New Orleans: 2.5-Hour City & Cemetery Tour by Bus

New Orleans is a city steeped in history and culture, and the 2.5-hour City & Cemetery Tour by bus offers visitors a comprehensive glimpse into its rich heritage. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour takes guests through iconic neighborhoods, past landmarks like the St. Louis Cathedral, and into the fascinating world of the city’s unique burial practices. With stops at must-see sites and ample opportunities to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, this tour promises to be an enlightening and memorable experience. But what sets it apart, and why is it a must-do for anyone exploring the Big Easy?

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

Key Points

• This 2.5-hour bus tour provides a comprehensive exploration of New Orleans’ historic neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and unique above-ground cemetery burial practices.
• The tour is conducted by licensed English-speaking guides and includes pickup from 31 hotels for added convenience.
• Highlights of the itinerary include visits to the St. Louis Cathedral, St. Louis Cemetery Number 3, and optional stops at New Orleans City Park and Cafe Du Monde.
• With an exceptional overall rating of 4.7/5 from 232 reviews, the tour offers great value and an engaging experience for learning about New Orleans’ rich heritage.
• Comfortable shoes are recommended, and the tour operates rain or shine, providing a flexible and adaptable sightseeing experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The New Orleans: 2.5-Hour City & Cemetery Tour by Bus provides an immersive exploration of the city’s rich history and unique cultural attractions.

Lasting 2 hours, the tour costs £34.64 per person and is conducted in English by licensed guides. Pickup is included from 31 hotels, offering convenience for travelers.

The tour covers historic neighborhoods, iconic landmarks like the St. Louis Cathedral, and the famous St. Louis Cemetery Number 3.

Travelers can also opt to visit New Orleans City Park and Cafe Du Monde.

With an overall rating of 4.7/5, the tour delivers exceptional value and an engaging experience.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary highlights several of New Orleans’ most iconic neighborhoods and landmarks.

Guests will journey through the historic Treme, Garden District, 9th Ward, and French Quarter neighborhoods. Along the way, they’ll pass by the renowned St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square.

Guests will explore the historic neighborhoods of Treme, Garden District, 9th Ward, and French Quarter, passing by the renowned St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square.

The tour also includes a 20-minute stop at the St. Louis Cemetery Number 3 to learn about the city’s unique above-ground burial practices.

Optional stops at New Orleans City Park and the famous Cafe Du Monde provide opportunities to further immerse in the local culture and scenery.

Customer Experience

Travelers have consistently praised the New Orleans: 2.5-Hour City & Cemetery Tour, awarding it an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 232 reviews.

Guests highlight the tour’s exceptional value, with many noting the guides’ impressive knowledge and entertaining delivery. Reviewers describe the experience as informative and enjoyable, praising the tour’s ability to bring 300 years of history to life.

The guides receive an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 for their knowledge and ability to engage the audience. The tour is highly recommended by travelers for its comprehensive exploration of New Orleans’ rich heritage.

Important Information

Comfortable shoes are recommended for the New Orleans: 2.5-Hour City & Cemetery Tour, as the tour involves walking through various historic neighborhoods.

This guided bus tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and large bags and pets aren’t allowed. The tour operates rain or shine, so travelers should be prepared for the weather.

• Refreshments are available for purchase during the cafe stop.

• Gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.

• The reserve now & pay later option is available to maintain travel flexibility.

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Historic Neighborhoods

This guided bus tour takes visitors through several historic neighborhoods in New Orleans, including Treme, the Garden District, the 9th Ward, and the iconic French Quarter.

Treme is known for its African American heritage and vibrant music scene. The charming Garden District boasts antebellum mansions and lush greenery.

The resilient 9th Ward showcases the community’s recovery after Hurricane Katrina. In the French Quarter, travelers will see the St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square, the heart of the city’s cultural hub.

These diverse neighborhoods offer a glimpse into New Orleans’ layered history and unique character.

Scenic Views

As the tour winds through the city, it offers glimpses of the scenic waterways and green spaces that define New Orleans’ unique landscape.

Passengers catch sight of:

• The sprawling Lake Pontchartrain, a massive brackish lake that serves as a natural boundary for the city.

• The serene Bayou St. John, a picturesque waterway winding through the heart of New Orleans.

• The lush, tree-lined streets of the Garden District, showcasing the city’s iconic antebellum architecture and verdant foliage.

These scenic elements provide a visual backdrop to the tour’s exploration of New Orleans’ rich history and culture.

Unique Burial Practices

Beyond the scenic landscapes, the tour offers a fascinating look into New Orleans’ unique burial practices. The city’s aboveground cemeteries, known as "Cities of the Dead," showcase the distinct style of above-ground tombs and mausoleums.

Visitors learn about the cultural and practical reasons behind this custom, such as the high water table that prevents traditional burials. The tour explores St. Louis Cemetery No. 3, providing a glimpse into the ornate crypts and the stories they hold.

This cemetery visit offers a unique window into the region’s history and traditions surrounding the deceased.

Logistical Details

The tour provides pickup from 31 hotel locations across New Orleans, making it convenient for travelers staying in the area.

Comfortable shoes are recommended, as the tour involves walking. Plus, the tour operates rain or shine, so guests should dress appropriately for the weather.

Key restrictions include:

• Not suitable for wheelchair users

• Pets and large bags not allowed

• Refreshments available for purchase during a cafe stop

Gratuities aren’t included in the tour price, and a reserve now & pay later option is available to maintain travel flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Pictures During the Tour?

Yes, visitors can take pictures during the tour. However, it’s important to follow any specific guidelines or restrictions provided by the tour operator, such as avoiding flash photography in sensitive areas like cemeteries.

How Much Time Is Spent at Each Stop?

The tour spends approximately 20 minutes at the St. Louis Cemetery Number 3, with optional stops at the New Orleans City Park and Cafe Du Monde. The duration at other locations is not specified in the overview.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There is no option to extend the tour duration. The tour is a set 2.5-hour experience as stated in the overview. The itinerary and stops are fixed, and the tour cannot be lengthened beyond the advertised time.

Is the Bus Equipped With Air Conditioning?

The bus used for this tour is equipped with air conditioning to ensure a comfortable experience for passengers, especially during the warm New Orleans climate. This amenity is provided as a standard feature of the transportation.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Bus?

Passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the bus. The tour provider has a strict policy prohibiting outside food and beverages to maintain cleanliness and safety. Refreshments are available for purchase during the cafe stop on the tour.

The Sum Up

This comprehensive 2.5-hour tour offers an in-depth exploration of New Orleans’ rich history and vibrant culture. Visitors can enjoy the city’s iconic neighborhoods, landmarks, and unique burial practices, providing a well-rounded understanding of the destination. With licensed guides leading the way, the tour is an engaging and informative experience for those seeking to uncover the essence of New Orleans.

You can check availability for your dates here: