10 Hidden Gems in New Orleans That You Can Visit On a Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour

Even though New Orleans has a reputation as “The Big Easy,” that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of things to do in the city. Outside of the more popular tourist stops, though, are an array of rarely lauded places known only to locals and the few visitors that happen to stumble upon them. In many ways, these spots are the best places to get a beat on the city and feel like you’re part of its typical ebbs and flows. 

City Sightseeing’s Hop-On, Hop-Off bus service allows you to visit these places (and more!) without parking fees or wrong turns. So the next time you’re in New Orleans, check out these 10 hidden gems that you can visit on a Hop-On, Hop-Off tour with City Sightseeing. 

Mardi Gras Museum of Costume and Culture

The Mardi Gras Museum of Costume and Culture is a fascinating and colorful cultural attraction that introduces visitors to the rich artistry of Mardi Gras. While most people associate Mardi Gras with elaborate parades, the museum focuses on the craftsmanship and cultural significance of costumes integral to the celebration. Become immersed in an intimate exploration of Mardi Gras costumes, headdresses, masks, and other accessories that reflect the elaborate creativity of designers and krewes (the predominant organizations that manage Mardi Gras parades throughout the season). 

To visit the Mardi Gras Museum of Costume and Culture, disembark from your Hop On, Hop Off tour bus at Stop 5: Basin St. Station Visitor Center — 501 Basin St.

Garden District Book Shop

Located along the historic Magazine Street in New Orleans’ Garden District, the Garden District Book Shop was established in 1976 and has served as a staple of the local literary community ever since. Housed in a section of the Rink — a structure originally built as an ice skating rink in 1884 — the bookstore is today an independent business specializing in books by resident authors, New Orleans history, and Southern literature. The store is well-known for its impressive inventory of signed books, and Anne Rice, the author of Interview with the Vampire, is a longtime supporter.

To visit the Garden District Book Shop, disembark from your Hop On, Hop Off tour bus at Stop 14: St. Charles and Louisiana Ave.

Backstreet Cultural Museum

Located in the storied Treme neighborhood of New Orleans, the Backstreet Cultural Museum is a hub for preserving and celebrating African American culture and traditions. Founded by lifelong advocate Sylvester “Hawk” Francis, the museum began in a living room filled with Francis’ personal collection of artifacts documenting the lives of Black Americans in New Orleans. Today, the institution is one of the premier places dedicated to New Orleans’ second-line parades, social aid groups, and pleasure clubs. The museum is also famous for showcasing the rich history of Mardi Gras Indian culture.

To visit the Backstreet Cultural Museum, disembark from your Hop On, Hop Off tour bus at Stop 4: Treme — Rampart & Ursulines Ave. 

Zee’s Pizzeria

Beginning as a pop-up establishment during the 2020 pandemic, Zee’s Pizzeria has since evolved into a full-service restaurant located on Baronne Street. Specializing in Northeast-style pizza, the business serves slices, pies, salads, and knots. Zee’s Pizzeria prides itself on its homemade dough, which started as a passion project of the owner back in 2010. Guests enjoy the restaurant’s retro-inspired atmosphere with its open kitchen and faux brick walls. Happy Hour discounts are typically available during the weekday. 

To visit Zee’s Pizzeria, disembark from your Hop On, Hop Off tour bus at Stop 14: St. Charles and Louisiana Ave.

Gallier House

Located on Royal Street in the French Quarter, Gallier House is a restored museum based in an 1860-built private residence. Prominent New Orleans architect James Gallier Jr. lived in the house with his family after completing it while designing other prominent buildings throughout the city. Built in the Victorian style, the house showcases intricate ironwork, a courtyard garden, and a cistern system that supplied water to the property (it had indoor plumbing!). As one of the finest surviving examples of French Quarter architecture, the Gallier House is a wonderful entry point to learning more about New Orleans in the 1800s.

To visit the Gallier House, disembark from your Hop On, Hop Off tour bus at Stop 2: French Market — N. Peters St.

Dew Drop Inn

The Dew Drop Inn is a historically rich venue that was recently renovated and transformed into a boutique hotel and music space. Established in the mid-20th century, this building was the cornerstone of the “Chitlin’ Circuit,” a platform that hosted legendary Black artists like Little Richard and Ray Charles. Little Richard actually improvised his hit song “Tutti Frutti” while performing at the inn. After being closed for four decades, this venue now houses a 410-person-capacity performance space, 17-room boutique hotel, restaurant, and two bars. Check out the Dew Drop Inn’s website for updates on live shows and other events.

To visit the Dew Drop Inn, disembark from your Hop On, Hop Off tour bus at Stop 14: St. Charles Avenue — Louisiana Ave. & St. Charles Ave.

Dirty Coast

Founded in 2004, Dirty Coast was intended to redefine local apparel standards and, as a result, began designing shirts reflecting New Orleans culture and identity. To date, the store has designed over 400 unique shirts since its establishment. While they also sell home goods and fashion accessories, Dirty Coast is known for practicing Louisiana’s lagniappe tradition, which means that customers tend to get something “a little extra” in service and offerings. Creative and cheeky perspectives on life in New Orleans make the T-shirt store a favorite of locals and visitors alike.

To visit Dirty Coast, disembark from your Hop On, Hop Off tour bus at Stop 1: Jackson Square

StudioBE

An innovative art space, StudioBE is home to breathtaking murals and thought-provoking interpretations centered around social justice and the Black experience in America. Many works at the institution are part of the BE Trilogy, a theme focused on resilience, equity, and liberation. Guided tours are available and allow visitors to get an in-depth understanding of the art, context, and inspiration behind many of the space’s creations. StudioBE is off the typical tourist route, but its creative masterpieces are worth admiring for an afternoon.

To visit StudioBE, disembark from your Hop On, Hop Off tour bus at Stop 3: Marigny Bywater — Elysian Fields & Royal St.

Museum of Death

Originally established in San Diego in 1995, the New Orleans Museum of Death opened in 2014. Dedicated entirely to showcasing artifacts and exhibits related to death, this museum tends toward graphic displays not entirely suitable for children. For example, the building houses a wide range of serial killer artwork, letters, and other artifacts that might be interesting to true crime aficionados. The Museum of Death isn’t for everyone, but its goal is to ultimately remove the taboo around discussing what are typically considered morbid topics. Alternatively, if you’re wanting something a bit less macabre, take a stroll to St. Louis Cemetery No.1 to learn more about New Orleans’ burial customs.

To visit the Museum of Death, disembark from your Hop On, Hop Off tour bus at Stop 1: Jackson Square — 700 Decatur St. You can reach the St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 by disembarking at Stop 5: Basin St. Station. 

Peaches Records

Established in 1975, Peaches Records has been a cornerstone of the New Orleans music scene for decades. Now located on Magazine Street after moving a few times, the store has remained a family-owned business throughout its history. The record store has played a key role in supporting and promoting local artists, particularly those within the hip hop community. The store is well-known for its expansive vinyl record collection and has remained a beloved cultural institution to this day.

To visit Peaches Records, disembark from your Hop On, Hop Off tour bus at Stop 14: St. Carles Avenue — Louisiana Ave. & St. Charles Ave.

Ultimately, New Orleans is filled with fun things to see and do — even if they aren’t always the ‘mainstream’ options. Travel with City Sightseeing New Orleans and purchase your Hop-On, Hop-Off tickets today!