You can visit 18 major attractions in New Orleans in just 90 minutes with the hop-on hop-off tour experience. The tour takes you through the city’s most iconic locations. From the historic French Quarter to the fascinating National WWII Museum, explore all the best parts of the city with New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off bus tours. The buses arrive every 30 minutes, which makes it easy to create your own schedule. The tour costs $46 per person and offers a great way to see the oldest continuously operating open-air market in the United States. The knowledgeable guides provide live commentary about these remarkable landmarks.
These hop-on hop-off bus tours give you the perfect way to see the best of the city. You’ll travel from the Arts District to the Garden District and plan an unforgettable trip through one of America’s most culturally rich cities.
All About New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off Tour?
Our hop-on hop-off bus tour let us explore New Orleans exactly how we wanted. A bus shows up every 25 minutes at each stop, so we could take our time at each spot without stressing about schedules.
1. Convenience and flexibility benefits
These double-decker buses run daily from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. You can complete the entire city tour in 90 minutes if you stay on board. The route links major areas like the French Quarter, Arts District, Garden District, Treme, and Marigny. This makes it easy to visit all the city’s fascinating neighbourhoods.
Cost comparison with other tour options
The hop-on hop-off tour gives you great value when compared to other transportation options in New Orleans. Here’s what you get with the tickets:
- One-day pass: $46 for adults, $10 for children (3-12 years)
- Two-day pass: $51 for adults, $15 for children
- Three-day pass: $59 for adults, $20 for children
These prices include unlimited rides during your pass’s validity period. This works out cheaper than taking multiple taxis or rideshares around the city.
2. Live guide advantages
Each bus comes with a licensed tour guide who tells fascinating stories about New Orleans’ 300-year history. The guides share up-to-the-minute commentary about architecture, culture, and local life. They answer questions and suggest great local spots along the way. The panoramic views from the top deck combined with expert narration create an experience that helps you understand the city’s rich heritage better.
Exploring New Orleans’ Districts by Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
The view from the top of our double-decker bus showed how each New Orleans neighbourhood tells its own story. We could see everything clearly from up there as we explored three centuries of history, architecture, and culture.
- French Quarter highlights
Our trip starts at Jackson Square, where the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral shows the city’s French colonial heritage. North America’s oldest public market, the French Market, comes alive with local vendors and authentic cuisine. The quarter’s guided walking tours take you through hidden courtyards and historic landmarks that showcase Spanish, French, Caribbean, and American influences.
- Garden District must-sees
The Garden District welcomed us with majestic oak trees that shade some of the city’s most elegant antebellum mansions. Magazine Street brings the district’s charm to life with its unique shops and restaurants. This neighbourhood shows Louisiana’s prosperous past at its finest, and guided walking tours tell stories of wealthy mansion owners and the people who served them.
- Arts District gems
The Arts District shows a newer side of New Orleans. Julia Street forms the heart of this vibrant area with its many galleries and the city’s best shopping spots. The district naturally connects to the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, where you’ll find upscale stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and Tiffany & Co. Buses, which come every 25 minutes to each stop, so we can explore these cultural treasures at our own speed.
Customizing Your Hop-On Hop-Off Experience
The hop-on hop-off bus tour lets you create individual-specific itineraries to see New Orleans. Busses arrive at each stop every 30 minutes, and we found the best ways to customize this experience based on different interests.
- Family-friendly itinerary suggestions
The tour features busses that accommodate strollers and service animals. Kids love the double-decker experience and get excited about the views from the top deck. Your family can take breaks whenever needed thanks to the flexible schedule. The tour becomes more affordable with special rates for children aged 3-12.
- History buff’s route recommendations
A complete 90-minute loop serves as the perfect starting point for history enthusiasts. Your bus ticket can include guided walking tours that run every hour and reveal fascinating stories behind historic landmarks. Multi-day passes give access to both French Quarter and Garden District walking tours, providing detailed historical context.
- Foodie’s tour planning guide
Magazine Street’s food experience stands out as a highlight for food lovers. These features make it special:
- Seated dining at 4-5 local restaurants
- Eight carefully selected authentic dishes
- Local beer or beverage pairings
- Intimate groups of nine guests maximum
Your hop-on hop-off ticket gets you exclusive deals and discounts at many restaurants. You can taste everything from traditional Creole cuisine to modern New Orleans flavours while learning about the city’s rich culinary heritage.
Insider Tips for the Best Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
We tested many hop-on hop-off tours in New Orleans and learned some great tips to make your trip better. These insights will help you direct yourself through the city’s mixture of culture and history.
- Lesser-known stops worth exploring: The Marigny-Bywater stop connects you to Frenchmen Street’s music clubs and the scenic Crescent Park. The Treme neighbourhood holds hidden gems like St. Augustine Church and the historic Tomb of the Unknown Slave. Basin Street Station is more than a regular stop – it’s a visitor centre with restrooms, a gift shop, and educational exhibits.
- Best times for popular attractions: Your tour should start before 4:00 PM to finish a full loop. Busses run like clockwork and reach each stop every 25-30 minutes. Walking tours leave Jackson Square and Stop 12 every hour and take about 45 minutes.
- Local secrets along the route: Your hop-on hop-off ticket unlocks special deals at attractions on the way. Here’s what you can get: Discounted admission to Mardi Gras World, Special offers at Chuck’s on the Avenue Tasting Room, Deals at the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen, Exclusive access to Vue Orleans
Basin Street Station makes a perfect starting point with affordable parking and easy access to the St. Louis #1 Cemetery walking tour. The station’s travel counsellors give great local tips and suggestions for your trip. The top deck gives you amazing photo chances, particularly under oak trees on St. Charles Avenue. All the same, the lower deck’s air-conditioning feels great during New Orleans’ humid days, making afternoon rides comfortable.
Conclusion
The New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour gave us a unique way to learn about New Orleans. We could skip the hassle of multiple transportation options and rigid tour schedules. This flexible system lets us experience the city at our own pace while local guides share fascinating stories. Different types of travellers loved the tour. Families got great child-friendly rates and easy access to attractions. History enthusiasts enjoyed stories about the city’s 300-year heritage. Food lovers found amazing culinary spots in a variety of neighbourhoods. The tour made our New Orleans adventure unforgettable with its panoramic views and expert narration. You can connect with the city’s best attractions in a single day or spread them across several days. Local guides share exclusive deals and insider tips that make the experience even better.
