Hop On Hop Off Bus

Question

My husband and I are headed to NOLA next week. It will be our first trip there. I am thinking of getting the Hop On Hop Off bus tickets for three days pass. Figured the first day, we could take the entire loop to get the lay of the land. The second day, I am planning to visit the WW II museum and Sazerac House, so would use the bus to get there from the French quarter. The Third day I am thinking we would take the walking tour of the Garden District, which is included with the tickets.

So thoughts on this plan? Would it be better to just do the one day ticket to do the 1.5 hour loop and then use Uber to get around to the other areas of town? My husband has some mobility issues, so we will not be able to walk from our hotel to WW II museum or Magazine Street.

Answer

It sounds like you have a great plan for your first visit to New Orleans, and the Hop On Hop Off bus could be a convenient way to see the city and get around, especially with your husband's mobility concerns. Here are some thoughts and suggestions based on your plan:

1. The Hop On Hop Off Bus The three-day pass is a great option if you want the flexibility to explore different parts of the city at your own pace. Here's a breakdown of how it could work for you:

Day 1: Full Loop – Taking the full loop on your first day is a fantastic idea. It will give you an overview of the city, and you'll get a sense of where everything is located. You’ll get to pass by some of the main attractions, and it will help you plan out what to explore in more detail later. The loop is about 1.5 to 2 hours, and you'll be able to hop off and on at various stops along the way, which gives you a good overview without rushing.
Day 2: WWII Museum & Sazerac House – Using the bus to get to the WWII Museum and Sazerac House is a convenient choice. The Hop On Hop Off bus makes stops near the WWII Museum (stop 8 or 9 depending on the route) and will be much easier for your husband than walking. After visiting the museum, you can hop on the bus again to go to the Sazerac House or explore more of the French Quarter.
Day 3: Garden District Walking Tour – The walking tour of the Garden District included with the bus ticket is a nice way to get a guided experience. However, the Garden District is a bit spread out, so it’s worth considering how much walking your husband is comfortable with. If you think it might be too much, you could also consider using Uber to get to the Garden District and take a self-guided tour or even book a shorter guided tour that focuses on the most accessible parts of the neighborhood.

2. One-Day Ticket vs. Three-Day Ticket While the one-day ticket could save you some money, the three-day ticket offers better flexibility, especially since you'll have some mobility concerns. You may find that the convenience of hopping on and off at various locations over multiple days is worth the extra cost. Plus, the Garden District walking tour included with the three-day pass is a great addition, as it provides a deeper dive into one of the city’s most picturesque neighborhoods.

3. Uber or Other Transport Since your husband has mobility issues, Uber or Lyft are great alternatives for getting around to places that the Hop On Hop Off bus doesn’t cover or for avoiding longer walks. Both options are widely available in New Orleans and can take you directly to places like the WWII Museum, Magazine Street, or even the Garden District if the walking tour becomes too much. Depending on where you're staying, you can use these services to avoid the need to walk long distances.

4. Other Considerations You might also want to look into other accessible options in New Orleans, such as the St. Charles Streetcar Line, which runs through the Garden District and is another easy way to get to some of the city's main attractions. The streetcar has a step up, but it might be a better option if you want a longer ride through the city. It’s not covered in the Hop On Hop Off pass, but it’s an affordable and scenic way to get around.

5. Overall Recommendation Based on your plan and your husband’s mobility issues, I think the three-day Hop On Hop Off pass is a great choice. It allows for flexibility, gives you access to a guided tour of the Garden District, and will help you navigate the city without having to walk long distances. The convenience of hopping on and off at various stops will definitely make your experience easier, and you can always use Uber or Lyft for shorter distances if needed.

Enjoy your time in New Orleans! It’s a fantastic city with so much to see and experience, and you’ll have a great time exploring it with your husband.

Hop On Hop Off Bus

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