City Sightseeing New Orleans HOHO Bus Tour & Bookable Extras

New Orleans is a city where one street can shift from grand mansions to corner bars, from French Quarter balconies to the giant Superdome. This open-top bus gives you a useful first look at that mix, with a live guide aboard rather than a recorded headset. Guides such as Linda, Ron, Chris, Bill, Mary, and Sydney have been praised for mixing local facts with jokes and practical tips.

I like the wide route because it reaches much more than Bourbon Street. I also like the flexibility: you can ride the full 1.5-hour loop first, then choose stops such as the French Market, the National WWII Museum, or the Garden District for a closer look. The main drawback is the early finish. The last departures are around 4pm, and the final tour ends by 5:30pm, so this is daytime sightseeing, not evening transport.

• Live commentary: English-speaking guides explain the city with personal stories, history, and humor.
• Eighteen useful stops: The route links the French Quarter, Tremé, Marigny, the Garden District, the Arts District, and the riverfront.
• Flexible passes: Choose one, two, or three days, depending on how much time you want to spend riding and stopping.
• Extra walking tours: The Garden District walk comes with two and 3-day tickets, while the French Quarter walk comes with the 3-day ticket.
• Open-top views: The upper deck gives you a better look at balconies, mansions, domes, and street scenes than a closed vehicle.
• Helpful practical setup: Buses run about every 30 minutes, accept mobile and printed vouchers, and are wheelchair accessible.

Why this bus works well on a first day

I would use this tour early in a New Orleans stay. The full circuit helps you understand how the French Quarter connects with Tremé, Marigny, the Garden District, the Warehouse District, and the riverfront. Once you see those areas from the bus, you can decide where to return on foot.

The live guide is one of the best reasons to choose this service. The narration is not a fixed recording, so the tone and detail can change from one circuit to the next. Linda has been especially praised for clear facts and quick humor, while Chris, Ron, Bill, Mary, Sydney, Logan, and others have received strong marks for making the ride feel personal.

That said, a live guide also means sound quality can vary. One rider found it difficult to hear the commentary from some seats, and another noted that the bus felt old. Sit near the guide when possible, especially on a busy day, and do not expect a polished luxury vehicle.

Following the 18-stop route

The route is designed for orientation rather than a single tight sightseeing district. It covers the core sights, but you need to plan your stops carefully because the service ends well before dinner.

Stops 1 and 2: Jackson Square and the French Market

The main starting area is at 700 Decatur Street, near Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral. This is a practical place to begin because you are already in the heart of the French Quarter.

Jackson Square gives you the classic New Orleans scene: the cathedral, open space, historic buildings, and easy access to beignets and cafe au lait. St. Louis Cathedral is described as the oldest continuously active cathedral in the United States, making it one of the key landmarks along the route.

Stop 2 serves the French Market and its colonnade. You can browse produce, souvenirs, crafts, and market stalls, then return to the bus when you are ready. Allow extra time here if you want to shop or eat. The French Quarter streets are easy to explore on foot, so this is also a good place to leave the bus for a longer wander.

Stops 3 and 4: Marigny, Bywater, and Tremé

The Marigny and Bywater stop brings you toward Frenchmen Street, Crescent Park, JAMNOLA, and the Bywater Brew Pub. Frenchmen Street is linked with live music clubs, while Crescent Park gives you a different view of the city beside the river.

This part of the route is useful because it shows you an area beyond the usual Bourbon Street circuit. You may want to stay on the bus for the first pass, then return to the stop if you have a particular club, gallery, or food spot in mind. The bus does not replace an evening music outing, but it can help you see where these districts fit.

Stop 4 reaches Tremé and Lafitte, near St. Augustine Church and the Tomb of the Unknown Slave. This is an important stop for understanding the city’s African American and Creole stories. The route gives you an introduction, while the live guide adds context as you pass through.

