City Sightseeing New Orleans HOHO Bus Tour & Bookable Extras

Trying to get a feel for the vibrant, musical city of New Orleans can be daunting — the streets, neighborhoods, and sights are numerous and often spread out. That’s where the City Sightseeing New Orleans HOHO Bus Tour comes in. It offers a practical and flexible way to see the highlights without the hassle of navigating on your own or spending a fortune on taxis and tours. With live commentary, a variety of stops, and including guided walking tours, this experience has a lot to offer for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike.

Two things we really like about this tour are its flexibility — you choose whether to explore for 1, 2, or 3 days — and the quality of guides. Reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable, engaging guides who make the city’s history and culture come alive. A possible drawback? The buses run only until 4 pm, so if you’re planning an evening in the city, you’ll need to plan your day carefully.

This tour suits travelers who want a broad overview of New Orleans, especially those with limited time but a desire to see as much as possible. It’s also great for those who enjoy guided commentary and appreciate the flexibility to hop off at key sights.

Key Points

• Flexibility of duration: Options range from 1 to 3 days, allowing tailored sightseeing plans.
• Live English guides: Guides provide engaging, informative commentary, enhancing the experience.
• Multiple stops: Major sights like Jackson Square, French Market, Garden District, and the Superdome are included.
• Guided walking tours: Included in 2 and 3-day passes, adding depth to your visit.
• Valuable insights: Many reviews highlight guides’ knowledge and personalities as a highlight.
• Good value for money: The ability to hop on and off as you please makes this a cost-effective way to explore.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Itinerary and Experience

Starting Point and Overall Journey

This hop-on hop-off tour kicks off around 9:30-9:40 am, with buses running every 30 minutes, making it convenient to plan your day. The full route takes about 1.5 hours, but the real value lies in the freedom to explore specific neighborhoods or attractions at your own pace. You can purchase mobile or printed vouchers, both accepted at any stop along the route, which simplifies the process of hopping on or off.

Major Stops and What to Expect

Jackson Square & St. Louis Cathedral (Stop 1)

The tour begins near the iconic Jackson Square, where the St. Louis Cathedral presides over the French Quarter. This is a perfect first stop to soak in the lively street performers, artists, and the ambiance of this historic square. Several reviews mention the friendliness of guides who give helpful tips about local eateries like beignet spots or cozy cafes. One traveler noted, “Getting familiar with the various parts of the city including history” was a definite highlight here.

French Market & Flea Market (Stop 2)

Next, you can hop off at the French Market, a sprawling area filled with vendors selling everything from local produce and souvenirs to arts and crafts. It’s a lively place to experience local flavor and pick up mementos. Several reviews praise the tour’s stops near this area, noting it’s “loaded with fresh produce along with an array of items including keepsakes and souvenirs.”

The Garden District and Lafayette Cemetery (Stop 12 & 13)

The Garden District, accessible via a guided walking tour included in the 2- and 3-day tickets, is a favorite among visitors for its historic mansions and lush streets. The tour departs from Stop 12, providing a deeper understanding of New Orleans’ storied architecture. The included Garden District Guided Walking Tour is highly valued, with reviewers calling guides “super knowledgeable” and “entertaining.”

The nearby Lafayette Cemetery, one of the city’s famous above-ground cemeteries, offers a glimpse into local traditions of burial and history. Visitors often find it “fascinating and a little spooky,” adding to the authentic feel of your exploration.

French Quarter & Royal Street

The tour stops near the heart of the French Quarter — Bourbon Street, Royal Street, and Chartres Street. These areas are packed with historic buildings, jazz clubs, and lively nightlife. Many reviewers mention enjoying wandering down Royal Street for its shops, antique stores, and art galleries, with one saying “so much better having a live guide than prerecorded audio.”

The Superdome and Sports/Entertainment Highlights

One of the must-sees on the route is the Mercedes Benz Superdome, home to the New Orleans Saints and a symbol of the city’s resilience. The bus stop allows visitors to appreciate the architecture and significance of this enormous structure. It’s also a handy reference point for sports fans or those interested in the city’s entertainment scene.

