City Sightseeing New Orleans HOHO Bus Tour & Bookable Extras

Traveling to New Orleans? You’re in for a treat—music, history, vibrant neighborhoods, and a certain lively buzz that’s hard to match. For visitors eager to get their bearings and see the city’s highlights without fuss, the City Sightseeing New Orleans HOHO Bus Tour offers a flexible, engaging introduction. This tour is designed to give you an overview at your own pace, with the added bonus of guided walks and the chance to hop on and off at nearly every major attraction.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it combines practical convenience with authentic local flavor. The guides, often praised for their knowledge and humor, make the journey lively and informative. Plus, the open-top buses provide incredible views of neighborhoods like the Garden District and French Quarter. That said, a potential downside is that the live commentary can sometimes be difficult to hear, especially in busy or windy conditions. Still, for most travelers, the value and flexibility this tour offers make it a top choice for first visits or quick city overviews.

This tour suits travelers who want to maximize their time, prefer a relaxed pace, and enjoy learning from engaging guides. Whether you’re in town for a quick stop or a longer stay, this hop-on hop-off experience is a good way to get a feel for the Crescent City’s many layers.

Key Points

• Flexible 1, 2, or 3-day options allow you to tailor your sightseeing experience.
• Live commentary enhances the tour with local insights and humor.
• Stops near all major sights make it easy to plan your day.
• The Garden District and French Quarter walking tours add depth for longer ticket holders.
• The buses run every 30 minutes, making it convenient to hop on or off.
• The tour offers stunning panoramic views from the open-top deck.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

When considering a city tour like this, what really matters is how well it helps you connect with the city’s vibe, history, and must-see sights. The City Sightseeing New Orleans HOHO Bus Tour covers a comprehensive route, ensuring you won’t miss key neighborhoods and landmarks. It’s a great way to orient yourself, especially if this is your first visit.

The Route and Stops: A Window into New Orleans

Starting at Jackson Square & St. Louis Cathedral, the tour immediately drops you into the heart of the French Quarter. The cathedral itself is a major landmark—America’s oldest active cathedral—and a perfect starting point to soak in the city’s historic charm. Many review comments highlight how the tour guides make these stops come alive with stories and tidbits, making the experience more than just sightseeing.

Moving along, the route includes the French Market, where you’ll find an array of local produce, souvenirs, and crafts. Several travelers praise this stop for its lively atmosphere and the chance to sample local snacks or pick up unique mementos. For those interested in architecture and history, the Garden District, with its stunning mansions and historic charm, is included in the longer two- or three-day passes, plus a guided walking tour that many reviews rate highly for its depth and entertainment value.

Other highlights include the Mercedes Benz Superdome, which is not only an architectural wonder but also a symbol of New Orleans’ sports culture. The National WWII Museum and contemporary art centers are also accessible via the route, making this tour versatile for a range of interests.

The Guided Walks: A Deeper Dive

The Garden District guided walking tour (included in 2- and 3-day tickets) offers a chance to explore this beautiful neighborhood up close, with stops at historic mansions and leafy streets. Several reviewers note how this adds a special touch compared to just riding the bus, providing a more immersive experience. The French Quarter tour (available with the 3-day pass) takes it a step further, offering insights into the city’s earliest days, architecture, and hidden stories.

The Guides: Knowledgeable and Entertaining

What makes this tour stand out, based on countless reviews, is the quality of the guides. Many mention guides like Linda, Bill, and Mary—who combine humor with deep knowledge. Reviewers frequently comment on how guides make the stories engaging and how they take the time to ensure all passengers feel included and informed.

In fact, the live guide format is consistently praised over prerecorded audio. While some mention that audio clarity can occasionally be an issue, the enthusiasm and local insights generally outweigh this concern. Several travelers appreciated guides who went beyond the script, sharing personal stories and restaurant recommendations.

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The Open-Top Bus: Views and Comfort

The buses themselves are a highlight—they offer panoramic views and an authentic open-air feel that suits the lively spirit of New Orleans. The buses run every 30 minutes, which makes it easy to hop on or off, but do note that the last departure from any stop is around 4 pm, with the final tour wrapping up by 5:30 pm.

