New Orleans: St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Walking Tour
Step inside New Orleans’ oldest and most famous cemetery, accessible only by guided tour, and explore a sacred site filled with history and legend.
Explore St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 at night using authentic ghost-hunting gear as you uncover old burial customs, hear stories of Marie Laveau, and join in the search for paranormal activity.
Walk among ornate above-ground crypts and family vaults while learning about New Orleans’ unique burial traditions.
Enjoy engaging commentary from licensed guides who bring history, folklore, and local traditions to life in small, intimate groups.
Capture unique structures such as the pyramid-shaped tomb purchased by Nicolas Cage.
Learn about the city’s burial customs, Creole and French influences, and the spiritual significance of the cemetery.
Visit the legendary Voodoo Queen’s resting place and hear the stories that surround her life and influence.
When you step into St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, you’re walking through more than two centuries of New Orleans history. Established in 1789, it is the city’s oldest cemetery and a striking example of above-ground burial traditions, born from the city’s high water table. Here, you’ll notice the iconic mausoleums and family tombs that rise like small buildings, many adorned with intricate carvings, wrought-iron gates, and symbolic statues.
You’ll encounter the resting places of notable figures, from early city leaders to cultural icons, including the legendary Marie Laveau, whose tomb draws visitors fascinated by her Voodoo legacy. The cemetery also reflects New Orleans’ diverse cultural influences, blending French, Spanish, and Creole design elements into its architecture.
Over the centuries, St. Louis Cemetery has endured storms, floods, and the changing cityscape, yet it remains a vital link to the past. As you wander through its narrow paths, you’re not just visiting a cemetery; you’re experiencing a living museum of history, spirituality, and folklore, where each tomb tells a story of the city and the people who shaped it.
The cemetery is not open to the public; it is only open for our authorized walking tours.
The walking tour typically lasts around 55 minutes.
Yes, strollers are permitted in the cemetery.
Yes, wheelchairs and scooters are permitted in the cemetery.
The group size is limited to a maximum of 20 guests, which includes adults, children, and infants. However, children aged 0–2 are not included in this total.