Museum Stops and Cultural Hotspots

Further stops include the National WWII Museum, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and the Contemporary Arts Center. These cultural institutions are accessible from the tour and provide options for more in-depth exploration if you choose to hop off.

The Walking Tours: Deepening Your Experience

The Garden District and French Quarter guided walking tours, included in longer passes, are frequently praised. They offer a more intimate glimpse into the city’s history, architecture, and local stories. Reviewers mention guides like Ellen, Mary, or Linda providing accurate, engaging, and sometimes humorous explanations that bring the city’s past to life. These tours typically depart at 11 am or noon, giving flexible options depending on your schedule.

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Guides and Commentary

The guides’ personalities and knowledge are the standout feature for many travelers. Several reviews describe guides as “fun and knowledgeable,” often with a “great sense of humor,” which makes the bus ride much more enjoyable. The live commentary adds a personal touch that many find preferable to prerecorded audio guides, especially when guides interact with questions or share funny anecdotes.

The Practicalities: Timing, Accessibility, and Cost

The buses run from 9:30-9:40 am until 4 pm, with the last tour ending around 5:30 pm. This schedule makes it ideal for daytime exploration but less so for evening plans. The buses are wheelchair accessible, a crucial consideration for travelers with mobility needs.

At $51 per person, the cost is reasonable considering the flexibility and inclusiveness of the experience. It’s a good deal when you factor in the ability to hop on and off, see key sights, and join guided tours. Many reviews mention the guides’ personalities and local insights as adding significant value that justifies the price.

What about Food and Extra Tickets?

While the tour covers many sights, food and attraction tickets are not included**. You might find yourself craving New Orleans’ legendary cuisine, and the tour stops near some great eateries, like Café du Monde or local seafood joints. The tour’s focus is sightseeing, so for meals, plan to explore independently.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

Some visitors note that buses should be off the road by 4 pm, so if you’re planning to stay out late, you’ll need to leave the sightseeing early or plan for other activities afterward. Also, the buses can get crowded, especially during peak season, so arriving early at stops is wise. A few reviews mention that hearing the guides can be challenging if the bus is noisy or crowded, but overall, most praise the guides’ friendliness and knowledge.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This City Sightseeing New Orleans HOHO Bus Tour strikes a balance between convenience, storytelling, and flexibility. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want a broad overview of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods and sights without feeling overwhelmed. The inclusion of guided walking tours and live commentary makes it more engaging than many self-guided options, especially when exploring areas like the Garden District or French Quarter.

While it may not replace a dedicated museum visit or a gourmet food tour, it provides an excellent starting point for your NOLA adventure. The enthusiastic guides, stunning views from the open-top deck, and the ability to hop on and off at your pace make it a rewarding way to get acquainted with the Crescent City.

For travelers eager to combine sightseeing with local insights and want a flexible, affordable experience, this tour is well worth considering. Just be mindful of the timetable and prepare to enjoy both the sights and the stories that make New Orleans special.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the hop-on hop-off format is flexible and accessible, making it a good choice for families with kids, especially since buses are wheelchair accessible.

Can I buy this tour on the day of my visit?
Yes, mobile and printed vouchers are accepted and can be redeemed at any route stop, but it’s wise to book in advance to secure your preferred days and avoid missing out.

What if I want to explore a site in more detail?
You can hop off at any stop, explore at your own pace, and catch the next bus when you’re ready — a great way to customize your sightseeing.

Are the buses comfortable?
Most reviews mention the buses are comfortable, but some note that certain buses are older. The main benefit is the open-top deck for panoramic views.

Are guides available throughout the day?
Yes, live guides in English are available during all scheduled departures, adding personality and insights to your ride.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair friendly, ensuring access for travelers with different mobility needs.

Would I recommend this tour for a first visit to New Orleans?
Absolutely. It offers a solid overview plus guided walks, making it an ideal introduction to the city’s sights, neighborhoods, and stories.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby