Nestled in the heart of the American South, New Orleans is a city brimming with rich history, vibrant culture, and a captivating blend of influences from around the world. For travelers seeking a convenient and comprehensive way to explore the city’s most iconic attractions, The City Experiences hop-on and hop-off bus tour is a wonderful option.
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With these tours, visitors can effortlessly discover the best of what New Orleans has to offer while enjoying the freedom to explore at their own pace. Join us on a virtual journey as we explore the top attractions at each bus stop on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour in the enchanting city of New Orleans.
Stop 1 JACKSON SQUARE – 700 Decatur St.
Attractions include :
Jackson Square & St. Louis Cathedral
Beignets & Café Au Lait
City Sightseeing Shop & Ticket Office
As the heart and soul of New Orleans, the French Quarter is a vibrant neighborhood renowned for its historic architecture, lively atmosphere, and lively street performers.
The tour typically begins at this iconic stop, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the city’s unique character. Jackson Square, a focal point of the French Quarter, features the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral, historic buildings, and a lively open-air artist colony.
Enjoy the lively music, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and soak in the colorful ambiance of this enchanting district.
2 FRENCH MARKET – N. Peters St. & Ursulines Ave.
Attractions include French Market & Flea Market.
Continue your journey to the lively French Market, the oldest continuously operating open – air market in the United States. Immerse yourself in a mosaic of colors and aromas as you wander through a maze of stalls offering local produce, delectable street food, and unique crafts.
From fresh beignets to authentic Creole spices, this is a paradise for food enthusiasts and souvenir hunters alike. You are welcome to barter and haggle prices in the market.
3 MARIGNY BYWATER – Elysian Fields & Royal St.
Attractions include, Frenchman Street Music Clubs, Crescent Park, JAMNola – Bywater Brew Pub
Frenchman Street is where the locals go out and where many second time visitors end up going to enjoy New Orleans night life without the wildness of Bourbon street.
Check out the vibrant music scene of New Orleans at Frenchman Street. Hop off and wander through a diverse array of live music venues, ranging from jazz clubs to blues bars. Let the soulful melodies and lively rhythms carry you away as you dance the night away in this musical haven.
4 TREME – Rampart & Ursulines Ave.
Attractions include St. Augustine Church & Tomb of the Unknown Slave
5 BASIN ST. STATION Visitor Information Center – 501 Basin St.
Attractions include St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, Welcome Center with Travel Counselors, Restrooms, Gift Shop, Coffee Shop, Bar and more!Armstrong Park & Congo Square
and Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours Pick Up Point.
Delve into the fascinating history of New Orleans at Basin St. Station. This restored train station now serves as a visitor center and museum, providing a glimpse into the city’s diverse heritage. Uncover the stories of jazz legends, learn about the evolution of Mardi Gras, and discover the city’s pivotal role in American history.
St. Louis Cemetery No. 1:
Known for its distinctive above-ground tombs, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is a historic burial ground that showcases the unique burial traditions of New Orleans. Take a guided tour to learn about the famous residents, including voodoo queen Marie Laveau, and the city’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. Admire the intricate ironwork and ornate memorials that make this cemetery an architectural marvel.
Find out more info in our New Orleans Cemetery #1 Walking Tour Article here.
6
CANAL STREET – 500 Canal St.
Attractions include Bourbon Street, Royal Street, Chartres Street and Canal Street Hotels.
7
RIVERFRONT CREOLE QUEEN – Convention Center Blvd. & Poydras.
Attractions include Paddlewheeler Creole Queen, Spanish Plaza, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and The Shops at Canal Place.
8 CBD – Poydras & Carondolet (Central Business District)
Attractions include Lafayette Square and Gallier Hall.
9LOUISIANA SUPERDOME – HYATT REGENCY – 601 Loyola Ave.
Attractions include Superdome and hotels.
10
THE NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM – 945 Magazine St.
Attractions include Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Contemporary Arts Center, Confederate Civil War Museum and the National WWII Museum.
National WWII Museum:
Step back in time and honor the heroes of World War II at the National WWII Museum. The interactive exhibits and engaging displays bring this pivotal era to life. From powerful personal narratives to restored aircraft and tanks, this museum offers a poignant and educational experience.
Find out additional info in our WWII museum article here!
11
MAGAZINE STREET – Magazine St. & Jackson Ave.
Attractions include Magazine Street Shops and Restaurants.
Return to the vibrant intersection of Magazine and Jackson Streets, where art, culture, and culinary delights converge. Savor delicious cuisine at local restaurants, browse galleries showcasing local artwork, and experience the essence of contemporary New Orleans.
12
GARDEN DISTRICT on MAGAZINE STREET – Magazine St. & Washington Ave.
Attractions include Magazine Street Shops and Restaurants, Garden District Walking Tour (Guided Tour, Experience Package) and Lafayette Cemetery #1.
The Garden District, known for its stunning antebellum mansions and oak-lined streets, offers a glimpse into the city’s historical opulence. Marvel at the meticulously preserved Greek Revival and Victorian-style homes, each exuding its own unique charm. Stroll along Magazine Street, known for its boutique shops, art galleries, and trendy restaurants.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, a hauntingly beautiful historic cemetery that serves as the final resting place for many prominent New Orleanians.
13
MAGAZINE STREET – Magazine St. & Ninth St.
Attractions include additional Magazine Street Shops and Restaurants.
14 ST. CHARLES AVENUE – Louisiana Ave. & St. Charles Ave.
Attractions include the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar. This was our starting stop because it was within walking distance from our hotel.
Find out all the info about our hotel in our review article here.
15 ST. CHARLES AVENUE – 2020 St. Charles Ave.
Attractions include St. Charles Avenue Streetcar.
16 Convention Center
Attractions include Convention Center, and Mardi Gras World (10 minutes Walking)
17
ARTS DISTRICT – Julia St. & S. Peters St.
Attractions include The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk and the Julia Street Shops and Galleries.
18 VUE ORLEANS – 100 Canal Street (NEW TEMPORARY LOCATION)
The Former Location was at Harrah’s Casino (S. Peters & Poydras)
Attractions include Harrahs Casino.
19
CANAL PLACE – Canal Street
Attractions include New Orleans’ Premier Shopping Destination, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lululemon, Tiffany & Co, Anthropologie, Vineyard Vines and many more
Additional info
Inclement weather
If it rains they provide free panchos and they have indoor seating on the bottom of the bus. The top of the bus has a partial canopy covering , but even with that you will still get wet. Umbrellas are not allowed open on the bus because of safety and wind.
How long does the tour last?
A full tour lasts 1 hour and a half. Buses arrive every 25 – 30 minutes.
What time do the buses run?
They run from 930am – 5pm. But be sure to get on the bus by 4pm at lasted to ensure being brought back to your initial stop.
Where to park?
I recommend parking at your hotel and walking to a stop, or parking at Basin Street Station. (Stop #5)
What’s the cost?
Check out their current package prices and book it on their website here.
Where to stay in New Orleans?
I recommend staying at one of the many hotels near the bus stops.
Check out the article here about the hotel we stayed at.
A hop-on, hop-off bus tour in New Orleans is an unparalleled experience that unveils the captivating layers of this extraordinary city. From the historic French Quarter to the architectural marvels of the Garden District, and from the vibrant music scene of Frenchmen Street to the rich history of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, each tour stop offers a unique facet of New Orleans’ charm.