Stops 5 and 6: Basin Street, Bourbon Street, and Royal Street

Basin St. Station is one of the early morning departure points, along with stops 1, 6, and 17. Stop 6 serves Canal Street, Bourbon Street, Royal Street, Chartres Street, and nearby Canal Street hotels.

If you have never been to New Orleans, this is likely the busiest part of your sightseeing day. Bourbon Street is famous for nightlife, while Royal Street is a better choice for antiques, art objects, crafts, and historic buildings. Chartres Street takes you through the French Quarter on a quieter route than the most famous party strip.

I would not try to see every French Quarter sight during one short hop-off. Use the bus to identify what appeals to you, then spend a separate block of time walking. The bus is helpful for orientation, but the Quarter rewards slow streets and short detours.

Stops 7 to 9: Harrah’s, Lafayette Square, and St. Charles Avenue

Stop 7 serves Caesars New Orleans, formerly Harrah’s Casino, along with the American Italian Cultural Museum and Italian Piazza. Stop 8 at 1100 Poydras is close to Lafayette Square and Gallier Hall, while Stop 9 at 545 St. Charles continues into the central business area.

This section is less concentrated than Jackson Square, but it shows how New Orleans changes from old French Quarter streets to office buildings, public squares, and ceremonial avenues. It also gives you access to St. Charles Avenue, one of the city’s key routes.

The open upper deck is especially useful here. You can look up at balconies, street trees, and large buildings without trying to drive or navigate. Bring cash as requested in the tour information, and keep your voucher handy when boarding at a new stop.

Stops 10 and 11: Museums and Magazine Street

Stop 10 is near the National WWII Museum, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the Confederate Civil War Museum. You cannot assume admission to any of these sites is included, so budget separately if you plan to go inside.

The National WWII Museum is the most substantial stop for many visitors. If you want a serious museum visit, allow several hours rather than treating it as a quick hop-off. The bus is useful here because it saves you from arranging separate transport between the French Quarter and the museum district.

Stop 11 reaches Magazine Street and Jackson Avenue. Magazine Street is known for shops, restaurants, and local businesses, but the information provided does not promise a set shopping route or guided stop time. Use the bus to get close, then check the operating schedule before walking far from the stop.

Stops 12 to 15: the Garden District and St. Charles Avenue

Stops 12 and 13 serve the Garden District and Magazine Street. Stops 14 and 15 continue along St. Charles Avenue at Louisiana Avenue and St. Andrew Street.

This is where the bus route becomes most valuable for architecture. The Garden District is known for grand homes and broad streets, and St. Charles Avenue gives you a look at another side of New Orleans beyond the French Quarter’s narrow lanes.

The Garden District guided walking tour is included with the two and 3-day passes. That changes the value calculation. A one-day ticket gives you the bus route, but a two-day ticket adds time to return to the Garden District and a planned walk with a guide. If architecture interests you, the longer pass makes more sense than trying to rush this area between buses.

Stops 16 to 18: Mardi Gras World, the Arts District, and the riverfront

Stop 16 serves the convention center and Mardi Gras World. The name points to one of New Orleans’ most recognizable traditions, and this stop lets you place the convention area and riverfront in relation to downtown.

Stop 17 reaches the Arts District around Julia Street, the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, and Julia Street shops and galleries. It is also one of the first departure points, with buses beginning around 9:30am to 9:40am. This makes it useful if you are staying near the convention or warehouse district.

Stop 18 serves the riverfront, including the Creole Queen paddlewheeler, the VUE Orleans observation deck, and the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium. Attraction admission is not part of the bus ticket, so treat the stop as transport and orientation unless you have purchased separate entry.

The final drop-off locations return to the Jackson Square area at 700 Decatur Street. Check the return time before getting off for a long visit. It is easy to forget that the last bus from any stop leaves around 4pm.

Choosing one, two, or three days

At $51 per person, the one-day ticket is not automatically a bargain if you only want a narrated loop and do not plan to get off. It becomes more useful if you use the bus to replace several short rides and make multiple stops during the day.