A few reviews mention that the buses are sometimes a bit old or lacking in modern amenities like foreign language translation, but most agree that the overall experience is comfortable and convenient. Accessibility is also a plus, as the buses are wheelchair accessible.

The Value for Money

At $51 per person, the tour offers flexible options to suit various schedules and interests. The inclusion of guided walking tours in longer passes adds significant value, especially since many travelers find that these walks deepen their understanding of the city. Reviewers consistently say that the tour is a great way to see many parts of New Orleans without the hassle of navigating independently.

For those who don’t want to pay for individual attraction tickets, this tour provides an easy way to get a broad overview, with the opportunity to decide where to spend extra time later.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Book in advance to secure your preferred start time and ticket length.
• Bring a passport or ID and some cash—most stops are near key attractions, but some shops or stops might not accept cards.
• Be prepared for the live commentary—if audio clarity is a concern, sitting near the guide is best.
• The guided walking tours are a nice addition, so plan to join at least one if your schedule allows.
• Don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes for the walking segments and bring a hat or sunscreen for the open-top decks.
• Since the buses run only until late afternoon, plan your day accordingly so you don’t miss the last ride.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This hop-on hop-off bus tour truly offers a practical, engaging, and flexible way to explore New Orleans. It’s particularly ideal for first-timers who want an overview without feeling overwhelmed. The live guides make all the difference—adding humor, local insights, and stories that bring the city to life.

If you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, and want a comfortable way to see the main sights, this tour hits the sweet spot between convenience and authenticity. The inclusion of walking tours and the panoramic views make it a well-rounded experience, offering more than just a bus ride.

However, if you crave a deeply immersive, personalized experience, or prefer self-guided exploration with audio guides in your language, this might not be your ideal choice. Also, keep in mind that the price point is fair given the length and inclusions, but some may find it a bit spendy if they’re on a very tight budget.

All in all, for an upbeat, informative, and thoroughly enjoyable introduction to New Orleans, this HOHO bus tour is a solid pick—especially for those who want to get their bearings and then explore further on foot or by other means.

FAQ

What is included in the ticket?
The ticket includes a hop-on hop-off bus tour for 1, 2, or 3 days, with a live guide in English, stops near all major sights, and in the longer options, guided walking tours of the Garden District and French Quarter.

Can I use both mobile and paper vouchers?
Yes, both are accepted. Vouchers can be redeemed at any stop along the route on the day of your tour.

Are the buses wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible, making it easier for travelers with mobility needs to enjoy the tour.

What is the tour duration?
The bus tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours for the full loop, with buses leaving every 30 minutes. The last departure from any stop is around 4 pm, ending the tour at 5:30 pm.

What stops are included in the route?
Stops include Jackson Square, the French Market, the Garden District, the Superdome, the National WWII Museum, Magazine Street, and many more, covering the city’s main neighborhoods and attractions.

Are the guided walking tours included in all options?
No, the Garden District walk is included in the 2- and 3-day tickets, while the French Quarter walk is only available with the 3-day ticket.

Can I buy attraction tickets through this tour?
No, attraction tickets are not included. The tour is a sightseeing overview, so additional tickets are required for specific attractions.

Is food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but stops near restaurants and cafes are available along the route.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, some cash, and be prepared for the weather—sun protection and comfortable shoes are recommended.

How do I join the guided walks?
You can join the Garden District tour at Stop 12 at 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, or 3 pm, and the French Quarter tour at the City Sightseeing Jackson Square Ticket Office at 700 Decatur Street at the same times—simply meet your guide at the designated spot.

To sum it up, this hop-on hop-off tour offers a smart balance of convenience, lively storytelling, and broad coverage of New Orleans’ highlights. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors, those with limited time, or travelers who want to get a good sense of the city before exploring further on their own. With knowledgeable guides and scenic routes, it’s a memorable way to start your NOLA adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: