Admire our history, landmark and culture on a city tour with a back drop of the Hurricane Katrina story. Explore New Orleans from the comfort of a 13-passenger mini bus. This 2-hours tour through the Crescent City, narrating on points of interest including the CBD, French Quarter, Marigny Neighborhood, Tremé, Garden District, Warehouse District, City Park, Lake Pontchartrain, Local Cemetery and more.
Pickup included
The tour will start with a pick-up (please allow 30 minutes for pick-up) from a driver/tour guide in front of your hotel or air BnB. Step on board a 13 - passenger bus, but with only 13 guests on board making this tour as comfortable and personal as possible. Sit back and relax and take in the view of the French Quarter, Treme Neighborhood, Garden District, New Orleans Historic Cemeteries: City of the Dead Street, City Park, 9th ward, Lake Pontchartrain and more.
Of course, we dish some of the dirt on New Orleans’ crowning jewel, the French Quarter. People from all over the globe flock to the streets of the Quarter to take in its rarefied air every single day. There is just something about the neighborhood that sits at the crest of the river that draws people in.
For hundreds of years, people have found a sense of allure about the Quarter, and we understand why you’re here.
From the comfort of your air-conditioned seat, you take a drive down Decatur Street, one of the most scenic in the area. You pass through the famous French Market to Esplanade Avenue as you hear the history of this 300-year-old neighborhood.
Our guides are experts at recommending the best places in the Quarter to get a drink or a meal, so if you’re looking for the perfect place after your tour, don’t hesitate to ask. If there’s one thing a New Orleanian likes to do is talk about their food. But this is only the beginning of what you experience on this New Orleans Bus Tour.
The Tremé (pronounced “Treh-MAY”; historically Faubourg Tremé) is the birthplace of jazz. The Tremé is the spiritual home of our city. Congo Square in Armstrong Park anchors this historic neighborhood where the streets have more history than some books.
The Tremé has been a legendary influence on New Orleans culture. So many significant events have taken places on these back streets of Tremé.
No tour in New Orleans would be complete without seeing one of our famed cemeteries. While the dead are six feet under in your town, they rise above in ours.
Our guides tell the stories that haunt the Crescent City. We show you where some the places our most fabled residents call their eternal home.
The tour group gets out and takes a walk so you can see up close that New Orleans has a wholly different relationship with our dead than anywhere else in the country. Cemetery No. 3 offers you a moment to soak the ambiance in a quiet setting. Established in 1854, each and every tomb paints its own picture of New Orleans’ rich history. Cemetery No. 3 tells the story of immigration patterns, devastating floods, and health scares of generations past. Every piece of marble in the cemetery is a work of art. We care for our deceased down here, and our guides tells you the tales of what life in New Orleans through the generations is like, one grave at a time.
Probably the second-most famous neighborhood in New Orleans, the Garden District is home to some of the city’s most opulent homes and is a must-see when visiting the Crescent City.
It’s here where stunning Greek architecture is on display and crowds of people walk the streets snapping photos and taking in the air that’s scented with jasmine that blooms when the weather is just right. Many celebrities live in the Garden District, so you never know just who you’ll see out in their yards or walking their dogs. America’s sweetheart Sandra Bullock has a house blocks off St. Charles Avenue. A New Orleans native, The Big Lebowski actor John Goodman calls this historic neighborhood home, as well as our very own New Orleans Saint, Drew Brees. Nicolas Cage is seen around as well. We see the homes featured in the novels of Anne Rice and countless films. We take you to see the more famous, or infamous, places the residents of the Garden District call home.
City Park is one of New Orleans’ best attractions. A huge, luscious space, City Park is a stunning expanse of sights. One and half times larger than New York’s Central Park, City Park hosts the New Orleans Museum of Art, a carousel, and duck ponds, as well as some of New Orleans’ best wildlife.
Located in the heart of Mid City, City Park is also where the Voodoo Music Festival is held annually.
We take a ride through the winding streets where mossy oaks line the streets while birds sit on the branches contemplating the day. The 1,300-acre outdoor oasis has enchanted New Orleanians since 1854, and millions annually stroll under the picturesque moss canopies.
Being New Orleans natives, this part of the tour really hits home for us. When Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans, it devastated our city. We’ve spent over a decade working hard to rebuild and show the world we’re better than ever.
VIP New Orleans Bus Tours shows you how far we’ve come back and what we are doing to make sure this never happens again. Our guides take you to see Musician’s Village to see some of the success stories that continue to define the strength of our residents.
Too far to walk from the French Quarter, we take you on a ride that only the locals know about. You get a chance to really experience what life in New Orleans can be like.
We take you to see one of the biggest lakes in the country, our very own Lake Pontchartrain. Our lake is a body of water so big, the bridge to cross it is bigger than most municipal areas and is even in the Guinness Book of World Records!
Here’s a dirty little secret: It’s really not even a lake; it’s a giant estuary that happens to feed into the Gulf of Mexico and just so happens to be an easy swim of 630 miles.
Lake Pontchartrain is one of the most popular destinations for Louisiana residents in the summer. Boats are out for miles, and countless fishermen troll the waters looking for the catch of the day.
You see where the flood wall broke during Hurricane Katrina and where the levee system breached.
Much like our tour of the 9th Ward, seeing Lake Pontchartrain is important to us as natives, and it’s important to protect a natural landmark that is a huge part of what New Orleans is all about.
Tour will end with hotel drop-off (please allow 15 to 30 minutes for drop-off)
New Orleans is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scene, and unique Creole and Cajun cuisine. It's famous for its annual Mardi Gras festival, historic French Quarter, and the lively atmosphere of Bourbon Street.
The heart of New Orleans, the French Quarter is known for its vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, and cultural landmarks.
A picturesque neighborhood known for its antebellum mansions, oak-lined streets, and historic cemeteries.
A world-class museum dedicated to the history of World War II, featuring immersive exhibits and personal stories.
A vast urban park featuring lush gardens, walking paths, and cultural attractions.
A lively street known for its live music venues, art galleries, and vibrant nightlife.
A rich and flavorful stew made with a dark roux, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables (onions, bell peppers, and celery).
A one-pot dish made with rice, meat or seafood, and the 'holy trinity' of vegetables, seasoned with a variety of spices.
A deep-fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar, often served with café au lait.
A classic New Orleans sandwich made with French bread, filled with fried seafood, meat, or vegetables, and topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo.
This is the best time to visit New Orleans, with pleasant weather and major events like Mardi Gras. The city is lively, but also more crowded and expensive.
United States Dollar (USD)
Central Time Zone (CT) (GMT-6)
120VV, 60HzHz
New Orleans is generally safe for tourists, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and other crimes.
New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal
Greyhound Bus Station, Megabus Stop
The bus system is affordable and covers most of the city, but can be slow due to traffic.
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Car, Bike, Scooter
Explore the historic plantations of Louisiana, with tours and exhibits showcasing the region's complex history.
Take a boat tour through the Louisiana swamps and bayous, with opportunities to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife.
Explore the capital of Louisiana, with its historic sites, museums, and universities.
Price varies by option