The one-day pass suits you if you have limited time and want a broad introduction. Start early, ride a full loop, then choose two or three stops. The route takes about 1.5 hours without getting off, so leaving late will limit what you can see.

The two-day pass adds breathing room and the Garden District walking tour. I prefer this option for a relaxed weekend because you can use the first day for the French Quarter, French Market, Tremé, and Marigny, then use the second for museums, Magazine Street, and the Garden District.

The three-day pass includes both the Garden District and French Quarter guided walks. It is the strongest choice if you plan to visit several districts and want more time for museums or shopping. You can also ride the bus as a practical sightseeing connection instead of paying for separate short rides.

A useful approach is to ride the entire loop first. Then mark the stops you want to revisit. This avoids getting off too early in the day and losing track of the route.

Timing, comfort, and practical limits

Buses run about every 30 minutes, with the first departures from selected stops between 9:30am and 9:40am. The last departure from any stop is at 4pm, and the final tour finishes by 5:30pm.

That schedule works well for daytime sightseeing, but it does not cover dinner, nightlife, or late music. You also need to watch the clock after a long museum visit. The bus can save you walking, but only while the service is operating.

Mobile and printed paper vouchers are accepted, and vouchers can be redeemed at any stop on the route. They are valid only for the date selected at booking, so check the date carefully. Wheelchair access is available, and smoking and pets are not allowed.

Some dates have special closures or shorter hours, particularly around February events, April dates, late November, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. Check availability for your exact date before paying.

What the live guides add

The best part of the ride is the human voice. Guides have been praised for explaining local history, pointing out places to eat, and adding humor instead of simply reading facts. One guide even recommended a restaurant that became a successful dinner stop.

I would not expect every guide to tell the same stories. That is part of the appeal. Chris, Linda, Ron, Bill, and others have different styles, and repeat loops may feel different depending on who is aboard.

The tradeoff is that the narration may be harder to hear from the back or on a noisy bus. Stay closer to the guide when you can. There is also no foreign-language translation option listed, so this tour works best if you are comfortable following spoken English.

Who should book this New Orleans bus tour?

I recommend it for a first visit, a short stay, families who want a simple overview, and anyone who prefers seeing several districts without arranging separate rides. It is also useful if walking long distances is difficult, since the buses are wheelchair accessible and connect many major areas.

I would choose a longer pass for anyone interested in museums, architecture, or a guided Garden District walk. The one-day option is better for a tight schedule, but only if you start early and accept that you will not see everything inside the attractions.

Skip it if you want a late-night transport option, a small private tour, or a detailed visit to every museum. The bus gives you a broad view, not a substitute for time on foot.

FAQ

How long does the complete bus tour take?

The full bus tour takes about 1.5 hours if you remain on board.

How often do the buses run?

Buses run approximately every 30 minutes.

What time does the first bus leave?

The first departures from Stops 1, 5, 6, and 17 are between 9:30am and 9:40am.

What time is the last departure?

The last departure from any stop is at 4pm. The final tour ends by 5:30pm.

Is a guide included?

Yes. An English-speaking live guide is included on the bus.

Are walking tours included?

The Garden District guided walking tour is included with two and 3-day tickets. The French Quarter guided walking tour is included with the 3-day ticket.

Are attraction admissions included?

No. Tickets for attractions, along with food and drinks, are not included.

Can I use a mobile voucher?

Yes. Mobile and printed paper vouchers are accepted and can be redeemed at any stop along the route. The voucher is valid only for the date selected when booking.

Is the bus wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The buses are wheelchair accessible. Pets and smoking are not allowed.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a clear first look at New Orleans, a live English-speaking guide, and the freedom to choose your own stops. The strongest value comes from using the bus several times, especially with a two or 3-day pass that includes guided walks.

For a single day, start at Jackson Square, ride the full loop, then return to the French Market, Garden District, or National WWII Museum. Keep an eye on the 4pm last departure. Used that way, this is a practical introduction to New Orleans that helps you spend your limited time wisely.