New Orleans hop-on hop-off tours: Everything you need to know
Exploring the Big Easy is better on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing trip. New Orleans is a feast for every sense, as the city has been practicing fun for hundreds of years. Even funerals are festive. Visit a voodoo queen’s gravesite at St. Louis Cemetery and see what the tarot cards reveal at Jackson Square. Indulge in po-boys at Domilise's counter or go for upscale fancy dining at Commander’s Palace. Get your Mardi Gras going through Bourbon Street. And everywhere you turn, fantastic music sets your soundtrack.
Why should I take a New Orleans hop-on hop-off tour?
A hop-on hop-off bus is a great way to see all the neighborhoods of New Orleans. Cover over 300 square miles with ease. From the top level of a double-decker bus, you can scope out your next stop. It can get hot in the summer, so the air conditioning below offers a cool break. Hurricane season lasts from summer to fall, so bring an umbrella. Don’t let a little rain ruin your fun!
Whether you’re a planner or prefer to go with the flow, a hop-on hop-off bus is ideal. The perks of a hop-on hop-off journey can continue even after it ends. You’re in charge. Explore where you want. Sit and relax when you don’t - you’ll still see so much.
The audio commentaries are informative, but maybe you prefer live info. The local guides share their tales of the Crescent City in addition to tips on where to go and what to do. You might discover a new favorite restaurant or get the scoop on which clubs have the best scene.
What attractions could I visit on a hop-on hop-off New Orleans tour?
Feed your senses everywhere in New Orleans. Food, music, history, voodoo – whatever your pleasure. There are fascinating experiences all over NOLA.
Tipitina’s
Take a musical tour through history. Jazz, blues, rock, punk - every flavor of music has been played here. Most of the action happens at night, so you may want to come back after the trip. Check the schedule ahead of time as you might be surprised by the next line-up.
Jackson Square
The site of the Louisiana purchase is now one of the most iconic sights in the city. Artists show off their talents. Fortune tellers may tell you something you didn’t know. You may even get to catch a film or TV show in action.
Garden District
Opulence is an understatement in the Garden District. You’ll see magnificent homes and quaint little cottages. Wander through Magazine Street along the Mississippi. Discover the cute Free Little Libraries or shop for vintage clothes in a vintage rowhouse.
French Quarter
Day and night, the Quarter is hopping. Get a Hurricane to-go at a watering hole to sip along your way down Bourbon Street. Hungry? How about Oysters Rockefeller at Antoine’s? Or maybe fried chicken and jambalaya at Coop’s? Ask the guide for their favorite spot for an authentic experience.
Café du Monde
Coffee and donuts will take on new meaning at this iconic New Orleans institution. Freshly baked beignets and soothing hot chicory, that is. These sweet treats are available 24/7, but you may want to take a few with you on the bus for a sugar rush after all that exploring.
St. Louis Cemetery #1
New Orleans buries their dead above ground in ornate, intricate tombs. Even the voodoo queen Marie Laveau needs a place to rest. You can’t wander without a guide, so check if a ticket is included. If not, there are on-site tours scheduled.
Mardi Gras World
Get in a Mardi Gras mood any time of year. Try on a costume and join a krewe or watch teams at work on new floats. It really is Mardi Gras every day here.
Anything special to know about hop-on hop-off New Orleans tours?
The New Orleans hop-on hop-off tickets are available for one or more days. Often, the longer tickets include walking tours of various neighborhoods. Check the offerings and schedules so you don’t miss these free add-ons. If you want to visit a cemetery, make sure to arrange for a tour guide. Otherwise, you might not get in. If you’re traveling during June through November, you might not experience a hurricane, but it may rain. A travel umbrella or rain gear may be a good idea.
