New Orleans Cemetery Tours

What to expect on a cemetery tour in New Orleans

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Guided tour of the cemeteries

Embark on a 45-minute walking tour led by licensed local guides, offering insights into the city's unique burial customs and history.

Spot historic tombs

Visit the final resting places of notable figures such as Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau and civil rights pioneer Homer Plessy.

Learn about cemeteries' architectural style

Learn about the architectural styles and societal influences that shaped the cemetery's design.

Access to a restricted cemetery

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 is accessible only through official tours to preserve its integrity.

Exclusive access to some cemeteries

Gain entry to private and active cemeteries, including the historic Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery, typically closed to the public.

Use real paranormal investigation equipment

Utilize EMF readers to detect electromagnetic fields and explore reported paranormal hotspots.

Hear chilling past of the cemeteries

Hear chilling tales of voodoo, spirits, and burial practices from expert guides.

Transportation in an air-conditioned bus

Enjoy the tour in an air-conditioned bus, providing a comfortable experience as you explore New Orleans' haunted history.

Which cemetery tour is best for you

St. Louis Cemetery Number 1 in New Orleans with historic above-ground tombs.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Walking Tour

Take a 45-minute guided walking tour through St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, New Orleans' oldest and most iconic cemetery. Established in 1789, this historic site is renowned for its elaborate above-ground tombs and rich cultural heritage.

Meeting point: Basin St. Station Visitor Center | Find on Maps

Cemeteries covered:

This tour exclusively covers St. Louis Cemetery No. 1.

Passenger looking out window during night bus tour.

Cemetery Bus Tour at Dark

Experience a 2-hour nighttime bus tour that delves into New Orleans' haunted history. The tour includes exclusive after-hours access to private cemeteries, where guests can use EMF readers to detect paranormal activity and hear ghost stories from expert guides.

Meeting point: Tour Orleans | Find on Maps

Cemeteries covered:

Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery
Charity Hospital Cemetery
Hurricane Katrina Memorial Cemetery

Spookiest cemeteries across New Orleans

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1

Location: 425 Basin St, New Orleans, LA 70112

Home to the tomb of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, countless reports of ghost sightings, mysterious voices, and paranormal activity in the historic above-ground tombs.

Entrance to Lafayette Cemetery with open wrought iron gates and tombs in New Orleans.

Crucifix and flowers on a tomb in Lafayette Cemetery, New Orleans.

Above-ground tombs in a New Orleans cemetery, Louisiana, with a tree-lined path.

Tombs and mausoleums inside St. Louis Cemetery, New Orleans.

Know before you go

Guests exploring St. Louis Cemetery with a photographer capturing the scene.

Cemetery bus tours: Daily at two time slots; 7pm and 9:30pm
Walking tour: 9am to 6pm, with the last entry at 5pm

Best time to visit:

Cemetery tours in New Orleans operate year-round; however, the most comfortable months are October through April, when the weather is cooler and walking through the historic sites is more pleasant.
Most cemeteries, including St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, are open daily, though hours may vary depending on the season and maintenance schedules.

Tombs and statues in St. Louis Cemetery, New Orleans.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Walking Tour

Meeting point: Basin St. Station Visitor Center

Closest stop: Canal Street, near the French Quarter
Routes: Bus 51, 52, 57 (among others) that travel toward Canal Street or through the French Quarter.

Nearby parking:

Premium Parking - P0338: Just 2 min away from the New Orleans Visitor Center, this parking lot is ideal for those who choose walking tours. Find on Maps

Night bus parked on a city street with illuminated interior and autumn trees.

Cemetery Bus Tour at Dark

Meeting point: Tour Orleans

By taxi or rideshare

Closest stop: New Orleans Ghost Adventures Tours
From the Visitor Center, walk 10 minutes via Canal Street or take a short 5-minute taxi/rideshare.

Nearby parking:

Premium Parking - P0407: Just 2 min away from the New Orleans Visitor Center, this parking lot is ideal for those who choose walking tours. Find on Maps

Girl in a wheelchair holding a smartphone on a city sidewalk.

The cemetery and tour are wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, accommodating guests with mobility needs.
Due to the historic nature of the site, some areas may have uneven surfaces; caution is advised for those with limited mobility.
The bus tour is not wheelchair accessible; uneven cemetery terrain and narrow paths may be challenging.

Tour guide explaining tombs to guests in St. Louis Cemetery, New Orleans.

Access to many cemeteries is restricted to official guided tours; independent entry is not allowed.
You must stay with a licensed guide at all times and follow instructions.
Eating or drinking within St. Louis Cemetery is prohibited.
The cemetery is closed on Mardi Gras Day; gates close early the Saturday before Mardi Gras for the Endymion parade.
Cemetery bus tour only covers the exteriors of historic sites and bars; entering private or restricted areas is forbidden.

Tomb with statue and cross inside St. Louis Cemetery, New Orleans.

Walking tours involve uneven sidewalks and cobblestones; bus tours may include short walks.
Useful for evening tours, but avoid bright flash photography inside the cemetery.
Do not touch or lean on tombs; follow guide instructions for safety and preservation.
Wandering off is prohibited; guides maintain safety and storytelling flow.
Phones and cameras should be silent to maintain the ambiance and avoid disturbing others.