Discover New Orleans beyond the tourist trail with VIP City Tours’ private city and cemetery tour. Experience jazz hotspots, historic neighborhoods, and the city’s unique aboveground cemeteries on this immersive 2.5-hour journey.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; minimal walking required inside cemeteries
Wildlife
History
New Orleans’ aboveground cemeteries evolved out of necessity due to the city's high water table, becoming unique ‘cities of the dead’ rich in cultural lore.
Conservation
Local nonprofits like Save Our Cemeteries work to preserve these historic resting places, maintaining their structural integrity and cultural significance.
VIP City Tours
Discover New Orleans beyond the tourist trail with VIP City Tours’ private city and cemetery tour. Experience jazz hotspots, historic neighborhoods, and the city’s unique aboveground cemeteries on this immersive 2.5-hour journey.
VIP City Tours is a New Orleans-based tour company specializing in city and cemetery bus experiences led by licensed driver-guides. The company operates climate-controlled buses and offers both public and private options, including private city and cemetery tours accommodating up to 24 passengers.
As a small company run by New Orleans locals, VIP City Tours emphasizes authentic local knowledge and historical context. Guides combine storytelling with on-the-ground perspective to navigate neighborhoods such as the French Quarter, Treme, the Garden District, and Uptown. Several itineraries include visits to St. Louis Cemetery #3 and stops in iconic areas, plus a coffee and beignet break at Café du Monde on select tours.
The fleet and guides focus on comfortable, informative experiences. Tours range from approximately two hours to two hours and fifteen minutes depending on the itinerary. Private groups receive a focused experience tailored to group size and interests, while public bus tours provide an accessible introduction to the city’s architecture, music history, and cultural highlights.
VIP City Tours is described in company materials as one of the oldest and most trusted bus tours in New Orleans. That local heritage and a team of passionate historian-guides are central to the company’s approach to sharing New Orleans’ layered history and vibrant culture.
Tours Offered
City & Cemetery
Guided routes across New Orleans neighborhoods
Private Groups
Up to 24
Private bus capacity for groups
Tour Length
2–2.25 hours
Typical tour durations
Local Guides
New Orleans locals
Passionate historian-guides on staff
Reserve a private group up to 24 or join a 2-hour guided bus tour to see New Orleans neighborhoods, landmarks, and cemeteries with licensed local guides.
Comfortable shoes recommended
Though mostly a ride, some walking occurs inside cemeteries, so wear supportive footwear.
Bring water and sun protection
Tours run rain or shine, so stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, especially in summer.
Hotel pickup available
Select your pickup location in the French Quarter or Business District for easy access.
Photography allowed
Capture architecture and jazz street scenes, but respect no-photo signs inside some cemeteries.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive shoes help with uneven cemetery paths and light walking segments.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated, especially during warm months.
summer
Sunhat or cap
Protects your face during exposed stops and outdoor drives.
summer
Camera or smartphone
Capture the distinctive architecture, jazz venues, and cemetery sculptures.