New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off and Garden District Walking Tour

Exploring New Orleans becomes much easier and more flexible with the 2-day Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour that features 19 stops across the city. For $47 per person, this mobile ticket grants unlimited access over two days, making it an excellent way to cover the highlights without the fatigue of walking long distances. The tour includes frequent stops every 25 minutes, so you can hop off to explore attractions like Jackson Square, French Market, or Bourbon Street, then hop back on when you’re ready.

What truly sets this experience apart is the included guided walking tour of the Garden District. This walk reveals the stories behind the district’s historic streets and stunning architecture, providing a richer understanding of the neighborhood’s charm. The combination of bus and walking tours offers a well-rounded introduction to New Orleans, especially for first-time visitors. One consideration is that bus stops are the only points of departure—there’s no hotel pickup, so arriving at the designated stops is necessary.

Key Points

• Two-day unlimited hop-on hop-off bus with 19 stops across New Orleans
• Stops every 25 minutes, ensuring flexible sightseeing
• Guided Garden District walking tour included, departing from Magazine Street and Washington Avenue
• Prices start at $47, with most bookings made 23 days in advance
• No hotel pickup, but buses are accessible near public transportation
• Tour guides are knowledgeable, with positive reviews highlighting storytelling and friendliness

Starting Point: The Bus Stops and Their Highlights

The tour kicks off at Stop 1 near Jackson Square, where you’ll find St. Louis Cathedral, Cafe du Monde, and the City Sightseeing Ticket Office. This area is central to exploring the French Quarter, and the guides provide lively commentary about the city’s history and culture. From here, you can hop on the bus to visit Stop 2 at the French Market Shopping District, perfect for browsing local crafts and souvenirs.

Travelers appreciate the frequency of buses, with arrivals every 25-30 minutes, so waiting times are minimal. The full rotation takes about 90 minutes, giving a rundown of key neighborhoods in each loop. The guided guides onboard are eager to share stories, and some reviews praise particular guides for their engaging narration, although experiences may vary depending on who is guiding that day.

Discovering Frenchmen Street and Crescent Park

At Stop 3 on Royal Street, the tour reveals Frenchmen Street, renowned for its music clubs and vibrant nightlife. Nearby, Crescent Park offers scenic views of the river and is a favorite for a quick break. This stop makes it easy to explore JAMNOLA or visit the Bywater Brew Pub, adding a lively local flavor to the sightseeing.

The bus stops at each location provide ample time for spontaneous exploration before catching the next bus. For those interested in music, the Frenchmen Street area is a must-visit during the day or night. The tour’s pacing helps visitors balance sightseeing and relaxing, avoiding exhaustion from walking.

Exploring Historic Cemeteries and Cultural Sites

The tour includes stops at St. Augustine Church & Tomb of the Unknown Slave at Stop 4, offering a glimpse into New Orleans’ complex history. The St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 at Stop 5 is accessible for walking tours, with daily tours available. Visitors often find the cemetery to be a compelling site, with its above-ground tombs and historic significance.

Additional stops at Armstrong Park and Congo Square let visitors soak in local culture and music traditions. The guided bus narration provides context and stories behind these landmarks, enriching the experience.

Uptown and Magazine Street: Shopping and Scenic Streets

Stops along Canal Street (Stop 6) and Magazine Street (Stops 11 and 12) are perfect for shopping, dining, and people-watching. Magazine Street is famous for its boutique shops, cafes, and bars, making it an ideal spot for leisurely exploration. The guided walking tour in the Garden District departs from Stop 12, located at 2727 Magazine Street, where you can admire historic mansions and tree-lined streets.

Travel reviews highlight that the Garden District walking tour adds a meaningful layer of understanding about architecture and notable residents. The guide, Sam, is praised for storytelling and making the tour engaging.

Downtown Highlights and Arts Scene

The tour’s route includes stops near Harrah’s Casino and the American Italian Cultural Museum at Stop 7, offering options for entertainment and cultural experiences. The Gallier Hall and St. Patrick’s Church at Stop 9 showcase historic architecture, while Stops 10 and 11 provide access to museums like the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and the Contemporary Arts Center.

The National WWII Museum at Stop 10 is a popular destination, easily reached by the bus, with some reviews noting the convenience of the included transportation for museum visits.

Convenience and Accessibility

The bus-only service means travelers need to arrive at the designated stops independently. There are no hotel pickups, but the buses operate near public transportation, making access straightforward. The buses are described as clean, and the indoor seating combined with covered outdoor decks offers comfort during sightseeing.

Service animals are permitted, and most travelers can participate, though the tour involves some walking—particularly during the guided walking tour of the Garden District.

The Experience Guides and Commentary

The live guides are a highlight for many, with positive reviews praising their storytelling, knowledge, and enthusiasm. Guides like Ellen and Fred receive particular praise for their humor and detailed information. However, some reviews mention variability in guide quality, noting that the experience depends on the guide and that some may be more engaging than others.

The tour guides are happy to recommend restaurants and local spots, adding a personal touch that enhances the overall experience. The app used for real-time bus tracking is helpful, despite occasional technical hiccups.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially during the Garden District walking tour. Since tips are not included, gratuities are appreciated but optional. The best time to ride is during the operating hours of 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, though schedules can vary for major events or holidays.

Booking in advance is common, with most bookings happening about 23 days ahead. The full route is approximately 90 minutes, but with the flexibility to hop on and off, the tour can easily fill a full day of exploration.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This combo experience suits those who want a rundown of New Orleans without exhaustive walking. Families, first-time visitors, or those wanting to maximize sightseeing on limited time will find the 2-day unlimited bus pass and guided walking tour highly valuable.

While the tour guides generally receive positive reviews, those seeking more structured, less variable narration might prefer to supplement with specific guided tours for particular sites. The absence of hotel pickups means that travelers should plan to arrive at the stops on their own.

The Bottom Line: A Flexible and Informative Way to Explore New Orleans

For $47, this 2-day hop-on hop-off tour offers a cost-effective way to see many of New Orleans’ best spots. Its frequency, route diversity, and included guided walk make it a convenient introduction for first-timers or casual visitors. Most reviewers praise the guides, especially those who deliver engaging stories about the city’s architecture and culture.

The main limitation is the reliance on self-arrival at designated stops and the variable quality of guides, which can influence the experience. Nevertheless, the overall ratings of 4.5 out of 5 and numerous positive reviews confirm that this tour is a reliable, enjoyable way to discover the Crescent City.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there hotel pickup for this tour?
No, this tour operates via bus stops only. Travelers need to arrive at the designated stops independently.

How long does one full bus rotation take?
Approximately 90 minutes if you stay on for the entire route without hopping off.

Are the buses accessible for everyone?
Yes, the buses are accessible near public transportation, and service animals are allowed.

Can I use the app to track bus arrivals?
Yes, the app provides real-time updates, though some users report it can be a bit clunky.

What is included in the tour price?
A 2-day unlimited hop-on hop-off bus pass plus a guided Garden District walking tour.

Are tips included?
No, tips are not included but are appreciated for good service.

What are the tour hours?
The buses typically run from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, but schedules can vary.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it’s suitable for most travelers, though the walking tour involves some walking and standing.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking about 23 days in advance is common to secure a spot.

Can I buy tickets last minute?
Yes, tickets are available at stops with a mobile or printed voucher, but booking early is recommended for better availability.

This New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off and Garden District Walking Tour offers a flexible, informative way to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods and iconic sites. Whether you want to see the highlights from the bus or learn about historic districts on foot, this combined experience provides a balanced and accessible way to enjoy New Orleans.