duration makes it ideal for those with limited time, yet it still covers a significant chunk of the city’s most iconic sights.

The Sum Up

This City and Cemetery Sightseeing Tour delivers a well-rounded, engaging experience that celebrates New Orleans’ distinctive architecture, haunted lore, and vibrant neighborhoods. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and a thoughtfully curated itinerary, it offers excellent value for travelers wanting an authentic taste of the city’s spirit.

If you’re interested in historic architecture, exploring cemeteries, or learning about local legends, this tour provides a balanced and memorable introduction. It’s especially suited for first-timers who want a rundown without the hassle of planning multiple excursions.

However, if your main interest is in the cemeteries or nightlife, you might want to supplement this experience with additional visits or tours focused solely on those themes. This tour captures the essence of New Orleans—a city that’s equal parts charm, mystery, and history.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for those interested in history, architecture, and legends. The cemetery walk may not be ideal for very young children.

Does the tour include food or drinks?
No, food and drinks are not included. It’s mainly a sightseeing experience with a focus on landmarks and cemeteries.

What is the meeting point?
The tour departs from outside the Homewood Suites by Hilton on Rampart Street. Pickup and drop-off are limited to this location.

How long does each stop last?
The entire tour lasts about 3 hours, with approximately 2.5 hours spent exploring the city and cemeteries, plus transportation time.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews praise the guides for being friendly and informative, often sharing detailed stories and local insights.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility in your planning.

This tour strikes a nice balance for those eager to see the best of New Orleans in a manageable, engaging way. Whether you’re a history lover, architecture enthusiast, or ghost stories aficionado, you’ll find plenty to enjoy—and remember—long after your visit.