New Orleans City and Cemetery Sightseeing Tour

Exploring the rich history and vibrant culture of New Orleans is a must-do for many travelers. The New Orleans City and Cemetery Sightseeing Tour offers an engaging way to discover the city’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems. With knowledgeable local guides leading the way, we’ll explore the French Quarter, the elegant Garden District, and the atmospheric St. Louis Cemetery No. 3 – uncovering the stories that make this city truly unique. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned New Orleans enthusiast, this tour promises an…

This experience made our article of 16 Best City Tours In New Orleans (With Prices).

Key Points

• Comprehensive 3-hour sightseeing tour of New Orleans, including the French Quarter, Garden District, and St. Louis Cemetery No. 3.
• Knowledgeable local guides provide insights into the city’s history, architecture, and cultural traditions.
• Tour highlights include Jackson Square, the Cabildo, Marie Laveau’s grave, and above-ground tombs and mausoleums.
• Guided bus and walking experience with 1.5 hours in the French Quarter and 1 hour in the cemetery.
• Departure from Homewood Suites French Quarter, with tour times available at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.

Tour Overview and Highlights

This 3-hour city and cemetery sightseeing tour in New Orleans offers a compelling exploration of the city’s rich history and diverse cultural influences.

With a 94% traveler recommendation, the tour promises to immerse you in the heart of the French Quarter, the elegance of the Garden District, and the haunting beauty of St. Louis Cemetery No. 3.

Key highlights include Jackson Square, Louisiana’s Cabildo, and the grave of the legendary Voodoo Queen, Marie Laveau.

Knowledgeable local guides will provide insights into the city’s captivating history, architecture, and storied traditions, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

Itinerary and Attractions

The tour includes a guided bus and walking experience, allowing us to explore the city’s diverse neighborhoods and historical landmarks.

We’ll begin in the vibrant French Quarter, where we’ll spend 1 hour and 30 minutes immersed in the culturally infused architecture.

Next, we’ll venture to the upscale Garden District to view the stunning antebellum mansions and pristine gardens.

The final stop is St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, where we’ll spend 1 hour discovering the above-ground tombs and mausoleums.

Throughout the tour, our knowledgeable local guides will provide insightful commentary on New Orleans’ history, culture, and voodoo practices.

Tour Logistics

The tour departs from the Homewood Suites French Quarter at 317 N. Rampart St.

Multiple tour times are offered at 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM.

You’ll be transported by an air-conditioned mini-coach with a maximum of 35 travelers.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but public transportation is nearby.

For warmer months, we suggest wearing lightly colored clothing and hats.

Gratuities and food/drinks aren’t included in the $62.57 per person tour price.

Tour Experience and Guides

Knowledgeable local guides provide invaluable insights into New Orleans’ rich history, captivating culture, and mystical voodoo practices throughout the tour. Their engaging narratives and well-timed stops bring the city’s stories to life. Let’s explore what you can expect:

What You’ll Learn	What You’ll See
New Orleans’ pivotal role in American history	Iconic landmarks like Jackson Square and Louisiana’s Cabildo
The significance of voodoo in the local community	The elaborate above-ground tombs and mausoleums of St. Louis Cemetery No. 3
Recommendations for the best local dining and attractions	The grand antebellum mansions and pristine gardens of the Garden District

Our guides’ passion and expertise ensure you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this unique and captivating city.

The French Quarter

Vibrant and historic, the French Quarter is the heart of New Orleans’ cultural identity. We spent nearly 1.5 hours exploring its charming streets, taking in the colorful architecture, and immersing ourselves in the lively ambiance.

The guided tour highlighted key sites like Jackson Square, the Cabildo, and the iconic Pontalba Apartments. We marveled at the intricate ironwork balconies and admired the fusion of French, Spanish, and Caribbean influences in the buildings.

With our knowledgeable guide’s insights, we gained a deeper appreciation for the Quarter’s role in shaping the city’s unique character and traditions.

The Garden District

After admiring the vibrant energy of the French Quarter, we headed to the serene and stately Garden District. This historic neighborhood is renowned for its antebellum mansions and lush, manicured gardens.

We strolled along the tree-lined streets, marveling at the elegant Greek Revival and Italianate-style architecture. Highlights included viewing the stunning Buckner Mansion and the eye-catching Destrehan Plantation house.

Our guide provided fascinating insights into the District’s past, sharing tales of the wealthy families who once called these grand homes their own. The Garden District’s timeless beauty and tranquil ambiance offered a welcome respite from the bustling French Quarter.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 3

Departing the serene Garden District, we journeyed to the iconic St. Louis Cemetery No. 3. This hallowed ground offered a captivating glimpse into New Orleans’ rich history and unique funerary traditions.

As we explored the rows of striking above-ground tombs and mausoleums, three things stood out:

1. The ornate architectural details that adorned each resting place, a testament to the city’s French and Spanish heritage.
2. The elaborate crypts of prominent historical figures, including the legendary Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau.
3. The serene and contemplative atmosphere that enveloped the cemetery, inviting us to pause and reflect.

Additional Considerations

As we prepared to conclude our captivating exploration of New Orleans, there were a few additional considerations to keep in mind.

While the tour wasn’t wheelchair accessible, public transportation was available nearby for those with mobility challenges.

During the warmer months, we’d suggest wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing and hats to stay comfortable.

Though gratuities and food/drinks weren’t included in the tour price, the experience was a fantastic value at $62.57 per person.

With these practical tips, we were ready to continue our adventure in this vibrant and culturally rich city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring Food and Drinks on the Tour?

While we encourage you to hydrate during the tour, food and drinks are not permitted during the sightseeing experience. The tour guides will provide water stops and recommendations for local dining options along the way.

Is Photography Allowed in the Cemeteries?

Photography is generally allowed in the cemeteries, but we recommend checking with your tour guide beforehand. Some areas may have restrictions, so it’s best to be respectful and follow any guidelines provided during the tour.

How Long Does the Tour Last in Total?

The tour lasts a total of 3 hours. We’ll spend 1 hour 30 minutes exploring the French Quarter and 1 hour visiting St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, with stops at key sites like Jackson Square and the Voodoo Queen’s grave.

Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Unfortunately, this tour has a fixed itinerary and doesn’t offer customization options. However, the guides are knowledgeable and can provide personalized recommendations for exploring New Orleans on your own after the tour.

Do the Guides Speak Any Languages Other Than English?

Our guides speak English primarily, but we can accommodate other languages upon request. Let us know if you need interpretation services, and we’ll do our best to provide a guide fluent in your preferred language.

The Sum Up

The New Orleans City and Cemetery Sightseeing Tour offers a comprehensive and captivating experience that immerses visitors in the city’s rich history, architecture, and cultural traditions. With knowledgeable local guides, we’ll explore the vibrant French Quarter, the elegant Garden District, and the atmospheric St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, providing an unforgettable insight into the heart of New Orleans. Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the city’s unique charm and heritage.